This case explores the changes wrought by the "sharing economy", examining the innovations and controversies surrounding the online ride-hailing service Uber. It provides a unique overview of the challenges posed by new business models like Uber's, which use the internet to link individual providers of goods and services to customers. Raising significant economic, social and environmental sustainability issues, it asks: what are the responsibilities of "sharing economy" companies? More specifically, are they merely "technological platforms" facilitating transactions for private individuals or do they have the same responsibilities as real-world companies such as transportation businesses, hotels and employment agencies?
This case examines how a drug price increase by one small company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, became the focal point of a controversy that engulfed the entire drug industry. Turing's decision to raise the price of its anti-infection drug Daraprim, from $13.50 to $750 per dose, is emblematic of the debate about the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies and business more generally. The case asks: Do pharmaceutical executives have a responsibility to patients when setting drug prices, or are they beholden only to their shareholders? More broadly, what are the responsibilities of companies to shareholders relative to other stakeholders? And what role should be taken by public policy makers in this domain? While set primarily in the United States, the case raises questions of corporate social responsibility and public policy for the global healthcare industry and business more generally. It provides an opportunity to explore the potentially conflicting demands of shareholders and stakeholders, the limits of industry self-regulation and the need for government-imposed price controls, notably in the context of patent monopolies.
This exciting case is about a whistle-blower who exposes bribery and corruption in defence contracting in the Middle East. Sebastian is hired to manage a $3.25 billion military contract, but must figure out what to do when he realises his company is paying bribes to local officials.
This exciting case is about a whistle-blower who exposes bribery and corruption in defence contracting in the Middle East. Sebastian is hired to manage a $3.25 billion military contract, but must figure out what to do when he realises his company is paying bribes to local officials.
This case is about a gold mining company that seeks to practice "responsible mining" by addressing environmental and stakeholder concerns, but which nevertheless attracts protests. Barrick Gold Corporation has invested $4.8 billion developing the Pascua Lama gold mine in a glacial region of South America, but opposition has blocked the project.