# data[].attributes.body
I’m curious to dive deeper into how companies practically implement vertical integration and diversification. These concepts seem crucial for achieving competitive advantage, but I wonder how firms actually decide which path to take, how companies assess whether it makes sense to expand into new markets or own more of their supply chain.

# data[].attributes.body
A takeaway from me was the shift from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Creating Shared Value (CSV), where companies not only aim to make profits but also generate value for society at large. This feels like a more holistic approach to business that can drive long-term success.

# data[].attributes.body
I think I can start looking at companies through a more critical lens, assessing how well they balance financial goals with social and environmental responsibilities. I can also start questioning more about how different firms approach sustainability beyond the usual profit-driven model

# data[].attributes.body
I was surprised to know that there's a difference between CSR and CSV because I always thought they meant the same thing .-.

# data[].attributes.body
I can now better assess a firm's competitive advantage using the balance scorecard! I can also start identifying sustainability approaches incorporated by firms

# data[].attributes.body
I want to know more about how firm's incorporates sustainability practices into their firm's culture or production process and using it to shape their competitive advantage

# data[].attributes.body
I was surprised by how much the role of capitalism is evolving. The shift toward stakeholder capitalism, where companies consider the well-being of employees, customers, and the environment, was unexpected. It’s a much broader approach than I had realized, and glad to see how the world challenges the more traditional profit-first mindset tjat we had.

# data[].attributes.body
A takeaway this week would be the importance of the triple bottom line. Not caring for the people or the planet will cause your business to have a bad reputation and no one will be supporting your business, leading to decreased profits. However, businesses will not be required to put in a lot of effort related to sustainability or giving back to society in order to receive a lot of support from the general public. Instead, every bit of effort towards giving back counts and people will support the business regardless of how much they put in.

# data[].attributes.body
I learnt that there is a difference between CSR and CSV. CSR is doing the initiatives separate from your core business, whereas CSV is incorporating the initiatives within your core business in order to create shared value.

Nowadays, as societal expectation have changed, stakeholders including shareholders may expect the firm to do CSR/CSV.

# data[].attributes.body
I was surprised about the idea of shareholders "punishing" the firm; because of high expectation, even though their profits were generally acceptable (e.g. Amazon). This brings to the point on how shareholders would react if firms invest in sustainability initiatives (as there is lower profit). Additionally, at the end of the day, even though there is an emphasis for such initiatives, shareholders are still concerned about the returns more than ESG standards (shows our innate need for capitalism)

# data[].attributes.body
I would consider investing in a firm that practices the 3Ps (People, Planet and Profit), due to long-term benefits and ethical responsibility.

# data[].attributes.body
How to be profitable when doing CSV/CSR? How do we make sure it is not just a "cost" to the firm?

# data[].attributes.body
I learnt about the triple bottom line and CSR/CSV. Sustainability is important in the long run and everyone has a part to play

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I was surprised about the fact that sustainability is still a thing, I used to think that it was just greenwashing last time and everyone will forget about it after the "trend" is over. However, more people are taking it seriously

# data[].attributes.body
Will start to look at companies and differentiate between green washing and actual sustainability practices

# data[].attributes.body
A key takeaway is that the triple bottom line guides business strategy by encouraging companies to incorporate profit, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability into their fundamental activities. It shifts the focus from short-term profits to long-term value creation by aligning business objectives with social and environmental considerations. This transition enables businesses to seize new opportunities that can result in more sustainable and competitive strategies.

# data[].attributes.body
I thought most companies would integrate the triple bottom line into their core competencies, but no. Despite the strong emphasis on it, there are still companies that disregard it. This made me realize that although the concept is gaining popularity, many businesses continue to focus on short-term profits rather than sustainable practices or even if they did pursue it, it might just be greenwashing.

# data[].attributes.body
Perhaps I can explore innovative business models to align profit with social and environmental impact to prove the benefits of sustainability.

