EXAM QUESTION

Code: 01

Tracking number: Office use code

(for student) ……… ………..

Program: Management Lecturer’s Signature & full name

Course Code: INS1027 (PHL115)
Course Title: Ethics
Level: UG Date:

Time allowed: 01 week Department’s Signature

Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM

Date: ………………………………

Instructions to students:
- Opened book examination making a group assignment.
- Groups of students are required to send the lecturer both electronic and hard copy with
2000-2500 words, including appendices.
1. Student name:
Pham Thi Phuong Thao / Phạm Thị Phương Thảo
(Written in English and in Vietnamese)

2. Date of birth: 26/11/2003

3. Student ID No: 436656 / 21073253

4. Class: VISK2021B

5. Invigilator’s signature:

This exam paper contains 2 pages, including the cover page.

 PHL115

Office use code

………….

Total mark (written in numbers):

Total mark (written in words):

Marker’s signature:
 PHL115

EXAM QUESTION
Code: 01

Tracking number: Office use code

(for student) ……… ………..

Program: Management Lecturer’s Signature & full name

Course Code: INS1027 (PHL115)
Course Title: Ethics
Level: UG Date:

Time allowed: 01 week Department’s Signature

Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM

Date: ………………………………

Instructions to students:
- Opened book examination making a group assignment.
- Groups of students are required to send the lecturer both electronic and hard copy with
2000-2500 words, including appendices.
6. Student name:
Tran Khanh Linh / Trần Khánh Linh
(Written in English and in Vietnamese)

7. Date of birth: 01/04/2003

8. Student ID No: 436679 / 21073146

9. Class: VISK2021B

10. Invigilator’s signature:

This exam paper contains 2 pages, including the cover page.

 PHL115

Office use code

………….

Total mark (written in numbers):

Total mark (written in words):

Marker’s signature:
 PHL115

EXAM QUESTION
Code: 01

Tracking number: Office use code

(for student) ……… ………..

Program: Management Lecturer’s Signature & full name

Course Code: INS1027 (PHL115)
Course Title: Ethics
Level: UG Date:

Time allowed: 01 week Department’s Signature

Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM

Date: ………………………………

Instructions to students:
- Opened book examination making a group assignment.
- Groups of students are required to send the lecturer both electronic and hard copy with
2000-2500 words, including appendices.
11. Student name:
Dong Phuong Linh / Đồng Phương Linh
(Written in English and in Vietnamese)

12. Date of birth: 31/08/2003

13. Student ID No: 436515 / 21073191

14. Class: VISK2021B

15. Invigilator’s signature:

This exam paper contains 2 pages, including the cover page.

 PHL115

Office use code

………….

Total mark (written in numbers):

Total mark (written in words):

Marker’s signature:
 PHL115

EXAM QUESTION
Code: 01

Tracking number: Office use code

(for student) ……… ………..

Program: Management Lecturer’s Signature & full name

Course Code: INS1027 (PHL115)
Course Title: Ethics
Level: UG Date:

Time allowed: 01 week Department’s Signature

Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM

Date: ………………………………

Instructions to students:
- Opened book examination making a group assignment.
- Groups of students are required to send the lecturer both electronic and hard copy with
2000-2500 words, including appendices.
16. Student name:
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen / Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền
(Written in English and in Vietnamese)

17. Date of birth: 28/10/2003

18. Student ID No: 436587 / 21073173

19. Class: VISK2021B

20. Invigilator’s signature:

This exam paper contains 2 pages, including the cover page.

 PHL115

Office use code

………….

Total mark (written in numbers):

Total mark (written in words):

Marker’s signature:
 PHL115

EXAM QUESTION
Code: 01

Tracking number: Office use code

(for student) ……… ………..

Program: Management Lecturer’s Signature & full name

Course Code: INS1027 (PHL115)
Course Title: Ethics
Level: UG Date:

Time allowed: 01 week Department’s Signature

Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM

Date: ………………………………

Instructions to students:
- Opened book examination making a group assignment.
- Groups of students are required to send the lecturer both electronic and hard copy with
2000-2500 words, including appendices.
21. Student name:
Nguyen Duc Anh / Nguyễn Đức Anh
(Written in English and in Vietnamese)

22. Date of birth: 26/01/2003

23. Student ID No: 426559 / 21073472

24. Class: VISK2021B

25. Invigilator’s signature:

This exam paper contains 2 pages, including the cover page.

 PHL115

Office use code

………….

