BUSS4 2011 - Introducing the tutor2u Twelve

Which firms and industries could students pick to use in the research for AQA BUSS4 in June 2011 and January 2012? What businesses provide sufficient resources and depth for effective research? How can research targets be selected that enable students to write essays with sufficient “compare and contrast”? Here are some suggestions - which we’ve named the tutor2u Twelve.

We’ve picked the following firms on the basis that they provide wide-ranging opportunities to undertake research for both Section A (CSR) and Section B (everything else for BUSS4 except CSR). The need for relevant, independent research is the same in both Section A and Section B, so it makes sense for students to pick up research evidence for all the key BUSS4 topics at the same time.

Download the tutor2u Twelve, including links to CSR other other research resources:

BUSS42011tutor2uTwelve.pdf

Apple
Child labour / Foxxcon
Innovation & branding
Reliance on Steve Jobs / leadership
Organic growth - NPD
Globalisation
Technology disruption (mobile devices)

BAE Systems
Business ethics (bribery)
Weapons & CSR
UK economy - reliance on govt spending
Technology

BP
Change of CEO/leadership
Deepwater Horizon 2010
Renewable energy
Emerging markets
Joint ventures & strategic alliances

British American Tobacco
CSR & Tobacco
Diversification (financial services)
Emerging markets (growth driver)
Impact of legislation (advertising)

Marks and Spencer
Sustainability – Plan A
New CEO
Innovation
Economic environment
2009 corporate restructuring & brand audit

McDonalds
Fast food & CSR (supersize me; philanthropy; animal welfare; child health)
Organic growth strategy
The iconic symbol of globalisation

Nestle
Embedding CSR pioneer – creating shared value
CSR controversy – formula milk
Environment – Greenwashing claims
Globalisation – brands
Joint ventures (e.g. L’Oréal & Coca-Cola)

Nokia
New CEO / leadership
Loss of global competitiveness (technology)
Change in strategic direction
Sustainability project & reputation
Strategic alliance (Microsoft)

Primark
Competitive advantage (fast fashion)
CSR damage – child labour & fast fashion
Growth / market share

Unilever
Strong reputation for CSR
But palm oil & animal testing controversies
Globalisation / emerging markets
Billion dollar brands
Product / brand portfolio management
Organic / external growth strategy

Pepsico
CSR – commitment to zero environmental impact
Controversies: child health; obesity; water usage
Brand & portfolio management
Globalisation / emerging markets
Leadership - Indra Nooyi
Growth & innovation

Starbucks
Importance of leadership (Schultz)
Globalisation / emerging markets
CSR: fair-trade policies; labour relations, environmental impact; anti-competitive practices
Economic environment – consumer spending
Branding & innovation