Good Example Of Study Questions For Train’ Final Exam Case Study

The text uses the phrase, “the mess we’re in”. Outline some of the mess we are in from an economic, social/cultural, environmental and climate change point of view.
The problems indicated in “the mess we’re in” are Population growth, Accumulations of chemicals, Climate change, Water shortages. In the case study, the company, Scandic Hotels, had failed to keep up with climatic change and environmental conservation trends which made it lose favor with the customers. As a result, it changed its core values to incorporate environmental sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. The company adopted “The Natural Step Framework” in order to reduce pollution and fit in a green minded industry.
2) Principle 5 states that the “vast majority of impacts for hospitality management companies lie in the supply chain”. Understand these impacts.
According to principle 5, a rapidly growing population is driving an increase in demand for various products, there is also a need to sell the products with a brand strategy and finally, there is a need to reduce carbon emission from food producing activities. According to these points, the biggest carbon emissions in the hospitality industry occur during food production. In line with these observations, Scandic has branded itself as an environmentally friendly organization through energy saving measures such as the use of energy saving bulbs, key activated lighting system, and the use of bicycles by the customers and

Why is principle 6 deemed to be contentious?

Principle 6 is contentious because it is perceived that it’s the government and third-sector organizations’ role to popularize sustainability among buyers. A single payer in the industry such as Scandic, is assumed ineffective and almost incapable of effecting change in consumer preferences.

Transparency is key in building trust. How do companies build trust, what tools and communication must they employ?

Scandic exhibited transparency in implementing the environmentally friendly changes in its core values. After implementing “The Natural Step Framework” to streamline line environmental conservation, Scandic then introduced the Environmental Barometer program which compared environmental policies implementation among hotels and made the results public. This ensured trust among the customers as they could actually see the changes which were being implemented in various hotels. This created accountability on the part of those charged with the responsibility of implementing the changes
5) Understand principle 10 and the four categories, Social Green, Institutionalists, Market Liberal, Bio-Environmentalist.
In line with principle 10, Scandic realized that it needed to focus beyond profits if it were going to transform itself to a strong brand which would ensure long term profitability and relevance in its industry. The company branded itself as a green organization which espouses environmental conservation through the changes made in its core values. The company chose energy efficiency over engaging in price wars with competitors as strategy for regaining profitability.
6) There are 10 elements of stakeholder dialogue listed in the text. Understand these 10 elements and how they can be applied.
Scandic selected over 100 managers to attend the five day workshop on “The Natural Step Framework”. This is an effective stakeholder dialogue as outlined in the text. Te managers were selected as the employee’s representative and have their input into the process rather than having changes dictated to them. This enhanced dialogue and participation because each manager was in a better position to explain to his or her subordinates the importance of the changes being implemented.
7) Principle 7, public policy states that voluntary self-regulation is a signification tool. Explain the benefits to self-regulation.
Though Self regulation, Sandic adopted environment conservation measures which otherwise it would not have done under controlled regulations. Scandic implemented measures which it could afford to foot with no set limits from the government. It was even easier to bring the employees onboard the programme as they perceived it as corporate social responsibility activity rather than a legal obligation.
8) The text indefinites seven C’s to selling sustainability, what are they?
Scandics environmental policy was in line with the seven Cs. There was clarity in communication as the managers attended a five day workshop so they understood the intended changes well. The program was connected to the issues the organization was facing. It had lost touch with a dynamic industry and the program offered a good branding strategy. The program was consistent as there was follow up on implementation through the environmental barometer program. The Natural Step Framework program was compelling; it returned the organization back to profitability.