Case study While mingling with neighbours at a party, Ato mentions that he is responsible for evaluating bids for a large computer software contract. A few days later, Ato receives a lunch invitation from one of his neighbours who also attended the party. Over appetizers, the conversation turns to the contract Ato is managing. Ato’s neighbour seems remarkably well informed about the bidding process and likely bidders. Ato volunteers information about the potential value of the contract and briefly outlines the criteria his firm will use to select the winner. At the end of the lunch, Ato’s neighbour surprises him by revealing that he is a consultant for several companies in the computer software market. Later that day, Ato’s mind is racing. Questions 1. Did Ato reveal information that could provide a supplier with a competitive advantage in the bidding process? 2.What are the potential business risks and ethical issues in this situation? Should Ato report the conversation to someone? 3.If so, whom should he talk to, and what would he say?
Legal and Ethical use of IT
Case study
While mingling with neighbours at a party, Ato mentions that he is responsible for evaluating bids for a large computer software contract. A few days later, Ato receives a lunch invitation from one of his neighbours who also attended the party. Over appetizers, the conversation turns to the contract Ato is managing. Ato’s neighbour seems remarkably well informed about the bidding process and likely bidders. Ato volunteers information about the potential value of the contract and briefly outlines the criteria his firm will use to select the winner. At the end of the lunch, Ato’s neighbour surprises him by revealing that he is a consultant for several companies in the computer software market. Later that day, Ato’s mind is racing.
Questions
1. Did Ato reveal information that could provide a supplier with a competitive advantage in the bidding process?
2.What are the potential business risks and ethical issues in this situation? Should Ato report the conversation to someone?
3.If so, whom should he talk to, and what would he say?
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