Challenges in the Business Environment Essay

thither has been no change to orchard apple tree code of Conduct policy since 2014 when apple started taking previous analyse scores into consideration and conduct detailed risk assessments with providers who had non been audited in the past before awarding the new business. In 2014, we reviewed 459 suppliers, and factored their responsibility performance into our decisions. This engagement has anyowed orchard apple tree to address every(prenominal) over 700 findings related to fatigue standards, worker safety, permits, environmental hazards, and chemical management before production began (Apple 2014 Supplier order of Conduct). Apple has do signifi nookiet progress, gaps still exist, and there is more work to do. Apple knows that workers are counting on them and they testament not stop until every person in their supply chain is treated with the respect and self-worth they deserve (Apple Supplier Responsibility 2015 Progress Report). Apple weighs that it is not enou gh to just set laid-back standards they must work every day to make surely theyre upheld. Apple Supplier scratch of Conduct is among the toughest in the industry.To track working conditions at suppliers facilities, we conduct regular, in-person audits deep into the supply chain. Audits delay essential to Apple work, but theyre only the beginning. Apple written reports monthly on working hours for over one million workers with hopes that their openness will inspire other companies. But more important, Apple believe the feedback that transparency invites makes us even better (Apple Supplier Responsibility 2015 Progress Report). Apples suppliers are required to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with self-regard and respect, act fairly and ethically, and use environmentally responsible practices wherever they make products or perform service for Apple. Apple requires its suppliers to operate in uniformity with the principles in this Apple Supplier Code ofConduct (Cod e) and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.This Code goes beyond mere compliance with the law by drawing upon internationally acknowledge standards to advance genial and environmental responsibility. This Code outlines Apples expectations for Supplier conduct regarding labor and charitable rights, health and safety, environmental protection, ethics, and management practices. Apple assesses its suppliers compliance with this Code, and any violations of this Code may jeopardize the suppliers business relationship with Apple, up to and including termination. This Code applies to Apple suppliers and their subsidiaries, affiliates, and subcontractors (each a Supplier) providing goods or operate to Apple, or for use in or with Apple products (Apple 2014 Supplier Code of Conduct). To show that Apple believes that it is not enough to just set high standards and that they must work every day to make sure theyre upheld. In 2014, over 2.3 million workers were train ed on Apples Code and their rights. Apple invested millions of dollars to expand our Supplier Employee Education and Development (SEED) program since it began.SEED now totals 48 classrooms in 23 facilities equipped with iMac computers, iPad devices, education software, video conferencing systems, and more. To make sure the standards were upheld Apple performed 633 audits back over 1.6 million workers in 2014. Apple also audited suppliers in 19 countries and calls were made to 30,000 workers to make sure their rights were beingness upheld (Apple 2014 Supplier Code of Conduct). Apple Suppliers Understanding of Their Standards, Responsibilities, and Company Relationship Apple is proud of the strong relationships they have built with their suppliers, many of whom have been working with them for course of instructions. Apple periodically reviews their relationships and adds new suppliers as needed. Apple requires each of its suppliers to image the highest standards for all goods and services. Our requirements include a commitment to rigorous quality assurance. In addition, suppliers must be committed, as we are, to ensuring the highest standards of societal responsibility. The ideal suppliers are those who learn our culture and expectations.We value suppliers who take the time to learn about and understand our business and who look for ways to add value. These suppliers know the importance of making and meeting commitments and delivering the highest quality goods and services (Apple Apple and Procurement). Apple business environment iscompetitive and fast-paced. Apple suppliers must understand this dynamic and be agile and flexible in responding to changing business conditions. All over the world, people are create Apple products and Apple has a responsibility to make sure that each person is treated with dignity and respect. Its a massive challenge where Apple work is never done, but each year they implement meaningful, lasting changes across their suppl y chain. Because of this around the globe, Apple employees are united in take equality, human rights, and respect for the environment to the deepest layers of their supply chain.Apple goes deep into their supply chain to enforce their social and environmental standards by empowering workers through education, demanding that suppliers treat workers fairly and ethically at all times, having safe and wholesome facilities, and hold their products and processes to the highest environmental standards (Apple Supplier Responsibility 2015 Progress Report). Apple believes that in order to make impactful changes across their supply chain, its important to understand firsthand whats happening inside their suppliers facilities. Thats wherefore they dont simply employ and review audits from behind a desk in Cupertino. Instead, they directly approximate how their supplier facilities are doing by regularly visiting and partnering with their suppliers around the world, so when they discover a p roblem, they can work together to get it fixed (Apple Accountability). To make sure the standards are understood and upheld Apple performed 633 audits covering over 1.6 million workers. Apple also audited suppliers in 19 countries and calls 30,000 workers to make sure their rights are being upheld.Every audit is led by an Apple auditor and supported by local ternary-party auditors. These third parties are experts in their fields and all have been trained to use our detailed auditing protocols. During each audit, Apple grade suppliers on more than 100 data points corresponding to each category of our Supplier Code of Conduct (Apple Accountability). Apple auditors are highly skilled at identifying when suppliers are covering up information. Apple audits are proven to improve supplier compliance. Each year we review and raise our already stiff requirements, and suppliers continue to meet our increasingly stringent standards. In 2014, facilities audited two times scored 25 percent high than those facilities with first-time audits. Facilities audited three times or more scored 31 percent higher than facilities auditedfor the first time (Apple Accountability). In addition to these regular, prescheduled audits, Apple randomly select facilities to audit unannounced.These surprise audits help ensure that our suppliers continue to meet our standards at all times not just during scheduled visits. Apple conducted 40 surprise audits in 2014, where their team visited suppliers on the spot and inspected the facility within hours. After the audit Apple conducts physical inspections, reviews documents, and interviews workers in their native languages, without their managers present. Afterward, workers are given a phone number, so they have the opportunity to securely and confidentially provide additional feedback about a facility to our team, including anything they consider to be unethical behavior. Apple encourages workers to report any retaliation to us, and we follow up with all suppliers to address each reported issue (Apple Accountability). cellular inclusion these audits, code of conduct, and standards give Apple suppliers the understanding of what it means to be part of the company.ReferenceApple Accountability. (2015, January 1). Retrieved swear out 7, 2015, from http//www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/accountability/ Apple Apple and Procurement. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http//www.apple.com/procurement/ Apple 2014 Supplier Code of Conduct. (2014, January). Retrieved March 3, 2015 from https//www.apple.com/ca/supplierresponsibility/pdf/Apple_Supplier_Code_of_Conduct.pdf Apple Supplier Responsibility Progress Report. (2015, January). Retrieved March 3, 2015 from https//www.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/pdf/Apple_Progress_Report_2015.pdf