# data[].attributes.body
Reasons why some companies drift away from the triple bottom line and how are they staying competitive

# data[].attributes.body
The key takeaway from me this session was how crucial it is for firms to plan and take steps to benefit not just their shareholders as was the mindset that dominated the last few decades, but to also give careful consideration to both society and the environment, whether it be through the use of approaches such as CSR and CSV, or the triple bottom line. Particularly since there has been a gradual demographic and cultural shift towards sustainability and the ill effects of humanity's mistreatment of the environment are too visible now for companies to continue ignoring with no consequences.

# data[].attributes.body
I was rather surprised that the fund manager of Blackrock was such a massive supporter of sustainability. I knew very little about Blackrock beyond it being the largest asset managers in the world, so my assumption was that whoever was in charge would likely prioritize chasing profits the most. Although considering that he eventually stepped back from being so aggressive with his ESG activism, it could be speculated that he only did it initially to give off a good impression and attempt to improve his firm's reputation rather than any true desire to improve the current situation.

# data[].attributes.body
I should start identifying and investing in firms which do implement proper sustainability measures, whilst also remaining skeptical and doing my due diligence as best as I can to ensure that said company isn't simply paying lip service to the market.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to know more about how different types of firms could move towards a CSV approach, and whether it might be fundamentally impossible for certain firms or industries to profit while creating social value.

# data[].attributes.body
There was a particular line on Blackrock's slide that induced a fair bit of cynicism in me, and that was Fink's critics claiming that ESG issues should be decided in the democratic process, rather than by investors. Considering the numerous examples of said 'democratic processes' being either delayed or outright sabotaged by lobbying from corporate entities who seek to maintain profitability at all costs, I strongly doubt the democratic process will be able to do anything in time to salvage the situation, especially in countries such as the US where lobbying has run rampant for decades.

# data[].attributes.body
I learned that in recent years businesses are looking into CSV, to prioritise profits and social value creation using its core business model. I also learned about the different kinds of frameworks businesses can utilise to assess their performance aside from its profitability. Other assessment methods, such as the triple bottom line, and balanced scorecard, provide a more holistic view of what the business should improve on.

# data[].attributes.body
I was surprised to find out how companies like Starbucks use their profit, in a way it does not benefit shareholders from a short-term perspective. Instead of giving higher dividends to shareholders, they focused their strategy on their core business by adding more cafes and ensuring the quality of their business processes. This was interesting to me because if I am looking into investing, I should pay attention to the company’s leadership and their long-term strategy, whether the management is focused on sustainable growth and innovation. This is a better gauge for capital appreciation in the long term.

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I’ve realized of how much more complex strategy becomes when you start thinking about long-term sustainability versus short-term gains. It’s not just about quarterly earnings anymore, but about how a company positions itself for a future where resources might be scarcer and consumers demand more ethical practices. This is something I want to carry forward, both in how I evaluate companies and in the way I approach any future work or projects.

# data[].attributes.body
One key takeaway from this lesson is the triple bottom line approach. Rather than focusing entirely on profits, it is important for a company to take care of its people, the planet while maintaining profits. This prevents businesses from getting too greedy with profits but learn to protect its stakeholders in order to achieve success.

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I didn't know there was a difference between CSR and CSV before this lesson. I think CSV also aids in identifying if there is a possibility of greenwashing by the company.

# data[].attributes.body
I am more able to convince businesses to be more socially responsible. Caring for the future of people and the planet motivates employees and attracts customers, which can be seen in how Patagonia managed to grow its customer base through the idea of reducing wastage.

I learned that as an employee I can try to shape its culture.

In class, we’ve seen how companies like Rolls Royce drive corporate turnarounds by focusing on their workforce. This is crucial because a company’s success is built on its people. It’s through collaborative efforts across all levels of the organization that lasting success can be achieved.

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I want to learn more about how businesses can address the principal agency problem, or whether it persists no matter what. What can the firm do if pursuing sustainability efforts makes it less profitable?

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I believe Friedman’s view is limited, particularly in today’s economy, which demands a broader sense of corporate responsibility. While profit maximization remains important, businesses must also address sustainability and the long-term social impact of their operations. Ignoring these factors can damage a company’s reputation, alienate customers and employees, and even hurt long-term financial performance.

