INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT

Student Name

University Name:
Table of Contents
Case- A.......................................................................................................................................3

Answer 1:...............................................................................................................................3

Answer 2:...............................................................................................................................4

Answer 3:...............................................................................................................................4

Case-B........................................................................................................................................5

Answer 1:...............................................................................................................................5

Answer 2:...............................................................................................................................6

Answer 3:...............................................................................................................................7

Answer 4:...............................................................................................................................8

References List.........................................................................................................................10
Case- A

Answer 1:
According to the case scenario, the major reason for the imbalance in auto trade
between United States and Japan is due to the notion of protectionism of Japanese people in
the context sales and procurement of the vehicles as well as cars manufactured in America.
Moreover, it has also been noted that technical barriers have also been identified to play a
vital role in hindering the success and growth of sales and requirement of cars manufactured
in United States. Due to this reason, there has been imbalance in the auto trade between
United States and Japan accordingly.

The root cause of a trade deficit is an imbalance between a country's savings and
investment rates. In addition, these expenses are financed in the form of loans from foreign
lenders, which are added to the US national debt) or foreign investments in US assets and
businesses: The capital account. Furthermore, certain trade barriers also affect a country's
balance of exports and imports (Li & Liu, 2019). In the case study, it was found that import
quotas increase the prices of imported goods, which decreases demand. Nations that restrict
trade through high import duties and tariffs may have larger trade deficits than countries with
open trade policies. As per the case study, it has also been identified that in United States, the
rules and conventions in the context of fuel economy or safety and communication standards
that are strictly required to be obliged by the automakers. However, in the case of Japan, it
has been revealed that the process has been identified as a close procedure in the context of
regulatory compliance throughout the country.

This has been identified as a hindrance for the American automakers in order to
establish their business operations within the automaker market of Japan accordingly.
According to the case analysis, the sudden shift in consumer demand towards small, fuel-
efficient and quality cars in response to gasoline shortages and rising gasoline prices is part of
the current energy crisis facing the United States (Nyga-Łukaszewska & Aruga, 2020). The
American industry was unprepared for this change, in part because it failed to draw the
correct conclusions from the long pipelines, the point shortage, and the post-1973 rise in
world oil prices. Because of this, it may make sense interference between US residents.
Henceforth, the efforts to improve the situation could harm US citizens in a broader context.
Answer 2:
Based on the case scenario, the culture in the United States was found to reflect that
American automakers make large cars and use more fuel, while Japanese automakers make
smaller cars that are more fuel-efficient. American automakers are at a disadvantage in Japan
such that American-made cars are not favored in the country. In Japan, American cars are
considered unreliable and American automakers have few sales in the country. The larger
size of cars and their fuel inefficiency are the main reasons why Japanese customers do not
like them. In addition, cultural differences influence the buying behavior of consumers.

In the auto industry, Americans appear to be buying Japanese cars, whereas the
opposite is not the case. One of the vital reasons that the Japanese do not buy American cars
is because of cultural differences. Individualism versus collectivism seems to play a role in
the car buying process between Japan and the United States (Schultz et al., 2019). The
Japanese consider Americans to be individualists. In an individualistic culture, the focus is on
the interests of the individual. People tend to be independent and prioritize their personal
interests over social / group interests. Unlike the US, the Japanese have a collectivist culture
in which goals are set at the group level, making them seem like a social network. This aspect
seems to have been transferred to the purchasing behavior of consumers. Additionally, the
case studies found that American automakers were unsuccessful in the Japanese market due
to lower expectations from Japanese residents.

As a result, it is a disadvantage for American automakers, as they are deprived of the

opportunity to explore and utilize the Japanese auto market, the third largest world. The
cultural differences make it difficult for US companies to operate effectively (Park &
Stangarone, 2019). Henceforth, it can be said that the cultural differences tend put American
automakers to be lower their expectations and at the place of disadvantage in comparison to
the individuals residing in Japan.

Answer 3:
As per the case study, it has been observed that with respect to the US partners, a lot
of Japan's development in the auto business can be credited to its utilization of lean
assembling as opposed to large-scale manufacturing. In contrast to Ford and its large scale
manufacturing in the U.S., Toyota, in the same way as other Japanese vehicle makers, chosen
to carry out lean assembling, which means they were just making vehicles as indicated by
client demands. This, thusly, decreased waste from overproduction. This cycle considers
squander decrease in a few spaces of vehicle fabricating, including accelerating transportation
of items and lessening time spent sitting tight for items by connecting measures together
(Mao et al., 2019). The cycle is currently utilized in a wide range of enterprises just as being
the principle fabricating measure for car ventures in Japan.

The following are a few components, which have made Japanese vehicles probably
the most dependable items in the American auto industry. Parts providers make up a
significant component of upgrading Japan's economy, with various ventures giving the in
excess of 20,000 individual parts, which go into making every vehicle. Every one of these
20,000 sections is basic to the creation, and from synthetic substances to materials, each part
is of the greatest quality.

