Case Study: Chapter 10

Ethics of IT Organizations

VIGNETTE “Problems with Suppliers”

Questions to consider:

1.     How can an organization ensure that all the members of its supply chain will behave ethically?

Ans: create a list of guidelines for those involved in your supply chain to ensure at every point, suppliers are observing best practice. Find out from your suppliers how they handle the rest of their waste, as well. Electrical items should be disposed of in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, which says all electronic equipment, should be disposed of at no cost by the manufacturer. If your suppliers aren't following best practice, it will reflect badly on your own business.

2.     What responsibility does an organization have to ensure that its suppliers and business partners behave ethically?

Ans: Customers who work more closely with suppliers will also be able to create a more responsive supply chain that can meet final demand in a timely manner.

 Manufacturers Compete on Green Computing

 Discussion questions:

1.     How have green computing efforts lowered the total cost of computer ownership?

Ans: As a result of green computing efforts, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of servers and computer systems has decreased significantly over time. [Each of green computing 93%+ efficient systems, comparing to others equipped with traditional 70% to 80% efficient power supplies, can save up to $200 to $500 per year depending on configuration and usage. Alternatively, this savings can provide a reduction of more than half a metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions from the generation of electric power from fossil fuels. These savings add up quickly when a Super Blade chassis is fully populated with 10 servers. By eliminating the overhead in 1U discrete servers and using high-efficiency (up to 93%) power supplies, the Super Blade? can save customers between $700 and $1,000 per year in power - even more when lower cooling costs are included. And the carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by more than 5.5 metric tons - the equivalent to planting 1.7 acres of trees.]

Source: http://www.weegy.com/?ConversationId=9771CF9C

2.     Which approach can yield greater benefits-building greener computers or implementing programs that change users’ behavior so they operate their computers in a more responsible manner?  Explain your response.

Ans: In my opinion implementing programs that change users? behavior so that they operate their computers in a more responsible manner is the best approach that can yield greater benefits, in the manner that such programs will definitely change the attitude of every individual in the working environment with regards to operational procedures of computers thus resulting to responsibility education to the manpower through green operation that will in turn minimize the greenhouse effect to the whole world itself.

3.     Do research at the EPEAT Web site and determine which computer manufacturer currently has the best green computing ratings.

Ans: For me the computer manufacturer currently has the best green computing ratings are Apple.