Total mark (written in numbers):

Total mark (written in words):

Marker’s signature:
 A REPORT ON ROCHE FOR FINAL EXAM

Prepared by: Group 8

A student from: International School - Vietnam National University

Prepared for: Mr. Rez Alexis DC

July 2023
 PHL115

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE ................................................................................................. 2

FINDINGS ..................................................................................................... 3

I. Overview of a FDI Company in Vietnam ....................................... 3

II. Types of Business Ethics in this company ...................................... 4
III. Challenges for Implementing an Ethics Program of the country ... 8
IV. How to solve challenges related to the business ethics ................. 9

APPENDICE .................................................................................................. 11

BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................ 12

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COVER PAGE
1. Reasons of why choosing this company

Roche is a leading company in the medical industry with a long history of innovation and
research and development. According to the Great Place to Work report in 2021, Roche has
a strong R&D background and a dedicated and experienced team. This makes it an ideal
choice for anyone looking to work with a company that values research and development.
In addition to its commitment to research and development, Roche is also a company that
places a high value on environmental protection and social responsibility. These values are
at the core of the company's mission, and they are reflected in its business practices and
operations. As a company that is committed to sustainability, Roche is taking an active role
in protecting the environment and ensuring that its operations have a minimal impact on
the planet.

Finally, as a global company with a presence in almost every country in the world, Roche is
well-positioned to offer opportunities for growth and development to its employees. (Great
Place To Work, 2021)

2. About the Business Ethics of Roche

Roche is a company that strongly values ethical business practices and corporate
responsibility. According to the company's website, Roche has implemented a number of
policies and initiatives to ensure that its business practices are in line with its values. This
commitment to ethical behavior is a key principle of the company, and Roche defines
integrity as "doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." In addition to its
commitment to integrity, Roche is also committed to transparency. The company regularly
discloses information about its business practices and performance, and is committed to
maintaining open communication with its stakeholders. (Roche, 2023)

3. About the interviewee

We have selected someone who is working for a manager position in Customer Engagement
Lead of Roche company in Vietnam (Hoffmann-La Roche). The project needed to interview a
manager and we chose to interview Mrs. Phan Thi To Hoai (Mrs. Hoai), currently a manager
at Roche Pharma Vietnam with over 9 years of operational experience. Reason that we
chose this interviewee is that with the long working experience in the company, she
understands the company’s fields including the areas that we are looking for information.

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FINDINGS
I. Overview of Roche

1. Brand

Roche is a 125 - year - old pharmaceutical company, having evolved into a global leader
in the industry and providing people with life-changing solutions. It is also considered as
one of the world’s largest biotech companies, a leading provider of in-vitro diagnostics
and a global supplier of transformative, innovative solutions across major disease areas.
From developing diagnostics and treatments, to harnessing the power of data to shape
innovations of the future, Roche is an integrated healthcare company with a culture of
integrity, courage, and passion.

2. Business line

Roche focuses on finding new medicines and diagnostics and establishing data-based
insights that evolve the practice of medicine and help patients live longer, better lives.
Being a family-owned company allows the company to pay attention to long-lasting
investments, take greater risks, and explore innovative new ways to improve people’s
health around the world.

3. Target market

Roche takes responsibility for being an innovator across major disease areas, including
oncology, neurology, infectious diseases, and ophthalmology. They want to contribute
to a better society by enabling the right treatment for the right patient at the right time
for the right value. They have a belief: Cutting-edge science and technology can and will
improve human health.

4. Organization culture

• Sustainability:

Sustainability is one of the bright points in the organization culture at Roche. Up to now,
Roche’s commitment to their people, partners, stakeholders, and, most importantly,
their patients remains as strong as it was on the first day of their journey. Their purpose
is to do now what patients need next. How they identify and meet those needs − what
they do every day − must be sustainable if they are to succeed.

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• Inclusion and respect for cultures:

According to Mrs. Hoai, as a Sweden multinational company that has expanded its
network of facilities in many countries around the world,to harmonize its organizational
culture with many different national cultures, Roche is always aware of the need to
respect the cultures of the countries in which Roche is located, upholding the core
values of the company culture and are not afraid to make positive changes to integrate
into a new culture.

Vietnam is a country with a unique and diverse culture. Besides, Vietnam is also a
potential market for the company's research and business work. As stated by Mrs. Hoai,
therefore, when deciding to set up a branch in Vietnam, Roche has made certain
changes in its policy, business strategy, marketing strategy, etc. to better suit its
Vietnamese employees, customers, business market and culture.

