Ethical Decision-Making, Social Responsibility, and AI in Business Strategy
Course Logistics & Upcoming Activities
AI Strategy Discussion: Focus on appropriate decision-making when AI is incorporated into business operations.
Case Study One Introduction: First case analysis will be introduced.
Students will be provided with an outline and rubric for the analysis.
The due date is approximately 3 weeks away, but an introduction is being given early to set expectations.
Teams will choose from a list of companies for the case study. The preference is for no more than two teams to use the same company.
Wednesday: Competition Round One (CapSim Simulation):
Teams should begin forming their Mission Statement as the guiding force for their company, outlining their expectations.
Specific Objectives must be set, which are measurable and have a timeline (M with a T).
Strategies are the most difficult part, detailing how the company plans to accomplish its objectives.
A draft of the company's mission statement, objectives, and strategies is due by Wednesday.
Two Parallel Tracks
CapSim Company (Andrews, Baldwin, Chester, Digby, Erie, or Ferris): This track involves developing the team's own company within the simulation.
Case Study Analysis: This track involves analyzing existing companies and their encountered objectives and strategies.
It is crucial not to confuse these two distinct activities.
Chapter 3: Ethical Decision Making & Social Responsibility
Core Concept: A private company or corporation has responsibilities to society that extend beyond merely making a profit.
Milton Friedman's View on Corporate Social Responsibility
Argument: Friedman, an economist from the late 1980s and 1990s, argued against the concept of corporate social responsibility.
Primary Goal: The primary goal of a business is profit maximization.
Shareholder Focus: Shareholders invest in companies expecting a return (ROI) on their investment.
Critique of CSR: Engaging in philanthropic or environmental approaches beyond legal requirements is seen as taking away from shareholders.
Example: Starbucks'