Friedman’s theory doesn’t fully account for the modern understanding of how businesses contribute to systemic problems like climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation. Simply focusing on profits can lead to negative externalities that, over time, may undermine not only societal well-being but also the financial sustainability of the business itself.

# data[].attributes.body
One takeaway from today's lesson is the recognition that success is no longer defined solely by financial performance. The triple bottom line strategy emphasizes that businesses must also account for their social and environmental impacts adn shifts focus to more long-term sustainability this also links to the concept of CSR, underlining the importance of creating value not just for shareholders, but for all stakeholders, leading to more resilient and responsible business strategies.

# data[].attributes.body
Learning more about the difference between csv and csr was interesting, which highlighted how companies can engage with society in distinct ways. understanding this difference helps to identify how businesses work beyond traditional corporate philanthropy and consider how social and environmental progress can be integral to their competitive advantage.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding the difference between CSR and CSV helps me to assess the different ways businesses run and their approaches to solving real-world issues. As a consumer, I can better evaluate companies based on whether they are simply engaging in CSR or whether they are embedding social value into their business model through CSV

# data[].attributes.body
Both CSV and CSR aims to align business goals with positive societal impact but differ in focus -- CSV seeks to generate value for both shareholders and society, while CSR emphasises a company’s duty to meet economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities, ensuring it operates responsibly and contributes to society. Both approaches rely on the triple bottom line—balancing economic profits, social well-being, and environmental sustainability—to drive long-term success.

# data[].attributes.body
What surprised me most in class was how the CSV approach challenges the traditional idea that addressing social or environmental issues always comes at the expense of profitability. I found it interesting that businesses can enhance their competitiveness by integrating societal needs into their strategy, rather than treating them as separate obligations

# data[].attributes.body
I can apply these concepts to evaluate businesses more critically and understand how they balance profit with social and environmental responsibilities.

# data[].attributes.body
I want to explore real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented CSV strategies—how they identified opportunities where economic value intersects with societal needs and what challenges they faced along the way.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the concept of the triple bottom line was interesting and meaningful. By focusing on 3 dimensions, the economical which is about profits, the social which is about people, and the ecological which is about the planet, a business will be able to adopt a sustainable strategy.

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I had never heard of the term 'CSV' before and it was surprising to learn that CSR and CSV actually have stark differences. I think it is important for companies to incorporate their social responsibilities into its business model and related activities.

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I can use the balanced scorecard to develop strategic objectives and find a balance between financial and strategic goals. Additionally, I can utilize the triple bottom line framework to come up with sustainable strategies.

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A takeaway is the two frameworks for assessing competitive advantage. The traditional framework simply focuses on financial and economic value, whereas the integrated framework brings in more ideas such as strategic goals and social and ecological dimensions. It made me think about how societal expectations of businesses have changed vastly over the last few decades to accommodate wider concerns, as highlighted during the "convince your grandparents" exercise.

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I was surprised during the discussion about the Turing Pharmaceuticals case, in which a company thought it would be acceptable to hike up the price of a life-saving drug by 5500% overnight, with the CEO brazenly declaring the need for profit maximisation above all else. The company (rightfully) ended up being subject to multiple lawsuits and fines due to their anticompetitive misconduct, ironically defeating its whole goal of raking in profits. It goes to show the importance of integrating ethical considerations into business practices (CSV), lest such profit-focused behaviour goes unchecked and damages the firm as a whole.

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I can apply the triple bottom line and balanced scorecard approaches to conduct a holistic evaluation of the firm's competitive advantages, determining if it can be sustained while balancing profitability with social responsibilities. Additionally, with my learnings on CSR vs CSV concepts, I can assess whether a firm is simply operating on a CSR level - in which social/ecological responsibilities are performed separately from business practices - or if it has moved to CSV, integrating these responsibilities throughout its value chain.

