Summary:

Read and evaluate each of the three-case studies per the syllabus. Each case has questions that are to be thoroughly responded to (typically that would be about 100 words per question, along with any calculations, etc.). See additional criteria outlined in the rubric below. Submit using APA format (no abstract) with a cover page, body (include questions), and reference list. You are to include at least three additional outside references (cite) to support your responses in each case.

Analyze & Write

Ethics Case Study

Progressive Applications Corporation, a developer and distributor of business applications software, has been in business for five years. The companys main products include programs used for list management, billing, and accounting for the mail order shopping business. Progressives sales have increased steadily to the current level of $25 million per year. The company has 250 employees. Andrea Nolan joined Progressive approximately one year ago as accounting manager. Nolans duties include supervision of the companys accounting operations and preparation of the companys financial statements. No one has noticed that in the past six months Progressives sales have ceased to rise and have actually declined in the two most recent months. This unexpected downturn has resulted in cash shortages.

Compounding these problems, Progressive has had to delay the introduction of a new product line due to delays in documentation preparation. Progressive contracts most of its printing requirements to Web Graphic Inc., a small company owned by Rob Borman. Borman has dedicated a major portion of his printing capacity to Progressives requirements because Progressives contracts represent approximately 50 percent of Web Graphics business. Nolan has known Borman for many years; as a matter of fact, she learned of Progressives need for an accounting manager through Borman. While preparing Progressives most recent financial statements, Nolan became concerned about the companys ability to maintain steady payments to its suppliers; she estimated that payments to all vendors, normally made within 30 days, could exceed 75 days. Nolan is particularly concerned about payments to Web Graphic; she knows that Progressive had recently placed a large order with Web Graphic for the printing of the new product documentation, and she knows that Web Graphic will soon be placing an order for the special paper required for Progressives documentation. Nolan is considering telling Borman about Progressives cash problems; however, she is aware that a delay in the printing of the documentation would jeopardize Progressives new product.

Required:

Describe Nolans ethical responsibilities in this situation.

Independent of your answer to requirement (1), assume that Nolan learns that Borman of Web Graphic has decided to postpone the special paper order required for Progressives printing job. Nolan believes Borman must have heard rumors about Progressives financial problems from some other source because she has not talked to Borman. Should Nolan tell the appropriate Progressive officials that Borman has postponed the paper order? Explain your answer.

Independent of your answers to the first two requirements assume that Borman has decided to postpone the special paper order because he has learned of Progressives financial problems from some source other than Nolan. In addition, Nolan realizes that Jim Grason, Progressives purchasing manager, knows of her friendship with Borman. Now Nolan is concerned that Grason may suspect she told Borman of Progressives financial problems when Grason finds out Borman has postponed the order. Describe the steps that Nolan should take to resolve this situation.