Volkswagen Case Study Pitch for 3114IBA Problem Solving, Semester 1

This assignment analyzes the 2015 Volkswagen emission scandal, identifying key facts, management problems, and key players involved. It delves into the causes of the scandal, including economic pressures and ethical failures, and explores relevant theories like Carroll's CSR model to support proposed solutions. The assignment recommends solutions such as greenhouse gas emissions assessment, carbon capping, and transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce Volkswagen's carbon footprint and improve its corporate social responsibility. The pitch summarizes the case's impact, proposes environmental-friendly technology adoption, and outlines implementation steps, supported by references from academic journals and online resources. The assignment emphasizes the need for Volkswagen to rebuild trust, address environmental concerns, and adopt sustainable practices to overcome the crisis.

3114IBA Problem Solving - Pitch Template for each Case
Student Full Name: Student Number: _____________________
Pitch Number/ Week: __________ Case Study Title: ___________________ Overall Mark: ______/6.5%
Key Facts of the Case (Assume the marker knows nothing / hasn’t read the case – Identify the key facts)
▪ The emission scandal of Volkswagen 2015 termed as the biggest settlement in auto industry.
▪ The new future oriented business strategy of Volkswagen by quickly settling the case.
▪ The 2025 strategy to bring 30 new electric cars in the market.
Management Problem (A clear 1-2 sentence statement to establish the key problems identified in the case)
▪ The emission scandal is the biggest issue that is coming in the way of success of Volkswagen.
▪ It has lost the trust of its shareholders who are demanding independent supervisory board.
Key Players (Who are the key people, organisations, other institutions or groups involved in the case)
▪ US Justice Department and investigator in Germany
▪ Shareholders of the organisation.
▪ Customers affected because of the crisis.
Causes & Considerations: (Actual cause/Root of problem - Analyse key considerations/variables of case;
consider consequences)
▪ The major cause for the emergence of this scandal is the economic system which includes tough
competition, inflated corporate power and the enormous stakes.
▪ Also, Volkswagen in 2009, announced that it will become the most successful automaker in next 9 year.
But its was on the cost of bringing massive disaster.
▪ Volkswagen neglected all the ethical aspect of the business and was focussed towards winning the
competition and to grow big.
▪ At that time Volkswagen even adopted the autocratic management style.
▪ In Volkswagen, arguing with the superior is not permissible and also it is known for shunning debate and
criticism.
Supporting Theory: (Present any relevant theories, models or concepts from the literature to support ideas)
Theory for your analytical lens:
▪ Volkswagen is required to take preventive measures with respect to reducing the negative impact it has
caused to environment and also take actions for overcoming the crisis faced by the customers across every
nation it has operated.
▪ It requires following ethical principle in its business operation and take suggestions from others which will
help in dealing with the intense market situation it is currently facing.
▪ Volkswagen needs to put more emphasis on its corporate social responsibility.
Theory for problem solving techniques:
▪ Based on the key issues identified above, there are few key strategies that can be used by the organisation
in meeting the challenges more effectively.
▪ Volkswagen is currently required to focus more on the sustainability and its other CSR activities.
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*Save this document as a template to type into and complete for each pitch, then upload via submission points by
Saturday of each week. Provide online feedback to 3 other pitches by Friday the following week. Then collate for the
final submission of all 4 posted pitches with your received & given peer feedback by Sunday in Week 8. NOTE: Marks
may be deducted for spelling, grammar and/or unclear phrasing.

▪ For implementing sustainability, Carroll's model of CSR can be used. It has four interrelated areas (Carroll,
2016). First is economic responsibility, it takes into consideration the responsibility towards shareholders by
providing them better return, employees with job security and customers with quality product.
▪ Second is legal responsibility, which states that the business is required to obey all the laws and
regulations and work within it. It is very essential for portraying a positive and concerned image to the
society.
▪ Third is ethical responsibility, according to this, Volkswagen is required to work ethically which is beyond
the legal framework.
▪ Last is, philanthropic responsibilities, this is what is desired by the society (Brin and Nehme, 2019).
Volkswagen is required to enhance the employees, societies and communities well being.
Alternative Solutions: (Establish and consider various key alternative solutions to address the problem,
supported by your theory from above)
▪ Volkswagen can look into the ways for reducing the carbon footprint.
▪ Taking more initiative for towards corporate social responsibility.
▪ Identifying the other factors that can help in managing the business and reducing negativity.
Recommended Solution(s) and Its implementation: (Develop specific recommendations to solve the
problem from your alternative solutions, supported by your theory – Propose how you will implement them
(steps or action items).
▪ Volkswagen should implement greenhouse gas emissions assessment, which will help in devising plan for
reducing the carbon footprint (Evans, 2020).
▪ Carbon capping is also required to be put which will help in putting limit on the carbon emission.
▪ Volkswagen can switch to more renewable sources of energy which will help in reducing the carbon
footprint.
Key Points to Address in Pitch: (Plan your pitch and order of ideas to structure what you will include)
1. The key issues faced by Volkswagen and the reasons for the same.
2. The major causes of the problem faced and the important aspects that Volkswagen is required to
keep in mind and consider below taking any action.
3. The different ways that can be used by Volkswagen in improving its situation.
4. Also, the ways in which the organisation can implement the Carroll's theory of CSR.
5. Other than the sustainability other alternative solution that can be used.
6. Steps for implementing the solutions.
Your Pitch: (Summarise your pitch in 5-8 sentences. Pretend you are pitching your solutions after your
group discussions and from your further research)
The case study of Volkswagen has shown the impact of its scandal on its entire business. The
negative consequences it has faced because of it which includes customer dissatisfaction, lack of
shareholders trust, huge penalty etc. After considering the challenges it is facing, the key steps it can take to
resolve the problem is focussing more towards the environment as a whole. Adopting various environmental
friendly technology will bring positive image of the organisation. It will take time but working continuously will
help.
References: (List references for your theory and other research)

3114IBA Problem Solving - Pitch Template for each Case
Carroll, A. B., 2016. Carroll’s pyramid of CSR: taking another look. International journal of corporate social
responsibility. 1(1). p.3.
Brin, P. and Nehme, M. N., 2019. Corporate social responsibility: analysis of theories and models. EUREKA:
Social and Humanities. (5). pp.22-30.
Online
Evans, M., 2020. 6 Ways to Reduce CO2 Emissions Pollution in Industry.[Online].
AvailbleThrough:<https://www.thebalancesmb.com/reducing-co2-emissions-3157794>.
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*Save this document as a template to type into and complete for each pitch, then upload via submission points by
Saturday of each week. Provide online feedback to 3 other pitches by Friday the following week. Then collate for the
final submission of all 4 posted pitches with your received & given peer feedback by Sunday in Week 8. NOTE: Marks
may be deducted for spelling, grammar and/or unclear phrasing.