Additionally, one of the manners in which Japan is doing this is by zeroing in on eco-
friendly vehicles. This center keeps them new, applicable, continually advancing, and an
integral explanation their vehicles are so famous. One more jump forward in the car business
has been simply the presentation led independent vehicles. Japan is in any event, refreshing
transit regulations so self-driving vehicles can be utilized on the streets, to agree with
Toyota's and Honda's arrangements to market self-driving vehicles by 2020 (González &
Véron, 2019). For the situation study, it has likewise been referenced that with the expanding
globalization of the car business, Japan is on top of the game about exchanging parts
universally and locally. The additional tension on homegrown providers to give better items
because of worldwide contest just inspires the development of the Japanese car industry. It
will be fascinating to perceive how Japanese vehicles advance in the future with all that is
going on inside this flourishing industry.

Case-B

Answer 1:
According to the case scenario, it has been elaborated that there are certain challenges
that have been identified to be experienced by Woolworths in order to implement the notion
of corporate social responsibility within its business environment accordingly. Moreover, the
case scenario also states that the Government of Australia has previously depended on rules
and regulations to achieve social and environmental objectives in the business sector. Due to
a lack of government resources and a dislike of regulation, voluntary and non-regulatory
approaches are being investigated instead. Stakeholders like as consumers, suppliers,
employees, communities, investors, and activist groups are increasingly demanding corporate
transparency. Customers' purchase decisions are increasingly influenced by ethical corporate
behavior, according to data (Pulker et al., 2019). More than one-fifth of customers claimed
they have rewarded or penalised corporations based on their perceived social performance in
a recent Environics International survey. Investors are rethinking how they evaluate company
performance and making decisions based on ethical considerations. According to the Social
Investment Forum, an ample number of funds were invested in portfolios with exhibits
relating to the environment and social responsibility in Australia.

According to a separate survey conducted by Environics International, more than a

quarter of Australians who own stocks think about ethical issues while purchasing and selling
equities. Employees are increasingly looking for businesses whose beliefs and operational
processes align to their own set of principles, in addition to compensation and benefits.
Companies are pushed to enhance working conditions in order to attract and retain qualified
staff. A CSR project can start in response to a crisis or bad press that a firm has received. The
motivations for implementing CSR might range from altruism to corporate citizenship (Smit
& Corinaldi, 2018). In Australia, public expectations have risen dramatically over time, with
demands for poverty reduction, job creation, and inequality reduction, as well as for
businesses to take action. Employees, on the other hand, are increasingly looking for
companies whose beliefs and working processes align with their own principles, rather than
just looking at compensation and benefits. As a result, Woolworths is held responsible for
improving overall working conditions in order to attract and retain talented people.

Answer 2:
It has been specified that as per the case study, it have been clearly specified that the
main intention of the organization is to enhance the employees healing from different cultural
backgrounds within the business operations of the organization in an effective manner. This
will be effectively done under the commitments done by Woolworths under the employment
parity initiative. This has been regarded to play a vital role in enhancing the acceptance of
diversity approach within the business operation of Woolworths in an appropriate manner and
enhances the sustainability strategy of Woolworths in order to remain competitive within the
business market accordingly (Frigerio, 2017). Woolworths is also adopting different
measures and efforts to minimize its total carbon footprint, waste, water use, environmentally
unfriendly packaging, and overall negative impact on the environment, according to the
report. Woolworths must evaluate its global operations, supplier networks, plant or office
sites, communities in which it operates, and various other factors to perform effectively on
this pillar.

To accomplish this task, the company must communicate and collaborate effectively
with a wide variety of people. In addition, the diversity approach adopted by the company
also helps to develop better strategies: Furthermore, it has also been found that employees
who tend to represent different communities or locations in which the company operates will
further contribute to the environmental degradation of the organization. On the other hand,
operations, generating more confidence and better strategies (Pather, 2018). Furthermore, one
of the most undervalued pillars in the development of sustainable solutions is the social pillar.
It is measured by the idea of social license, which states that the company's diverse
employees, stakeholders, and the community in which it works must support the organization
and its actions. Woolworths must also work fairly with its employees; have a non-
discrimination policy, flexible working hours, and investments in local communities, fair
wages, ethical sourcing, and a number of other things to have a social impact.

Answer 3:
Within the case study, it has been noted that the companies taking several initiatives
in order to minimize its carbon footprint on a broader context. However, according to some
studies, it has been identified that the total carbon emission throughout the globe has reached
on its maximum level. Therefore, it is very necessary that the company must in take cert-in
initiative help in minimizing the level of carbon emission up to a certain extent. The company
has also published that by the end of 2030, more than 60% of the carbon emissions emitted
from the company will be reduced on a broader context and the overall Climate of Australia
will be enhanced due to the initiatives taken by the company. Due to the increase in the
emission of greenhouse gases, it has also been noted that creates a number of new risks for
the companies. On the other hand, the companies are susceptible to transition risks that result
from society's response to climate change, such as, in addition to the more visible physical
dangers. A potential liability for greenhouse gas emissions is also a climate-related risk for
businesses. In recent years, court battles have erupted directly against fossil fuel firms and
utilities, accusing them of being accountable for climate change's harmful effects.

