Ethical Decisions: Decision By Managers And Engineers In Ford
Assignment 1 - Let ‘em burn
Submit (only) one MS Word document or PDF file using Turnitin.com (instructions for creating the turnitin.com account are available in the syllabus)
Please conduct a research on Ford Pinto fuel tank defect and the controversy around the issue using online sources (e.g. Wikipedia, YouTube, news channels, etc.).1. Write a paragraph (at least 50 words) explaining the purpose of introducing Ford Pinto to the market by Ford.2. Write a paragraph (at least 50 words) explaining the fuel tank defect.3. Search online and find the cost-benefit analysis that Ford allegedly used to make the decisions regarding fixing the defects. Report the cost-benefit analysis in a Table in your Word document File (create a table - Do not copy). Discuss your findings in this regard (at least 100 words).4. Pick two principles of moral reasoning (ethical decision making) that may be related to the decision by managers and engineers in Ford? What did they do wrong in your opinion? (Explain your thoughts in Not less than 150 words).Please be original (very important) and use your own words (Do not Copy/Paste).
Word count requirements: Minimum 400 words (response)
Please cite your sources in a consistent format.
You should address these 4 questions in four different sections. Clear and concise communication of the response is a part of the grade.
**The only form of submission is through turnitin.com.
FORD PINTO
Name
Course
Date
Pinto was introduced by Ford to meet head-on with the threat of cars imported from Japan. Products from Japan were superior in the American market in the 1960s. In the late 1960s, the Japanese and the Germans were gaining share of the subcompact auto market. As a result, Ford Motor Company decided to take a front seat in the competition and so it decided to manufacture Pinto in 1968. It was to cost less than $2000 and weigh less than 2000 pounds. The firm decided to have the subcompact ready by 1971.
Before the production of Pinto, Ford had to crash-test various prototypes to ensure they comply with the safety standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The standards were put by NHTSA to reduce fires that occur due to traffic collisions. In this regard, NHTSA’s requirement was that all new autos to be able to withstand a 20mph rear end impact without losing fuel. All the prototypes by Ford did not pass the 20mph test. When Pinto was crash tested in 1970, it failed the test. Despite failing the test, Ford decided to go on with the design of fuel tank which posed a significant risk to its consumers. Therefore, despite its fuel tank having a defect, it decided to go on with the production.
The decision to go on with the production of Pinto despite having fuel tank defect was arrived at after a cost-benefit analysis. The table below shows the costs and the benefits.
The Benefits
Savings
180 serious injuries, 180 burn deaths, 2,100 vehicles burned
Unit Cost
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