1.1 Case analysis module: hughes aircraft  (Page 2/4)

Module Activities:

1. Instructor introduces the case based on the abstract and timeline found at www.computingcases.org

2. Students read case abstract, timeline, case decision point, and case analysis exercises.

3. Students do further research into the case by consulting ComputingCases materials which include narratives,histories, supporting documents, and ethical analyses.

4. Students carry out the activities outlined in the accompanying case exercises by (a) specifying the problemraised in the decision point, (b) generating solutions, (c) testing solutions using ethics tests, and (d) developing plans forimplementing the solution over situational constraints.

5. Students prepare their case analyses working in small groups.

6. These groups present their completed analysis to the class in a case-debriefing session.

7. The instructor concludes by discussing the problem-solving issues and intermediate moral concepts raised bythe case.

Hughes Microelectronics: Whistleblowing in the Manufacture of Computer Chips for the Military

Case Abstract:

When computer chips are embedded in expensive weapons systems, the chips need to be tested to make sure they canwithstand years of exposure to the extreme environmental hazards they might face (rapid changes in temperature, severe shock,changes in atmospheric pressure, etc.). These chips are sealed in metal containers to protect them from the environmental stress. Theseals and the chips need to be tested to make sure they can withstand the stress. Unfortunately, the need to manufacture anddeliver these chips on time can compete with the desire to test them thoroughly.

In the mid 1980s, Hughes Microelectronics was manufacturing what were called hybrid microchips for use inguidance systems and other military programs. A series of environmental tests were specified by the government contract. Butpressure to ship chips out on time to customers got in the way of complete testing. "Hot" chips, those needed right away for shipmentwere given preferential treatment by some in charge of the testing process and shipped without the proper tests beingperformed.

This case is about what happened when employees of Hughes Microelectronics noticed that these tests werebeing skipped. The decisions they made to report this make this one of the classic cases in the history of whistleblowing

Timeline

1. 1979 Nancy Baker (Baker) begins working for American Aircraft company’s

Microelectronic Circuit Division (American MCD) in Newport Beach, CA

2. 1981 Claire Paul (Paul) begins working for American MCD as a

supervisor for assembly on the hybrid production floor and as a

supervisor in the hybrid engineering lab

3. 1984 Baker becomes supervisor for hybrid quality assurance

4. 1985 Paul asks Baker to look at errors inpaperwork,

Baker brings errors to the attention of her supervisors and was told to keep quiet,

beginning of time period when Paul/Baker became aware of problems

in hybrid chip testing and paperwork

5. 1986 Paul becomes supervisor for seals processing in the environmental testing area,