From IMA Educational Case Journal A Tale of Missing .. Parts by Nicholas J. Fessler

1. What do you think was the missing “part” of the forecast prepared by Alan? Remember that the dollar amount was large enough that the missing amount also had to be approved by the upper management review committee before the project could continue. 

2. What do you think is the most significant ethical issue in the case? Please explain. Be aware that your answer to this question should frame your answers to the remaining questions; that is, this answer should guide your attitudes toward the characters in the case. 

3. Do you feel that Alan and Howard (Alan’s supervisor) behaved in accordance with the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice? Why or why not? 

4. As a CMA candidate, Alan was subject to the IMA Statement, as was Howard as a CMA. But Keith was neither a CMA nor an IMA member and was not subject to the IMA Statement. Would you hold Alan and Howard to a different standard of ethical behavior than Keith? Why or why not?

5. Do you agree with Alan that he “did his job right”? What do you think Alan should learn from his experience? 

6. Largely as a result of the events described in this case, Alan’s supervisor was demoted but performed none of the analysis on the PCS project (Alan did). Does this seem fair or just? Why or why not? Does your answer change depending on whether Keith was honest or deceitful in his dealings with Alan?