36066 Topic SCI 207 Our Dependence upon the EnvironmentNumber .docx

36066 Topic: SCI 207 Our Dependence upon the Environment
Number of Pages: 1 (Double Spaced)
Number of sources: 2
Writing Style: APA
Type of document: Essay
Academic Level:Undergraduate
Category: Environmental Issues
Language Style: English (U.S.)
Order Instructions: Attached
Week 3 - Discussion
3 3 unread replies. 3 3 replies.
Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and
you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates
and submit your vote. Your grade will reflect both the quality of
your initial post and the depth of your responses. Refer to the
Discussion Forum Grading Rubric under the Settings icon above
for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Water Privatization [WLO: 1] [CLOs: 3, 4, 6]
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please read Chapter
5: Water, in Turk and Bensel’s Contemporary Environmental
Issues textbook (2014). In this week’s class discussion, you will
participate in a debate over the issue of water privatization.
This issue regards whether or not private corporations should be
allowed to own and control fresh drinking water supplies.
Should safe drinking water be considered a basic human right
(owned by everyone), or a commodity (to be managed by
corporations)? There are a number of pro and con arguments on
both sides. For an overview of this issue, please watch Liquid
Assets: The Big Business of Water (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site., starting with Segment 13,
“Chile’s Commercialized View of Water,” and watch the
remaining 15 minutes on this topic. For full access to this video
please use Films on Demand through the Ashford Library.
For our debate, there will need to be two sides: pro (supporting
water privatization) and con (opposed to water privatization).
Your side is determined by the following:
If your last name begins with the letter A through K, you will
be arguing the pro side.
If your last name begins with the letter L through Z, you will be
arguing the con side.
In a well-crafted discussion post of at least 200 words, first
clearly identify your assigned side in the debate. Then provide
at least three clearly worded, concise arguments for your side of

the debate. Providing specific examples to support your
arguments will aid in making them stronger. You should cite
and reference at least two credible or scholarly sources in your
post, using correct APA format.
Note: You will not be able to view others’ posts until you have
made your own.
At the end of your post, cast your vote for your decision as to
whether or not water should be privatized.
Cast Your Vote:
Using what you have learned from the water privatization
debate, take the following steps to cast a vote on your stance on
the topic of water privatization.
Submit your vote as "Pro" or "Con" in a post selecting the
option that best represents your stance on water privatization.
Pro (supporting water privatization) and
Con (opposed to water privatization).

Required Resources
Text
Bensel, T., & Turk, J. (2014). Contemporary environmental
issues (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu
Chapter 5: Water
Multimedia
Cannold, S. (Executive Producer), & Mazilu, M. (Producer).
(2010). Liquid assets: The big business of water (Links to an
external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved
from
https://fod.infobase.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?token=47289&
wID=100753&plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=360&fWidth=660&
fHeight=410
The full version of this video is available through the Films On
Demand database in the Ashford University Library. This
documentary provides information about safe drinking water
and will assist you with your Water Privatization discussion.
Supplemental Material
Carolina Distance Learning. (n.d.). Groundwater and surface
water interactions investigation manual Preview the
document[PDF]. Retrieved from https://ashford.instructure.com

This lab manual provides background information on water
systems and will assist you in your Sustainable Living Guide:
Sustaining Our Water Resources Laboratory assignment. This
manual is available for download in your online classroom.
Recommended Resources
Articles
Earle, S. (2013, December 6). Ocean 2050: How to sustain our
biggest ecosystem (Links to an external site.)Links to an
external site.. Retrieved from
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20131206-sos-save-our-seas
This web article provides information about sustaining our
ocean resources and may assist you in your Sustainable Living
Guide: Sustaining Our Water Resources assignment.
Accessibility Statement (Links to an external site.)Links to an
external site.
Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)Links to an external
site.
Global Environment Facility. (2015, August 31). The
importance of water sustainability (Links to an external
site.)Links to an external site.. Retrieved from
https://www.thegef.org/news/importance-water-sustainability

This web article provides information about sustaining our fresh
water resources and may assist you in your Sustainable Living
Accessibility Statement does not exist.
site.
Multimedia
RT Documentary. (2016, August 21). H2WOE India’s water
crisis: A warning to the world (Links to an external site.)Links
to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/H0hk_5Plv5U
This video provides information about fresh water resource
issues and may assist you in your Sustainable Living Guide:
Sustaining Our Water Resources assignment. This video has
closed captioning and a transcript.
external site.
site.
Web Pages
American Chemical Society. (n.d.). Sustainable water (Links to
an external site.)Links to an external site.. Retrieved from
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/sustainability/understanding
sustainability/sustainable-water.html

