Read the following case and answer the questions below
Fudge the Facts?
In an attempt to improve quality, the shop superintendent at FWM Inc. has instructed all work cell supervisors to keep records of waste, scrap, and rework items. These records will be reviewed periodically at irregular intervals to identify which work cells are performing best and to make adjustments as necessary. The superintendent has stressed that the records will be used for making continual improvements to machining processes and to the performance of individual machinists. But John Simpson, supervisor of Work Cells B and C, is concerned. He was passed over for a promotion the last time he was eligible because his work cells were at the bottom of the company’s performance ratings.
John Simpson is a new father of a child suffering from a rare and debilitating disease that requires the baby to have constant medical attention. Most of the medical costs are covered by FMW’s health insurance policy. So, Simpson cannot risk losing his job and, in turn, his health insurance because his work cells fail to measure up to company quality standards. Simpson’s problem is complicated by the fact that his Work Cells B and C have the least experienced machinists in the company. He knows how competitive the machining business has become. FWM needs the absolute best work from its machinists – no waste, no scrap, and no rework – so the pressure to perform is intense.
Simpson is considering doctoring his waste, scrap, and rework records to make things look better. He knows this is only a temporary tactic. The truth will eventually come out. But he hopes before that happens he will be able to improve the performance of his machining teams to acceptable, competitive levels.
1. What ethical dilemmas are present in this case? Explain.
2. What measurement system dilemmas are present in this case? Explain.
3. Are the shop superintendent’s actions appropriate? Explain. Assume you are the shop superintendent and assume that you are not aware of John Simpson’s dilemma. What, if anything, would you do differently?
4. Assume you are a machinist working in Cell B or C. What advice would you give John Simpson?
5. Assume you are John Simpson’s personal friend. What advice would you give him?