This enables companies to strengthen the robustness of their supply networks, for
example, by converting to renewable and lowering their reliance on volatile fossil fuels.
These actions, when taken together, can boost competitiveness and provide new market
opportunities (Amin-Chaudhry et al., 2019). Furthermore, the concept of climate change can
spur innovation and inspire new CO2-efficient products and services, as well as help others to
cut CO2 emissions on a larger scale. Henceforth, based on the above the evaluation, it has
also been stated that global warming is a real issue and is required to be minimized by the
organizations as much as possible. The businesses are also required to implement different
tactics in order to minimize the greenhouse gases emission. On the other hand, based on the
case study, it can also be said that appropriate amount of initiatives and measures taken by
Woolworths in order to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases.

Answer 4:
As per the given case scenario, it has been stated that Woolworths is required to
maintain an effective relationship along with its suppliers in order to enhance the notion of
sustainability as well as for the betterment of the society accordingly. Moreover, the
maintenance of appropriate relationship along with the suppliers and the penis in order to deal
with the suppliers has been added to play a vital role in the success and growth of the
company within the business market. The maintenance of appropriate communication with
the suppliers on a regular basis has been identified as a key strategy that will help the
company to maintain and effective relationship with the suppliers. In addition, considering
the needs and requirements of the other parties as well as being open to the objectives and
goals of the company will also better the relationship between the suppliers and the company
on a broader extent.

The level of sharing the vital information among these suppliers also tends to enhance
the efficiency and efficacy of the management as well as operation performance in the
context of a supply chain of Woolworths (Ajayi & Mmutle, 2021). In order to justify the
fairness of the suppliers in the context of the company, the prices paid by Woolworths in
order to procure the raw materials from the suppliers have also been turned to play a
significant role in enhancing the relationship and fairness in order to deal with the suppliers
for the company. In this manner, will virtual be able to accomplish its overall objective in
order to engage with supplies in a fair and equal manner. Moreover, the enhancement in the
relationship along with the suppliers will also help Woolworths to accomplish certain
objective in the grass to the society as well as for the overall betterment of the company as
well.
References List
Ajayi, O. A., & Mmutle, T. (2021). Corporate reputation through strategic communication of
corporate social responsibility. Corporate Communications: An International Journal.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/CCIJ-02-2020-0047/full/html?
utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest

Amin-Chaudhry, A., Pomering, A., & Johnson, L. W. (2019). Incorporating the Concepts of
Sharing-In and Sharing-Out in CSR: Australian Consumers’
Perspective. Sustainability, 11(9), 2586. https://www.mdpi.com/456762

Frigerio, C. (2017). The Public’s’ Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and

Its Impact on Marketing Strategies (Doctoral dissertation, The IIE).
https://iiespace.iie.ac.za/handle/11622/205

González, A., & Véron, N. (2019). EU Trade Policy Amid the China-US Clash: Caught in the
Crossfire?. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep28515.pdf

Li, X., & Liu, A. Y. (2019). Business as usual? Economic responses to political tensions
between China and Japan. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, 19(2), 213-236.
https://academic.oup.com/irap/article-abstract/19/2/213/4717567

Mao, R., Lee, J., & Zeng, B. (2019, February). How Does China Respond to US Trade
Protection Policies?–The Perspective of Game Theory. In Journal of Physics:
Conference Series (Vol. 1168, No. 3, p. 032026). IOP Publishing.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1168/3/032026/meta

Nyga-Łukaszewska, H., & Aruga, K. (2020). Energy prices and COVID-immunity: The case
of crude oil and natural gas prices in the US and Japan. Energies, 13(23), 6300.
https://www.mdpi.com/906534

Park, J., & Stangarone, T. (2019). Trump's America first policy in global and historical
perspectives: Implications for US–East Asian trade. Asian Perspective, 43(1), 1-34.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/716349/summary

Pather, C. (2018). Extending corporate social responsibility programmes in the food retail

industry to social grant recipients (Doctoral dissertation). http://ukzn-
dspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/17487
Pulker, C. E., Trapp, G. S., Scott, J. A., & Pollard, C. M. (2019). The nature and quality of
Australian supermarkets’ policies that can impact public health nutrition, and
evidence of their practical application: A cross-sectional study. Nutrients, 11(4), 853.
https://www.mdpi.com/445924

Schultz, M., Dziczek, K., Chen, Y., & Swiecki, B. (2019). US Consumer & Economic
Impacts of US Automotive Trade Policies. Center for Automotive Research, Ann
Arbor, MI. https://www.oesa.org/sites/default/files/US-Consumer-Economic-Impacts-
of-US-Automotive-Trade-Policies-.pdf

Smit, O., & Corinaldi, C. (2018). The South African consumers’ perception of clothing
retailers involvement in the societal and environmental domains of CSR and how it
influences purchasing intention.
https://www.academia.edu/download/59956605/VBR_Mini-
Dissertation_Final_120190708-81037-kdv7ib.pdf