This web page provides information about sustaining our fresh
water resources and may assist you in your Sustainable Living
external site.
site.
Kinzel, M., Thompson, C., Schnetzer, A., & McConnell, D.
(n.d.). Ocean sustainability (Links to an external site.)Links to
an external site.. Retrieved from
https://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/sustain_oc
ean/index.html
This web page provides access to a learning module with
information about sustaining our ocean resources and may assist
you in your Sustainable Living Guide: Sustaining Our Water
Resources assignment.
external site.
site.
Response to Discussions
1 PM –
After reading the first two chapters of our textbook, I was

interested in exploring how globalization impacts inequality
within nations. The text notes that studies differ on how freer
trade and offshoring affects the wage gap in developed and
developing nations (Wild & Wild, 2019, p. 19). With historic
issue of global commerce growing more significant with
advances in technology, I chose this topic since it has and will
shape the foreign relations, economic wellbeing and national
security the United States. The perpetual debate on this subject
prompted me to become more educated on how it truly
influences any nation involved in globalization.
The article I chose was The Impact of Globalization on
Economic Growth, and its author began with the very revealing
statistic that 35.6% of clothing and shoes sold in the U.S. is
made in China compared to 3.4% made in U.S (Kuepper, 2018).
This immediately illustrates how globalization has affected
certain ubiquitous products in America. The article suggests
that globalization has always been a net positive by, “making
markets more efficient, increasing competition, limiting
military conflicts, and spreading wealth more equally around
the world” (Kuepper, 2018). These benefits are driven when
foreign investors inject capital into real estate, technology and
overall infrastructure that leads to increase in economies of
scale (Kuepper, 2018).
The author does note a consensus amongst the global
community of negative side effects to globalization. First, if a
country becomes a main supplier for a specific item or service
and they are indisposed in any manner, the decreased production
in that country may impact their trade partners (Kuepper, 2018).
Secondly, citizens may begin to feel of loss of their identity as
jobs relocate to developing nations. This may give rise to
nationalistic and tendencies (Kuepper, 2018). Lastly, the author
cites the stigma that global free trade ultimately benefits the
richest nations or the richest individuals within a nation
(Kuepper, 2018).
I learned that globalization is not guaranteed to improve the
lives of every nation; however, it will benefit most nations that

open their economic borders to the world. In a sense, you can
see this in examples of Capitalism with local business in this
country. Smaller, less developed townships in the U.S. may
decide to bring in large retailers whose supply chain bankrupts
the generational family businesses. The community may have a
moral argument against it but are pleased with the conveniences
and lower prices offered by the major chains. This, essentially,
is a form globalization on a local scale.
Article URL: https://www.thebalance.com/globalization-and-its-
impact-on-economic-growth-1978843
Discussion Question:
Do you believe that globalization has help your community?
2 – SC
Wild & Wild defines stereotyping as a generalization about a
person while ignoring presence of individual difference. (Wild
& Wild, 2019). You hear so much about businesses stereotyping
people, whether it is by race or gender, there are a lot of
problems out there. The article that I chose for this is Liz
Malatestinic: Stereotypes lead to bad business decisions about
workers. This article is specifically about stereotyping
millennials. These are people who were born between 1981 and
1996. They have been accused of being unmotivated,
narcissistic and entitled. On a side note, I can personally agree
with the way people perceive this stereotype because I have
experienced it a lot. This has been the worst turnover I have
ever seen in 7 years at my job because this is the time that the
millennials are getting jobs. It is not true about everyone
though, I do give everyone a fair chance at first.
The article states that millenials are looking for positions where
the workplace is "fun". Companies don't really see the reason in
trying to make it a fun workplace by adding pingpong tables or
Free Beer Fridays, because it doesn't make the job anymore
rewarding. (Malatestinic, 2018).
Student loans are huge for the millenial group, so you are
seeing a lot more companies offering some type of

