Doing the Right Things Right

In this webinar our expert discusses the difference between Process Ethics and Product Ethics, arguing that the latter is far more important but rarely properly addressed on a through-life basis - and that this means that before implementation, wider outcomes must be investigated, with consideration given to whether the delivered product is open to use/ misuse/ abuse for purposes other than those intended. Additionally, failure scenario planning should be regarded as an integral part of the design and regulation process. As projects get increasingly more complex, so too must the contracting process be designed to incorporate ethical issues in the face of unpredictability.Our expertMichael Cavanagh, MScIn his 45-year career, Michael has worked as a Programmer, Systems Analyst, Project Manager, Department Head and Consultant in a number of business sectors.An independent management consultant and conference speaker since 1991, his earlier specialisations were in the fields of project management and the risk and ethical implications of technology, particularly with regard to safety-critical and safety-related systems design in software-intensive systems. He followed this by a period of research into the transfer of knowledge and wisdom in an organisational context, particularly with regard to good management practice, applying systems thinking techniques to perform 'forensic' analysis of major project failure and the ways in which lessons can be derived and corrective process improvement implemented.This led to an association with the International Centre for Complex Project Management (ICCPM) resulting in the publication of his book introducing '2nd Order' programme management concepts and the need and justification for their application to highly complex projects, published by Gower in January 2012.He is now concentrating on more in-depth research into ethical issues in complex engineering projects, and has recently published an eBook on the subject, available via Amazon.Michael is also an ordained Anglican priest in the Church of Ireland and is currently responsible for the churches of the Kenmare and Dromod Union, Co. Kerry.