Olaf, an executive with Product Distribution, Inc., has to decide whether to market a product that might have undesirable side effects for a small percentage of users.

You are to put yourself in Mr. Olaf's position. He needs to decide whether to take a product to market. The product has negative side effects. The company has put a lot of resources into developing this product, but the product must be able to make a profit and preserve capital. As well as comply with the corporate policy on ethics.

1. Make sure you specifically identify the product.

2. Identify the particular benefit this product gives to the users/customers -- price, performance, value?

3. Identify the specific harm that would be experienced by some of the customers. Also, identify the exact percentage of customers who will experience the harm.

4. Include complete financial analysis: Describe the cost of sales; revenues expected; potential liabilities form the risk calculated (harm x harmed)

What is the balance that must be struck in deciding whether to sell the product? How does the standard of ethics that is applied affect this balance? What are the legal issues involved and how would Olaf minimize any legal risks and incorporate those decisions into the business decision whether to market the product. Given the breadth and scope of this assignment, a multi-page memo is expected.

The memo should address these issues:

What does Mr. Olaf need to consider in order to make this decision? Please articulate in detail the ethical, legal, and business considerations.