$1)$In August $2010,$ Michael Dell, Dell, Inc.$$s CEO and chairman of the board, was reelected to Dell$$s board of directors by Dell$$s shareholders. However, not all of the shareholders were happy with Mr$.$ Dell$$s reappointment. Specifically, two labor groups that own shares of Dell stock wanted Mr$.$ Dell removed from the board because of an action and settlement of the SEC involving the company and Mr$.$ Dell. The SEC complaint alleged various accounting manipulations that called into question Dell$$s reported financial success from $2002$ to $2006.$ In July $2010,$ Dell, Inc. agreed to pay $$100$ million to settle SEC charges, without admitting or denying guilt. Mr$.$ Dell agreed to pay a $$4$ million fine, also without admitting or denying guilt.

a$)$ What principles of corporate governance appear to have been missing at Dell?

b$)$Given the apparent actions of Mr$.$ Dell, along with his management and board roles, should Dell$$s external auditor expect the corporate governance at Dell to be effective?

c$)$How might Dell$$s external auditor respond to concerns about the quality of governance at Dell?

d$)$ Given the SEC settlement, should Dell$$s board have an independent chair?

e$)$ Given the SEC settlement, should Mr$.$ Dell be removed from his CEO position?