PRODUCTS BY CATEGORY: International
Apple Incorporated: European Commission Fines Apple for Tax Evasion
In 1991, Apple, Inc. struck a tax deal with the government of Ireland to pay exceptionally low tax
rates on income earned there. This was contingent on the condition that the California-based
company carry out all of its European operations in Ireland. This tax break has been described by
the European Union as “state aid.” To remedy the situation, the E.U. has ordered Apple to pay
Ireland €13 Billion plus interest (equivalent to $14.5 Billion) for unpaid taxes between the years
2003 and 2014. This decision has left Apple, the United States, and the Republic Ireland
displeased. (A) Case, 13 pp. (B) Case, 4 pp. Case #17-01. (2017)
Bank of America: The Death of an Intern
On August 15th 2013, Moritz Erhardt was found dead at his student housing. The official cause of death was an epileptic seizure possibly caused by the long hours and lack of rest associated to his work, after pulling “all-nighters” and “magic-roundabouts” for three days in a row during his summer internship in the investment banking area at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch. 22 pp. Case # 13-09 (2013)
Honda Motor Company: Communication and the Takata Airbag Crisis
BP and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
An April 20, 2010 explosion on board the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil-drilling platform killed 11 workers, injured 17 and triggered a leak that spilled more than 206 million gallons of oil over 665 miles of coastline and 4,000 square miles of fishing waters. This case discusses the events that led to the disaster and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It also outlines key figures within BP’s organization and how they factored into the long and difficult corporate communications process. (A) case, 13 pp. (B) case, 2 pp. Case # 11-04 (2011)