• Integrity:

According to the viewpoint of Mrs. Hoai, in addition to sustainability, which sustains and
drives the economic growth, business and social activities of Roche and its partners, a
factor that contributes to the company's growth today is Integrity. In the mindset of
Roche, integrity is not only the foundation of a successful and sustainable business, but
also a cleaner and fairer future.

II. Types of Business Ethics in this company

1. Corporate Responsibility

• Training, development, and welfare:

According to Mrs. Hoai, the company consistently provides free training courses and
organizes internal workshops for employees to share knowledge and engage in
discussions. Each employee receives an annual sponsorship of 10 million VND for their
learning, personal development, and career advancement. Furthermore, Roche Vietnam
is currently implementing the "Learning Organization" program, emphasizing the
importance of continuous learning and development within the company.

• Health care:

Roche purchases high-value health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage for its
employees. The company also conducts regular health check-up programs and has a
dedicated psychological support department to care for the mental well-being of all
employees.

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• Working conditions:

Roche ensures that its facilities meet high standards, providing a comfortable and
conducive working environment for its employees. This includes well-equipped offices,
dining areas, and medical rooms, all of which maintain a high level of quality.

• Fire safety and traffic safety standards:

The company has organized Advanced Survival Skills Awareness Training (Roche, 2020)
for all employees to enhance their knowledge and awareness of Safety, Health, and
Environmental Protection (SHE).

2. Social Responsibility

In addition to business objectives related to sales and profits, Roche places a strong focus
on corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

• Proving advanced solutions for patients:

According to Mrs. Hoai, about the company's contributions to social benefits, it mentions
that Roche is a pharmaceutical company with a mission to provide advanced solutions for
patients, particularly those suffering from serious illnesses. One of Roche's initiatives was
the collaboration with the Vietnam Medical Association (VMA) in 2020 to establish the
project "Enhancing access to advanced breast cancer treatment for high-risk patients" (Sức
khỏe & đời sống, 2021) (Image 1). The goal was to raise community awareness about breast
cancer and the importance of early screening and detection.

Credit: Enhancing access to advanced breast cancer treatment for high-risk patients

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Furthermore, Mrs. Hoai stated that Roche has been a partner with the Bright Tomorrow
Fund - a fund for cancer patients, providing over 300 billion VND in support (Image 2).

Credit: Bright Tomorrow Fund

• Organizing charity programs:

The "Roche Children's Walk" fundraising program has been running in Vietnam for 12
years with the aim of raising funds and raising awareness for underprivileged children
highlights Roche's strong sense of social responsibility and compassion towards the
well-being of the communities it serves (Sức khỏe & đời sống, 2021) (Image 3).

Credit: Roche Children's Walk

According to Mrs. Hoai's comments, this initiative has had a positive impact on activities
benefiting children in over 60 communities worldwide, including Vietnam. In 2023, just
one month after its launch, Roche Vietnam had collectively accumulated 21 million
steps, leading to a generous contribution of 200 million VND to the local CSR funds.

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• Gender equality:

Roche has organized a group discussion with the theme "Leading for Equality & Equity"
to promote gender equality and empower women in the field (Sức khỏe & đời sống,
2021).

Mrs. Hoai shared more about a program dedicated to women that Roche is a major
sponsor of, called "Chung tay vì người Phụ nữ tôi yêu" (previously known as "We care
for her") (Image 4). This program focuses on raising public awareness, particularly
among women, about breast cancer.

Credit: Chung tay vì người phụ nữ tôi yêu

• Environment:

The company considers Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) as a crucial aspect of its
commitment to sustainable development. Roche has set a 5-year SHE target for the
period 2020-2025 within its "10-year Expectations," which includes a 50% reduction in
environmental impact and aims to achieve carbon neutrality for its operations and
energy purchases by the year 2050 (Sức khỏe & đời sống, 2021).

3. Technology Responsibility:

Roche continuously strives to improve and integrate technology into its workflow to
enhance productivity and benefit its employees, customers, and society. According to
Mrs. Hoai, the company has adopted digital solutions such as online conferences,
electronic invitations, and documentation to increase work efficiency and improve
customer experiences. These initiatives have been particularly valuable during the
Covid-19 pandemic.

Roche remains at the forefront of researching and developing innovative methods,

leveraging digital technology achievements to enhance the standard of care for patients.
This includes organizing scientific seminars such as "Anticipating Trends, Enhancing
Diagnostics" (Roche, 2020), aiming to stay ahead in the field and improve diagnostic

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practices for typical patients.

