Module 6: Signature Assignment - My Growth as a Moral Agent

Module 4 - Discussion 4a Case Study

Big Boss Burger Policy Brief Notes

Step 1:

In reference to this case study, I would look at the big picture here. This sponsorship should provide benefits to both parties involved, as long as the public is being benefitted in some way. I think that getting the public involved in some way is the best way to see how everything would work, and see the demographics involved in who comes into eat, what they eat, and how this type of setup could work for the community, as well as working for the overall public health departments of the local government.

I believe monitoring what the public consumers are ordering, when they come in, and with how many people will make a big difference on how my briefing not is structured, and on what I will present to the meeting attendance. I think that the city should for sure define the rules of the sponsorship, because in essence, it is the city first and for most that will want to make itself a nice place to live, and work. I did see several examples from various municipalities across the country on how the sponsorship process works, and how it is set up. For example, in the town of Upper Arlington, OH, most sponsorship deals go thru the City Manager department, and they are then filtered down to which ever department it involves.

As a parent, my kids are long grown up, so my perspective is somewhat diluted. But I can say that if a fast food restaurant has a sponsorship deal with the town I live in and happen to work for, I would want it to at least also encourage healthy eating, and maybe offer some marketing towards healthy menu options as well. As a citizen, I would want to have the option to judge based on the food overall, and not just how it affects others.

Step 2:

As a director of the city health department, I would want to probably continue the sponsorship with Big Boss Burger, but to make sure healthy options for dining would also be featured.

I think that as long as more healthy aspects were included in the sponsorship, the benefits would far outweigh the negatives. I would continue the sponsorship.

If the sponsorship was restricted or abandoned, the city would lose out to promotion of programs, and there would. be a lose of revenue to the city as well.

I think when talking about the ethical dimensions of each option, prescriptive ethics is a big part of what it is all about. Applied ethics is also a factor. Fast food is always demonized on one had in todays society.

Reference:

Municode library. (n.d.). Municode Library. https://library.municode.com/oh/upper_arlington/codes/city_policies?nodeId=UPARPO_POACSPPUUS (Links to an external site.)

Edited by Brian Davis on Jun 7 at 3:18pm

Dillon Dinh

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 7:36pm

Hey Brian,

I like how you gave a solution of continuing the sponsorship with business using their influence to encourage healthy eating and giving out healthier options along with their original menu. I agree with you in that the city should continue the sponsorship. This is because the city relies on these sponsorships with business to run other health programs. I believe they can do a lot more good in terms of health promotion as opposed to shutting it down completely and not having the option at all. Looking at the community as a whole and not just the negative affects towards children I believe the positives outweigh the negatives. Parents and businesses should better educate the youth about nutrition and advertisements that way they are able to make decisions themselves and will feel more like adults. I have see a trend in more fast food restaurants offering more healthy options on their menu as well in my area.

Jesica Banda

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 10:07pm

Brian,

I feel adding healthy nutrition options and taking that route to advertise may help all parties involved. Families may be interested in incorporating healthier meal options and businesses would produce more due to new ventures. I feel restrictions may cause some issues but ultimately businesses must consider change to maintain. Healthier options are necessary so they should be considered. This would require demand from the community otherwise healthier options will most likely not be considered. As long as business is good companies don’t seem to care for change.

Collapse Subdiscussion Latona Bates

Latona Bates

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 11:16pm

Hello Brian,

I really like the way you are coming up with solutions and providing alternatives for the issue in your town. Continuing the sponsorship would be considered a positive because as you mentioned, both parties would benefit from it, and as long as the public benefits as well as the big boss burgers company, everyone wins. Although you chose to follow through with the sponsorship, encouraging healthier eating options, and monitoring what the public consumers are ordering, how much they order, and how many people come in at a time will have a big impact on your observations. Not continuing with the sponsorship would definitely do more harm than good. The city losing revenue would eventually lead to less money coming in. Therefore, fewer jobs are available for people in the community.

Collapse Subdiscussion Latona Bates

Latona Bates

Jun 8, 2021Jun 8 at 11:51pm

Module 4 - Discussion 4a Case Study: Big Boss Burger Policy Brief Notes

Ethical implications of the case

This case gives numerous ethical dilemmas and implications for the Director of Public Health Policy Programs. First and foremost, The Big Boss Burger has been at the record for engaging in heavy commercial business advertising of fast foods for youngsters more than thirteen years in the low-income community. This heavy commercial advertising seeks to make sure that the kids purchase more of the fast foods and to boost the earnings era for the Big Boss Burger, but, recent public health research had identified the bad influences of this business advertising at the health of younger kids inside the community. It is unethical to incorporate the health of the community youngsters for the sake of profit. The community as it's far in a low-profits community and sporting out heavy advertising that triggers the urge for children to need lots more of these fast foods is financially impossible for the members of the community.

