BT 0220

PROFFESIONAL ISSUES
AND ETHICS
LECTURE 03

H.M 1
 Ethics Case Studies #1
Jean, a statistical database programmer, is trying to write a large statistical program needed
by her company. Programmers in this company are encouraged to write about their work and
to publish their algorithms in professional journals.
After months of tedious programming, Jean has found herself stuck on several parts of the
program. Her manager, not recognizing the complexity of the problem, wants the job
completed within the next few days.
Not knowing how to solve the problems, Jean remembers that a coworker had given her
source listings from his current work and from an early version of a commercial software
package developed at another company. On studying these programs, she sees two areas of
code which could be directly incorporated into her own program.

H.M 2
 Cont…
She uses segments of code from both her coworker and the
commercial software, but does not tell anyone or mention it in the
documentation. She completes the project and turns it in a day
ahead of time.
What portions of the ACM Code of Ethics would address this
situation?
According to the code, how should you react to the situation

Intellectual property right

H.M 3
 Ethics Case Study #2
Three years ago, Diane started her own consulting business. She has
been so successful that she now has several people working for her
and many clients. Their consulting work included advising how to
network microcomputers, designing database management
systems, and advising about security.
Presently, she is designing a database management system for the
personnel office of a medium sized company. Diane has involved
the client in the design process, informing the CEO, the director of
computing, and the director of personnel about the progress of the
system.

H.M 4
 CONT….
Diane has described several options to the client. Because the system is
going to cost more than they planned, the client has decided to opt for a
less secure system. Diane believes the information they will be storing
is extremely sensitive. It will include performance evaluations, medical
records for filing insurance claims, salaries, and so forth.
With weak security, employees working on microcomputers may be
able to figure out ways to get access to the data, not to mention the
possibilities of on-line access from hackers. Diane feels strongly that
the system should be much more secure. She has tried to explain the
risks, but the CEO, director of computing, and director of personnel all
agree that less security will do.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?

privacy
H.M 5
 Ethics Case Study # 3
Max works at a large state department of alcoholism and drug abuse.
The agency administers programs for individuals with alcohol and drug
problems, and maintains a huge database of information on the clients
who use their services. Some of the data files contain the names and
current addresses of clients.
Max has been asked to take a look at the track records of the treatment
programs. He is to put together a report that contains the number of
clients seen in each program each month for the past five years, length
of each client’s treatment, number of clients who return after
completion of a program, criminal histories of clients, and so on.

H.M 6
 CONT….

In order to put together this report, Max has been given access to all files in
the agency’s mainframe computer. After assembling the data into a new file
that includes the client names, he downloads it to the computer in his office.
Under pressure to get the report finished by the deadline, Max decides he will
have to work at home over the weekend in order to finish on time. He copies
the information onto a flash drive and takes it home. After finishing the
report, he leaves the drive at home and forgets about it.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?
confidentiality

H.M 7
 Ethics Case Study # 4
A computer company is writing the first stage of a more
efficient accounting system that will be used by the
government. This system will save taxpayers a
considerable amount of money every year.
A computer professional, who is asked to design the
accounting system, assigns different parts of the system to
her staff. One person is responsible for developing the
reports; another is responsible for the internal processing;
and a third for the user interface.

H.M 8
 CONT…
The manager is shown the system and agrees that it can do
everything in the requirements. The system is installed, but the
staff finds the interface so difficult to use that their complaints are
heard by upper- level management.
Because of these complaints, upper-level management will not
invest any more money in the development of the new accounting
system and they go back to their original, more expensive system.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?
quality in professional work

H.M 9
 Ethics Case Study # 5

In determining requirements for an information system to

be used in an employment agency, the client explains that,
when displaying applicants whose qualifications appear to
match those required for a particular job, the names of
white applicants are to be displayed ahead of those of non-
white applicants, and names of male applicants are to be
displayed ahead of those of female applicants.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?
fairness and discrimination

