FNCE 630: Green Finance Group Assignment: Case 1: Global Reporting Initiative - Big Company Case Assignment Overview: This group assignment focuses on the analysis of a "Big Business" venture in terms of its financing of sustainability initiatives, both within and outside its operations. Your group will also investigate how the chosen company reports its sustainable business actions, specifically examining its alignment with Global Reporting Initiatives (GRIs) and connections to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will collaboratively create and deliver a comprehensive presentation on your findings.

Assignment Objectives:

• To explore the financial strategies employed by major corporations to fund sustainability initiatives.
• To assess the various financing alternatives used within and outside business operations.
• To understand the significance of Global Reporting Initiatives (GRIs), ESG factors, and SDGs in sustainable business practices.
• To evaluate the transparency and effectiveness of a "Big Business" venture's sustainability reporting.

Assignment Components:

Selecting a "Big Business" Venture:

• Choose a well-established and notable "Big Business" that has a significant presence and impact in its industry.
• Ensure the selected company has substantial information available regarding its financing of sustainability initiatives and its reporting practices.

Research and Analysis (Group Collaboration):

• Sustainable Financing Alternatives: Research and analyze various ways in which the selected big business finances its sustainability initiatives. Consider options such as green bonds, impact investments, corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, and partnerships.
• Sustainability Reporting Analysis: Investigate how the company reports its sustainable business actions. Examine its use of Global Reporting Initiatives (GRIs), disclosure of ESG performance, and alignment with specific SDGs.

Group Presentation:

• Content: in 12-18 slides Collaboratively create a comprehensive presentation that covers the following key aspects:
  • Introduction to the selected "Big Business" venture and its industry.
  • Detailed analysis of different financing methods employed for sustainability initiatives within and outside of business operations.
  • Examination of the company's sustainability reporting practices, including GRIs, ESG factors, and SDGs alignment.
  • Discussion of the impact and effectiveness of the financing and reporting strategies on the company's sustainable practices.
• Visual Aids: Incorporate charts, graphs, images, and other visual aids to enhance the clarity and impact of your presentation.
• Presentation Style: Ensure the presentation is engaging, coherent, and effectively convey your group's findings. This is a group presentation.
• Record the presentation and share the link: You must record your presentations and then share them through a link mentioned on the first page of your submitted presentation file; make sure that the shared link is open for download and access by anyone who receives the link, test the functioning of the link (perhaps by asking another person before bringing it on the first cover slide)

Individual Contributions:

• Each group member should actively participate and contribute to the research, analysis, and development of the presentation content.
• Clearly outline and assign responsibilities for each group member, such as slide creation, data collection, and speaker notes.
• Your group has a total presentation time of between 2 and 3 minutes per group member.

Submission:

• Submit the final group presentation slides, speaker notes, and any other required materials as per the instructor's instructions.
• Please study the group project rubrics carefully before the submission.
• Only a PDF file or power point file with the link to access your recorded session is acceptable.
• One submission from each team is enough.
• The report submission deadline is as per above.

Grading Criteria: Your group assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Thoroughness and accuracy of research and analysis.
• Clarity, coherence, and organization of the presentation content.
• Appropriateness and effectiveness of visual aids.
• Demonstration of understanding of sustainable financing strategies, reporting practices, and their impact.
• Collaboration and active participation of all group members.

Important Note: Ensure proper citations and references for all sources used in your research. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary actions. Effective collaboration and communication within the group are essential for the successful completion of this assignment.