What you will do ...
In this section, you will learn about this module’s exercises. The required links above provide information on the frameworks used in each section. For example, the Socio-Technical System module provides background information on socio-technical analysis. The "Three Frameworks" module provides a further description of the ethics tests, their pitfalls, and the feasibility test. These exercises will provide step by step instructions on how to work through the decision points presented above.
Exercise one: problem specification
In this exercise, you will specify the problem using socio-technical analysis. The STS section of the Biomatrix Case narrative (found at Computing Cases) provides a good starting point. In the first table, enter the information from the Biomatrix case materials pertinent to the general components of a STS, its hardware, software, physical surroundings, people/groups/roles, procedures, laws, data. Some examples taken from the STS description at Computing Cases are provided to get you started. Then, using the second table, identify the values that are embedded in the different components of the STS. For example, PICS (platforms for internet content selection) embody the values of security and privacy. Finally, using the data from your socio-technical analysis, formulate a concise problem statement.
Exercise 1a:
Read the socio-technical system analysis of the Biomatrix case at http://computingcases.org. Fill in the table below with elements from this analysis that pertain to your decision point.Hardware | Software | Physical Surroundings | People/Groups/Roles | Procedures | Laws, Codes, Regulations | Data and Data Structures |
Plant manufacturing Synvisc | Yahoo software | cyber vs real space | Biomatrix, Genzyme, Yahoo | Getting a Yahoo account | John Doe Lawsuits | OSP user information |
- Go to http://computingcases.org and review the STS description provided for the Biomatrix case.
- Pull out the elements of the STS description that are relevant to your decision point. List them under the appropriate STS component in the above table.
- Think about possible ways in which these components of the Biomatrix STS interact. For example, what kinds of legal restrictions govern the way data is collected, stored, and disseminated?
- Develop your STS table with an eye to documenting possible ethical conflicts that can arise and are relevant to your decision point.
Instructions for table 1:
Exercise 1b
Examine the values embedded in the STS surrounding this decision point. Locate your values under the appropriate component in the Biomatrix STS. For example, according to the STS description for Biomatrix found at Computing Cases, the Yahoo software that structures the architecture of the bulletin boards embody certain values like free speech. Should this be changed given the threat of defamation? What are Yahoo responsibilities in the context of defamation?Hardware | Software | Physical Surroundings | People/Groups/Roles | Procedures | Laws/Codes/Regulations | Data/Data Structures |
Security | ||||||
Privacy | ||||||
Property | ||||||
Justice (Equity/Access) | ||||||
Free Speecy |