Case study

Do Discussion #2 over your choice of the following two cases studies:

Option A: Case Study #3: “The Corporate Data Breach of Ashley Madison.” Be sure you have read the instructions and the grading rubric. (I won't remind you of this again. By now you should know.)

You may choose ONE of the following questions for your focus for this case study:

1. What are the rights of customers who engage in e-commerce? What is a company’s responsibility with regard to the personal information of customers and other stakeholders?

2. Is it appropriate or ethical for a company such as Ashley Madison to profit by embracing a mission that promotes infidelity among people in marriages or committed relationships? (Notice that there is a difference in this question and asking whether or not it is legal.)

Option B: Case Study #4: “Legalizing Marijuana in the United States.”

Question for cast study #4: In what ways is a decision about legalizing marijuana for recreational use different from a decision about legalizing it for medical use?

Answers to Questions 1 through 7 can help gather the information necessary for performing an ethical analysis. Based on this information, one can develop a decision that has the strongest ethical basis.

Who are all the people affected by the action? (stakeholder analysis)

Is the action beneficial to me? (egoism)

Is the action supported by my social group? (social group relativism)

Is the action supported by national laws? (cultural relativism)

Is the action for the greatest good of the greatest number of people affected by it? (utilitarianism)

Does the action treat every stakeholder with respect and dignity, and is the act something that everyone should do? (deontology)

Is this how a virtuous person would act? (virtue ethics)

If answers to Questions 2 through 7 are all “yes,” then do it.

If answers to Questions 2 through 7 are all “no,” then do not do it.

If answers to Questions 2 through 7 are mixed, then modify your decision.

If answers to Questions 5, 6, and 7 are “yes,” this action is the most You may need to modify this decision in consideration of any “no” answer to Questions 2 through 4.

If answers to Questions 5, 6, and 7 are “no,” this action is the least Modify this decision in consideration of these objections.

If answers to Questions 5, 6, and 7 are mixed, this action is moderately Modify this decision in consideration of objections raised by Questions 5, 6, or 7. You may need to further modify this decision in consideration of any “no” answer to Questions 2, 3, or 4.

Grading Rubric for Case Study Discussions

Reasoning and Analysis 40%

Weak reasons and/or irrelevant or confusing reasons given that do not support the answers; incomplete answers.

Reasons support answers with some reasons or an important reason overlooked; general examination and assessment.

Clear and accurate answers; insightful, specific.

Accuracy of Facts and Citations 40%

No evidence of research to obtain factual information or evidence. Mostly opinion or “I think” type statements. Incorrect facts and / or citations.

All facts are accurate and support the argument, but there were also some opinion based statements. There was no clear evidence of research given by supporting documentation.

All facts are accurate and the argument. Evidence of research was documented, and the factual information was used in an appropriate manner to support the thesis. At least one source (e.g., the textbook) was quoted in the case study.

Form and Style 10%

Citations not in correct style manual form.

Citations are partially in correct style manual form. Citations are perfect or close to perfect in correct style manual form.

Mechanics/ Organization 10%

Numerous errors; the paper was very difficult to read; questions were not stated before answers; major spelling, grammar, and punctuation problems; many sentences were unclear.

Enough errors to distract the reader; organization problems; some spelling, grammar, and punctuation problems; some sentences were unclear.

Use of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; well organized; one idea follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions; easy to read and navigate.