Introduction to Information Systems 5th Canadian Edition by R. Kelly Rainer solution manual
Discuss why John Deere’s digital transformation is “not all good news.”
ANSWER:
Due to the advanced technology embedded in the farm equipment, it is difficult for repair shops to repair the equipment as it runs on copyright-protected software. This drives up the cost of repairs as farmers can no longer perform independent repairs or find a local repair shop to do so—it must be done by a company-approved technician. This has resulted in new proposed legislation called “right to repair” that would allow farmers to repair their own equipment without negative impact to their warranty.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 1.4/Learning Objective 4
Bloom’s Category: Analysis
AACSB Category: Technology
Discuss the ethicality and the legality of John Deere’s end-user licensing agreement that it requires its customers to sign.
ANSWER:
Student answers will vary on the ethical perspective but should reason on the principles of transparency to customers when selling the equipment and clearly communicating the impact of the end user agreement.
With regards to legality, the Class 21 exemption discussed in the case should provide relief for farmers; however, the technicality of interpretation is debated by John Deere and seems to be focusing on the right for third-parties to repair the equipment. If restricted, this would amplify the monopoly on the choices available for farmers.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 3.1/Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Analysis
AACSB Category: Technology
Discuss the ethicality and the legality of John Deere customers who use unlicenclabored repair shops to repair their equipment using hacked software.
ANSWER:
Student answers will vary on the ethical perspective but should reason on the principle that such software is hacked and therefore is an infringement of John Deere’s copyright. They may argue that the farmers have limited options and therefore are “driven” to select this as their only option for affordability and timeliness (not having to wait for a John Deere technician).
With regards to legality, students should highlight that using such software is in fact a violation of the end user agreement that was signed, which transfers the responsibility and accountability to the owner of the equipment, not the hacker who created the software.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 3.1/Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Analysis
AACSB Category: Technology
6. The fundamental tenets of ethics include responsibility, accountability, and liability. Discuss each of these tenets as it applies to John Deere’s actions toward its customers.
ANSWER:
Student answers will vary on the explanation but should highlight the following:
Responsibility: John Deere designed the software with copyright and should have been aware of the consequences for farmers. They must accept the negative consequences that were associated with the new technology and if they are comfortable with the outcome, likely assess that any negative consequence and/or legal proceeding would be outweighed by the benefits the new technology presents.
Accountability: John Deere is holding the farmers accountable for the restricted access to technology as demonstrated through the introduction of the end user agreement. John Deere is not being held accountable for any misleading information as to the limitations on the use of the equipment, as it is now all included in the end user agreement. Given they are the manufacturer, they continue to design mechanisms to safeguard their rights. For example, the engine lock module is a strong stance on their “right” to protect their own engineering/design.
Liability: By providing clarity in writing through the end user agreement, John Deere effectively eliminated the ability to be forced to award damages. In fact, they are positioned to follow up with third parties that have hacked their software and could pursue damages done to them by breaching the copyright.
Level: Medium
Section/Learning Objective: Section 3.1/Learning Objective 1
Bloom’s Category: Analysis
AACSB Category: Technology
Team Assignments
1. Create an online group for studying IT or a part of it you are interested in. Create a Google group and a Yahoo group. Compare Yahoo Groups and Google Groups.
ANSWER:
Students will present their report based on comparing their experiences at the two sites.
2. Review the Wall Street Journal, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, Canadian Business, and local newspapers for the last three months to find stories about the use of web-based technologies in organizations. Each group will prepare a report describing five applications. The reports should emphasize the role of the Web and its benefit to the organizations. Focus on issues described in this chapter, such as productivity, competitive strategies, and globalization. Present and discuss your work.