1. Limits of Computer Models
Consider textbook example about the simulation of the environmental impact of using cotton vs. disposable diapers
4.25 – Fire department has a software model for controlled burns. Experienced worker ignores model, burns with no problems, but gets reprimanded by boss.

2. Warm-up Discussion Cases
Standardized test scores wrong – but higher than the actual scores.
Factory using robots in restricted area, people not allowed in, power shut down when door opened. Worker jumps over fence, gets killed.

3. When to recall a product?
Example:
Ford Explorer Firestone tires started exploding and causing roll-over accidents, some deaths
Reason is not clear: tires, bad car design, incorrectly inflated tires possible reasons.
Whether to recall
The cars
The tires
Or wait and see…
If you were a manager, what factors would you consider in your decision?

4. Is it worth adding complexity
Airbags have prevented some 3500 deaths, but caused 100 deaths of infants, children or small adults
Siemens Smart Airbags
3-D sensing can determine the distance between the driver's head and dashboard and limit the deployment of the air bag to only that required distance.
Complex sensors and software to control safety belt and airbag
Questions:
is adding complexity desirable? (millions of cars have been recalled due to airbag problems already…)
isn’t better user education preferable?
if you are a manager of a car manufacturing company, what factors would you consider?