compensation to pay towards their loan payments, which can
take some of the stress off their shoulders and allow them to
focus more on their job. (Malatestinic, 2018).
In your field of business, have you had to let go any millenials
because they fit in with the stereotype?
Malatestinic, L. (August 17, 2018). Stereotypes lead to bad
business decisions about workers. Indianapolis Business
Journal.
Wild, J., Wild, K. (2019) International Business: The
Challenges of Globalization. Pearson Education.
3- SO
For this week’s discussion, the topic I found the most
interesting is E-Business or E-Commerce. E-Business is
described as the use of computer networks to purchase, sell, or
exchange products; to service customers; and to collaborate
with partners (Wild 12). An example of a company who uses e-
business is Amazon. Amazon provides a great example of e-
business because they do all of their selling, servicing, and
collaborating through computer networks. The article I found
that relates to e-commerce from Business Insiders is Amazon's
success is unparalleled — and 'Type 2 decisions' are a major
reason why.
Within this article, there is a focus on type 1 and type 2
decisions. Type 1 decisions are irreversible and should be taken
with caution. Type 2 decisions can be reversed and should be
made quickly. Type 2 decisions are a very big part of why
Amazon has become so big.
When making purchases on Amazon, many customers have the
comfort of knowing that if they order a product that comes
incorrect, they can simply return the product and order a new
one. This comfort is provided because Amazon is so immersed
in e-business. Many customers who go to stores will consider
more decisions that they make, because they will have to make
another trip out to return products. Through e-commerce,
customers can order products knowing that they can reverse the

decision simply by mailing the product back to the seller.
Purchases made on Amazon can all be considered Type 2
decisions, because any products purchased on Amazon can be
reversed. However, type 2 decisions can be made by both the
buyer and the seller. The article describes how Amazon has
become most successful because they are willing to make type 2
decisions if a product or idea is not providing success. For
example, Amazon tries many new concepts like Amazon Prime
and the fire phone. The fire phone seemed to not be doing as
well, so Amazon quickly made the decision to omit the fire
phone in order to make more room for more possible successful
ideas.
I selected the topic of e-business because I am a big fan of e-
commerce. Throughout my workday, I communicate mainly
through email. I also am a fan of e-commerce because this
broadens the opportunity for me to order more products than I
am able to find in stores.
This article is relevant for me because I make many type 2
decisions in my workplace. If I see that something I am doing
isn’t creating profit for the business, I am able to make the
decision to change it on the spot, without much consideration.
Through reading about the topic of e-commerce, and tying it
into the concept of type 1 and type 2 decisions, the main thing I
learned is that I make more type 2 decisions than type 1
decisions. One of the biggest type 1 decisions I made recently is
the house I am in the process of buying. When considering the
house I wanted, it was not a quick whimsical decision. Instead,
it took a lot of consideration and time to make a decision.
Discussion Question: How often do you use e-business in your
everyday routine? Do you think e-business is beneficial to
society?
Sources: Lebowitz, Shana. “Amazon's Success Is Unparalleled -
and 'Type 2 Decisions' Are a Major Reason Why.” Business
Insider, Business Insider, 8 Oct. 2017,
www.businessinsider.com/why-amazon-is-so-successful-2017-
10.

4 – RC
The specific topic I chose to review for this week’s discussion
board is Globalization of Production. Wild & Wild define
Globalization of Production as the distribution of production
activities to locations that aim to help a company achieve cost
savings, or increased value for a good or service (pg. 9). The
article I chose to review, “9 Things You Need to Consider
Before You Globally Source Your Goods” by Chris Blood-Rojas
In short, the article explains nine points companies of all sizes
should consider prior to sourcing goods from around the globe.
I found the article complimented this week’s reading by
explaining how implementing Globalization in a firm can prove
to be costly if not applied correctly. The article starts off by
detailing the importance of understanding the scope of work
that will be handled abroad versus domestically. For instance,
will raw material be transported from international sources to
become work in process in the US, or will it be worked overseas
and imported as a finished good? Each scenario can have
impacts on the companies bottom line, lead times and quality of
goods. On the same note, there are other monetary risks
associated with international sourcing. The article explains how
fluctuating shipping costs, delays and processing fees can prove
to be very costly for firms importing goods from other nations.
What I found most interesting in the article was the notion that
although procuring raw materials, or processes abroad may help
reduce costs and increase quality, it does not always lead to a
competitive advantage in the marketplace. Intellectual property
and is prominent point of contention throughout the article.
Blood-Rojas explains that companies should be weary of
divulging too much information about what goes into their
product, as the more the supplier knows, the less competitive
advantage the company has. An example of this would be a
company that manufactures an epoxy adhesive. If the company
relies on an outside supplier for component A for their finished
goods, they should do their best to insure the supplier is