# data[].attributes.body
I learnt about the difference between vertical integration & diversification, especially through the articles gone through in class. For example, Amazon initially started out by selling their own books, and further expanding vertically in their supply chain by having their own storage and then developing a delivery system. Amazon also gone through diversification through their own computing software AWS, as well as their own streaming platform amazon prime, both of which gave Amazon a competitive advantage

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I would like to know about real-life case studies where a company successfully evolved from a CSR to CSV approach, and how it managed to make this change. I was also interested in the class discussion on whether shareholders should intervene with the executive management -- I am curious to know cases where shareholders intervened and made a positive/negative impact on the company.

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I always thought sustainable strategy is focusing on the "green", like reducing carbon emissions and meeting the targets that companies have set for themselves. However, it was more of the 3Ps, Profits, People, Planet. It is more about creating long term value over time as businesses grow and become more competitive. It is true that profits does show a company's market position, without its people and good working environment, a business cannot function.

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Going through today's lesson, I am rather curious as to how companies weigh the importance between vertical integration & horizontally diversification and the 3Ps. I want to know how they distribute their time and resources into these factors accordingly to achieve the end goal of sustained competitive advantage.

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Today's lessons enable me to see the performance of a company in a broader view instead of a narrow one. Looking at the profit and revenue numbers of the company alone cannot show me how well a company is doing. I would then look at other performance indicators that could be found in other reports like the sustainability report of the company to further understand the firm's performance.

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Recently, business is moving from corporate social responsibility to creating shared value and ways of measuring these value and developed.

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I was surprised at social dimension. I felt recently economic and ecological dimensions are important at business scene, but before class, I did not have consciousness of importance of social dimension deeply. To achieve profits and planet goal, how to manage, attract, retain shareholder is an important thinking. At the same time, I regarded the each of triple bottom lines as supporting lines each other, hence thinking all factor and connection is needed.

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Competitive advantage is assessed relative to a benchmark, either competitors or the industry average, more recently competitive advantage has been linked to a sustainable dimension. Only pursuing firm's financial goal is not working at recent society, and we should balance between finance and sustainability.

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I want to learn more about CSV approaches because simultaneously pursuing the growth of economic profits and social value creation is counterintuitive for me. To maintain companies, to get some amount of benefits is inevitable for short-term. On the other hand, creating social value is inevitable for long-term to get support from social. From this perspective, I feel pursuing the growth of economic profits and social value creation is difficult because objective term is different and hence there happens trade-off.

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For me, Patagonia's mission in Patagonia chapter case is interested. For Patagonia, fundamentally, business are really responsible to their resource base ( environment, the earth itself) not customers, shareholders, and employees.

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Before today's class, I wasn't familiar with the concept of CSV, I used to think CSR was the primary way businesses handled their social responsibilities, where those efforts were usually separate from their core operations. It was interesting to learn that CSV integrates social impact directly into a company's strategy, linking it to profitability. This changed my view, showing that businesses can pursue profit and social good together, making CSV a more sustainable approach than traditional CSR.

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It was insightful to learn about the shifting trend from CSR to CSV. In the past, while CSR is obviously better than nothing, it felt forced and that companies were simply doing it to prevent consumers and legislators from criticising them. CSV challenges CSR and shows companies that they can and should be doing better.

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While I had learnt the Triple Bottom Line before in another business class in SMU (albeit 2 years ago), I was surprised to find out it was so much more than just a theoretical framework for students but in fact an integrative framework which combined both quantitative data with qualitative assessments to assess firm's performance. Maybe much did change in these 2 years as well?

# data[].attributes.body
The differentiation between CSR and CSV was interesting and the practice question definitely helped me learn how the two could play out differently in real life. I hope to be able to analyse firm's actions in real life and see if I can differentiate between them.

# data[].attributes.body
A key takeaway from this session would be the difference between CSV and CSR, where CSR is separate from the firm's business model, whereas CSV is part of the firm's business model

Another key takeaway would be how diversification can be beneficial to companies. For instance, the Amazon Web Services, where it has accounted for two-thirds of the group's operating income.