H.M 10
 Ethics Case Study # 6
A software consultant is negotiating a contract with a local community to design
their traffic control system. He recommends they select one TCS system out of
several available systems on the market. The consultant fails to mention that he is
a major stockholder of the company producing the TCS software.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?

conflicts of interest

H.M 11
 CONT…
Joe is working on a project for his computer science course. The instructor has
allotted a fixed amount of computer time for this project. Joe has run out of
time, but he has not yet finished the project.
The instructor cannot be reached. Last year Joe worked as a student
programmer for the campus computer center and is quite familiar with
procedures to increase time allocations to accounts. Using what he learned last
year, he is able to access the master account. Then he gives himself additional
time and finishes his project.
How ACM Code of Ethics would address this situation?
unauthorized access

H.M 12
 CODES OF ETHICS

Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers (IEEE)
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Software Engineering

H.M 13
 IEEE CODE OF ETHICS (1)
1. Accept responsibility in making engineering decisions consistent with the
safety, health and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might
endanger the public or the environment.
2. Avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to
disclose them to affected parties when they do exist.
3. Be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data.
4. Reject bribery in all its forms.

H.M 14
 IEEE CODE OF ETHICS (2)
5. Improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and
potential consequences.
6. Maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake
technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience.
7. Seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to
acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others.

H.M 15
 IEEE CODE OF ETHICS (3)
8. Treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors such as race, religion,
gender, disability, age, or national origin;
9. Avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by
false or malicious action;
10. Assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and
support them in following this code of ethics.

H.M 16
 CODE OF ETHICS

Joint IEEE-CS/ACM Code of Ethics and

Professional Practice.

H.M 17
 IEEE CODE OF ETHICS (2)
Built on 8 principles

1. Public Interest– Act consistently with the public interest.

2. Client and Employer – Act in a manner that is in the best interests of the
client and employer.
3. Product – Ensure their products meet highest professional standards
possible.
4. Judgment – Maintain integrity and independence
5. Management – Managers and leaders shall subscribe to an ethical
approach to software development and maintenance

H.M 18
 CONT…..
6. Profession – Advance the integrity of theprofession

7. Colleagues – Be fair and supportive of colleagues

8. Self – Participate in lifelong learning and promote an ethical approach to

the practice of the profession

The principle of Public Interest is central to the code

H.M 19
ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BOARD
(ERB)

CODE OF CONDUCT A N D ETHICS FOR

ENGINEERS

H.M 20
 ERB
o The Engineers Registration Board is a statutory body established under the
Engineers Registration Act, No. 15 of 1997.
o The Board has been given the responsibility of monitoring and regulating
engineering activities and the conduct of the engineers and engineering
consulting firms in Tanzania through registration of engineers and engineering
consulting firms.
o Under the law, it is illegal for an engineer or an engineering firm to practice the
profession if not registered with the Board

H.M 21
 CONT…
o The Board has also been given legal powers and has the obligation to withdraw the right
to practice from registered engineers if found guilt of professional misconduct or
professional incompetence.
o Registration with the Board is, thus, a license to practice engineering in Tanzania
o Engineering is among the noble professions that have the privilege and responsibility of
self regulation.
o The Board has worked out a Code of Ethics which aims at regulating the engineering
activities and conduct of engineers and engineering consulting firms in Tanzania.
o The Code thus forms the basis and framework for responsible professional practice as it
prescribes standards of conduct to be observed by engineers and engineering consulting
firms

H.M 22
 CODE OF ETHICS
Assignment
Visits the following link and write down the codes of ethics as
outlined by ERB
http://www.erb.go.tz/index.php?option=com_content&vi
ew=article&id=49&Itemid=53

H.M 23
THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

CODE OF ETHICS A N D CONDUCT

FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE TANZANIA

H.M 24
 UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
CODES OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

 In order for the Public Service to be efficient and respected Public Servants must behave and
conduct themselves in a manner as stipulated below:-
o Pursuit of Excellence in Service
o Loyalty
o Diligence
o Impartiality
o Integrity
o Accountability
o Respect of Law
o Proper use of Official information

H.M 25