Business Law
Discussion
Before beginning work on this week’s discussion forum, please review the link “Doing Discussion Questions Right,” the expanded grading rubric for the forum and any specific instructions for this week’s topic.
By the due date assigned, submit your answers to Part 1 and Part 2 to this Discussion Area. Start reviewing and responding to your classmates as early in the week as possible. You should review and critique the work of other students as outlined in the expanded rubric by the end of the week.
Discussion Questions Part 1
Select one of the scenarios listed below and explain the best solution for each. Include comments related to any ethical issues that arise. You should locate at least one scholarly source from the SUO Library or one case that has been decided or is currently pending to support your answer.
Scenario 1 – Bribery
Caterpillar, Inc. purchased four diesel engines from a manufacturer in Japan. The engines were needed immediately as replacements so that the crews could get back to work. The import manager knew that the engines did not comply with the Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards, but hoped that the U.S. Customs officers would not inspect the engines. The customer service manager threatened to call Customs and tell them that he paid their salary and they darn well better release the goods now.
The Customs officer explained that they were very busy, and it might take more than 24 hours to obtain release of the engines. When informed of this fact, the import manager offered the customs official $500 to sign off on the documents.
- Analyze the legal and ethical ramifications of the purchasing manager’s offer to the customs official.
- Assume that the goods were not being inspected. Would it make a difference if the purchasing manager offered to donate $500 to Ronald McDonald House Charities if the officer expedited the paperwork necessary to release the goods from custom’s custody?
Scenario 2 – Regulation of Competition
A famous comedian indicated on Facebook that the Apple iPhone was his favorite cell phone. After the comment, sales of iPhones increased 35 percent. Since demand outpaced supply, Apple decided not to sell any more phones unless an additional tablet was purchased. A competitor informed the Office of the Attorney General of this policy, asserting it was illegal.
- Explain the legal basis for the complaint and decide which party will prevail.
Scenario 3 – Antitrust Laws
Omnicon, Inc. and Drummond, Ltd are competitors selling similar lawn equipment in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Omnicon and Drummond agree that Omnicon will no longer sell equipment in South Carolina and Georgia and Drummond will no longer sell equipment in Alabama and Florida.
- Have Omnicon and Drummond violated any antitrust laws? Explain why or why not.
Part 2 – Federal Administrative Agencies
Select one federal administrative agency and provide a summary of the purpose and types of activities the agency regulates. Use your own words to summarize the information. To avoid too many duplicates, students with the last name starting with A through L will select from Column A. Students with last names starting with M – Z will select from Column B.
Column A
Column B
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Central Intelligence Agency
Federal Aviation Administration
Department of Agriculture
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Commerce
Federal Communications Commission
Department of Defense
Federal Trade Commission
Department of Education
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Homeland Security
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Department of Justice
National Labor Relations Board
Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
