Product details

This case covers a relatively short, but intense, period of time between late 2021 and early 2022. The focus is on silicon chip designer, Arm, the biggest European player in its industry, and a dilemma faced by the protagonist (Simon Humphrey). As Arm's Senior Sustainability Manager, Simon has to decide whether to go ahead with committing his employer to adopt the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Impact Standards (SDG Impact Standards). The case outlines the factors influencing that decision. Simon's and Arm's ability to commit to implementing these Standards is complicated by the emergence of a controversial acquisition attempt by US chip fabricator NVIDIA. While that acquisition ultimately falls through, the uncertainty regarding Arm's ownership is only exacerbated, as Arm's parent, Softbank, proposes the alternative of taking Arm public via an IPO. Changes in top management personnel, and potential structural reorganisation at the company add further complications to Simon's decision. The immediate issue is whether Simon would be successful in maintaining Arm's focus and commitment to the transformational shift in operations and decision-making demanded by the UNDP's SDG Impact Standards, despite the ongoing changes in ownership of the company.