CSE 476 – Ethical and Professional Issues in Computer Science & Engineering

 

Professor Kevin W. Bowyer

 

 

Homework One – Roles of Individuals in Decision-Making.

 

The goal of this assignment is to gain some insight into how various individuals in this case perceived their role in the decision-making that led to the Challenger disaster.  Consider six persons involved in the documentary you have watched: Roger Boisjoly, Richard Cook, Al McDonald, Larry Mulloy, Brian Russell, and any other person of your choice.  For the sixth person, pick someone who you think had the potential to change the course of events.  For each person, summarize their role in a short paragraph.  In particular, what seem to be their primary motivations?   What limits does each person see on their ability to act as they might want to?  Given the benefit of hindsight, if you were to take their place, would you hope to act differently in any way?  If so, how?

 

Also, what two or three elements of the IEEE Code of Ethics seem to be most relevant to this case, and why?  You can easily find the IEEE Code of Ethics online.  Just google the phrase “IEEE Code of Ethics.”

 

Your response for this homework should be about two to three pages in length.  Come to class ready to discuss your answers.