Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
7) What do you understand by a responsible supply chain. Discuss. Also discuss what steps can be taken to make a supply chain responsible. (250 words)
Why this question
In the face of rapidly growing consumerism and climate change coupled with environmental degradation, it is imperative for us to make our supply chains sustainable. Therefore it is essential to under the concept of responsible supply chain in depth.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the meaning and relevance of responsible supply chain management and also write in detail as to how a supply chain can be made responsible.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the growing size and importance of businesses etc.
Body-
- Discuss about the concept and its relevance in detail. E.g Over the years, businesses have evolved beyond purely profit making ventures and job creators to take on wider responsibilities around societal and environmental impact. It is now common for leading organizations to have robust corporate social responsibility policies in place covering a variety of themes from greenhouse gas emissions of their operations to treatment of their staff. There is also an expectation that this responsibility extends into the supply chain;
- Discuss how to make supply chains responsible etc E.g For a supply chain program to be truly sustainable it needs to be based around a sound business case; Expectations should be developed for the company’s suppliers. These should be based off existing respected standards, such as the UN’s Global Compact. This will help suppliers to put in place systems that can meet requirements; knowing who suppliers are, who supplies them, and so on. Knowing who suppliers are provides a better understanding of where efforts can have the greatest impact, where there is the most need, and where there is the most risk; ambitious but achievable targets need to be set and clearly communicated to suppliers. Posting targets and reporting supplier performance against them, helps to ensure there is momentum and buy-in; provide resources, guidance and training etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
