CSR codes in global supply networks

Grading

Topic: CSR codes in global supply networks

1.     
How effective are CSR measures such as voluntary supply chain labour standards codes and certification schemes in improving the lives of workers in developing countries?

2.     
In addressing that question, you should consider the practical and political obstacles to formulating, implementing and enforcing effective CSR measures, and arguments for and against the view that such codes even if successfully implemented and enforced, would be of marginal benefit or would do more harm than good.

3.     
Essay needs to be analytical and argumentative; making an argument

4.     
Argument should consist of ideas, use the sources to illustrate and support those ideas

Ideas for thesis:

1. The formulation, implementation and enforcement of codes has been ineffective in improving workers lives because of the northern lead top down approach

2. Even effectively implemented and enforced codes may very well lead to unintended negative consequences for workers

3. Therefore any approach to voluntary codes must be both bottom up and done in conjunction with political measures to address the structural injustices that increase exploitation of these workers 

You are not required or expected to use materials other than assigned course readings, and you are expected to make use of all readings that are relevant to the points you are making. The readings assigned for winter weeks 2-7 will be most directly applicable. Skilfully incorporating concepts from other units of the course (such as those relevant to the fall term assignment, and on normative CSR debates) is a plus, but avoid padding the paper with undigested or weakly integrated material. Your paper should be coherent and well organized at the over all, paragraph and sentence levels.

Please use a standard scholarly citation style APA including page numbers (if available).