1. Format
a. Use Microsoft Word, 12 point font, single spacing.
b. Use the format demonstrated in the sample paper called "Excerpts from A papers .." provided under Writing Resources in Blackboard for Assignments 2 through 4.
This format incorporates the use of headers that distinguish the different areas of thought within the memo. Additionally, for Assignments 1 you may incorporate headers if necessary to more effectively convey your ideas.
c. Where using headers in Assignments 2 through 4, you must include these:
1. Facts
2. Issue
3. Analysis (note- this is where you may want to use additional headers to further organize your thoughts)
4. Recommendation
d. Suggested Paper Length - these are ranges, not absolutes
1. Assignment 1 should be between 500 and 600 words;
2. Assignments 2 and 3 should be between 750 and 1000 words;
3. Assignment 4 should be between 1400 and 2000 words.
e. The purpose of the guide is to help you understand whether you have thought deeply enough about the topic.
Your grade does not depend on the number of words written. However, your grade will be affected by whether or not you have fully analyzed the issue and fully supported your conclusion/decision.
If you find that you are significantly over this range of words, you should edit your paper so that your ideas and words are conveyed in the most concise manner. This does not mean eliminating key arguments. It just means editing your wording so that it is more concisely written.
f. Inside your document - DO NOT include any personal information inside your document (such as name, CougarNet ID, etc). We will not remove this information before submitting it for assessment
MAIN QUESTION:
1. Task You work in the Ethics Department for ABC Company (ABC). Your department is dedicated to advising its employees about their ethical obligations in the corporate setting. You are an internal consultant who provides advice and most importantly, recommendations for action to employees of the firm.
All communications you receive in this capacity are confidential. Luke, an employee of ABC, comes to you with the following scenario and asks for your advice.
He wants to fully consider the situation. Your task is to advise and recommend a course of action based on the specified ethical lenses and facts as given. Below are the facts that Luke provides to you.
Luke has been asked to work on a project that involves developing land recently purchased by ABC to build an adult entertainment retail store. According to the plan, the land is located on the corner of the neighborhood where Owen, Luke's brother, lives.
Luke knows that as soon as the plans for the store are made public, property values for the surrounding neighborhood will decrease significantly. ABC plans to publicly announce the project one month from today.
Luke is concerned about his obligations of confidentiality to his company. However, Luke is also very close to Owen, who recently told Luke that he received an offer to sell his house at an "okay" price given the current real estate market.
Owen is considering selling but hasn't made any final decision yet. He wonders if he might get a better offer a few years from now when the real estate market improves. What is the ethical issue, why is this an issue, and what should Luke do about it?
For assignment 2, prepare a memo, setting out your analysis and recommendations, that considers ONLY the following two theories: Utilitarianism and Universal Ethics (i.e., Kant's categorical imperative).