BMGT496 all week discussions

Week 1

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Backgound readings:

· What is Ethics?

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/whatisethics.html

· A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

· Calculating Consequences: The Utilitarian Approach to Ethicshttp://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/calculating.html

· Rights

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/rights.html

· Justice and Fairness

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/justice.html

· The Common Good http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/commongood.html

· Ethics and Virtue

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/ethicsandvirtue.html

· Comparison Test Conclusions of Theoretical Approaches

http://ethicsops.com/CompareConclusions.php

· The Smell Test – Identify Ethical Issues

http://ethicsops.com/EthicsTestsIDEthicsIssue.php

· Glossary: Ethical Terms

http://www.ethics.org/resource/ethics-glossary

Read: Truth, Lies, and Consequences then discuss the following issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in A Framework for Thinking Ethically found above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Evaluate and discuss whether all lies have consequences, provide examples

· Assess whether a specific ethical theoretical approach could logically justify telling a white lie to a friend; provide an example

· Analyze and apply ethical theoretical approaches to evaluate whether a lie can ever be justified in business (putting aside the ethics of war which presents a different ethical framework than business ethics)

· Identify ethical issues related to lying

Dicsssion 2

This exercise it analyze the interrelationship of ethics and law in business decisions.

· A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Read article Ø The Nexus of Law and Ethics and discuss relationship of law vs. ethics vs. what is “smart” as the bases for business decisions; compare and contrast their relative importance in business decisions

· Apply ethical concepts and theoretical approaches to determine whether violating a law can ever be justified in business

Week 2

Discussion 1

This exercise it analyze the interrelationship of ethics and law in business decisions.

· A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Read article Ø The Nexus of Law and Ethics and discuss relationship of law vs. ethics vs. what is “smart” as the bases for business decisions; compare and contrast their relative importance in business decisions

· Apply ethical concepts and theoretical approaches to determine whether violating a law can ever be justified in business

Discussion 2

Read: The Ultimate Cause Of AIG's Problems

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

a. Bailout – ethics of gov bailouts - Was the company too big to fail as stated by US gov regulators? Did the US gov act ethically providing AIG a bailout funds? Who really benefitted and what ethics theory was applied by the US gov providing the bailout?

b. What stakeholders does a corporation have allegiance to and why?

c. Was the OTS [Office of Thrift Supervision] at fault??

d. What is the cure for lack of corporate responsibility?

Week 3

Discussion 1

Snowden Whistleblower case

Background articles:

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/18/19024443-analysis-why-edward-snowden-isnt-a-whistle-blower-legally-speaking?lite

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42727.pdf whistleblower law

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/18/I/37/793 espionage act

http://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1342&context=djcil asylum

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/v4dta.htm territorial asylum

http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18075-snowden-south-of-border-disclosures activities in other countries

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/09/edward-snowden-nsa-whistleblower-surveillance In the beginning and background on Snowden

http://pjmedia.com/blog/booz-allen-exec-snowden-leaks-inhibit-our-ability-to-stop-terrorism/ Booz Allen comments

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

We are all familiar with the Snowden case. There are many issues involved. But let’s tackle just a few. Discuss both Snowden’s actions and the actions of US gov. For purposes of this discussion let’s assume all his disclosures were illegal in violation of US law. But were his disclosures and actions unethical as well?

1. Discuss the ethical issues involved in

· disclosure of domestic information such as NSA accessing emails and phone records etc,

· disclosure of international actions by US and possible effects on US national security and

2. Analyze and argue in support of Snowden’s decision, addressing ethical and legal issues, while applying the 4 criteria to consider before becoming a whistleblower are:(1) do I have documentation to support my allegations?, (2)are there mechanisms within the company's chain of command to address my concerns?, (3)what are my motives?, (4)am I (and my family) financially and emotionally prepared to deal with potential consequences of whistleblowing?.

What ethical principles are being exhibited by the key players on both sides of the issues? It is encouraged to do your own research and not just rely on the articles furnished. This is a hot button issue for many but for us, let's be collegial in our discussion and deal with just the ethics of Snowden, the US and other nations actions.

Discussion 2

Read: If You Light Up on Sunday, Don’t Come in on Monday

Pick of Beer not Taken Lightly by Boss

Miller Beer Employee Fired for Drinking Bud Light

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Identify the ethical dilemma and issue(s) raised by termination of employees for drinking a competitor’s brand

· Identify the ethical dilemma and issue(s) raised by termination of employees for smoking outside the workplace

· Analyze and recommend a policy regarding employees’ off duty conduct and lifestyles, addressing ethical and legal constraints and protections, employee and employer rights and what, if any, off duty conduct could result in sanctions or termination

Week 4

Discussion 1

Read: Child's Play: Food Makers Hook Kids on Mobile Games

Read: FTC Shines Light on Food Ads, Kids [see link below]

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10000872396390443720204578004680626535230

If does not work merely copy the name of the article into Google and it will pull right up.

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Identify ethical issues of marketing junk food to children, under the age of 8 years, via mobile apps

· Identify ethical issues of marketing junk food to tweens, ages 9-12 years via mobile apps

· Identify ethical issues of marketing junk food to teens, ages 13-17 years via mobile apps

· Analyze and discuss whether the US government should regulate marketing to any, or all of these 3 age groups, and if so, recommend specific appropriate regulations

Discussion 2

Read Article: Buy Signal: Facebook Widens Data Targeting

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324504704578412960951909032.html

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Background: Facebook has the capability to create a profile of its users from public information purchased from state motor vehicle administrations, using offline spending habits revealed by retail bonus cards, and online search queries. Given Facebook’s access to personal information and spending habits, there is little or no online anonymity.

