Case Study Reflection

Reasoning & Reflection Exercise 2

For this week’s Reasoning and Reflection post, please read the two Washington Post articles provided in the links below.  The articles examine the topic of ransomware, which many local governments around the country have faced in recent years. After reviewing these sources, as well as this week’s materials, please respond to the two discussion prompts below. Your answer should be approximately 500 words in length, and it should connect the material covered in this week’s reading to the ransomware readings, while also reflecting on your own sense of public service ethics and how they apply to this circumstance.

Washington Post News Article

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/06/20/florida-city-will-pay-hackers-get-its-computer-systems-back/?utm_term=.30b176c9a6b3 (Links to an external site.)

Washington Post Editorial

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/hackers-are-taking-cities-hostage-heres-a-way-around-it/2019/06/23/f08b79ea-9459-11e9-aadb-74e6b2b46f6a_story.html?utm_term=.67253c697045 (Links to an external site.)

Discussion Prompts

1. Imagine yourself for a moment as a new city or county administrator. What steps would you recommend taking in order to prepare for a threat such as the one faced by the City of Riviera Beach in the news article above? 

2. Do you agree with the argument made in the Washington Post editorial? Do you believe that the State of Florida, or perhaps even the United State Federal Government, should consider passing an anti-ransomware law?  Or should it be up to local municipalities whether or not they want to pay the ransom in these situations?  Please briefly explain the reasoning for your answer!

Student Learning Outcomes and Grading Rubric for this Assignment

This exercise emphasizes the following learning outcomes associated with this course. 

• Understand the role of public, private, nonprofit, and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing public policy. (LO1)
• Identify and explain how governance, multi-sectoral, and organizational structures can be leveraged to achieve public and community interests. (LO2)
• Understand and evaluate how external factors influence public institutions, processes, and organizations. (LO3)
• Understand and apply principles and skills of public/nonprofit management – to include the ethics and ethos of public and community service… to address societal problems. (LO4)
• Evaluate the impact of individual choices on local and global communities. (LO5)
• Communicate ideas and information to diverse audiences. (LO7)
• Demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities. (LO9)