Case and Questions Paper #2 (Derek Evans Case and Questions)

Answer the questions separate and number the questions 1 and 2 and three pargraphs each for the questions No APA or Source please - Analyze the Case by giving your though on the case Question Number 1 1. Should the less developed countries be encouraged to develop high technology? What are the arguments for and against this issue? Is it ethical to encourage such countries to focus on high technology given the other needs of less developed countries? (A discussion of the pros and cons of this issue is a good place to begin the discussion of the ethics of technological development and utilization.) “Rich and Poor,” by Peter Singer. Question Number 2 2. In “Priorities of Global Justice” by Thomas Pogge special attention is paid to the harms that are done when we do business with totalitarian leaders of the developing world. What should U.S. businesses and the U.S. government do in order to alleviate these harms? Must we avoid doing business with these nations at all costs? What harms and benefits can you see arising from potential different policies? Case Analyze and give your though Derek Evans used to work for Loctite, Inc., a small computer firm that specializes in developing software for management tasks. He was a primary contributor in designing an innovative software system for customer services. This software system is essentially the "lifeblood" of the firm. Loctite, Inc. never asked Derek to sign an Intellectual Property agreement stating that any software designed by Derek during his employment at Loctite, Inc. becomes Loctite's property. Derek is now working for a much larger computer firm, SofTec. Derek's new employer required Derek to sign an Intellectual Property agreement when Derek was hired. Derek's job is in the customer service area, and he spends most of his time on the telephone talking with customers having systems problems. This requires him to cross-reference large amounts of information. Within the first two weeks of Derek's employment, he realized that by making a few minor alterations in the innovative software system he helped design at Loctite, Inc., the task of cross- referencing can be greatly simplified. On Friday Derek decided that he would come to work early on Monday morning to make the adaptation. However, on Saturday evening he attends a party with one of his old friends, Horace Jones. Since it has been some time since they have seen each other, they spend some time discussing what they have been doing recently. Derek mentions his plan to adapt the software system on Monday. Horace asks, "Isn't that unethical? That system is really the property of your previous employer." "But," Derek replies, "I'm just trying to make my work more efficient. I'm not selling the system to anyone, or anything like that. It's just for my use -- and, after all, I did help design it. Besides, it's not exactly the same system -- I've made a few changes." Sensing that an argument was about to start, Derek quickly changed the subject to football. Derek installs the software Monday morning. Soon everyone is impressed with his efficiency. Others are asking about the "secret" of his success. Derek begins to realize that the software system might well have company-wide applicability. This does not go unnoticed by his superiors. Soon he is offered an opportunity to introduce the system in other parts of the company. Now Derek recalls the conversation at the party, and he begins to wonder if Horace was right after all. He suggests that his previous employer be contacted and that the more extended use of the software system be negotiated with the small computer firm. This move is firmly resisted by his superiors, who insist that the software system is now the property of the larger firm. Derek balks at the idea of going ahead without talking with the smaller firm. Wade Ransom, Derek's immediate supervisor, tells Derek in no uncertain terms that if he doesn't want the new job, someone else can be invited to do it. In any case, the adaptation will be made.