Ethics of Data-Driven Decision Making - Case Study Example

A series of analysis were given to the project manager concerning data on the cost profit and volume analysis. This is a well detailed collection of data that can help the management to decide whether to proceed with the project or reject it. Some case scenarios require the project manager not only to rely on analysis of data but also to rely on ethics of the society to enable effective decision making. This helps to ensure effective production of the vehicles as well as maintaining a good image in the public.

A good example is the case of Giant motor company where they are considering retooling two of their three vehicle assembly plants. The project manager should not only rely on the relevant data providedbut on also other areas that many companies fail to assess like the safety of workers, whether the space is enough for the retooling process and so on. If for example the level of space is minimal after hypothetically retooling, this may cause accidents in terms of congestion of workers who may compromise safety of workers inside the plant (Streifer& George, Pp 32).

Another case that ethical decisions can override data used for decision making is where the new luxury cars been made affect the environment. This can be seen through emissions of carbon monoxide by exhaust pipes. If the level of the gas produced is so intense that it is considered a threat hazard by the society, the management should take an ethical stand not to retool because of the consequences even though they are not going to realize the profits they had anticipated. This is referred to as moral sensitivity.

Another area we come across ethics of data-driven decision-making is in case 4d of Muskoka land development. This case study is about a group of part time MBA students who are following an opportunity to invest in recreational properties in Muskoka Ontario. After undergoing research of the area, they come up with two sites that have potential to bring large returns in profit (Streifer& George, Pp 56). They collect data on both areas and come up with a list of all the expenses and costs information based on development plans for each site.

In this case, we can clearly say the students are about to make a decision on whether to go ahead with the project based on the data they extracted from their research. In this case, to some extent, it is not appropriate to rely on data to make decisions concerning investment of recreational properties especially in site A due to the following reasons-: Muskoka is fully equipped with Mother Nature’s best like lakes, forests and so on. If the students decide to invest in site A they will be messing up the balance of nature in that area.

This is where ethical decision making comes in handy. In my opinion, the students should ask themselves if they are ruining nature if when developing their plans, they happen to cut down trees in the area which is a life source for many animals that live in that habitat. By destroying trees, to make roads in such an area may cause alternations in many animals’ lives, which may trigger different kinds of reactions. Another question would be if there are any small rural communities that live in that area?

If there are, the students risk displacing a whole community so as to make profits and in the process causing a long string of problems between them and the community. This is unethical and is considered moral decay. The students should therefore consider developing in site