Professional Codes of Ethics in Any Profession - Assignment Example

Assignment 2 Student: Student ID: Lecturer: Subject: Course: Word Count: Part A: 1200 Part B: 850 Part A Professional codes of ethics Introduction An important requirement and characteristic of any profession is the requirement by all members to abide by the Code of Ethics. The Australian computer society requires that every member subscribes to the stipulated values and ideals in order to enhance the principle, dignity and the efficiency of the profession of information and technology. A member should maintain the high standards of competence and ethical conduct by upholding honesty while serving their employers, clients and the public. Their skills and the unique knowledge they have in the information and technology field should be applied in the enhancement of human welfare. Leikessa as a member of the Australian Computer Society is supposed to adhere to the requirements of the Society’s code of ethics(Berleur & Brunnstein, 2001). Case Leikessa should object to the client’s decision because the information that will be stored in the system she is supposed to design is very sensitive in the sense that it entails private information concerning performance evaluation, medical records and worker’s salaries which should not be exposed to outsiders. Compromising with the security and privacy of information is breaching the professionalism and tantamount to acting in contrary to the requirements of the code of ethics (Berleur & Brunnstein, 2001). Computer crime In the information and communication sector, security of information and/or data is a major requirement to any system designed because there is much interference that would cost the companies huge losses. Computer viruses and international spying by hackers are some of the concerns that make security in designing of systems a major consideration (Cavalier, 2005). Privacy and Anonymity Privacy was one of the earliest concerns to awaken the public interest on the issue of computer ethics. The ease and effectiveness with which information systems and computer networks can be used to collect, store and retrieve information is vital to the designing of any system. Management systems which store sensitive information such as medical records, salaries and insurance follow ups should be equipped with all the appropriate security details (Cavalier, 2005). Code of ethics The codes of ethics require that members should conduct themselves responsibly and with integrity when serving the clients, employers, employees and the community. Lekissa should not place her personal interest ahead of those of the client. She would be prioritizing her interest should she design a system that compromises with the security of information. The ethics require that members should be honest in their representations of skills and knowledge in the information and technology sector (Australian computer society, 2000). Standard of conduct Members of the ACS are required to consider the spirit of the entire code in resolving or making decisions that could compromise with their ethical conduct. Members are generally expected to always conduct themselves in a manner that others will consider informed, respectable, and experienced (Bynum, 2008). In regard to priority, members should place the client’s interest ahead of personal interest. In our case, the client’s interest is to develop a system that does not cost much in terms of security details. In designing such a system, the security of the system will be compromised contrary to the requirements of the code of ethics. Lekissa as the designer and a professional is supposed to behave in a manner that depicts her adherence to ethics of conduct (Australian computer society, 2000). Honesty The code of ethic requires that any professional in the information and communication field should be honest in the representation of skills, knowledge and expertise in the field in regard to delivery of service and products. This requirement prohibits a professional from intentionally misleading a client or a potential client as to the efficiency, suitability or effectiveness of a service or product. Leikessa is thus not allowed to give false information in regard to the suitability of the project she is supposed to design. She will also be misrepresenting her skills, knowledge and expertise by accepting to design a sub-standard project. She is required to give opinions and advise to a client in an objective but unbiased manner. Rather than accepting to design the system which does not meet all the security requirements, she should give her own perspective of the project and if the client insists on the specifications, then she should turn down the offer (Weckert & Adeney, 2001). Social implications All the work that professionals in the information and communications field engage in should display positive social implications. They should strive to promote the quality of life of those either directly or indirectly affected by their work. A poorly designed data-base management system will lead to dissatisfaction to both the contractor as well as the client. This definitely compromises with the quality of life and thus contravenes the stipulations of the code of ethics. Any work should be aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the health and safety of the clients. The respect as well as privacy of the clients should be considered in the delivery of any service Recommendations Leikessa should refuse to build the system as requested by the client because it contravenes the code of ethics of the Australian Computer Society. Instead she should advise the client on the best way to design the system. Her duty is to respect and protect the client’s proprietary interests by building a system that will not compromise with security. She should inform the client that the expenses that will be incurred when the system is hacked or invaded by malicious programs are far much higher that the savings resulting from the designing of a system that compromises with security. Leikessa will not exercise responsibility of her work should she accept to design the system as such. She has a responsibility to advise the client that the system designed in the manner that they desire will not be in their best interest. The reason behind the specifications that the firm is giving for its system is definitely to make savings on the cost of the system. In particular, the firm aims at reducing the expenses by cutting down on the security features of the project (Weckert & Adeney, 2001). Conclusion A system that ignores the security of the information certainly compromises with the privacy of the user and is also disrespectful to the client. These are enough reasons for Leikessa’s rejections of the offer (Brey, 2006). Accepting the offer is tantamount to unfair treatment of the client and is not accepted. Leikessa will be depicting incompetence and lack of control in her work should she accept the offer. The code of ethics also bars members of the ACS from acting in a manner that attempts to influence any individual to breach the codes specifications. Leikessa should not accept this offer unless the client agrees to security specifications as this would contradict the requirements of the ACS’s code of ethics (Bynum & Rogerson, 2004). Bibliography Australian computer society, 2000, Research and practice in information technology, Volume 32. Michigan: Australian computer society Inc. Australian computer society, 2000, The Australian computer journal, volume 30-31., Michigan: Australian computer society Inc. Australian computer society, 2008, The Australian computer journal, Volumes 30-31, Michigan: Australian Trade Publication. Brey, P.,2006, “Evaluating the Social and Cultural Implications of the Internet,” Computers