Ethical and Moral Dilemmas of Computing Professionals

MSc
Informatio
n Systems
Manageme
ntIMAT5262Research,
Ethics &
Professionalism in
ComputingAssignment - Project
Proposal
Ethical and moral dilemmas of
computing professionals
Pxxxxxxxx
De Montfort
University

P Number: Pxxxxxxxx IMAT5262 Research, Ethics &
Professionalism in Computing
Abstract
The aim of this paper has been the preparation of a research proposal aimed at understanding
the nuances of moral and ethical dilemmas of the computing professionals. This is significant
to understand that the act of computing which includes a number of issues starting from the
configuration of software to the protection of privacy of the end users have been the
responsibility of these professionals. There has been a number of studies conducted
discussing the impact of privacy breach and impact of a number of unethical practices of
these professionals. Hence this proposal will be aiming at the understanding of moral and
ethical issues of computing by conducting the detailed research undertaking the mixed
method approach, this research is expected to be completed within the period of 24 weeks
and this is also expected to make novel research findings to the discipline.
Key Words
Moral dilemmas, ethical considerations, software configurations, privacy protection,
computing ethics.
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P Number: Pxxxxxxxx IMAT5262 Research, Ethics &
Professionalism in Computing
Contents
1. Background...................................................................................................... 3
2. Research questions.......................................................................................... 4
3. Literature Review.............................................................................................. 4
4. Methodology Review......................................................................................... 6
5. Conclusion..................................................................................................... 11
6. References..................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX............................................................................................................ 13
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P Number: Pxxxxxxxx IMAT5262 Research, Ethics &
Professionalism in Computing
1. Background
The aim of this paper is to prepare a research proposal on the issue of ethics and
professionalism in computing. The rationale behind the choice of this research topic has been
the following factors: since the computing professional is expected to fulfill number of
responsibilities and task like the specification of a computer system, redesigning the software
and hardware or restructuring the database, it is inclusive of number of ethical and moral
considerations as their decision is likely to impact the welfare of the system’s users.
What is interesting about this topic is that it is in designing the software of a system, it is
the duty of the computing professionals to ensure higher protection of the pm personal data of
the users (Ferguson et al. 2016). In case of easy access to the database, the official cannot
undermine the issue of security for the users. There is a higher risk associated with the
vulnerable position of the personal data of the users who are always in a vulnerable position.
In the age of technological revolution, the gallon of information is subjected to threats of
being stolen which will lead to the problem of putting theuser's invulnerable potion
(Gotterbarn 2017). Hence the basic question that arises here is who is responsible for these
ethical issues. The answer lies in the question itself since it cannot blame on anyone else that
the people sitting on the other side of the computer, the professional. Hence there is an
enhanced need for developing sensitivity and professionalism in maintaining the moral and
ethical principles of this professionalism (Gotterbarn 2017). The research is worth doing due
to the factor are the issue of privacy and copyright along with the threat of data theft. This
will be able to provide us an understanding of the nuances of ethical and moral dilemmas of
the computer professionals.
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