Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Business Studies
Lesson Topic: ethical issues which may affect businesses, e.g. child labour, paying fair wages to employees, paying fair prices to suppliers, using suppliers who do not damage the environment
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main ethical issues that can affect businesses (child labour, fair wages, supplier pricing, environmental impact).
  • Explain the potential consequences of unethical practices for businesses and their stakeholders.
  • Evaluate strategies that businesses can use to address ethical issues in operations and supply chains.
  • Apply a decision‑making framework to a case study, identifying appropriate actions to mitigate ethical risks.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation on ethical issues
  • Printed case study handout (Company XYZ example)
  • Worksheet with scenario analysis questions
  • Flip chart or whiteboard with markers for group brainstorming
  • Internet access for research on fair‑trade certifications
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing headlines about child‑labour scandals to capture interest. Ask students to recall recent news stories about unethical business practices and discuss why these matters matter to consumers and companies. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify key ethical issues, analyse their impacts, and propose practical solutions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write one example of an unethical practice they have heard about and share with a partner; responses are collected on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key ethical issues (child labour, fair wages, supplier pricing, environmental impact) using slides.
  3. Impact analysis (10'): In pairs, examine the consequences table, discuss short‑term vs long‑term risks, and complete a quick checklist.
  4. Case study investigation (15'): Distribute the XYZ case study handout; groups identify what went wrong and list the actions taken by the company.
  5. Strategy brainstorming (10'): Using a flip chart, groups propose additional measures (code of conduct, audits, stakeholder engagement, certifications) and justify their choices.
  6. Plenary & formative check (5'): Whole class creates a flowchart summarising the process of identifying and addressing ethical issues; students submit an exit‑ticket note with one actionable recommendation.
Conclusion:
Summarise how ethical considerations influence profitability, reputation, and legal compliance. Ask students to write one actionable step they would recommend to a local business as an exit ticket. For homework, students research a real company’s CSR report and prepare a brief critique of its ethical practices.