Sustainability Reporting in 21st Century Australian

Executive Summary Sustainability reporting is a concept that organizations are finding hard to ignore. Stakeholders in contemporary world are able to legitimize activities and operations of an organization based on how well the organization performs with regard to social, economic, and environment aspects, which constitute sustainable development.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Sustainability Reporting in 21st Century: Australian specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Australia, as a country impacted by global forces, cannot be isolated from this new developments taking place and as a result, the country’s performance of many organizations is going to be benchmarked on sustainability reporting. What therefore this means is that, Australia needs to adopt and implement the most appropriate global standardized tools for her sustainability reporting needs. This report finds out that adoption of GRI is critical and beneficial for sustainability of Australia organizations. Introduction The nature of doing business has been undergoing transformation in the last few decades and today, stakeholders are demanding that organizations should reveal their business activity performances (Perego, 2009). Contemporary organizations under the influence of stakeholders are finding it necessary to pay attention to sustainability performance of organizations’ activities with regard to economic, social and environment aspects (Kolk, 2006). This is being reflected in the changing nature of organizations’ strategies, operational activities, and public disclosure, which are becoming necessary and common. Therefore, sustainability reporting (SR) is becoming a norm among organizations in and outside Australia, and according to Hubbard (2011), SR involves â€Å"reporting aspects of organization’s environmental and social as well as economic aspects of an organization’s performance† (p.824).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Sustainability reporting reasons The first reason has to do with market mechanisms whereby, market drivers have resulted into growth of numerous ethical, social, and environmental investment funds, which in turn have influenced the necessity for sustainability disclosures (Vormedal and Ruud 2009). Social drivers have also become part of reasons for the growth of sustainability reporting. According to Solomon and Lewis (2002), organizations are becoming more obliged to disclose information regarding their social, environmental, and ethical performance as required by stakeholders (Vormedal and Ruud, 2009). Legitimacy theory posits that, organizations have to legitimize their behavior and at same time justify their activities, which therefore makes sustainability reporting to be the avenue to obtain ‘social license’ of ope ration and at same time, establish good reputation for the organization (Ortas and Moneva, 2011). Political and regulatory drivers are also contributing to the growth of sustainability reporting as great emphasis of political agenda centers on social and corporate responsibility of organizations (Ortas and Moneva 2011). The take on this is that, political policies and legislations may influence the need for organizations to have sound and functional SR practices. The last reason for growth of SR has to do with emergence of global standard-setting institutions, which in one way or the other are becoming avenues setting standards for organizations to comply with in regard to environmental, social, and economic sustainability reporting (Vormedal and Ruud, 2009). Such organizations include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Sustainability reporting features based on the GRI The first feature of GRI is ingrained in the aspect of globalization with regard to corporate activities (Gera ghty, n.d). GRI reflects or constitutes a globally applicable standard that has been developed to suit diverse sustainability reporting needs of different organizations. GRI has come out as an innovative instrument that has input of business community, civil society, and other stakeholders with interest in sustainability reporting (Ortas and Moneva, 2011). In this purview, GRI in use today is seen to be more accountable in fulfilling economic, social, and environmental reporting needs of organization (Ortas and Moneva, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Sustainability Reporting in 21st Century: Australian specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second feature of GRI is that, GRI reflects and influences sustainability activities through dialogue with stakeholders and subsequent communication of the impacts. GRI has been designed in such a way that, as a global instrument, it possesses the capability to enhance reliability in sustainability reporting and this has led to affected stakeholders to continuously improve their decisions (Geraghty, n.d). The third feature has to do with GRI having common language for sustainability reporting, which enhances eco-efficiency production systems that also promote sustainable development (Geraghty, n.d). This feature has led to the instrument to become applicable universally in many organizations. Sustainability reporting implementation based on the GRI The first step of GRI is to conduct sustainability reporting that has and involves complete inclusion of stakeholders. Inclusion of stakeholders is crucial to ensure that the reliability and viability of SR is not compromised (Ortas and Moneva, 2011). The next step involves adopting a balanced global process, whereby, GRI advocates for adoption of standardized and global acceptable processes in conducting SR. This has been the area of focus and it can be linked to the growing need of global adoption of sustainable development practices (Ortas and Moneva 2011). The third process involves adopting and using full and relevant communication technologies. As the world changes and the issues of corporate sustainability reporting become critical, there is need for organizations to utilize sophisticated communication technologies that have been made possible with emergence of information technology (Global Reporting Initiative, 2001). The next process involves enhancing transparency, whereby, disclosure of information should be evaluated within the precepts of impact it will have, and such information should enable stakeholders to make the right decisions (Global Reporting Initiative, 2001).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On overall, transparency is such important in that processes, procedures, and assumptions used to prepare the disclosures should be known by stakeholders. The last step involves accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency and reliability reporting of SR. In essence, SR should be made to stakeholders on time, when it is accurate and reliable and in this way, efficient application of such SR is vital to the growth of the organization (Global Reporting Initiative, 2001). Recommendation In essence, reporting positive aspects of the organization with regard to sustainability have suffocated and limited attempts, which in turn affect the functionability of sustainable development goals and objectives. Sustainability reporting, as it appears now, only dwells on the ‘clean sheet’ aspect of the organization as far as reporting of social, environment, and economic activities of the organization are concerned. The negative aspects rarely come out and as a result, the stakeholders only co nsume the skewed part of sustainable concept aspect. There should be the establishment of a global mechanism that has ability to capture organization’s positive and negative aspects of sustainability, which in turn should be translated and included in sustainability reporting. This will provide an opportune moment for stakeholders to have a broad outlook at the performance of the organization and from this, they would be able to formulate and suggest the best ways sustainable development can be achieved. Reference List Geraghty, L., N.d. Sustainability reporting-measure to manage, manage to change. Sydney: Focal Point Australia. Global Reporting Initiative. 2001. Sustainability reporting guidelines. GRI Publishing. Web. Web. Hubbard, G., 2011. The quality of the sustainability reports of large international companies: An analysis. International Journal of Management, 28(3). Kolk, A., 2008. Sustainability, accountability, and corporate governance: Exploring multinationals repo rting practices. Business Strategy and Environment, 17(1); 1-15. Ortas, E., Moneva, J.M., 2011. Original and development of sustainability reporting: Analysis of the Latin America context. Journal of Globalization, Competitiveness and Governability, 5(2); 16-37. Perego, P., 2009. Causes and consequences of choosing different assurance providers: An international study of sustainability reporting. International Journal of Management, 26(3); 412-425. Vormedal, I., Ruud, A., 2009. Sustainability reporting in Norway-An assessment of performance in the context of legal demands and socio-political drivers. Business Strategy and Environment, 18(4); 207-222. This report on Sustainability Reporting in 21st Century: Australian was written and submitted by user Giovani I. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Slim and George in chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men Essay Example

