This online simulation presents two (2) ethical dilemmas/situations that introduce students to ethical frameworks, provide them with a framework for making ethical decisions, and reinforce the learning by immersing them in real-world situations dealing with Conflict of Interest and Capital Formation.

In “The Case of the Really Sweet Deal,” a Board member proposes a business partnership with one of their friends. The suggestion is that the participant explores the opportunity during an entertainment event that the friend is sponsoring at which the Board member will also be present. The question is whether or not the opportunity can be explored without engaging in a conflict of interest.

In the second dilemma, “The Case of the Clever Pitch,” the participant is putting together a proposal for funding from a venture capital firm. If the bid is successful, the company will receive $32 million to complete testing and marketing for a new product. Clinical research results and sales projections create an enticing picture for potential investors. The participant is aware, however, of some potential problems with the clinical research results. Also, the sales figures include off-label sales even though the sales team can not directly promote off-label use. The challenge is to determine whether or not full disclosure of all information should be provided to the venture capitalists.

About the Author: Catharyn A. Baird, J.D., is the CEO and Founder of EthicsGame and Professor Emerita of Business at Regis University, Denver, Colorado. She began researching personal and professional ethics when she was a practicing attorney, representing children and parents who found themselves enmeshed in the juvenile justice system. As she worked with families, she became intrigued by the question of why some children seemed to know the “right thing to do” while others did not. [more]