Sample Worksheet - Fraud / Unfair Business Dealings
[PART I: Microsoft's Marketplace Power: US vs. Microsoft (Web Browsers)]
Read the articles titled "U.S., 20 State Sue Microsoft" and
"Microsoft Lawyer: Antitrust Case build on false Premises".
Research for additional related information, and then respond
to the following questions:
- What is a web browser?
- What is an Operating System?
- What is the relationship between an Operating System and a Web browser?
- What is a monopoly and what do you understand by "anti-competitive practice"?
- Briefly summarize (in about a paragraph) the essence of DOJ's case
- Briefly summarize (in about a paragraph) the essence of Microsoft's argument
- Who are the stake holders involved in this case, and what is at stake for them?
- Is Microsoft involved in any other similar conflicts? If so compare and
contrast these conflicts with this case.
- Review the ACM code of ethics and identify (and discuss) which of those
are relevant to this case.
- Why should you as student of CS / CIS care about this case?
Essay:
Do you agree with the justice department's allegation that Microsoft uses
"anti-competitive practices to destroy its rivals and to avoid competition
on the merits"? Write an essay (about 1 page) explaining your position.
Your arguments should be closely integrated with the ACM Code of ethics,
and the future of software industry (US in particular, and global in general).
[PART II: The Mock Trial]
We will have a mock jury trial (in this trial the jury
members get to question the prosecution and
defendant members) in the class on {insert date here}.
Please rank your priority for the role you would like to
play (1 for first choice, 2 for second choice and 3 for the
third choice), and turn in your choices along with the your
responses for part I.
Role |
Priority |
Prosecution (DOJ) |
|
Defendant (Microsoft) |
|
Grand jury member |
|
I will compile all the choices and announce the role allocations
for each student. For the trial you must come prepared to
present your case and / or ask questions. It is not
sufficient to simply prepare for your side of the case.
You must anticipate the other parties arguments and questions.
[PART III: Reevaluate your original essay]
By now you had the opportunity to:
- critically think and formulate your opinions
- listen and comprehend the arguments put forward by other students
both supporting and opposing your opinions.
You now have the opportunity to revise your initial opinions.
Write a brief essay (about half a page), describing what
changes you would like to make to your original essay (in Part
I). It is essential to provide justifications for the changes.
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