Ethical implications of alternative course of action.

Taking an different movement of terminating commercial advertising, means low-income technology for the Big Boss Burger, who is massively worried in supporting various community elements inclusive of donating cooking gadget to the metropolis’s high-priority nine to eleven year old's' after-school cooking projects. It is through the greater earnings that The Big Boss makes that allows them to assist funding of this program that is particularly liked by the kids inside the community. Cutting Big Boss advertising manner terminating the best networking the town has with one of the local businesses which they depended on to help them run diverse town sports along with training and health activities. It is an ethical venture to compromise these crucial metropolis packages and sports supported by way of the local groups. The moral dimensions of every option is among the children and the metropolis as an entire. The town is predicated on those sponsorships from local companies to run different health related packages and with out the ones then they'll no longer be available. I accept as true with parents need to higher educate their children about commercials and nutrients so that the programs can also continue without affecting children and in order that the metropolis may additionally run easily.

References:

Drue H. Barrett, L. W. (n.d.). Public Health Ethics: Cases Spanning the Globe. Public Health Ethics Analysis. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-23847-0

Edited by Latona Bates on Jun 9 at 11:27pm

Collapse Subdiscussion Brian Davis

Brian Davis

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 4:56pm

Latona,

I like what you had to say about this topic. There are many different avenues of discussion that we could take on this, and your discussion on this covers all the bases. I think that for me, the ethical dilemma starts with Big Boss Burger, and how they seem to target youngsters with very unhealthy fast food. It seems unfortunate with this situation that a different approach has not been taken as of now.

I think that maybe taking a different approach overall, rather than terminating commercial advertising should be taken. I believe the thinking of Big Boss Burger should change with what I just mentioned. I think they should change the types of foods that they use in their advertising, maybe for more healthy options. I agree with you regarding parents being more involved with educating their children regarding about better eating, commercials on tv, and nutrients with regards to better eating. The community should take a hard look at how the advertising and programs are laid out, and try to better suit everyone involved.

Dillon Dinh

Jun 9, 2021Jun 9 at 6:59pm

Putting together my briefing note for the health department I will listen closely to public opinion and consider the publics opinions. The reason for this is because after all it is the publics children that are going to be affected with my decision. If many people are for or against it then I will consider their opinions because the parents only want best for their children and if a large majority is in favor or not I believe it is important to listen to the public and what they have to voice. I believe a city department should be able to define the rules of sponsorship. Departments I think should be apart of defining these rules are the schools, public safety, and municipal courts departments. I believe these are the departments because they are most directly related to the children that are being affected by this sponsorship. My perspective as a parent about this issue is that I am not too worried about the sponsorship. I hope to teach my children about the importance of nutrition and I believe they will be able to make smart decisions are about nutrition themselves. I do not believe one sponsorship will decide their fate about nutrition as everything is good in moderation. As stated the program is well liked by the youth and I believe that if it makes the children happy then we can teach them to make smarter decisions about nutrition. My perspective as a citizen is the same as a parent. As a citizen it is also good because the owner of Big Boss Burger is a good citizen that volunteers frequently and I believe that is overall good for the community and neighborhood.

Some potential benefits of the continuing the sponsorship is more exposure with other local businesses growing their brand and business. Some harms would be the affects of more advertising unhealthy foods to children. Some potential benefits of restricting the sponsorship is that children will be less exposed to advertisements about unhealthy foods. A harm would be that some local business would lose business and will be unable to operate which is not good for the city as a whole. The ethical dimensions of each option is between the children and the city as a whole. The city relies on these sponsorships from local businesses to run other health related programs and without those then they will not be available. I believe parents should better educate their children about advertisements and nutrition so that the programs may continue without affecting children as much and so that the city may run smoothly.

Dillon Dinh

Jun 9, 2021Jun 9 at 7pm

References

Drue H. Barrett, L. W. (n.d.). Public Health Ethics: Cases Spanning the Globe. Public Health Ethics Analysis. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-23847-0

Collapse Subdiscussion Brian Davis

Brian Davis

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 5:05pm

Dillon,

I agree with you regarding listening to public opinion. Let's be real here. The public of the community is what really matters in my opinion. We are talking about children and their overall exposure to bad fast food, which is a huge issue in todays society. The city should absolutely be able to define the rules of sponsorship. After all, it's the city that puts forth the funds to create the sponsorship, along with the business. While the owner of Big Boss Burger is a good citizen that does volunteer a lot, and do good things for the community, it is my belief that the food options for commercial advertising and sponsorship should reflect more healthy eating choices and options. You are 100% absolutely correct when you say that a benefit to continuing the sponsorship would be more exposure with other businesses, and the healthy growth of the brand and the business. Parents should for sure give their kids better education about nutrition and advertisements.

