Many years ago, I worked for a factory that manufactured large machines that made fabric for clothing. The company was recently purchased by a huge international corporation. Unfortunately, the company was losing money and the parent corporation was thinking about closing it down, putting 350 people out of work. These people would never get jobs this good again. The General Manager of this small company went to the Information Technology Manager, who could have been you. The General Manager said "We lost money this year but we have many orders for our latest model. Next year, we'll make a big profit if they don't close us down first". The IT manager asked "What can I do?". The General Manager Replied "Alter our computer database so that it looks like we are already making a good profit". The company is such a small part of the giant corporation that cooking the books will have no effect on overall earnings or the shareholders. No one will be harmed. On the other hand, faking profits is clearly illegal. What would you do?

1. What are the important facts that you need to consider?

2. What are your options?

There are more than two options and you may do more than one thing.

3. What are the possible consequences of each option for yourself and others?

4. What choice or choices would you make? Fully explain your decision.