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A takeaway will be how the triple bottom line approach is critical to a firm's success in the current climate, and how a company that focuses solely on economic profitability will not be successful in the long run given customer's changing expectations

# data[].attributes.body
Before this session, I have briefly heard of the term CSV and have always thought that CSV and CSR meant the same thing. After having learnt about the differences, I now understand that firms with CSV have incorporated these values into their business model, whereas firms using CSR do not incorporate social responsibility into their business model.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm surprised to know the difference between CSV and CSR as i thought that they referred to the same thing.

# data[].attributes.body
I was surprised that there was a difference between CSR and CSV given that mainstream media have always only mentioned about CSR

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I can utilise the difference between the concept of CSR and CSV to better evaluate companies and their extent of contribution to social causes.

# data[].attributes.body
I want to learn more about how companies can successfully pursue the CSV approach given it seems like a difficult task to do integrating profits and social value creation into its core business model.

# data[].attributes.body
After having learnt about the triple bottom line, I can now better identify firms with a sustainable strategy through the triple bottom line and the reason why it would be beneficial to not only focus on the economic dimension but also the social and ecological dimensions.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to know if there were firms that have switched CSR to CSV and how their shareholders reacted to the news since it could mean that the firm's net income could be affected.

# data[].attributes.body
One key takeaway is that businesses do have a need to care for the environment now more so than before, due to the increasing focus on CSR and government regulations. Despite this, economic profits is still the baseline that matters more to companies, before they can look at CSR issues.

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I can use the triple bottom line approach to assess a firm, rather than simply brushing them off as greenwashing.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm curious to know how much of an importance businesses really places on sustainability, apart from patagonia as i feel that most businesses are really only implementing these initiatives due to the regulations in place.

# data[].attributes.body
One takeaway from today's session was the shift is the triple bottom line, which measures success not just by profits but also by how companies treat people and the planet. By focusing on all three - profits, people, and the environment - businesses can stay competitive in the long run, especially with growing concerns about climate change and social issues.

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Now that I know of the existence of CSV, and understood its concept (along with CSR), I can use it as a means to evaluate companies based on how they integrate social impact into their business strategies. This will help me choose companies to support or invest in—ones that balance profit with positive social and environmental impact. It also gives me a framework to suggest ideas/value creation for businesses to grow while doing good.

# data[].attributes.body
I want to learn more about whether most firms actually take sustainability seriously, or if they are doing it just because they have to.

# data[].attributes.body
A key takeaway is that the shift towards a triple bottom line approach is now essential for businesses to remain competitive, regardless of individual beliefs about environmental protection and climate change. Companies must focus on creating shared value by integrating considerations of climate change and social issues into their core strategies.

# data[].attributes.body
Before this session, I had briefly heard of the term CSV and assumed it was the same as CSR. However, after learning about the differences, I now understand that firms practicing CSV integrate social and environmental values directly into their business model, while those following CSR treat social responsibility as an add on rather than a core aspect of their business strategy.

# data[].attributes.body
Now that I understand the difference between CSV and CSR, I believe I will be able to evaluate a company's claims about its CSR activities more critically. I can better assess whether these initiatives are merely superficial efforts or if they are genuinely integrated into the company’s core business strategy.

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How much CSR or CSV activity is sufficient for a company? What is the "minimum required level", and does doing more translate into greater benefits for the company? Is there a law of diminishing return for CSR/CSV?

# data[].attributes.body
I used to be in the idea that CSR and CSV is similar or perhaps the same thing; Today I learned the difference and realised that conceptually they are very different from the basis of the strategies.

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It helps me to form a better view and understand these corporate actions clearer; knowing the purpose and meaning behind each ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
The key takeaway for me was the increased emphasis on the triple bottom line. As businesses focus more on CSR initiatives, this increases CSV in the long run - which benefits the company too.

# data[].attributes.body
It was interested to learn about a perspective that contrasts Milton Friedman's. It's also refreshing to learn that the CSV approach can lead to overall societal benefit, not necessarily at the expense of profitability.

