ZZBU6505 - Assessment Guidelines

You are required to choose a real-life data ethics case identified recently in the news media (the case must have been reported in the news media within the past twelve months.

Use moral imagination to identify the ethical dilemma presented in the case. An ethical dilemma is a problem involving an ethical issue that requires resolution, where no one choice is acceptable to all parties. These are complicated challenges that cannot be easily solved.

Examples such as the use of predictive policing and employee surveillance. Please select a different dilemma for this assessment.

Apply the ethical frameworks to bring a comprehensive, multi-perspective lens to the ethical dilemma.

Please note that this is an applied assignment, not a theoretical one. Do not use your valuable time or word count on researching theoretical positions or concepts.

Your case study analysis should consider steps 1-7: NOTE: The questions provided (under the steps) below are broad guidelines to help you reflect and carefully consider what you could include in this report.

7-Step ethical Decision-making process

Select a real-life data ethics case identified recently in the news media. This should be acknowledged as a source in your report and in the reference list. You need to ensure that this is an ethical dilemma

Step 1: Assessing the situation.

In the first step we assess the situation. You have used your moral imagination to identify an ethical dilemma.

Define the problem - Why does it have moral content?

What are the facts?

Who is (are) the protagonist(s)/ decision-maker(s)?

Who are the key/core stakeholders (including data subjects)?

What might their perspectives, needs and interests be? (You can make some assumptions here.)

Are any needs or interests in conflict with each other?

What might be some lasting effects on stakeholders?

Step 2: Assumptions and worldviews

In the second step, reflect carefully on any assumptions, worldviews or biases that we may be taking for granted in this case.

What are the assumptions that relate to this situation? Do they need to be considered and challenged?

Are there any biases in the way I am thinking about this issue?

Steps 1 and 2 (about 400 words)

Step 3: Ethical decision-making frameworks – deontology and justice ethics.

The third step brings us to deontology and justice ethics.

What are the rights of stakeholders?

How do we take into account their essential humanity and ensure they are not simply used as means to an end?

What, then, are our duties towards these stakeholders? Are any duties in conflict?

Any universal principles you think apply here?

How do we ensure privacy?

How do we ensure fair processes and outcomes?

How are justice needs addressed?

How do we ensure truthfulness and transparency in communications?

Step 4: Ethical decision-making frameworks – consequentialism.

In Step 4, we move to consequentialism and consider some possible outcomes and their consequences.

What are our possible options/ actions?

What are the consequences of these actions on key stakeholders?

What would happen if this decision was made universal?

How is the common good served?

Step 5: Ethical decision-making frameworks – care and virtue ethics.

Now think about care and virtue ethics and the overarching aim of human flourishing, and the virtues that might apply to this situation.

Think about the key/core stakeholders. Imagine yourself in a personal relationship with them, especially those with less power. Imagine if they were part of your family. How can we be receptive and responsive to their needs?

If you were the protagonist/ decision-maker, what three virtues might apply to this situation?

How does the decision relate to the kind of person/organisation you would want to be?

Would it make the organisation a ‘virtuous’ organisation? (if applicable)?

Steps 3, 4 C 5 (about 850 words)

Step 6: Comprehensive assessment

It’s now time to weigh up all of the considerations you have just been working through.

Do any factors warrant greater priority? Why?

What would be an ethical decision for the protagonist/ you to make in this specific situation? Why?

Step 7: Justify your decision

Robust ethical decision making requires that your final decision (what would be the right thing to do in this case?) needs to be explained and defended.

Is the decision feasible?

Can you explain your decision?

How does it differ from the actual decision taken?

How might you respond to those who might be promoting a less-ethical pathway? How to counter their reasons and rationalisations?

Steps 6 C 7 (about 350 words)

Recommended word count for each section:

Step 1 and 2 (about 400 words)

Steps 3, 4 C 5 (about 850 words)

Steps 6 C 7 (about 350 words)

Total word count should be between 1600 and 1800 words

For Steps 3 to 5: Use appendices – for example tables, to provide evidence of the application of the ethical frameworks. Then write up a comprehensive analysis using a multi-perspective lens to the ethical dilemma. Words in appendices are excluded from the word count.

Appendices should be no more than 3 pages.