Slim and George in chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men Essay Example Slim and George in chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men Paper Slim and George in chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men Paper Essay Topic: Of Mice and Men We discover about Slim’s many qualities such as his ability to bring out the secrets of others from them. This is shown in Chapter Three in which he questions George about him and Lennie going around together. Slim’s cunningness is shown not through the dialogue but through the description such as â€Å"Slims’ calm invitation to confidence† which reveals to us that he made George comfortable. The writer shows that this is what leads George to continue talking. The reason why Slim wants to find out more about George and Lennie’s relationship is that he finds it odd that two people are going to places together. Slim knows that George wants to talk and after he begins, he knows that he can be â€Å"receptive† which is why he believes that he does not need to encourage George into saying more. The writer reveals Slim’s intelligence in this scene and his superiority in the sense that he was able to bring out the past of George. This becomes useful in the next scene with Candy’s Dog and how he is key to the decision in the end. Slim’s qualities of being attentive and a good listener are further emphasised through the words â€Å"Godlike†Ã¢â‚¬  and the repetition of the words â€Å"calmly†. We also find out about George in this section and his past. The fact that he used to bully Lennie by making him do random things for entertainment shows how he is not perfect either although he does regret his past. George answers â€Å"defensively† when Slim asks him about his relationship with Lennie. He believes that there is nothing wrong with this although he does know it is not that common. However, he then begins to reveal the past. The same characteristic of him is again shown when Candy asks them about the land that they want to buy. George begins by talking defensively but then eventually begins to reveal more about the piece of land. George â€Å"wanting to talk† to Slim about the past shows how he wanted to share his past and concerns with others rather than be lonely as he could not tell anyone about Lennie and the girl in Weed. This also reflects the reason for which he goes to places with Lennie which is they get lonely and they become sad. George says this to Slim â€Å". guys that go around ranches. That ain’t no good†. Although the reader first feels that Lennie needs George to look after him, we find out here that George needs Lennie for company. Lennie’s past with a women in Weed is a foreshadow what will happen in the end. The writer brings this story here to tell us the reason for which George and Lennie moved ranches and also to warn the reader of what is to come. This is then developed on with the attack on Curley, the puppy dying and then finally Curley’s wife’s death. The atmosphere in this scene is very significant in setting the mood for the conversation. Firstly, we are told about â€Å"the evening brightness† outside and the â€Å"dusk† inside which represent the happy relationship we seem to see between George and Lennie and how it never used to be like this before with the â€Å"dusk† inside. The dusk setting also shows that the coming up scene is negative. The pool of light also focuses on the two characters giving importance to them in the scene. This is used to focus the scene more on George as he becomes the one that talks more. Slim â€Å"moved back slightly so that the light was not on his face†. This was also used to show that he did not want George to see his facial expression during the question as he did not want to give away his intention for asking. Jeya Packiarajah 11X Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE John Steinbeck section. Download this essay Print Save Not the one?

