CASE STUDY

A small software company is working on anintegrated inventory control system for a very largenational shoe manufacturer. The system will gathersales information daily from shoe stores nationwide.This information will be used by the accounting,shipping, and ordering departments to control all ofthe functions of this large corporation. The inventoryfunctions are critical to the smooth operation of thesystem.Jane, a quality assurance engineer with thesoftware company, suspects that the inventoryfunctions of the system are not sufficiently tested,although they have passed all their contracted tests.She is pressured by her employers to sign off on thesoftware. Legally she is only required to performthose tests which have been agree to in the originalcontract. However, her considerable experience insoftware testing has led her to be concerned overrisks of the system. Her employers say that they willgo out of business if they do not deliver the softwareon time. Jane contends if the Inventory sub-systemfails, it will significantly harm their client and itsemployees. If the potential failure were to threatenlives, it would be clear to Jane that she should refuse to sign off. But since the degree ofthreatened harm is less, Jane is faced with a difficultmoral decision(ACS, 2004).

Should Jane sign off on the software? Provide context and background on the ethical issue. Clearly indicate the dilemma being discussed and provide an overview of how you intend to address the problem and propose solutions.