59 Historical Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility key challenges (apart from the built environment, legislation and policy) is stakeholder engagement, including with its internal business and operations stakeholders. Another challenge for consistent implementation of Plan A's operations goals results from the mixed ownership models of its stores, with some franchised and others fully owned. M&S has also continued to struggle to manage its supply chains. For example, challenges have been encountered in relation to the sustainable sourcing of natural resources to its food suppliers. The implementation of some sustainability initiatives in country-specic polit- ical and social landscapes has also posed difculties. Elman cited the com- pany's well-known and successful 'Shwopping' initiative, which facilitates clothing recycling in the UK as an example. Such a concept is not transferable to other countries where M848 is present, egg. in India, as there is no established practice of throwaway textiles. Clearly, the introduction and implementation of 'Plan A' has not been without its challenges. Yet, as a company that has survived and fought for its existence and relevance for over a century, its goal of being the world's most sustainable retailer may yet be within its reach. Questions for Discussion 1. In what ways did the social responsibility issues, modes and rationales undertaken by M&S complement its wider business model? 2. Why did M&S invest so heavily in CSR during the early 19805? 3. What else could M&S have done in response to the 'internationalisation imperative\"? 4. What sort of risks and benets do you envisage for M&S being a rst mover in sustainability strategy