A discussion of homicide

A discussion of homicide Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a student. This is not an example of the work produced by our Law Essay Writing Service . You can view samples of our professional work here . A discussion of homicide Under the facts of the scenario, Vincent had died and this would warrant a discussion of homicide. The actus reus of homicide is the unlawful killing of another. It would be unlikely that the parties concerned would be liable for murder as it seems they do not have requisite mens rea of malice aforethought for the offence. Criminal Liability Of Flavia. If Flavia is charged with constructive manslaughter, the prosecution would have to show an unlawful act which is also dangerous, caused the death of Vincent. The prosecution would be likely to rely on s23 Offences Against the Persons Act 1861 where the unlawful act is administering a noxious thing; which was successfully argued in Cato. Previous case law on manslaughter and drug supply cases has been far from consistent, but the House of Lords (HL) decision of Kennedy (No 2) was held by Ormerod as a ‘most welcomed conclusion’ to the drug-supply case law. In the case it was stated that where a vi ctim of a sound mind injected himself as a result of ‘free, voluntary and informed decision’ this would break the chain of causation. In the scenario it is stated that ‘Vincent injects himself’, we can safely assume that Flavia had not administered the injection directly and it was a ‘free, voluntary and informed decision’ made by Vincent which breaks the chain of causation. It must also be presumed that factors such as age, mental conditions or improper pressure have not affected the decision of Vincent to self-inject, if they had, Flavia could be liable; which is more likely as he is at a party. If Vincent was an addict, Clarkson would question whether taking drugs would be ‘free and voluntary’. In Kennedy (No 2) it was stated that, in relation to the scenario, that the ‘act of supplying the drugs by [Flavia], without more, could not harm [Vincent] in any psychical way, let alone cause his death’. HL did not rule out scenario where two people are ‘acting together’. This left open a ‘narrow circumstances’ which Flavia would be liable for death of Vincent, apart from where there is direct injection to the deceased. In the scenario, Flavia used her belt as tourniquet to lift a vein and this was similar to the case of Rogers (where the defendant was convicted). But this was specifically stated as ‘wrongly decided’ by Lord Bingham and we can assume that this would not amount to ‘acting together’. Additionally Kennedy (No 2) also stated; preparation and handing the syringe to victim will not constitute ‘acting together’ to give rise to liability for the death of Vincent. Lord Bingham stated ‘nothing in this opinion should be understood as applying to manslaughter caused by negligence’. Therefore we may be able to argue that Flavia is liable for gross negligence manslaughter for the death of Vincent. It is more likely that F lavia would be charged with gross negligence manslaughter, prosecution would have to prove the criteria laid down by Lord Mackay in the case of Adamako (which applies to all gross negligence cases). It would first of all need to be established that the defendant owed a duty of care to victim and the defendant breached that duty of care and this caused the death of Vincent. The breach of duty must be characterised as grossly negligent to constitute a crime; a matter for the jury to decide on.

