A Comprehensive Look at Ethics in Software Development Practices

This essay provides an overview of ethics in software development practices, emphasizing the importance of professional codes of conduct for software developers. It discusses the ethical considerations in development methodology, highlighting the need for quality and the potential consequences of faulty software. The essay also addresses safety-critical systems and the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), which defines organizational responsibilities for improved performance and behavior. Furthermore, it explores the ISO 9001 compliant quality systems standard, which provides a framework for organizations to be recognized for quality. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of adhering to ethical codes to ensure that software development does not harm organizations or individuals. Desklib offers a variety of resources, including past papers and solved assignments, to aid students in their studies.

Running head: ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
Ethics in Software Development Practices
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Synopsis of the ethical conduct in software development...........................................................2
Development methodology......................................................................................................2
Safety-critical system...............................................................................................................3
ISO 9001 compliant quality systems standard.........................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................3
References........................................................................................................................................5

2ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
Introduction
Professional codes of ethics do not only apply to a specific set of profession but it is
applicable for all the professions in every industry (Brady 2014). This synopsis is based on the
ethics and professional codes that are applicable to the professionals in software development
industry. This will be based on the development methodology, the safety critical systems and the
ISO 9001 compliant quality systems standards.
Synopsis of the ethical conduct in software development
Development methodology
Development methodology needs to be of the topmost quality since, the adoption of the
best methodology for development ensures production of the best software. It is required to
maintain quality for every software development methodology because a lot depends on the
perfect development of software systems. An entire business depends on the software system and
its quality. In the occupation of a software developer, the ethical code of conduct states that there
should be no amount of negligence in maintaining the superior quality while developing software
as faulty software can bring about a number of added disasters with it (Laudon and Laudon
2015). The reported negligence performed in the software development methodology has often
resulted in perilous consequences. Faulty software can harm a business fatally as they have the
ability to control industrial processes and operations. Developers often face numerous setbacks
while developing, due to which faulty software comes into being. Ethically, this negligence
should be discarded completely or as per the ethical code of conduct, the developers would be
held responsible.

3ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
Safety-critical system
Safety-critical systems are a must while developing software systems because negligence
in doing so may cause injury or death. Maintaining safety is not subjected to abiding by the
organizational policies. However, a standardized software development methodology as defined
by the ethical codes of conduct makes sure that an individual developer maintains their
responsibilities and even offers essential guidelines for maintaining the quality of the product
(Peltier 2016). The safety critical system also entails the CMMI or the Capability Maturity
Model Integration which defines five clear definitions about an organization’s responsibilities for
improved performances and behavior.
ISO 9001 compliant quality systems standard
The ethical code of conduct explains the legislation of the ISO 9001 quality system
standard that provides an organization or product the right to be termed as a quality organization
or product. To be certified legally as a quality organization or product, these also have a liability
to meet the standardized requirements as mentioned in the ISO 9001 codes (Vaishnavi and
Kuechler 2015). This is only possible when an organization or product essentially follows all the
expectations of a customer and abides by the ethical codes of conduct while still in the process of
development. This rule is also applicable to the developed software and the developers
responsible behind them.
Conclusion
In conclusion it can be stated that the ethical codes of conduct for the software
development methodology makes sure that every developer maintains proper codes of conduct
and does not support any negligence in their profession making sure that the software thus

4ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
developed does no harm to the organization or the individuals for whom the software has been
developed for. It is absolutely necessary to maintain these codes of conduct as for every industry
and profession, staying true to self moral values is essential.

5ETHICS IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
References
Brady, D., 2014. Ethics: IT Professional Pillar or Pillory!. Mondo Digitale, p.2.
Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., 2015. Management information systems (Vol. 8). Prentice Hall.
Peltier, T.R., 2016. Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards: guidelines for
effective information security management. Auerbach Publications.
Vaishnavi, V.K. and Kuechler, W., 2015. Design science research methods and patterns:
innovating information and communication technology. Crc Press.