PPY 213: Business Ethics
Jacksonville University
Dr. Scott Kimbrough


Topic List for Research Papers


Select a topic from the list below. At most two students can sign up for the same topic. Topics will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up for a topic, notify me in class or send me an e-mail identifying your selection.

You are welcome to suggest topics that are not on the list below.

The presentation dates are approximate. Actual presentations may be later, but will not be earlier, than the date listed.

PRESENTATION DATE

RESEARCH TOPICS

RESEARCHER(S)

10/1

In many hostile takeovers, the intention of the buyer is to break up and sell the parts of the company purchased. This practice is clearly legal. Is it ethical?

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10/3

Under what conditions is pre-employment drug testing justifiable? Is the need to promote worker productivity sufficient reason?

Dana Hyland

10/3

Under what conditions is drug testing of standing employees (as opposed to job applicants) justifiable? Is the need to promote worker productivity sufficient reason?

.

10/10

To what extent, if any, should genetic screening in employment be allowed?

.

10/12

Should workers' right to safety be a negotiable part of the employment contract? For example, should workers be allowed to agree to less safety for more wages?

.

10/15

How should multinational companies set safety standards abroad?

.

10/17

What should count as a disability under the ADA?

.

10/19

Explain and evaluate the ADA's requirement that employers must make "reasonable accommodations" for disabled employees.

Casey Clementz, Matt Kamsler

10/22

What sort of affirmative action programs, if any, are appropriate in higher education?

Jacob Shultz

10/24

What sort of affirmative action programs, if any, are appropriate in private industry?

Christopher Lunn, Javier Madariaga

10/26

Explain and evaluate the definition of "hostile environment" sexual harassment.

Johnny Jones, Jared Moses

10/29

Compare and contrast the merits of sexual harassment policy in the U.S. and one or two foreign nations.

Juanita Barb

11/5

What role should business play in the formation of environmental protection policy?

Hans Guisdardo

11/7

How should multi-national corporations set environmental policy abroad?

Rob Brown, Jason Delaneuville

11/14

Explain and evaluate the basis for intellectual property rights, especially with regard to new electronic media.

Mark Northrup

11/16

How do electronic media threaten privacy rights and what, if anything, should be done to address those threats?

Tracie Grime, Clay Martin

11/19

Explain and evaluate the basis for intellectual property rights, especially with regard to pharmaceuticals.

Frederick Bacon, Rachel Carter

11/28

Compare and contrast the relative merits of right-to-work protections in the U.S. and some other country.

Martyne Dallman, Chris Rillstone

12/3

Is it a good idea for developing economies to enter into free trade agreements with more prosperous partners? For example, should Caribbean or Central American nations join the FTAA?

Matt Carlin, Shaun McPhillips

12/5

Should additional free trade agreements be made among developed economies (e.g., the U.S. and the E.U.)? Why or why not?

Irina Gashchenko


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