College of Business Administration

1) Al Gore has stated that, “Making environmental improvements is often the best way to increase efficiency and therefore profitability.”

Can companies implement environmental improvements, measure them with EMS and realize more profitability? Why or why not? If so, how?

2) There are various levels organizations can deploy EMSs, and with that various costs (employee resources, training, consultants and technical resources).

Should companies spend money on EMSs with the goal of covering their expenses, or can the expense be justified with other pros i.e.--marketability as an environmentally friendly company, better public image, support from employees with similar values? How can management best alance shareholder’s expectations and their desire to invest in EMS?

3) Can implementation of EMSs following the ISO 14000 standards help the world move towards sustainability, either economically or enrivonmentally?

4) Can implementation of EMSs be achieved voluntarily, or does the Government need to force the issue? If governmental support is needed, what would be the best public policy recommendation you would offer in this regard?

5) ISO 14000 is one of many standards for EMS. Different countries and industries have created / adopted their own set of standards.

With all the different standards, how could a company make a decision on EMS?

6) Does the company you work for utilize an EMS? If so, does it follow ISO 14000 standards? What was the driving force behind either utilization of an EMS or adoption of ISO 14000 standards within your company?