Sustainable Procurement and Supply
Chain Ethics: Strategies and Standards
Questions and Answers (100% Correct
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What is the main focus of sustainable procurement? Ans: To
reduce energy consumption, respect human rights, abolish
child labor, and ensure fair wages.
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What are the three pillars of the 'people, planet, profit'
framework? Ans: Social responsibility, environmental
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sustainability, and economic viability.
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What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Ans:
A set of 17 universal goals adopted by UN member states to
address urgent environmental, political, and economic
challenges.
When were the Sustainable Development Goals adopted? Ans:
In 2015 at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development.
What is purpose-driven procurement? Ans: Procurement aimed
at achieving greater goals beyond cost savings, focusing on
sustainability and integrity.
How do companies benefit from sustainable practices? Ans: By
lowering costs, reducing risks, improving employee
attractiveness, growing revenues, and differentiating value
propositions.
What is the significance of integrity codes in procurement?
Ans: They guide ethical behavior and decision-making in
procurement processes.
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What role do consumers play in sustainable procurement? Ans:
Consumers increasingly prefer products that align with their
social and environmental values.
What are some challenges faced by companies in global
sourcing? Ans: Child labor, long working hours, poor working
conditions, and lack of environmental protections.
What was the impact of Mattel's sourcing issues in 2007? Ans:
Mattel had to recall 19 million toys due to lead paint
violations, leading to significant financial losses.
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What is the relationship between sustainable companies and
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their competitors? Ans: Sustainable companies often
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outperform their less sustainable competitors.
What is the aim of the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Ans: To end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and
prosperity for all by 2030.
What does the SDG agenda require from companies? Ans:
Incorporating sustainability into their strategy and operations.
How do regulations influence corporate behavior regarding
sustainability? Ans: Governments implement regulations to
promote socially and environmentally responsible behavior
among companies.
What is the significance of the partnership among
governments, private sector, and civil society in achieving
SDGs? Ans: Collaboration is essential to ensure effective action
towards sustainable development.
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What is the consequence of unethical sourcing practices? Ans:
They can harm brand value and reputation, leading to financial
damage.
What are some examples of companies that are committed to
sustainable practices? Ans: Unilever, DSM, and Philips.
What does the term 'circular sourcing' refer to? Ans: A
sustainable procurement approach that emphasizes resource
efficiency and waste reduction.
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What are the 17 SDGs aimed at balancing? Ans: Social,
economic, and environmental sustainability.
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What is the role of procurement professionals in
sustainability? Ans: To navigate sustainability challenges and
ensure responsible sourcing practices.
What is the impact of consumer boycotts on companies? Ans:
They can lead to significant financial losses for companies that
engage in unsustainable practices.
What is the importance of monitoring suppliers in sustainable
procurement? Ans: To ensure compliance with sustainability
and labor standards.
How can companies act responsibly in their supplier
relationships? Ans: By adhering to integrity codes and
ensuring ethical sourcing practices.
What is the significance of the Paris Agreement in the context
of sustainable procurement? Ans: It sets international
standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
promoting sustainability.
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What does the term 'contract manufacturers' refer to? Ans:
Companies that produce goods based on the specifications of
another company, often in lower-cost countries.
What are some of the social dimensions addressed by
sustainable procurement? Ans: Human rights, labor
conditions, and community impact.
What incident led to Mattel recalling 1.5 million products?
Ans: A European retailer discovered lead paint on a toy.
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How many total products did Mattel recall due to safety
issues? Ans: 1.936 million products (1.5 million initially, plus
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436,000 later).
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What was the primary concern regarding Mattel's products
made in China? Ans: The safety of products and sustainable
sourcing.
What did Mattel's board recognize after investigating the
safety lab in Shenzhen? Ans: They had to deal with a more
systemic problem rather than an isolated case.
What previous safety issue did Mattel face before the lead
paint incident? Ans: The recall of millions of toys with tiny
magnets that harmed children.
What was a significant factor contributing to the safety issues
at Mattel? Ans: Preferred suppliers turned to cheaper,
unapproved suppliers to save costs.
How long had Lee Der, the supplier involved in the first recall,
worked with Mattel? Ans: 15 years.