Contemporary issues in business ethics
“John Rawls argued that, although it is unjust to impose disproportionately heavy burdens on present generations for the sake of future generations, it is also unjust for the present generations to leave nothing for future generations” (Velasquez 2012:285)
Write an essay critically discussing this statement with reference to the concept of justice and environmental ethics
Support your argument with examples
-3,000 words via turnitin
Learning outcomes for Coursework 2
Apply ethical reasoning to a range of contemporary business issues.
Critically discuss the social and philosophical nature of ethics within a business context
Critically examine the contexts and contemporary debates of responsible business
Cultivate an interest in current affairs concerning the ethical impact of business on
society and the individual
Identify and critically analyse key national and international issues in Business Ethics
Guidance
You may approach this question from an angle of your choice but I would expect to see some application of the concepts of justice and equality to environmental issues that may affect future generations.
There should be evidence that environmental ethical theories have been considered and understood.
A good answer will consider the above with a high level of criticism and engagement.
There will be dedicated time available to discuss this topic in class
The Harvard system of referencing must be used
Reading: please refer to reading list below
• References should be given in the text to show evidence of wider reading.
• Please be reminded that regular class attendance will help you focus on the issues and theories covered
Tutorial appointments will be available but do come prepared
There will be dedicated time available to discuss this topic in class
Marking Criteria for coursework 2
All answers must be justified and fully referenced within the text
Good answers (worthy of grade 60% upwards) will have critical, rather than merely descriptive reference to theory and its applicability to examples of practice.
Good answers will show evidence of wider reading.
Please refer to reading list
Further guided reading will be made available
Grade A 70% plus: demonstrating independent critical thinking and original insights
Grade B 60- 70 %: arguments are well-defined and clearly articulated an ability to engage in critical evaluation and reflection
Grade C 50 -60 %: generally demonstrates an ability to communicate information, ideas, concepts and arguments successfully
Grade D 40-50%: demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of many aspects of the field of study relevant to the task.
For further details please see the Academic Handbook
General Marking Scheme for Assessment 2
Marks will be awarded for the following:
Answers are expressed in clear and correct English
The text is fully referenced using the Harvard scheme
An accurate word count is on the front sheet
Reading List
Crane, A, & Matten, D, (2010), Business Ethics, Oxford University Press.
Velasquez, Manuel, G. (7th Ed.), (2012), Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases, Prentice Hall.
Fisher C & Lovell A, (2009), Business Ethics & Values, FT/Prentice Hall
www.pearsoned.co.uk/fisherlovell
Rowson, R., (2006), Working Ethics - how to be fair in a culturally complex world, Jessica Kingsley Publishing, London and Philadelphia
Fisher C & Lovell A, (2009), Business Ethics & Values, FT/Prentice Hall
www.pearsoned.co.uk/fisherlovell
Rowson, R., (2006), Working Ethics - how to be fair in a culturally complex world, Jessica Kingsley Publishing, London and Philadelphia
Bickle, R. & Scott Cato, M. (2008) New Views of Society S.L.R.P. Glasgow
Kline, J. (2010), Ethics for International Business, Routledge