Justmeans's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/practitionerupdates/4437.htmlTue, 21 May 2013 13:16:15 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Conflict-Materials--A-New-Challenge-for-Business/33520.htmlMon, 04 Oct 2010 05:51:58 GMTCatherine Greenlaw When is a cell phone like a rock? If you have been following the "conflict minerals" issue, the question may seem a little less odd. The recent attention on the source of the basic minerals (i.e., rocks) in electronics (e.g., cell phones) and other products has linked the supply chain from end to end - raw materials to final product. The reason for this attention is that some of the places producing these minerals suffer from prolonged conflict. Specifically, in the Democratic Republic of Congo Read Full Article ]]> When is a cell phone like a rock? If you have been following the "conflict minerals" issue, the question may seem a little less odd. The recent attention on the source of the basic minerals (i.e., rocks) in electronics (e.g., cell phones) and other products has linked the supply chain from end to end - raw materials to final product. The reason for this attention is that some of the places producing these minerals suffer from prolonged conflict. Specifically, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) armed groups control much of the mineral-rich Eastern region of the country. Funded by the mineral production in this area, these armed groups have been linked to human rights violations, labor abuses and environmental degradation. By shining a light on where the metals from the DRC end up - such as cell phones and other electronic devices - activist groups hope to stem the abuses in the DRC by cutting off funding to the armed militias. In an unprecedented move, the United States Congress recently passed a new law requiring US-based public companies to disclose the measures they have taken to eliminate so-called "conflict minerals" from their supply chains. This new law - part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform bill signed by President Obama in July - requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to draft a rule by April 2011 setting out new reporting requirements. Under the rule, any US-based publicly-traded company must report the measures it has taken to eliminate conflict metals from its supply chain as well as disclose any additional products that are not "conflict-free." Since the law covers four metals - tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold - it affects a broad swath of the American economy. From jewelry to jets and cars to computers (probably including the one you're using right now), many products contain these materials. Most of the companies affected by the law have little or no knowledge of the sources, much less the mining conditions, of the minerals used in their products. Companies that may only design and market a product will now have to assess their entire supply chain. As a leader in corporate responsibility, AMD is appalled by the stories of conflict, human rights violations, labor and environmental abuses in the DRC. While mining is several steps away from our work designing products, we are nonetheless concerned and are taking action. AMD is taking a leadership position in the ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogue on this issue involving multiple industrial sectors, non-profit activist groups and socially responsible investment firms. The goal of this dialogue is to develop a workable consensus policy for both implementation of the US law and the diplomacy aimed at ending the human suffering in the DRC. In addition to the efforts above, we are working with our industry partners, through the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), to trace the sources of these metals. Through this group's efforts, smelters of these minerals are being audited to determine the sources of ore. The ultimate intent of these efforts is to eliminate minerals associated with funding conflict and human rights abuses from entering the electronics supply chain. Taking a giant step back from the requirements of the new law, it is fascinating to consider how this issue represents our truly globalized society. When footwear and apparel brands assumed responsibility for the labor conditions in the off-shore factories making their products in the 80's and 90's, we entered a new era of corporate responsibility that spanned national borders and changed the relationship between brand and manufacturing companies. Fast forward a couple of decades, and now we have a law requiring a company designing products in California to be responsible for the mining conditions half a world away in the Congo. Will this work? The short answer is no one knows yet, but just about all the stakeholders agree that tracking metals through the supply chain is only a part of the ultimate solution. Even if the affected industries are able to quickly band together and develop an effective means to track these metals, there are few failsafe systems that cannot be foiled by determined interests. Tracking these metals is a start, but a sustainable end to the suffering in the Congo will take more. Deeply rooted socio-economic factors must be addressed by governments, civil society and private sector interests and other stakeholders. While the private sector has a role in this discussion by providing jobs, fair wages, ethical business practices and good working conditions, true success must involve all stakeholders. What is certain is that numerous companies are looking deeper in their supply chains than ever before. While this is costly and time-consuming, new relationships are being forged, awareness is being raised, and information is being shared that will ultimately build greater cohesion across the global supply chain. Tim Mohin is Director of Corporate Responsibility at AMD and a board member of Net Impact. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD's positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links sites and no endorsement is implied.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/AMD-Corporate-Responsibility-Blog--Why-I-Chose-AMD/32827.htmlWed, 29 Sep 2010 05:39:06 GMTTim Mohin Recently I joined AMD - Advanced Micro Devices - as director of Corporate Responsibility. Given that I worked for almost 12 years at our much larger and better funded competitor Intel, you might ask"why did I join AMD?"To be sure, there are many factors that go into a life-changing career decision - the position, the location, the team, the programs but perhaps the most interesting in this context is the cultural element.When I began to consider AMD, I did some basic research. This is a company Read Full Article ]]> Recently I joined AMD - Advanced Micro Devices - as director of Corporate Responsibility. Given that I worked for almost 12 years at our much larger and better funded competitor Intel, you might ask"why did I join AMD?"To be sure, there are many factors that go into a life-changing career decision - the position, the location, the team, the programs but perhaps the most interesting in this context is the cultural element.When I began to consider AMD, I did some basic research. This is a company that just a short time ago was on a lot of "likely to go under" listskind of scary when you are thinking about signing up. But I dug a little deeper and found that at the very same moment, AMD was also on the list of the 100 most sustainable companies as well as the list of the 100 best corporate citizensan interesting dichotomy.More than 40 years ago the company's iconic founder, Jerry Sanders, set the tone with these words: "People first: products and profits will follow." This began a long history of community engagement, environmental responsibility and giving. For example, AMD established a policy to give back 1% of pre-tax profits before Ben and Jerry's scooped their first ice cream cone.But it is about more than just being a good citizen. Although I am still in my first 40 days as I write this, the culture here has debunked the prevailing myth that the tech industry is brutal and cold. Without exception, the people are warm, welcoming and talented. Collaboration is welcome and people make and meet commitments.Perhaps the most exciting element is the high level of optimism. It is palpable and somewhat infectious. After some of the most challenging times and biggest changes in the company's history, we have the right team, right strategy and - most importantly - the right values to innovate our way to new heights.That old saw: "nice guys finish last" definitely does not apply in this case. AMD is focused and poised.So, I consider myself very fortunate. I have joined a program with a great legacy, within a caring culture and with leaders charting a winning path forward. Mapping out the next steps for AMD's Corporate Responsibility strategy is an honorand a lot of fun.Tim Mohin is Director, Corporate Responsibility at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD's positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links sites and no endorsement is implied.]]>