Blog Post #2_ ACS Code of Ethics

Case #1.

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 including advising on how to set up corporate intranets, 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. It is now time to make decisions about the kind and degree of security to build into the system. 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. She believes the information they will be storing is extremely sensitive. It will include performance evaluations, medical records for filling insurance claims, salaries, and so forth.

With weak security, employees working on client machines may be able to figure out ways to get access to this data, not to mention the possibility 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. What should she do? Should she refuse to build the system as they request?”


Reaction:

As stated, “Values and Ideals act with professional responsibility and integrity in dealings with community and clients, employers, employees and students” (ACS Code of Ethics Section 4.3). If I where Diane, I must have to refuse in building the system as requested. I must be honest and truthful in my work. I must set my priorities. The said system needed a stronger security, I must handle the project responsibly so I could not be blame if the project will crash.
 

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Case #2.
 

Consider an HCI consultant with extensive experience in evaluating web sites and graphical user interfaces (GUI). She has just received an evaluation contract for a new accounting product made by Company A due to her prior experience with e-commerce site evaluation.
 

The work involves assessing the training requirements and the usability of the system. During the initial configuration of her usability laboratory, she becomes aware that the software she is to evaluate contains a GUI already patented by a rival Company B, which she evaluated several weeks before. Under her contractual arrangements, she is not allowed to discuss the evaluation of a product with anyone outside the contract. She therefore has an obligation to Company B not to provide information regarding their product to anyone else without their permission. She has a similar obligation to Company A. Can she continue with the evaluation? If she cannot continue with the evaluation, how does she inform Company A of the patent violation? Does she have an obligation to let company B know Company A has copied their GUI?”

Reaction:
 

In my own verdict, I don’t think that for telling the Company A for committing a patent violation is morally wrong. Patented work is an intellectual property and will be broadcast or publish in the public domain. In time, the Company A will know about it. For telling the Company A ahead of time will serves as a warning for them that they might have to stay away from the issue. I don’t think for telling Company A is a bias form of action against Company B. As stated in the ACS code of ethics, “be honest, forthright and impartial”. But it is very much preferable to consult the issue to the professional society. Considering the case provided, I could say that I am facing an ethical dilemma since I was not sure with my decision. It is very hard to be at the middle of the issue and only consider my own verdict. According to the values and ideals of ACS which is “I must seek advice from the Society when faced with an ethical dilemma I am unable to resolve by myself”, with that I should consult it to the society first to establish a very good and ideal decision. It is also my responsibility as a professional person to enhance the integrity of the information technology profession because for a single mistake may lead to complications and streak issues.
 

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Philippine Computer Society (PCS)

The Philippine Computer Society is a premiere organization of information technology professionals with over 700 members nationwide.

PCS recognizes the invaluable contribution of IT to the advancement of our nation. Since its formation in 1967, PCS has spearheaded local and international activities which strive to continuously promote, protect and enhance the members of the IT profession. In 1978, PCS became a founder-member of the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC). SEARCC is composed of the national computer societies from Australia, Hongkong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. PCS is also a founding member of the Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines (ITFP) organized last 1992.

Through its activities, PCS actively encourages all who are interested in or professionally involved in IT, to join the PCS. With its vision of continually pursuing excellence in the IT profession, PCS members will be assured of the advancement of promotion of their individual careers.

VISION

To be the IT organization of choice that moves members to pursue excellence in their individual professions.

MISSION

The PCS is a venue that fosters sharing of intellectual resources, the pursuit of dreams and visions, and friendship and cooperation among IT professionals and practitioners.

OBJECTIVES

·         Professional Excellence

PCS will be the lead organization that will uphold the highest level of professional behavior and conduct.

·         Technical Excellence

PCS will actively promote information-sharing and skills enhancement among its members.

·         Personal Excellence

PCS members will spearhead the use of IT innovations to enhance interpersonal relationships and improve the quality of life.

·         National Stature             

PCS membership will be national in scope and character.

·         Contribution to Progress

PCS will support the development of a globally competitive Philippine IT industry.

CODE OF ETHICS

For purposes of this Code, the following terms are defined as follows:

Information Technology
the preparation, collection, creation, transport, retrieval, storage, access, presentation and transformation of electronic information in all its forms including, but not limited to, voice, graphics, text, video, data and image.

Information Technology Professional
one who develops or provides information technology products and/or services to the public.

Source: http://www.pcs-it.org/index.php/home.html

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

AITP is the community of IT knowledge focused on empowering the IT profession by evolving its members to their full potential as a professional.

It is our goal, our purpose to provide a community network for the IT business professionals to reach their true potential by providing education programs for advancing technology and business skills, leadership development opportunities, networking, peer mentoring and knowledge sharing, and online resources.

Vision

AITP is the leading worldwide society of information technology business professionals and the community of knowledge for the current and next generation of leaders. Adopted December, 2008.

Mission

To serve our members by delivering relevant technology and leadership education, research and information on current business and technology issues, and forums for networking and collaboration. Adopted December, 2008.

Core Values

Integrity - We value professionalism and uphold the AITP Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

Respect - We build an inclusive environment through mentoring, delivering on commitments, working together with trust, and enjoying the camaraderie of each other.

Innovation - We learn, share insights, and encourage our members to make a difference today and for the future.

Service - We keep current in technology, business, and academia. We contribute to the Association, IT profession, and society utilizing leadership, appropriate solutions, and sound processes.

Code of Ethics

I acknowledge:

That I have an obligation to management, therefore, I shall promote the understanding of information processing methods and procedures to management using every resource at my command.

That I have an obligation to my fellow members, therefore, I shall uphold the high ideals of AITP as outlined in the Association Bylaws. Further, I shall cooperate with my fellow members and shall treat them with honesty and respect at all times.

That I have an obligation to society and will participate to the best of my ability in the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the general development and understanding of information processing. Further, I shall not use knowledge of a confidential nature to further my personal interest, nor shall I violate the privacy and confidentiality of information entrusted to me or to which I may gain access.

That I have an obligation to my College or University, therefore, I shall uphold its ethical and moral principles.

That I have an obligation to my employer whose trust I hold, therefore, I shall endeavor to discharge this obligation to the best of my ability, to guard my employer's interests, and to advise him or her wisely and honestly.

That I have an obligation to my country, therefore, in my personal, business, and social contacts, I shall uphold my nation and shall honor the chosen way of life of my fellow citizens.

I accept these obligations as a personal responsibility and as a member of this Association. I shall actively discharge these obligations and I dedicate myself to that end. 

source: http://www.aitp.org/