WRITING A

CASE-STUDY MEMO How to prepare a case-study memo

1st one due: July 20

Others due: Aug. 3, Aug. 17, Aug. 31 (take-

home part of final exam)

Also the format for in-class part of final

exam

Pretend you are a consultant

Top editor has an ethical dilemma

Investigate and write a memo

By Ervins Strauhmanis

Use a logical process Same steps in reporting:

1. Gather facts.

2. Analyze the facts.

3. Judge the facts.

By Cory Doctorow

Use these 4 tools

1. Classic ethical theories

2. Professional standards

3. Critical thinking

4. 10-question template

Use these 4 tools 1. Classic ethical theories

•Ends-based thinking Greatest good for the most people

•Rule-based thinking Follow the rule.

•Golden Rule Do unto others as you would have

them do unto you.

•Aristotle’s Golden Mean Avoid extremes. Compromise.

By Flickr user VCalsidyrose

Use these 4 tools 2. Professional

standards:

A. SPJ Code of

Ethics

B. Myanmar

Media Code of

Conduct

Use these 4 tools

3. Critical thinking:

• Apply logic to available info

• Not just emotion

By Renaud Camus

Use these 4 tools 4. 10-question template, pg. 113:

What’s in the memo? Write a memo of four sections:

1. Background of the case (the facts)

2. The ethical theories and processes you used

(listed to the right)

3. Alternatives with pros and cons

4. Recommended action

1. Background or facts

Photo by sskennel

2. Ethical theories and processes Which did you use and how did you apply them?

• Ends-based: greatest good for the most people

• Rule-based: Follow the rule.

• Golden Mean: Avoid extremes. Compromise.

• Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have

them do unto you.

• SPJ Code: Seek truth and report it, minimize

harm, act independently, and be accountable and

transparent.

• Myanmar Media Code of Conduct

• 10-question template

Memo

3. What are the alternatives? Publish: Pros Cons The full name Tells the truth May harm agent

Nickname and

surname

Tells the truth

May protect agent a

bit

May still harm the agent

First name only Tells part of the truth Raises credibility

questions; may lead to

more government secrecy

Fake name Protects the agent Raises credibility

questions; may lead to

more government secrecy

No name Protects the agent Raises credibility

questions; may lead to

more government secrecy

4. Recommended action

What tests did you apply

to justify your decision:

front page

Mom

jury

What should the

editors do and why?

How will it be graded?

Scoring criteria: Excellent

: 25 to 20

points

Good:

19-14

points

Fair: 13

to 7

points

Poor: 6

to 0

points

Issue spotting: how many

of the ethical theories did

you use?

Quality of analysis: Does it

have the 4 sections? How

thoughtful is your

analysis?

Quality of

recommendation: Is it clear

and logical? Can you

defend it three ways?

Writing: Is it concise and

correct?

The maximum number of points is 100.

WHEN IS IT DUE? Beginning of class

JULY 20