Mini-Case
"These are exciting times for our company. We've made a lot of changes over the past two years that have really improved our operations and lowered our costs. Now we are ready to expand into new markets. Minimotors is on its way to becoming a global player." The speaker was Sparky Weyer, president and CEO of Minimotors, Inc., a growing manufacturer of small (some of them downright tiny) electric motors used in a variety of power tools and appliances. Sparky was meeting with potential financial backers in an effort to obtain funding for some expensive new machinery he wanted to purchase. "You may have heard about some of the ways we've cut costs," Sparky continued. "We've developed a new arrangement with several of our biggest suppliers. They've agreed to make more frequent deliveries tied directly to our production schedules. This will help us reduce our inventory costs dramatically. We've also greatly reduced the number of defective motors we produce by carefully keeping tabs on all of our manufacturing processes. In fact, we have set a goal of reducing our defects to 3.4 parts per million. The main purpose of my meeting with you today is because we want to install some sophisticated new machinery and software that will allow us to quickly design and produce motors to the exact specifications of our customers. The machinery is computer-controlled and can produce custom-designed products at very little increase in cost compared to our mass-produced motors. We feel this flexibility and quick response time will give us a tremendous competitive advantage and help us attract new customers. Installing the new equipment and training our workers to use it properly will be a complex project, but I'm confident that once we get everything up and running we'll be able to strengthen our position as the leading maker of high-quality electric motors."
-While Minimotors has focused on improving production efficiencies, global customers are inquiring about its environmental policies. In light of its strategy to serve European customers, Sparky has requested two of its lead engineers to investigate what it would take to meet the environmental standards of its socially responsible customers. The engineers should investigate ___________ as best practices for managing a firm's impact on its environment.
A) the EPA's minimum pollution standards
B) ISO 14000
C) RG3 Regulations
D) WTO environmental policy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ISO 14000 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It provides guidelines and best practices for organizations to minimize their negative impact on the environment and comply with environmental regulations. As Minimotors is expanding into new markets, including Europe, which places a high importance on socially responsible business practices, ISO 14000 certification would demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and potentially attract new customers. The other options, such as the EPA's minimum pollution standards, RG3 Regulations, and WTO environmental policy, may be relevant to environmental management but do not provide as comprehensive guidelines as ISO 14000.

Mini-Case "These Are Exciting Times for Our Company. We've Made a a Lot