Introduction:

This simulation exercise was designed with the goal of providing the opportunity to use your knowledge and skills in solving an ethical dilemma related to a product defect. The simulation centers on a garden tiller that has a safety protection guard that is difficult to reattach after cleaning. There have been incidents of injuries to animals and children when the tiller is run without the guard. Various functional members of the organization have to be prepared for a meeting to make recommendations for dealing with the negative publicity and possible legal liability associated with damages related to product use. You should be looking not only at the right thing to do, but also how to implement the decision.

Background

National Farm and Garden, Inc. (NFG) was incorporated in Nebraska in 1935 and has been a leading supplier of farming equipment for more than 60 years. Over the last five years, however, demand for NFG s flagship product, the Ultra Tiller, has been declining. To make matters worse, NFGs market lead was overtaken by the competition for the first time two years ago.

Last year, NFG expanded its product line with the Turbo Tiller, a highly advertised and much anticipated upgrade to the Ultra Tiller. The product launch was timed to coincide with last years fall tilling season. Due to the timing of the release, the research and development process was shortened, and the manufacturing department was pressed to produce large quantities to meet anticipated demand. All responsible divisions approved the product launch and schedule. In order to release the product as scheduled, however, the manufacturing department was forced to employ the safety shield design from the Ultra Tiller. When attached, the shield protects the user from the tilling blades; however, it is necessary to remove the shield in order to clean the product. Because of differences between the Ultra and Turbo models, the Turbos shield is very difficult to reattach after cleaning and the process requires specialized tools. Owners can have the supplier make modifications on-site or at the sales location, or leave the shielding off and continue operation. All product documentation warns against operating the tiller without the shielding, and the product itself has three distinct warning labels on it. Modifications are now available that allow for the shield to be removed and replaced quite easily, and these modifications are covered by the factory warranty. However, most owners have elected to operate the Turbo Tiller without the safety shielding after its first cleaning.

Over the last year, a number of farm animals (chickens, cats, a dog, and two goats) have been killed by Turbo Tillers being operated without the guard. Two weeks ago, a seven-year-old Nebraska boy riding on the back of an unshielded tiller fell off when the tiller caught the sleeve of his shirt; his arm was permanently mangled, requiring amputation. One of the childs parents owns the local newspaper, which ran a story about the accident on the front page the next day. NFGs CEO has called an emergency meeting with the companys divisional vice president, director of product development, director of manufacturing, director of sales, and vice president of public relations to discuss the situation and develop a plan of action.

You have been assigned as the Director of Manufacturing.

Create a high-level summary with short and long-term solutions and ensure that the presentation has supporting rationale for the recommended short and long-term solutions.