Answer to Question #214673 in Marketing for imooo

Question

 

Q. 2 Internet file sharing programs are popular among college students. These programs work by allowing non-organizational users to access any local network where desired files are located. Because these types of file sharing programs tend to clog bandwidth, local users’ ability to access and use a local network is reduced. What ethical and social responsibilities does a university have in this situation? To whom do they have a responsibility? What guidelines might you suggest for university decision makers?

Answer 1

In this scenario, the university's social responsibilities are to maintain and provide good service on their internet file sharing program; by increasing the system's infrastructure, it will be able to accommodate more local users to use the system; however, in order to make the program much more successful, the university must also implement some guidelines. Users are only allowed to use the system for a certain period of time, and any files that are larger than a certain number of gigabytes must be manually requested via USB file transfer. The online file sharing program would be successful if the following principles are followed, since the bandwidth and network would not be clogged.

On the other hand, if the university is a for-profit institution that adheres to the classical viewpoint, WIFI service may be prohibited on campus. If they believed themselves to be a socially responsible organization, they might discourage the usage of these file-sharing apps on the internet. Their obligations will differ depending on whether the institution is public or private. Although it is safe to assume that all institutions have a responsibility to teach their students. It would be prudent for institutions to accept public expectations in order to remain competitive and increase enrolment. To ensure long-term financial demands and longevity, they should consider their public image and future potential.