IT Ethics Analysis Report: Development Methodology Scenario

This report provides an analysis of ethical issues within a development methodology scenario, focusing on a junior developer's actions in handling a client request. The report employs the "Doing Ethics Technique" to dissect the situation, identifying the facts, issues, and stakeholders involved, including the developer, client, project manager, and the company. It highlights the ethical implications of bypassing organizational hierarchy and failing to adhere to company policies. The analysis explores potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper training, adherence to established procedures, and effective communication within the organization. The conclusion underscores the significance of ethical conduct and the need for clear guidelines to mitigate future ethical lapses, offering insights into how to improve the situation and make better decisions.

Running Head: Information Technology Ethics
Information Technology Ethics

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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
Doing Ethics Technique – Analysis...............................................................................................................1
What is going on?....................................................................................................................................1
What are the facts?.................................................................................................................................1
What are the issues?...............................................................................................................................1
Who is affected?......................................................................................................................................1
What are the ethical issues and implications?............................................................................................2
What can be done about it?........................................................................................................................3
What options are there?.............................................................................................................................3
Which option is best and why?....................................................................................................................3
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................................4

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Introduction
In this write up emphasizes will be given on implementing "Doing Ethics Techniques
(DET)" for analyzing the ethical matters in Video 2 (Development Methodology). The paper
shows a proper evaluation of the ethical concerns associated to ICT and effects related to ethical
problems will also be discussed. Last part of the paper will discuss the solutions related to ethical
issues that should be taken into consideration by implementing ethical theories.
Doing Ethics Technique – Analysis
What is going on?
In the video, it is seen that the call is received by a junior developer. Client asks to make
modifications in the contract given to the organization. Assurance is given to the consumer that
changes will be made in the software. The changes that are asked by the client to be made in the
project are accepted by the junior developer. But he has not taken approval from a project
manager.
What are the facts?
The call is received by the junior developer of the company and acceptance is given to
make changes in the software. He has given assurance to the client that changes will be made in
the software. He has made the mistake of not asking from the project manager about the changes
that are requested by the customer and given confirmation to a client. The outcome that is
achieved is related to ignore the hierarchy of the company.
What are the issues?
He has overridden the organizational hierarchy by receiving calls directly from the
customer. The assurance given by the developer to make the modifications without consulting
the manager is one of the major issues. The changes that are assured by the developer impact the
rules and regulations of the company.
Who is affected?
Junior developer

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By accepting the request of the client, the developer ignore the organizational hierarchy
that effect the job position assigned to him in the company. The duties and responsibilities and
duties are not followed by him and without taking permission the assurance was given to the
client to make the changes within the deadline.
The customer
If a client does not receive the software within the given deadline can face financial
problems. It can also create a negative image in the mind of the customer.
Project Manager
It is the duty of the manager to accept the request given by the customers. To make
changes in the software is also one of the duties of the project manager. He has given the job to
take the request of the customers and make changes accordingly by giving directions. The
changes that are made by the junior developer can give impact on increasing the problems for the
project manager. Project manager gives assurance by analyzing the overall budget and also the
deadline that is given by the client.
The Company
If the assurance that is given by the junior developer is not completed within the client
given deadline then the negative impact can be seen on the image of the company and also future
contracts cannot be acceptable. It is also analyzed that satisfaction level of the customer will be
affected and impact can be seen in the future agreements of the company.
What are the ethical issues and implications?
To safeguard the ethical actions of the organization, it is essential that workers should
follow a proper hierarchy so that issues can be minimized effectively (Crane & Matten, 2016).
The theory of deontological ethics assists to evaluate the activities that are built on the rules and
policies. By focusing on this concept it is analyzed that the activities of the developer is not
according to the procedure of the company (Sorokin, 2017).
The assurance was given by the developer to the customer about the changes to the
software without taking a suggestion from the project manager. He was unsuccessful to conduct

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the activities according to the organizational hierarchy. The decision that is taken by the
manager is not correct in terms of ethics.
What can be done about it?
There are many methods that should be taken into consideration to manage the situation.
It is essential for him to escalate the mistake that has taken place. He can evaluate the alterations
that are necessary to be taken into consideration within the time and resources offered to the
organization. To consider the variations it is necessary that manager should implement the
changes by considering all the situations of the organization.
What options are there?
It is important that project manager should make the policies so that the customer calls
can be received by him and the work can be completed properly. If project manager gets angry
on the developer then it can affect the motivation level of the employee and can hinder the
activities of the organization. It is important to motivate the developer so that the operations of
the organization.
Which option is best and why?
It is analyzed that finest choice is that project manager should give training to the junior
developer so that this issue can be minimized. By explaining proper hierarchy it can be easy for
the project manager to implement the changes. So, the changes should be made by discussion
with the employees. It will help to make realize that organizational hierarchy should be followed
and also negative concerns can be reduced. It is important that changes that are made should be
communicated properly so that activities can be conducted smoothly (Al-Saggaf, 2016).
Conclusion
It is analyzed that the actions that are considered by the developer is not according to the
rules of the organization and also it is unethical. So to consider this matter it is essential that
developer should focus on the organizational hierarchy so that the error done can be improved. It
is also important to give feedback so that employees can understand their responsibilities clearly.

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References
Al-Saggaf, Y. (2016, October 31). Scenario 2: Development Methodology. [Video File].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0npm9cEJBWY
Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and
sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Sorokin, P. (2017). Social and cultural dynamics: A study of change in major systems of art,
truth, ethics, law and social relationships. Routledge.