This case study could be used as a jumping off point for discussing business ethics and corporate governance in general. Students could be asked to examine the two main duties of business professionals; namely

1. Business professionals work to further the interests of shareholders in a context of fiduciary duty

2. Business professionals are responsible for the firm’s behaviours to stakeholders

Look at the potential conflicts between maximising profits for shareholders and the interests or rights of stakeholders. Introduce the concept of the triple bottom line.

Discuss the different types of business/industries accountants work in. Talk about how choosing one over another would impact someone’s daily life, with reference to work/life balance, salary/training expectations etc. How would different industries go about attracting candidates/graduates?