College of Business Administration

Science and nature:

1) As we continue to make strides in scientific technology—supposedly for the good of humanity—are we actually doing more harm than good?

The case of the “Golden Rice”:

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is “creating” a strain of rice that is designed to eliminate Vitamin A deficiency worldwide. After years of research and millions of dollars spent, only low levels of beta carotene have been achieved.

2) Is this truly a humanitarian effort, or merely another way to profit from the misery of the underprivileged?

The case of the “Terminator Gene”:

The “terminator gene” permits seed companies to create sterile seeds by programming a plant to kill its own embryos. A seed company could invest money to develop and produce new seed varieties in order to sell a large volume of that seed, recover the original capital investment, and realize a profit. By incorporating a self-sterilization gene, farmers are prevented from saving and using seeds produced by crop plants from year to year.

3) Is such technology necessary to protect the investments of seed companies? Does it effectively force farmers to become “addicted” to agricultural biotech companies for their livelihoods?

Environmental awareness:

4) In what stage of environmental awareness is your company?

Beginner: No involvement

Firefighter: Piecemeal involvement

Concerned citizen: Agrees with theory

Pragmatist: Moderately involved

Proactivist: Actively involved

The Commons Game:

5) What is your share of the commons?

Corporate environmental responsibility:

Advocates for corporate environmental responsibility extend their concern globally beyond the production of goods and services for a profit.

6) Who is ultimately responsible for keeping the environment free from pollution?

CalTrans Stormwater Issue:

Referring to the CalTrans article, identify the facts, ethical issue, parties, consequences, obligations, character issues, and potential solutions for this case.

7) Has CalTrans behaved in an unethical manner?

8) How can CalTrans solve this dilemma?

Urban Sprawl:

9) How do you think that urban sprawl will affect the community feel of San Diego?

10) Are you willing to pay more taxes to create a solution to urban sprawl?

“Green” Restaurants:

11) Are you more likely to go to a “green restaurant” than to another restaurant, even if the prices were the same?

12) Would you pay more for a meal at a “green restaurant?”

Readings:

Cummins, Ronnie. Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods and Crops: Why We Need a Global Moratorium. www.inmotionmagazine.com/geff4.html. June 7, 2002.

Greenpeace Press Release. Release of GE ‘Golden Rice’ Prevented for Next Five Years. March 20, 2001. www.greenpeace.org/pressreleases/geneng/2001mar20.html. June 7, 2002.

CalTrans Issue: http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/

Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development:sustainable.development@hq.doe.gov

Green Restaurants: www.dinegreen.com