unaware of any additional components that make up their
product. Otherwise, they risk losing competitive advantage in
the marketplace because other companies might be able to
create a substitute.
Other points of consideration relate to culture, ethics, and
regulatory affairs. Companies who depend on materials from
other countries need to ensure that the foreign company is
operating ethically. If not, the company may face scrutiny or
backlash from consumers who oppose the practices. Varying
cultures may produce unintentional negative feedback which
can lead to a misunderstanding of scope work, expectations or
even pricing. Lastly, different countries have different
regulations, laws and standards. It will be important for any
company that is interested in globalizing its supply chain to
understand and abide by such regulations. If not, the company
could face heavy fines or penalties and delays.
I found this topic (and article) interesting for several reasons.
For one, I work in International Logistics. By trade, I work with
many companies that are sourcing material from all over the
world or attempting to bring their products to new markets.
However, only dealing with the logistics portion of
Globalization of Production leaves many questions unanswered.
Secondly, the political environment in recent years has focused
on certain aspects of Globalization or Production, and has even
enforced new policy, trade barriers and impacted the way firms
do business. Chapters 1 and 2 as well as the article were very
insightful in examining some of the advantages and
disadvantages of Globalization or Production
Discussion Question: Considering the points above, do you feel
as though it may be easier for certain industries (Auto, Tech
etc.) to adapt a globalized strategy?
Sources
Blood-Rojas, C. (2018, July 14). 9 things you need to consider
before you globally source your goods Original article:
http://www.tradeready.ca/2017/fittskills-refresher/everything-
you-need-to-consider-before-you-globally-source-good. In

Trade Ready. Retrieved
from http://www.tradeready.ca/2017/fittskills-
refresher/everything-you-need-to-consider-before-you-globally-
source-goods/
Wild, J. J., & Wild, K. L. (2018). International Business The
Challenges of Globalization (9th ed., p. 9). New York, NY:
Pearson
5 – CG
After reading the first and second chapters of Wild & Wild’s
9th edition of International Business, I found the topic
of customs in culture in Chapter 2, page 47 to be particularly
interesting. In the text, customs are defined as “habits or ways
of behaving in specific circumstances that are passed down
through generation in a culture” (Wild & Wild, 2019, pg. 47).
There are many types of customs including folk customs defined
as “behavior, often dating back several generations, that is
practiced by a homogeneous group of people” along with
popular customs defined as “behavior shared by a heterogeneous
group or by several groups” (Wild & Wild, 2019, pg. 47). All
around the world each country and group of people you come
into contact with will have different customs and as a business
person, you need to be aware of of these to avoid any dispute
and uncomfort. Being aware of different cultural customs as a
manager helps you relate to your clients, bosses, manufacturers,
investors, etc. If you are meeting with a Japanese investor you
wouldn’t walk into the meeting and shake hands with your
investor, but instead you would bow your head as a sign of
respect. Along with bowing your head when meeting with a
Japanese investor, you shouldn’t blow your nose or pour your
own glass of water in any meeting as both are seen as rude and
disrespectful (businessinsider.com).
According to an article on the Forbes website, “Cultural
Competency is Key To International Business Success,”
“embracing cultural norms in business is the key to penetrating
new markets, attracting international customers and enabling a

local product or service to find a global audience” (Bath, 2018).
The article goes on to explain how before meeting with any
potential foreign markets, you need to research the culture and
customs of the potential clients/investors/manufacturers in
advance. Then right before your meeting, you should review
expected forms of greetings, etiquette, including how to act
during a business meal, and how to negotiate a deal in regards
to promises, pricing, and settling disagreements in order to
improve the chances of closing the deal with your foreign
partner.
Being able to relate, I chose the topic of custom in culture and
business because I work for a company named eLearning Mind,
that creates digital learning modules for fortune 500 companies
and we have recently consulted with Godiva Chocolatier in
Japan. Before our Chief Learning Officer traveled to Japan to
consult with the team, I helped him research Japanese customs
and culture before traveling across the world. Having this
knowledge before the meetings helped our CLO to close the
deal and create a great relationship with our client.
After reading both the article and our text, I have learned a lot
about how customs fit into globalization and how careful you
need to be in order to respect others and their cultures along
with your own.
Discussion Question: What do you believe are some of the most
important customs to respect and learn when traveling around
the world?
References: Bath, V. (2018, July 16). Cultural Competency Is
Key To International Brand
Success. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeslacouncil/2018/07/
16/cultural-competency-is-key-to-international-brand-
success/#5477187e53c0
Thrastardottir, A. (2015, February 18). 11 Japanese customs
that are shocking to foreign travelers. Retrieved
from https://www.businessinsider.com/japanese-customs-that-
are-shocking-to-foreign-travelers-2015-2
Wild, J., Wild, K. (2019) International Business: The

Challenges of Globalization (pg 47). Pearson Education

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