Posted: April 5th, 2023

MGNT2SM Principles of Sustainable Management Assignment

MGNT2SM Principles of Sustainable Management Assignment Solutions

Assignment Detail:-

Number of Words: 2000

Introduction
“Although the debate around the concept of sustainability has been contested for a considerable time, three key principles have emerged through the course of the concept’s evolution.

As population levels and consumption patterns continue to increase, the impact on natural resources also increases. Conservation of the natural environment and economic development are slowly being recognized as being on the same side of the coin, rather than representing opposing faces. Development is seen as a way of funding conservation efforts, or as the process through which technology or innovation can be applied responsibly in the interest of improving the environment.

Development also supports social welfare, which in turn allows people to escape conditions that trap them in a cycle of poverty and environmentally degrading activities. It should be noted that the wealthy have a much greater environmental footprint than the poor and are on the whole guilty of far more environmentally destructive activities than the poor. At both ends of the scale, human needs and desires need to be sustainably satisfied and a cohesive social network developed to prevent a depletion of natural capital” (DEA, 2012).

KZN floods were twice as likely to happen, due to climate change, study shows

Global warming made the heavy rains behind SA’s devastating floods in April twice as likely as they would have been if greenhouse gas emissions had never heated the planet, scientists said on Friday.

Flash floods around Durban killed 435 people, left tens of thousands homeless and caused R10bn worth of damage to roads, power lines, water pipes and one of Africa’s busiest ports.

The World Weather Attribution group analysed weather data and digital simulations to compare today’s climate to that of before the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, when the world was about 1.2°C cooler.

“The results showed that an extreme rainfall episode such as this one can now be expected to happen about once every 20 years,” a report on the study said.

“Without human-caused global warming, such an event would only happen once every 40 years, so it has become about twice as common as a result of greenhouse gas emissions.”

It added that when extreme downpours do happen, they can be expected to be 4%-8% heavier than if no human-induced global warming had occurred.

Attributing specific weather events to climate change is a tricky business that deals in probabilities, never certainty. But co-author Friederike Otto, from Imperial College London, said the study had examined data from the wider region, not just Durban.

“Looking at the larger region is actually a very meaningful way of assessing the impact of climate change. [The study] means that, in any given year, there is a 5% likelihood of such an event occurring,” she told a news conference, vs 2.5% in the absence of global warming.

Africa’s south eastern coast is on the frontline of seaborne weather systems that climate change is making nastier, scientists say. Mozambique has suffered multiple cyclones and floods in the past decade, including one in April that killed more than 50 people.

“The patterns we see in Southern Africa are consistent with what we are seeing elsewhere in the world,” Jasper Knight, a geoscientist a the University of the Witwatersrand, not involved in the study, said. “It confirms that climate change is real, it is happening right now and it’s impacting the most vulnerable.”

Source: Cocks, T. (2022) KZN floods were twice as likely to happen, due to climate change, study shows, Business LIVE. Business Day. Available at: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2022-05-13-kzn-floods-were-twice-as-likely-to- happen-due-to-climate-change-study-shows/ (Accessed: January 9, 2023).

Your task
The scope of this assignment is the WHAT and WHY of the principles of sustainable management and therefore address the first four learning themes in your course outline.

You are required to present a discussion paper that:

Explains the origin and rationale of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Lists the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Explains the people‐planet‐profit model.
Describes the changes in the people‐planet‐profit model because of climate
Explains what responsible business is.
Outlines importance and value of responsible and sustainable management practices.
In the context of the article above and with the support of additional reading, lists the adverse consequences of irresponsible management that have given rise to climate change.
Using the information presented in the case and additional reading , explain the concept and practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Illustrates your understanding by discussing the socially responsible practices businesses should adopt to reduce the negative impact of climate change.
State the alternative people‐planet‐profit trade-offs that this reduction

Introduction:

The concept of sustainable management is based on the principles of balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations in business operations. As population levels and consumption patterns continue to increase, the impact on natural resources also increases, and hence sustainable management practices are becoming increasingly important. This paper will discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the people-planet-profit model, responsible business, and the importance of responsible and sustainable management practices. Additionally, the paper will address the adverse consequences of irresponsible management that have given rise to climate change and discuss the concept and practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Finally, the paper will suggest socially responsible practices businesses should adopt to reduce the negative impact of climate change and the alternative people-planet-profit trade-offs that this reduction might entail.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to achieve a sustainable future for all. The goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs are the result of a multi-stakeholder process that involved governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. They are built on three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. The SDGs provide a framework for sustainable development and serve as a guide for policymakers and businesses to develop sustainable strategies.

The 17 SDGs are:

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life On Land
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
People-Planet-Profit Model:

The people-planet-profit model is a framework for sustainable management that emphasizes the importance of balancing the needs of people, the planet, and profits. This model recognizes that economic development is necessary to improve the standard of living of people, but it should not come at the cost of environmental degradation or social inequality. The model emphasizes the need to protect natural resources, reduce waste and pollution, and promote social equity. The model also recognizes that businesses have a responsibility to their stakeholders and that they should create value for all of them, not just shareholders. In the people-planet-profit model, businesses are expected to operate in a way that benefits society as a whole, while also generating profits.

Changes in the People-Planet-Profit Model Because of Climate Change:

Climate change has had a significant impact on the people-planet-profit model. The effects of climate change are felt worldwide and have led to a greater understanding of the importance of sustainable management practices. Climate change has increased the urgency to address environmental issues, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting biodiversity. The people-planet-profit model has evolved to include a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement. Businesses are expected to operate in a way that reduces their environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices.

Responsible Business:

Responsible business refers to the practice of operating a business in a way that considers the impact on society and the environment. Responsible business practices go beyond legal compliance and include social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Responsible businesses are expected to be transparent about their operations and impacts, engage with their stakeholders, and take steps to minimize their environmental footprint. Responsible business practices help to build trust with stakeholders and contribute to long-term success.

Importance