Jesica Banda

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 9:59pm

Dillon,

I agree that the public should have a say and voice their opinion but I fear not many people will side with what is necessary and benefit their health status. They may love Big Boss Burger and favor their unhealthy meal options placing themselves and their children at risk. Although its up to parents to educate their children on nutrition we have proof that this is not the most effective way to improve health of a community since the issue of obesity and other non-communicable disease are due to malnourishment. This is why I feel restricting sponsorships would be the best option to meet the needs of the community without eliminating funds they would benefit from.

Jesica Banda

Jun 9, 2021Jun 9 at 11:37pm

Step 1

· How will public opinion inform your briefing note?

I would consider what is best for the community in regards to their health. I would describe their current situation and state their opinion along with my professional recommendation.

· Should a city department define rules for sponsorship? If so, which department? (You may want to look at the website for a local city to see what departments make up municipal government.)

Yes, a city department should define rules for sponsorship.

· How would your perspective as a parent enter into your professional decisions on this issue? How does your perspective as a citizen enter into your judgment?

My perspective as a citizen would be to do what is best for the community even if they do not agree. I know cities benefit from corporate sponsorships, but their health is a priority. Limiting sponsorships to benefit the community would be my recommendation.

Step 2

Restrict the sponsorships of these businesses in some way.

· What are the potential benefits and harms of continuing to accept the sponsorship if Big Boss Burger and other local businesses?

The school and children are directly benefited by the sponsorship. The program is funded providing children with the tools required for their after-school program. The harmful part is that they are advertising an unhealthy business due to the funding that can increase chronic illness in the community. They would lose funding they need if they chose to opt-out.

· What are the potential benefits and harms of restricting sponsorship from local businesses like Big Boss Burger?

Restrictions to sponsorship could possibly mean they lose all funding or receive limited funding and must cut the program due to costs. The children would lose an after school program and could get involved in other activities that are bad for their health and wellbeing.

· What are the ethical dimensions of each option?

Accepting the sponsorship would mean advertising an unhealthy restaurant to the community and be against positive health promotion. Although the owner is very involved in the community, his restaurant is unhealthy and places the community at risk. He should reconsider his offer to rename the program because it does not align with the morals that are being instilled in the community. Restricting the the sponsorship in some way could be a win/win, the restaurant would receive their advertising and the school would receive necessary funds to continue their after school program.

Dillon Dinh

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 7:47pm

Hi Jesica,

While I agree with your statement in that accepting and continuing the sponsorship can be harmful towards children through advertising of an unhealthy restaurant, I do believe there are other ways this issue can be resolved. First off I believe that the city should continue their sponsorship with Burger Boss. However I believe that Burger Boss should promote more healthier options and add them to their menu. The owner of Burger Boss seems like a nice guy and I think having the interest of the health of children and the community is important to him. This way Burger Boss gets to continue their sponsorship and kids will remain happy with the program. Another way I believe this can be resolved is through better education of foods and advertisements to the children by their parents and schools. That way children are more informed about their diet choices and will make smarter choices regarding their nutrition. This was Burger Boss can continue the sponsorship and other businesses will grow thanks to support and the city will get the funding for their other health programs.

Jesica Banda

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 3:17pm

What should be done in this case is making sure that the issues that stand up from heavy business advertising perpetuated via Big Boss Burger to younger children under the age of 13 are shared with owners of Big Boss. It is simply not logical for the Big Boss Burger to create a neighborhood health problem in order that they are able to later donate cash to address one’s health issues. Prevention is better than healed, therefore, Big Boss Burger advertising that may cause health factors such as weight problems for young kids must be terminated.

Another thing that should be considered is that if the target of kids under the age of 13 is a key, better and healthier menu options should be included. Of course everyone loves a big fat burger and french fries, but if it's not money well spent if its only concern is sponsorship dollars.

Ultimately the decision would need to be made based on what is best for the community. In this case we recommend restricting the sponsorship of businesses in some way. The city council could limit what is being advertised to exclude unhealthy meals that would place children and the community at risks for disease and other health conditions. This would be the most effective option. The community would still receive needed funds and businesses would still be provided with marketing. The students, school, businesses and the community would benefit from this option. Although Big Boss Burger and other local businesses would have restricted advertising they would still be reaching the community with sponsorship and marketing to improve business.

Collapse Subdiscussion Latona Bates

Latona Bates

Jun 12, 2021Jun 12 at 11:22pm

Hello Jesica,

your introduction sentence really stood out to me. I like the way you mentioned the advertisement of these food places to children under the age of 13. Your statement of ¨prevention is better than healed¨ is a very accurate statement that more people should think about. It is much better to prevent an unhealthy lifestyle, rather than trying to heal from an unhealthy lifestyle, once the damage has been done to the human body, it can be pretty hard to recover from. I completely agree that health issues related to obesity and unhealthy eating in kids should be taken more seriously, kids should not be the target of these fast food advertisements, but they are because these companies care more about the money than the health of our children.