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Analyze and identify ethical and legal issues related to Facebook’s data targeted marketing plan

· Analyze and discuss whether a Facebook stakeholder has an interest in, and/or right to anonymity and privacy regarding personal online and offline data

· Analyze and apply ethical concepts to discuss Facebook’s ethical and legal obligations to its users

Week 5

Discussion 1

Read: Cisco Poised to Help China Keep an Eye on Its Citizens

Students will analyze ethical, legal, human rights issues and challenges related to business in China.

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

Identify the ethical dilemma Cisco faces in deciding whether to sell cameras to China

· Identify ethical, legal, human rights issues related to Cisco’s decision about whether to sell cameras to China

· Analyze how a Cisco manager could investigate and evaluate whether China would use the cameras to suppress citizens' attempts to democratize China OR use the cameras to suppress crime; analyze and discuss ethical and legal issues related to such an investigation/fact finding

· Analyze and defend a Cisco decision to refuse to sell cameras to China addressing long-term implications for shareholders, applying ethical concepts and approaches to the decision

Discussion 2

View video: Making Global Labor Fair – Auret van Heerden - 17:34 mins

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Identify and analyze ethical issues related to global supply chain human rights

· Identify and analyze ethical issues related to child labor in the global supply chain

· Analyze and discuss feasibility and adequacy of solutions to ethical and human rights problems in global supply chain as discussed in the podcast

· Analyze, evaluate, apply ethical concepts related to responsibilities of governments and businesses to protect workers in the global supply chain

Week 6

Discussion 1

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Analyze and defend Oswald’s decision for Pegasus to do business in countries where bribery is common, addressing ethical and legal issues, implications for internal and external stakeholders

· Analyze and defend Oswald’s decision for Pegasus to notdo business in countries where bribery is common, addressing ethical and legal issues, implications for internal and external stakeholders

· Analyze and discuss your reaction as a shareholder to Oswald’s decision to not do business in countries where bribery is common, addressing ethical and legal issues, impact on profitability

Discussion 2

Read: The Dhaka Factory Fire: Who is Responsible?

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions. (discuss questions below, not at end of case)

· Analyze and defend the position presented in the case that it is primarily the responsibility of governments, not international corporations, to ensure workplace safety, applying ethical issues and decision frameworks

· Analyze and argue it is primarily the responsibility of international corporations, not governments, to ensure workplace safety, applying ethical issues and decision frameworks

· Identify implications, apply ethical and legal issues in support of a corporation’s decision to not conduct business in a lucrative global market where workplace safety cannot be ensured

· Recommend and evaluate ethical and legal solution(s) a corporation could implement to ensure workplace safety, applying ethical and legal issues, implications for workers and shareholders

Week 7

Discussion 1

Read: An Overview of Fruit and Vegetable Standards Relating to Cosmetic Appearance and Pesticides

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Background:Americans' desire for cosmetically attractive fresh fruits and vegetables prompts growers to use pesticides at high, but legal, concentration levels necessary only because appearance is critical to profit. Imperfect looking fruits and vegetables are necessarily sold at barely profitable prices to secondary markets. Consequently, growers have a strong incentive to continue use of high pesticide concentrations. Many consumers are unaware of the trade-off between higher pesticide concentrations and appearance of fresh produce, but may not have the option to choose organic produce because they are typically higher cost.

Situation: Great Growers, Inc. (GGI), a highly profitable major supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables in the US admittedly uses high levels of pesticides to ensure its produce will be aesthetically appealing to consumers. Several years ago, GGI experimented with using lower levels of pesticide concentrations, but the resulting produce typically had to be sold at a loss; GGI quickly returned to using higher levels of pesticides and profits have soared. Various consumer groups are applying pressure to GGI to discontinue using high levels of pesticides on its produce.

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Identify the ethical dilemma GGI faces related to its use of high levels of pesticides

· Analyze and defend GGI’s use of higher levels of pesticides, addressing ethical and legal issues, implications for shareholders

· Evaluate and recommend solution(s) for resolving this conflict of competing interests between GGI’s desire for profitability and consumers’ desire for healthier produce

Everyone must respo

Discussion 2

Read:

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/cybercity.html

http://www.scu.edu/r/ethics-center/ethicsblog/internet-ethics/16323/The-New-Digital-Divide

http://www.scu.edu/r/ethics-center/ethicsblog/internet-ethics/15639/Internet-Access-Is-a-Privilege

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Students will analyze ethical and legal dilemmas, issues, and consequences, recommend solution(s) related to internet access in a fictitious case.

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Identify the ethical dilemma Cyber City faces in deciding whether to implement the proposed internet program

· Explain how you would vote on the proposed program, identifying and analyzing relevant ethical issues and possible consequences related to the program

· Recommend a solution(s) to address the ethical dilemma of internet access for two-thirds of the city’s population

· Analyze and discuss whether internet access is a right or privilege

Week 8

Discussion 1

Read Insider Trading Assigned Materials:

Comments from SEC website: Insider Trading Answers

http://www.sec.gov/answers/insider.htm

Article: Why Insider Trading Is Hard to Define, Prove and Preventhttp://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2379

Article:Insider Trading Enforcement

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/business/insider-trading-enforcement.html

A Framework for Thinking Ethically

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html

Students will analyze ethical issues and recommend solutions related to insider trading.

Discuss the issues listed below with your colleagues and make sure your discussion is founded on principles in following article. A Framework for Thinking Ethically above and using the Student Toolbox found in Table of Contents. Must make sure you use specific ethics principles in your discussion. You will not see other comments until you post your initial response to the discussion questions.

· Analyze and discuss ethical issues in defense of legalization of insider trading in the US

· Analyze and discuss ethical issues in defense of non-legalization of insider trading US