Problem 1. A particular research study provides some evidence that those born between 1979 and 1994 are perceived as 'impatient, self-serving, disloyal, unable to delay gratification and, in short, feeling that they are entitled to everything without working for it'. The study dubs this group the 'entitlement generation'. Do you know people born during those years? Is this true generally or would you consider the perception instead a stereotype? From where do you think it stems?
Problem 2. Term papers on practically every subject imaginable are available on the Internet. Many of those who post the papers defend their practice in two ways: (1) These papers are posted to assist in research in the same way any other resource is posted on the Web and should simply be cited if used; and (2) these papers are posted in order to encourage faculty to modify paper topics and/or exams and not to simply bring back assignments that have been used countless times in the past. Are you persuaded? Is there anything unethical about this service in general? If so, who should be held accountable, the poster, the ultimate user, or someone else?
Problem 3. The Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising on the basis of two criteria: deception and unfairness. How can an ad be unfair? Who gets hurt by deceptive advertising?
Problem 4. Research the case Pelman v. McDonald's in which it was alleged that McDonald's was partially responsible for the health problems associated with the obesity of children who eat MacDonald's fast food. Should MacDonald's and other fast-food restaurants be judged negligent for selling dangerous products, failing to warn consumers of the dangers of a high-fat diet, and deceptive advertising?
Some websites to look at regarding the McDonald's obesity case:
U.S. judge dismisses obesity suit vs. McDonald's:
https://money.cnn.com/2003/01/22/news/companies/mcdonalds/index.htm
U.S. District Court Southern District of New York Opinion:
https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/courtweb/pdf/D02NYSC/03-07166.PDF
Food Fight: Obesity Raises Difficult Marketing Questions:
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1149&CFID=2756464&CFTOKEN=80757050
Problem 5. Investigate what is involved in an environmental audit. Has such an audit been conducted at your own present or former place of business, school, or university? In what ways has your present or former place of business, school, or university adopted sustainable practices? In what ways would your present or former place of business, school, or university need to change to become more sustainable?
You may reference the EPA's website, specifically the section dealing with Environmental Audits. The following links provide the EPA's audit policy and the protocol for conducting such audits:
Policy: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/incentives/auditing/auditpolicy.html
Protocol: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/incentives/auditing/apcol-cercla.pdf