Mission: Bottled Water Ethics—A Corporate Ethics Challenge Scenario Introduction You have just been hired as a junior ethics advisor for an international consumer watchdog organization called Truth in

Mission: Bottled Water Ethics—A Corporate Ethics Challenge

Scenario Introduction

You have just been hired as a junior ethics advisor for an international consumer watchdog organization called Truth in Trade. Your first assignment is to conduct an independent ethics review of two rival bottled water companies—Panama Blue Water and Aqua Blue Water—and summarize your findings in a confidential report with recommendations.

Background Brief

• Panama Blue Water is a fast-growing brand in the United States, known for ethically sourced spring water, sustainable practices, and community investment in Panama. Panama Blue Water's transparency and trademarked branding have made it a consumer favorite.
• Aqua Blue Water, a new competitor, markets itself as "fresh from nature" and "pure." However, concerns have been raised about possible contamination, questionable sourcing, and misleading advertising. Consumers and regulators are starting to take notice.

Assignment Guidelines 

Your Ethics Review Report 

In the provided PowerPoint template, respond to the following prompts in a clear, professional tone as though you are writing to your team director. Use bullet points, paragraphs, or visual tools such as checklists or mini-charts. 

Part 1: Social Responsibility in Practice

• Describe the triple bottom line continuum.
• What does it mean to focus on the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit)?
• Which company is more socially responsible—Panama Blue Water or Aqua Blue Water? Why?

Part 2: The Ethics Lens 

Apply Archie Carroll’s Pyramid of Social Responsibility

• Define and briefly explain the four levels: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic.
• Based on this model, discuss how each company measures up.
• Should companies be legally required to disclose sourcing details and environmental impact? Why or why not?

Part 3: Your Recommendation to the Watchdog Council

Wrap-Up: Ethics + Law

• Why do ethics matter in business decisions, beyond just following the law?
• If a company is found to intentionally mislead consumers, what legal or financial consequences should they face?

Part 4: Ethical AI in the Bottled Water Industry

Both Panama Blue Water and Aqua Blue Water are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, market their products, and monitor environmental impact. As the junior ethics advisor, you must show how AI could shape their ethical responsibilities.

• AI Applications: Identify 2 ethical uses of AI for each company (e.g., detecting contaminants, tracking water source sustainability, or improving customer transparency).
• Risk Assessment: List 2 ethical risks of AI use in this industry (e.g., biased data leading to false safety claims or AI-generated eco-friendly marketing without proof).
• Accountability and Oversight: Recommend 1 policy or safeguard to ensure AI is used responsibly and aligns with the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit). Explain.
• Ethical AI Verdict: Decide which company is more likely to use AI ethically and justify your answer using examples from your analysis.

Please use this PowerPoint template attached to complete this assignment.

Deliverable Length: 6–8 PPT Slide Presentation with 100–150 word speaker notes per slide (not including title/reference slides)