4. Personal Responsibility

Mrs. Hoai emphasizes the responsibilities of employees towards their work and the
company, stating that each employee in the company is self-aware of their roles and
responsibilities regarding their tasks. With a decentralized work model, employees
proactively identify and address issues while continuously improving their skills to
enhance work productivity and successfully complete their assignments.

Employees are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This
sense of ownership fosters a culture of accountability, where employees are motivated
to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall success of the company. By taking
initiative and continuously improving themselves, employees not only enhance their
individual performance but also contribute to the growth and success of the
organization as a whole.

III. Challenges for Implementing an Ethics Program of the country

• Challenge 1: Balancing the price of treatment with the financial capacity of patients:

Roche is a leading global company providing effective drugs for various common and
rare types of cancer, as well as infectious diseases. This has brought about the
difference and highlight of Roche Overall, cancer prevention and control remain a major
challenge for the healthcare system in Vietnam, with cancer patients facing difficulties
in accessing expensive treatments and many patients unable to afford advanced
treatment methods (Tuoi tre thu do, 2022). However, on the contrary, investing in drug
research and cancer treatment methods requires a significant amount of cost. Mrs. To
Hoai shared that Roche is a business company, so naturally, the goal is profit and sales
will always be an important factor. However, as a pharmaceutical company with a
mission to provide advanced solutions for patients, especially cancer and rare disease
patients, constantly caring about the benefits for society and the community is a big
goal that Roche focuses on achieving.

• Challenge 2: Roche is not allowed to have direct patient contact due to regulations:

Roche has not only had a significant impact on society through its healthcare treatment
services, but also through its community activities. For example, Roche has made
significant contributions to the "Bright Tomorrow Fund" - a fund for cancer patients, as
well as the "Love Moon Festival" in collaboration with the Volunteer Club "Dom Dom
Dem", the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Children's Hospital.
These are all activities aimed at supporting cancer patients in difficult situations and
children undergoing treatment at hospitals. Therefore, almost all activities are organized
in partnership with third parties that have legal status. This is also a challenge for Roche
because the company can only act as a representative for the program and cannot

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directly know the feedback from patients.

IV. Solve problem related to the business ethics

1. Challenge: Balancing the price of treatment with the financial capacity of patients,
Roche has implemented the following solutions:

• Roche focuses on fitting treatments to patients: Providing the right therapy for the
right patient to ensure the best response at the right time for the right value. (Roche,
2023)

• Support and discount programs: Roche designs support and discount programs for
important pharmaceutical products. In 2012, to provide opportunities for patients with
hepatitis B and C, many of whom were financially disadvantaged, Roche actively
reduced the price of Pegasys by more than 20% in Vietnam. (Infonet, 2012)

• Collaboration with non-governmental organizations: Roche often collaborates with

non-governmental organizations to carry out meaningful social activities. Through these
collaborations, the company can optimize resources and provide more effective support
programs for the community.

2. Challenge: Roche is not allowed to have direct patient contact due to regulations,
Roche has implemented the following solutions:

• Roche has designed a website and various social media channels (Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter) to share information about their social activities and success stories from the
community. These channels allow the company to interact with the community and
receive feedback from patients conveniently.

• Collaboration through partner organizations: Roche actively cooperates with non-

governmental organizations. These organizations serve as intermediaries, allowing
Roche to get closer to patients. According to Mrs. Hoai, all activities related to patients
are coordinated with a third party (Association, hospital, or an organization with legal
status).

3. Mrs. Hoai claims that none of Roche's activities that do not meet ethical standards will
be carried out because the company always upholds the ethical standards of its
partners and itself. Roche always communicates this to partners for the best possible
cooperation. To ensure adherence to ethical standards, Roche has taken the following
steps:

• Program development: Each program must develop a proposal including information

such as project description and duration, measurable objectives, information about the
partner organization including proof of legal status, and amount of funding or other

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resources required. (Roche, 2022)

• Program approval:

The program proposals must be submitted to the CSR Committee and thereafter to the
Board of the Company for their approval. (Roche, 2022)

Any proposal for CSR activity from employees of the Company shall be first vetted by
the CSR Taskforce, to confirm whether it meets the criteria of Policy and guidelines.
(Roche, 2022)

• Monitoring:

CSR activities will be closely monitored and funds shall be released as per the approved
work plans. (Roche, 2022)

The CSR spending will be audited in an accountable and transparent manner. (Roche,
2022)

The CSR Committee shall meet at least twice in every financial year to monitor the
implementation of CSR plans and activities. (Roche, 2022)

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APPENDICES
Questionnaires:
1. First of all, could you introduce yourself and talk about your work experience at the
company?

