Section B (100 marks) (Word limit 600, 20 marks deduction for over limit)

Ethics in Business and Accounting Jennifer Mak is a Chief Financial Officer of a reputable logistic company. One of her main responsibilities is to overlook the financial reporting. Jennifer is concerned about how to improve the financial performance of the whole company. She is considering to engage a consultancy firm to develop Robotic Process Automation for the accounting functions. She expects that she can help the company to reduce the staff cost of the accounting function by lay off one-fourth of accounting staff once the Robotic Process Automation is completed. Jennifer Mak expects to lay off those staff who claimed more over-time pay in the past.

Required:

(1) Identify the ethical issue(s), if any, involved in this case?

(2) Who are the stakeholders in this situation? How are they affected?

(3) What are Jennifers alternatives?

(4) What course of action will you suggest Jennifer Mak taking? Justify your suggestion.