Financial Statement Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Financial Statement Analysis - Essay Example For this reason, the actual presentation of financial statements with the absolute figures becomes meaningless as it does not provide a rational basis for comparing with the competitor or with the industry. The industry and competitor might have several differences due to which it is not practically justified that the analysis between the two should be made. For instance, if a company has revenues of $5 million and one of its competitors has the revenues of $500,000 then on the basis of these absolute figures, there is no comparison between the two companies. However, if the growth in revenue of the former company is, let’s say 6% and the latter company has growth in revenues of around 8%, then there is a rationale of analyzing both the companies as the same footing for comparison is available now. In short, in the absence of reasonable commonalities between the financial aspects of the two companies, the comparison of the two companies turns out to be meaningless. The best wa y to make a comparison in financial aspect between the two companies is to undertake financial ratio analysis. This analysis provides a common platform for the companies so that their performance can be compared on reasonable basis. Issues like absolute figures, size of the firms, differences in the operating activities and other issues are relaxed when financial statements are analyzed on the basis of ratios. The technique of ratio analysis works on the basis of common figures that are comparable. These comparable figures are computed as a percentage of some figures. For instance, what is the percentage of net profits with respect to sales, with respect to total asset, with respect to equity, and so on? But if stand alone figure of net profit is taken into account, then due to difference in size of the company, its value, its nature of operations, its capital structure and other elements, that net profit figure would not reflect a true picture. Structure of Article This article is developed in such a manner that the profitability analysis of two UK companies, Sainsbury PLC and Tesco PLC, has been conducted on the basis of ratio analysis. As far as the size of the two companies is considered, Tesco PLC is bigger than Sainsbury PLC. So what exactly be the measure which should be used in order to bring both of these firms to a common platform is the ratio analysis. The introductory part of the analysis briefly highlights the description of both the companies regarding their industry, history, products, branches etc. Next part focuses comprehensively upon the importance, meaning and interpretation of each of the profitability ratio. Third part of this report conducts an analysis on the basis of earlier explained ratios. Those ratios are divided into two categories such that first part of the analysis emphasizes upon the performance of each individual company on the basis of its past performance in the form of trend analysis. Second part of the analysis makes a pr ofitability comparison between the two firms on the basis of their own important heads of accounts. At the end of this report the calculation of the ratio analysis is presented in the appendix. Tesco Tesco is one of the largest retailers. It operates more than 2,300 convenience stores and supermarkets. The total number of employees working

Hebrews through Revelation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hebrews through Revelation - Essay Example When the Kingdom of God is mentioned in the New Testament we at all times should take into account its context. The Jews entirely were very much anticipating the establishing of a concrete Kingly rule in which their King would govern and rule in Jerusalem and they would have an international status of authority. In Matthew 18.1, Luke 19.11, and Acts 1.6 are frequently the references to this particular Kingly rule of God in the New Testament. This was not the principle of Jesus. This alludes to the falsely held points of view of men of the Kingly Rule of God. However, Jesus explained very clearly that the Kingly Rule was not to be anticipated in this manner (Luke 17.21). His Kingly rule was never worldly or mortal (John 18.36) rather it was now existent in Him, and men should act in response to it from their hearts and offer themselves in deference and submission to God and to Jesus Christ. It led to the spreading of the word (Matthew 13). So as to experience and gain access into it m en should be conceived and given life from above (John 3.5-6). The final test was to identify whether their hearts were genuine and truly righteous (Matthew 13.1-8). There is hence a development of conception originally between the Kingly rule of God which was proclaimed the moment Jesus had been asserted by the Father as His Son (Mark 1.11) as well that which occurred when He was resurrected from the dead and received His rightful place in Heaven (Matthew