and Society, 36(3): 41-44. Brey, P., 2001, “Disclosive Computer Ethics,” in R. Spinello and H. Tavani (eds.), Readings in CyberEthics, Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Bynum, T.,2008, “Norbert Weiner and the Rise of Information Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 8-25. Bynum, W. & Rogerson, S., 2004, Computer ethics and professional responsibility, Michigan: Australian computer society Inc. Cavalier, R., 2005, The Impact of the Internet on Our Moral Lives, NewYork: SUNY Press. Berleur, J. & Brunnstein, K., 2001. Ethics of computing:codes, spaces for discussion and law, New York: Greenwood press Weckert, J. & Adeney, D., 2001, Computer and Information ethics, New York: Greenwood press Part B Survey and analysis of the IT employment market Introduction Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the competitiveness of business organizations in all industries. Information and technology has assisted organizations in managing their operations more effectively and efficiently thus enabling the firms realizes their objectives. Many organizations are beginning to view IT groups not only as support to their current activities but also as means to open and develop new business opportunities Cavalier, 2005). IT streams Wireless communication and mobile computing There has emerged a need to access information, anyplace and anytime in the modern times in order to save on time and other resources. This is being enabled by the fast emerging wireless communications systems which are founded on the mechanisms of radio and infrared transmission mechanisms. This applies technologies like cellular telephony, individual communications systems, wireless PBXs and wireless local area networks. These systems have the potential to alter the workers’ modes of operations by increasing flexibility at work places. This stream is also found in the it department of the company. Professionals in the field are required to possess skills and expertise in information and communication systems (Yi-Bing Lin, 2001). Job advertisements Information systems analyst This is a six month contract with a possibility of permanency in the spirit of Tasmania information systems. Systems to be handled include desktops, notebooks, PDAs and multifunctional printers. Technical Support Desktop Networks, Servers This is a lucrative position located in Clayton. The main responsibilities include supportive roles in hardware, networks, desktop systems, Linux, windows and Apple Mac.. skills are required in each of the mentioned areas. The individual will also be required to work on server and PC hardware, windows desktop software and systems, IP networking and Apple Macintosh (Sitemap, 2009). IT project manager This is a senior position advertised in the Hays recruiting experts in Information and Technology. The candidate will be expected to spearhead the development of a case management system. The candidates required should be able to offer project examples and should also possess relevant IT project management experience (Sitemap, 2009). Information Architect The responsibilities involved include implementation of SOA and enterprise data model. Skills required are: Database Design at a senior level and XML modeling. ICT Procurement coordinator This position encompasses both technical and administrative responsibilities. Skills required are mainly the basics of information and technology. Intelligent systems Intelligent systems first started by supporting the game development sector. Initially development tools were required to create game software. From that point a strong partnership was created with a common objective of developing the relevant tools for game developers. This stream found in the IT department of an organization requires solid knowledge and skills in both computer software and hardware. it is however more biased on computer software because it involves development of suitable gaming tools. Other skills required are programming skills, game design and graphic design skills to aid in the development of intelligent tools. IT filed is an integrated field that requires every specialist in a given field or in a given system (Yi-Bing Lin, 2001). Software Engineer This job vacancy placed in the news feed column on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 has various responsibilities in the company. Key responsibilities include full cycle application development, designing and coding applications in several software languages, software analysis, code analysis and software review. The salary to the position will depend on the candidates experience and expertise to carry out multifunctional responsibilities. The main skills required include knowledge on common computer hardware and software, platform and systems knowledge (Sitemap, 2009). IT and Administrative Officer This is an IT job vacancy in North Sydney CBD location in APIC higher education institution. The responsibilities include web-based programming and maintenance and support of the existing IT systems and tools. The candidate should have relevant skills in the IT field and the salary package is $50,000 per year (Sitemap, 2009). Senior Net Analyst Programmer This is position in a client financial services organization which calls for a candidate possessing strong experience and expertise in SML, XSLT, web services, WinForm and web Applications. Other desirable skills include: prince 2 project Methodology experience and SQL server business intelligence experience. Technical IT Executive job This is a high level management position that calls for both leaderships skills as well as skills in the information and technology field. General trends and skills in the IT field The IT market is growing at a fast rate and is projected to continue both in the long-term as well as the short term. Every organization is incorporating IT technology in the running of their activities since IT technology saves on time and other resources by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. IT technology also increases the flexibility in work places. One is expected to have the relevant skills and knowledge required by any job advertised as per the job description or the job requirements. One will be required to have broad knowledge on information and communication systems in order to get a job in the Wireless communication and mobile computing sector (Yi-Bing Lin, 2001). Bodies that oversee the professional and ethical conduct Professional and ethical conduct in the IT field is controlled by the Australian Computer society (ACS). ACS has a code of professional conduct and professional practice which controls the actions of the members. The code is binding to the members only. Other bodies that control the conduct of professionals in the IT field such as ISC also employ similar principles to those of ACS (Australian computer society, 2000). Conclusion As mentioned above, Information and Technology is growing at a rapid rate in the modern times. This can be attributed to the fact that many organizations are realization the need to develop and implement information systems in their operations. IT field is however a wide field which can not be fully exhausted by any single person. People therefore pursue the specific areas of interest and are obviously marketable in the wide IT environment. Bibliography All IT jobs currently listed., Retrieved on January 19, 2010 from Australian computer society, 2000, The Australian computer journal, volume 30-31., Michigan: Australian computer society Inc. Cavalier, R., 2005, The Impact of the Internet on Our Moral Lives, NewYork: SUNY Press. Weckert, J. & Adeney, D., 2001, Computer and Information ethics, New York: Greenwood press Yi-Bing Lin, 2001, Wireless and Mobile Network Architectures, New York: Wiley Read More