2. As a company from Sweden, how does Roche reconcile its organizational culture with
various other national cultures? How did Roche integrate itself when entering Vietnam?

3. Besides emphasizing sustainability as a company's core value, are there any other
organizational cultures that you feel are strengths of Roche throughout your work
experience?

4. Ever since this company has been established, what are some Business Ethics activities
you have done? Such as:
• What has the company done for its employees?
• What has the company done for external stakeholders (customers, society,
government, community, nature & environment, animals, in general)?
What responsibilities do employees fulfill in their job roles?
• How has the company utilized technology to make a positive impact?

5. Roche and its 125-year journey are constantly developing and delivering innovative
diagnostic products and services that deliver significant benefits to patients. Besides,
the company also has activities oriented with the mission of bringing advanced
healthcare solutions, contributing to improving the quality of life of patients across the
country.
• In general, in order for the activities to take place in the most successful way,
what challenges does the company usually face? (Some challenges can be listed)
• What challenge will be the most difficult that the company has faced when
organizing the program?
• Does that have a big impact on the implementation process?

6. Based on the challenges above, how did this company solve the problem or challenges?
Explain and add information of your company’s values, leadership, effectiveness.

Interview:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rsW6Imys9OqXRcTJYvLfvn1LbcCzgcPy?usp=sharing

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Roche, 2020. Available at: https://diagnostics.roche.com/vn/vi/news-listing/2020/giai-phap-
tong-the-cua-roche-trong-phong-chong-covid-19.html (Accessed on: July 18, 2023)
Báo Pháp Luật, 2020. Available at: https://baophapluat.vn/roche-viet-nam-va-vinacapital-
foundation-trien-khai-chuong-trinh-uoc-mo-cho-con-ho-tro-tre-em-ung-thu-post375122.html
(Accessed on: July 18, 2023)
Sức khoẻ và đời sống, 2021. Available at: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/roche-va-hanh-trinh-125-
nam-no-luc-cham-soc-suc-khoe-cong-dong-169196435.htm (Accessed on: July 18, 202)
Nguoi Lao Dong, 2022. Available at: https://phunu.nld.com.vn/lam-dep/roche-viet-nam-di-bo-
vi-tre-em-20220524150515805.htm (Accessed on: July 18, 2023)
Roche, 2020. Available at: https://diagnostics.roche.com/vn/vi/news-listing/2020/roche-chung-
tay-mang-trung-thu-yeu-thuong-toi-tre-em-co-hoan-canh-kho-khan.html (Accessed on: July 18,
2023)
Great Place To Work, 2021. Available at: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/worlds-best-
profile/roche (Accessed on: July 19, 2023)
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(Accessed on: July 19, 2023)
Storyblok, 2021. Available at: https://a.storyblok.com/f/126832/x/9c4b8699d7/behaviour-in-
business.pdf (Accessed on: July 19, 2023)
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nam-no-luc-cham-soc-suc-khoe-cong-dong-169196435.htm (Accessed on: July 18, 2023)
LinkedIn, 2023. Available at: https://vn.linkedin.com/company/rochediagnosticsvietnam
(Accessed on: July 18, 2023)
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Pháp luật Việt Nam, 2020. Available at: https://baophapluat.vn/roche-viet-nam-va-vinacapital-
foundation-trien-khai-chuong-trinh-uoc-mo-cho-con-ho-tro-tre-em-ung-thu-post375122.html
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vi-tre-em-20220524150515805.htm (Accessed on: July 17, 2023)

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Roche, 2020. Available at: https://diagnostics.roche.com/vn/vi/news-listing/2020/roche-chung-

tay-mang-trung-thu-yeu-thuong-toi-tre-em-co-hoan-canh-kho-khan.html (Accessed on: July 17,
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Roche, 2023. Available at: https://www.roche.com/about (Accessed on: July 16, 2023)

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(accessed 17 July 2023)
Roche, 2023. https://www.roche.com/about/strategy#f3c20929-6956-4c39-945f-368c2fa82914
(accessed 17 July 2023)
Infonet, 2012. Available at: https://infonet.vietnamnet.vn/fhoffmann-la-roche-giam-gia-thuoc-
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