Discuss Fitzgerald’s use of symbols within The Great Gatsby. Essays

Discuss Fitzgerald’s use of symbols within The Great Gatsby. Throughout his novel ‘The Great Gatsby’, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism. Symbols are objects, characters, figures or colours used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The first symbol we see appears at the end of Chapter one. It is a green light, situated at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s East Egg dock and is only just visible from Gatsby’s expansive West Egg back garden. In Chapter one Nick (the narrator) describes his mysterious neighbour stretching â€Å"out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way’, this is Gatsby reaching desperately out to the green light, which represents his hopes and dreams for the future (which incidentally, involved Daisy). He associates it with Daisy and sees the green light as a guiding light to his goal. Perhaps the green light represents Daisy, the unattainable. Alike to the green light, she is so close, yet so far from Gatsby and just within his grasp. Although he is reaching out to her, he cannot in reality reach her because there is a divide, in the case of the green light it is water, but in the case of Daisy it is status (and her husband, Tom). The green light also represents the generalised ideal of the American Dream, because Gatsby’s quest for Daisy is generally connected with this. Fitzgerald’s choice of using ‘green’ as the colour of the light is very significant and symbolic in itself. Green is the colour of money and therefore wealth, this is something which Gatsby has always strived for (similarly he is reaching out and striving for the ‘light’) in order to capture Daisy’s heart, as she rejected him in the past due to his lack of wealth and status. Also, green is the colour that ... ...umping of industrial ashes. - It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. - It also symbolises the plight of the poor, like Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result. - Fitz uses the valley of the ashes as a dramatic contrast to the lives of the rich east and west egg dwellers, to really emphasise and show how large the difference between them is, despite them being so nearby. - He also uses it to highlight how superficial the rich are. They are the ‘beautiful people’ and this is reflected in where they live, however the valley of the ashes is dirty and unattractive. - The valley is actually used as a cut through road for the rich, however real people live there.

Discuss Fitzgerald’s use of symbols within The Great Gatsby. Essays

Discuss Fitzgerald’s use of symbols within The Great Gatsby. Throughout his novel ‘The Great Gatsby’, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism. Symbols are objects, characters, figures or colours used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The first symbol we see appears at the end of Chapter one. It is a green light, situated at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s East Egg dock and is only just visible from Gatsby’s expansive West Egg back garden. In Chapter one Nick (the narrator) describes his mysterious neighbour stretching â€Å"out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way’, this is Gatsby reaching desperately out to the green light, which represents his hopes and dreams for the future (which incidentally, involved Daisy). He associates it with Daisy and sees the green light as a guiding light to his goal. Perhaps the green light represents Daisy, the unattainable. Alike to the green light, she is so close, yet so far from Gatsby and just within his grasp. Although he is reaching out to her, he cannot in reality reach her because there is a divide, in the case of the green light it is water, but in the case of Daisy it is status (and her husband, Tom). The green light also represents the generalised ideal of the American Dream, because Gatsby’s quest for Daisy is generally connected with this. Fitzgerald’s choice of using ‘green’ as the colour of the light is very significant and symbolic in itself. Green is the colour of money and therefore wealth, this is something which Gatsby has always strived for (similarly he is reaching out and striving for the ‘light’) in order to capture Daisy’s heart, as she rejected him in the past due to his lack of wealth and status. Also, green is the colour that ... ...umping of industrial ashes. - It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. - It also symbolises the plight of the poor, like Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result. - Fitz uses the valley of the ashes as a dramatic contrast to the lives of the rich east and west egg dwellers, to really emphasise and show how large the difference between them is, despite them being so nearby. - He also uses it to highlight how superficial the rich are. They are the ‘beautiful people’ and this is reflected in where they live, however the valley of the ashes is dirty and unattractive. - The valley is actually used as a cut through road for the rich, however real people live there.