Response to case study scenario 1

In this situation I would not ignore the failed tests. I would take the results to the next line of management above my direct manager and inform them of the failed tests and my concerns for the safety of our product users. I would also inform these managers of the response I received from my manager, whilst confirming that I understand his point of view but that i feel it is my duty to inform them of the failed tests and the risks associated with them. All of my communication with management would be in face to face discussions with copies of the results present to show and explain.

I have come to this decision because of my experience of real circumstances. I am a member of the BCS (British Computer Society) and the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) as part of membership with both of these professional bodies i have to conform to codes of practice and conduct with all of the work i produce and oversee. Due to these codes of conduct it is my professional responsibility not to ignore the failed tests. Section 1.1 of the BCS code of conduct states;


Whilst the IET Rules of conduct section 8 states;


From these two rules it can be seen that due to the possible risk to life and damage to property the failed tests cannot be ignored because of the resulting fire hazard. The IET rules of conduct also have another relevant point "section 4" which states that a member must also take responsibility and ownership of all work done under them, by them, and under their supervisors direction, which means that it is your responsibility to treat all work you handle as personal and with the greatest professionalism.

Although this is the position I have taken and the reasons for that decision, I can also understand possible arguments for not taking the results further because the financial cost to the business could be quite high if all models from the batch are re-called but if one of the models was to fail and cause harm during its life the financial and reputation costs to the business would be much greater. It can also be said that in this situation the supervisor could be right because he has been working in the industry for longer and has more experience dealing with similar situations however because of this experience in some cases it could lead him to be complacent susceptible to pressure from management

So to conclude I would inform senior management above my supervisor of the risks and the failed tests and leave the decision of what the best course of action is to them, because I would have performed my duty as a professional and to my position within the company.