Complete a corporate social responsibility and sustainability profile of the company by gathering data from a wide range of sources.

Assignment Brief

Corporate Social responsibility

Assignment Requirements

• You will be assessed by a single, individual written report of max 3,000 words. 
• The purpose of the report is to analyse to what extent a company meets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

Written report           

Imagine you are a CSR officer in a company of your choice. You are asked to analyse to what extent your company meets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how these can be used to enhance the company’s business and environmental sustainability profile, making it more resilient to current and future challenges. You should:

• Complete a corporate social responsibility and sustainability profile of the company by gathering data from a wide range of sources (LO1)
• Fully research the UN SDGs and by gathering data from appropriate sources (LO3)
• Critically analyse to what extent your chosen company meets the UN SDGs (LO2)
• Offer recommendations for changes in corporate practice and strategy to improve sustainability (LO1)
• Recommend policies and practices that stem from your analysis and ensure the company’s future business and environmental responsibility (LO3 & LO4)

Assignment Marking Scheme

Contents page, executive summary, range of references correctly used, sources.  Marks: 10%.

Standard of writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, diagrams, presentation. Marks 10%

Posts from discussions, a minimum of one question and one answer to demonstrate your contribution to the course. Marks 5%

First part: Assessing the company of your choice.

Marks 25%

• Explain and justify the company`s current economic and social position, which may include but not limited to market size, market share, industry and market trends, competitors, and main activities.
• Assess the validity of CSR theories - such as Carroll’s Pyramid of CSR, Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line, Circular Economy, and Environment, Social, and Governance - to analyse the company’s CSR and sustainability strategy.
• Use CSR theories and concepts to consider the company`s CSR and sustainability stance. These may include issues of globalisation, human rights, animal welfare, environmental action, political involvement, boycotts / consumer protests, employment, marketing policy, community involvement, political donations, various product issues, supply chain management, and ethical sourcing, etc.
• Give an overview of UN SDGs. Compare the common elements of CSR and sustainability concepts with UN SDGs. 
• You should use academic sources and information including acceptable publications, economic and industry reports, electronic data bases (from LJMU library), e-journals, local, national and international reports, e.g., WEF, OECD.

Second part: UN SDGs

Marks: 25%

• Explore the relevance of the UN SDGs in organisational practices and strategies.
• Critically assess, apply, and evaluate UNSDGs to assess resilience. Whilst some of the SDGs may not be relevant to the company, they should be acknowledged.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the specific application of UNSDGs as a management tool.
• Identify drivers for change.

Third part: Findings and recommendations

Marks: 20%

• Based on your findings, recommend five ways to improve and safeguard the company’s CSR and sustainability position. (You may consider innovation, collaborations, and investments, etc.)
• Evaluate decisions using research and conclusions from analyses of the company carried out in parts one and two.
• Assess the short, medium, and long-term advantages and disadvantages of the recommendations, including citing any investment needed to secure continued prosperity (such committing to green technologies, funding education, innovation, collaborations etc.)
• Links between your recommendations and research should be clear, feasible, and support the economic future of the company.
• Set out a timescale from the short to the long-term with proposals of key tasks at each stage.

Conclusion

Marks: 5%

• Synthesise the main findings from research, application of UN SDGs and analysis.
• Summarise and bring together the main areas
• Make a final comment on your report.

Sample Answer

Executive Summary

This report analyses the extent to which Unilever meets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how integrating these goals enhances its corporate sustainability and resilience. Unilever is evaluated using CSR frameworks such as Carroll’s Pyramid, the Triple Bottom Line, and ESG principles. The report identifies strong alignment with SDGs like Zero Hunger, Clean Water, and Responsible Consumption, but notes improvement opportunities in supply chain sustainability and climate action. Strategic recommendations include technological innovation, deeper collaboration with local communities, and increased transparency. These proposals aim to improve Unilever`s sustainability profile and safeguard its long-term competitiveness and societal contribution.

1. Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability are increasingly central to corporate governance and performance. This report examines how Unilever, a global leader in the consumer goods sector, aligns its operations with the UN SDGs. The goal is to assess its CSR strategy, propose improvements, and enhance its long-term sustainability and resilience in an evolving global landscape.

2. Company Profile: Unilever

Economic and Social Position

• Headquarters: London, UK and Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Market: Operates in over 190 countries

• Revenue (2023): Approx. €60 billion

• Main Products: Food, beverages, cleaning agents, personal care

• Competitors: Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive

• CSR Reputation: Widely recognised for sustainability leadership, e.g., Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, Sustainable Living Plan

CSR Theoretical Frameworks Applied

• Carroll’s Pyramid: Unilever fulfills all levels, from profitability to philanthropic actions.

• Triple Bottom Line: Strong economic, social, and environmental focus, though climate mitigation efforts can improve.

• ESG: Integrates ESG into core operations, reporting via sustainability disclosures.

• Circular Economy: Packaging reduction and plastic reuse initiatives show circular principles in practice.

CSR Activities Overview

• Environmental action: net-zero ambition by 2039

• Human rights: adherence to UN Guiding Principles

• Community involvement: support for hygiene, nutrition, and women empowerment

• Ethical sourcing: strong focus on fair trade and sustainable palm oil

3. UN Sustainable Development Goals: Overview

The 17 UN SDGs provide a universal agenda to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity by 2030. Key relevant goals for Unilever include:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• SDG 13: Climate Action

These goals align closely with CSR and sustainability values, providing a measurable framework for progress.

Continued...