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When analysing companies, I now have a clearer view on their initiatives for both CSR and CSV. In the case of Patagonia, it is clear that the brand is built with sustainability at its core. With the emergence of greenwashing, I believe its key to identify and recognise effective sustainability practices.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to learn more about success stories similar to Patagonia. From the inception of a brand, how can we embed sustainability operations at its core? While this may influence our top-line, how can we use it as an competitive advantage?

# data[].attributes.body
People-Planet-Profit Model offers a sustainable yet profitable way to do business. CSR refers to outward compliance to the model that does not really touch the firm's operations and processes; CSV targets the firm's processes to put the 3Ps into the core of its operations (eg. Patagonia).

# data[].attributes.body
The Starbucks CEO's decision not to distribute profits to shareholders was surprising -- not many people would dare to make such a decision. The fact that he was able to also reflects the significance / depth of the shift in societal mindsets today, towards a more holistic view of firm's operations.

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I can engage in a holistic assessment of businesses through the various frameworks that were given, from accounting profitability to the balanced scorecard. I can also speak to those from different perspectives (eg. elderly, etc) about the concept of having a balanced rather than purely profit-minded business model.

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Companies have a responsibility to consider how their actions impact the climate and communities. They shouldn't focus solely on making profits.

Corporate strategy, as displayed in Amazon, shows how the company competes on the highest level - deciding where to compete in.

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I was surprised to learn that Patagonia's founder even marketed the company with the slogan "Don't buy this shirt." I wonder how the brand remains so popular despite its unconventional, counterintuitive marketing approach.

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When I enter the workforce after university, I recognise that I have a role in voicing out in my company to play a part in social and environmental responsibility, not just financial gain.

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I would like to explore more examples of MNCs that have shifted their business practices or even transformed their entire business model to be more socially responsible, and see how feasible it is to achieve the 3 Ps.

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1) Adaptability to sociocultural norms - when you live in a time where the general population places an importance on going green, we need to understand how it translates into adapting our business model to it. If your product is bad for the environment, chances are you'll see customers turning away from you.

2) Firms ought to be socially responsible internally. Your people form a very strong basis of your firm. If you overlook taking care of your people, then how are you going to expect them to take care of your firm in good and bad times?

# data[].attributes.body
Strategy, for the first 7 lectures, painted the idea of analysing the firm and its environment. But when Prof got us to pitch to her to persuade her, I was a little taken aback, because we were accustomed to interpreting a firm's competitive edge in its industry, never really occurred to me that we would have to persuade someone.

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Analyse the cost structure of certain companies. Take for example Apple, while they require a significant investment in fixed costs for production, to justify the premium customers pay for their products, it could well be the case that the fixed costs have already been amortized for and their margins may be larger than what we perceive them to be.

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I want to learn more about the application of economies of scope and horizontal diversification - since these two concepts are similar (?)

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Sustainability in general is not something that firms can use to push their image and reputation anymore, but a strong sustainability strategy can assist businesses achieve far greater financial results, like Pepsi which achieved greater financial results with its new CEO who prioritized sustainability and integrated it in the business.

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My key takeaway on stakeholder capitalism is its transformative potential to redefine how businesses operate in today's world. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the fate of businesses is intricately tied to their stakeholders. By prioritising the needs and interests of all parties involved, companies can cultivate a more sustainable and resilient business model. For example, investing in employee well-being not only enhances morale but also drives productivity and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the bottom line

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Previously, before the class, my understanding of business primarily revolved around the idea of maximising shareholder value. I believed that the primary goal of any company was to generate profits for its shareholders, often viewing this as the ultimate measure of success. This perspective, while common, now feels limiting and short-sighted. The discussions in class opened my eyes to the broader implications of business decisions. I learned that prioritising shareholders alone can lead to detrimental outcomes for other stakeholder

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With this new perspective, I think I will approach the workplace very differently. Aside from achieving the main goal of the business, I will take into account the employees welfare by actively promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment. With this, they will be able to perform better which in return also benefits the organisation in the long run.

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I want to understand the effectiveness of the stakeholder theory in the long run