Assessment 3 for MGT2IMG
Type: Individual
Document: MS Word with 12 font size and 1.5 spacing
Word count: 2,500 per student (10+/- allowed)
Referencing style: Harvard Referencing style
Weight: 50%
Due: Sunday, 29th October 2023, @ 1159 PM AEST
Please choose any two case studies and answer questions under the two chosen case studies.
Thorough research is required to answer these questions. Each case study has 20 marks and should
have around 1,000-1,200 words. Professional writing format, use of relevant and credible sources of
information (references) will have rest of the 10 marks.
Case Study 1: Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal: In September 2015, it was revealed that
Volkswagen had installed software in its diesel engines that could detect when the cars were being
tested for emissions and adjust the performance of the engines to pass the tests. However, the
vehicles emitted nitrogen oxide at levels up to 40 times higher than permitted by US law. Volkswagen
admitted to cheating on emissions tests and paid over $30 billion in fines and penalties. The scandal
damaged the company's reputation and led to a decline in sales.
▪ What ethical responsibilities did Volkswagen have towards its customers, regulators, and the
environment?
▪ What should Volkswagen do to make amends for its actions?
▪ How could Volkswagen prevent such scandals from happening in the future?
Case Study 2: Facebook's Cambridge Analytica Scandal: In 2018, Facebook was accused of
mishandling the data of millions of its users by allowing the political consulting firm Cambridge
Analytica to access the personal information of Facebook users without their consent. The firm used
this data to influence political campaigns, and Facebook was criticised for not taking adequate steps
to protect users' data.
▪ What measures should Facebook have taken to protect the personal data of its users?
▪ How did the scandal affect the trust of Facebook users and stakeholders?
▪ Was Facebook transparent enough about the misuse of data and its responsibility in the scandal?
What are the ethical implications of a social media platform's access to such vast user data?
Case Study 3: Nike Sweatshop Scandal: In the 1990s and early 2000s, Nike was accused of using
sweatshops in developing countries to produce its products. As a result, the company was criticised
for exploiting workers and paying them meagre wages. Consequently, Nike was forced to change its
supply chain and improve factory working conditions. However, in recent years, there have been new
allegations of labour abuses at Nike's factories in Vietnam.
▪ What are the ethical responsibilities of a company towards its workers, particularly those in
developing countries?
▪ What measures should Nike have taken to ensure fair labour practices and prevent the
exploitation of workers?
▪ How did the scandal impact Nike's brand image and reputation?
▪ What should Nike do to make amends for the harm caused to workers in the past, and how can
the company ensure that such practices are not repeated?
Expectations
▪ Thorough and recent research is conducted to answer all questions.
▪ Written in a professional format showing evidence of research and analytical skills.
▪ Please ensure all your arguments, claims and statements are substantiated by reliable sources,
such as relevant and recent journal articles and books.
▪ Minimise the use of websites and, if necessary, only use academic sites.
▪ A minimum of 10-12 references should ensure a passing mark, 6 for each of the case study.