Topics in IT Ethics: A Case Study on System Testing and Ethical Issues

This case study delves into an IT ethics dilemma where a software developer, Ken, faces pressure from his manager, John, to launch a system before completing necessary testing. The system's incomplete testing raises concerns about its stability and potential impact on users. The case explores the ethical implications of prioritizing deadlines over quality and security. It examines the facts, issues, stakeholders affected (staff and customers), and the central ethical issue: whether to meet contractual obligations or ensure a secure, tested product. The implications include potential data loss, reputational damage, and financial losses for the company. The case proposes a solution: extending the testing period to enhance system performance and security. It presents three options, with the third option – Ken advocating for an extension – being the most ethical as it prioritizes quality and user safety. The case emphasizes the importance of transparent communication between employees and management, and the value of prioritizing system quality over deadlines. The case concludes by highlighting the ethical implications of the situation and the importance of making the right decision.

Running head: TOPICS IN IT ETHICS
Topics in IT Ethics
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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The Analysis
The scenario represents that an employee is asked for whether or not the system is
prepared to go live as per as scheduled date. The employee asks for extension for a month to
make the system to present live in a stable position. However the manager, John gets angry and
ordered to do all the needful action within the scheduled date.
What’s going on?
Ken, is an employee working on a project for making a system live on the internet.
However the system is not tested yet and the entire testing phase will not be completed within
the scheduled date of going live. His manager asked for the status of the project and gets to know
that he need extension. John, the manager gets angry and wants to go live at any possible
condition on the scheduled date.
What are the facts?
Miranda (2014) stated that in order to check the behavior of a complete integrated
software product it is necessary to do the testing of a system. It is important because the testing
identify whether or not all the functional requirements are met (Srivastava et al., 2013). System
testing also allows both the business requirements and application architecture to be verified and
validate (Winikoff, 2014). Ammann & Offutt (2016) moreover argued that of system testing is
not done; the product compatibility can be compromised. The system testing also comprised of
many phases like- unit testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing (Lewis,
2016). Thus, every process need time in re-checking of the system if any bug or fault has been
identified.

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What are the issues?
The issue is that if the system goes live without testing, even the management of the
programmer cannot identify any negative consequences if occur. Un-tested system may result in
not proper functioning of any one of the or whole components if the system. The management
and the organization will also be affected due to the poor system development.
Who is affected?
The stakeholders according to the given scenario are the staffs of the company and the
customers for which the system has been developed. Thus, it can be said that if the system will
be launched without any testing of the system millions of the customers might be affected as
predicted by the Ken. Moreover, management and the organization will be hampered with poor
financial benefits and might also pay compensation.
What is the ethical issue?
The ethical issue in this case is that it is important for a company to fulfill all the
promises mentioned in the promises made in the contract. However, on the other hand, it is also
necessary to deliver a quality work to the clients. Thus, the ethical dilemma is in front of the
management whether to follow the promises made on the contract or to complete the testing and
deliver the project after one month in a secured and stable condition.
What are the implications of the ethical issue?
The implication is in term of client’s safety and brand reputation of the company. It can
be said that if the system is send to live without testing, the client’s or the end-user might have to
suffer due to data loss or the poor performance of the system. The organization also has to suffer

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from adverse allegations and financial loss for the company. The company might not get another
chance to develop any system and the company might not perform any business function in the
future.
What can be done about it?
The only solution that seems to be suitable is that the developers should be given more
time to complete the testing of the system. Once the system has been tested, the developers also
come to know what further improvement might be need in enhancing the performance of the
system and can implement those changes so that clients can experience a great thing. The
developer should also contact their managers continuously and given continuous report so that
the company can complete the work within the deadline. In this case, the manager does not know
the status of the system and this can be overcome with effective communication methods among
them.
What are the options?
The first option is stated that due to the pressure from the top management, Ken allowed
the program go live on the scheduled date. This will resulted in poor performance of the system
that they want to launch.
The second option is that the Ken resigns due to the management pressure and did not
fight backs. The bank statement of Ken shows improper data for which Ken is being called to the
bank.
The third option highlight that Ken fights back to the top management and ask for a
month extension to test the system prior going live with the system. He gave proper justification

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and consequences if the system will be decided to launch without testing. Both the managers
understand the consequences and decided to extend the launching process one month after the
destined date.
Which option is best?
The third option is the best out of the three because ken has put all the concern with
proper justification to the management. He has explained that if any one of the component of the
system will not work on the destined day, it will affect millions of end-users. This problem
however can be overcome if the time will be extended just for a month. This process will also
help the company to develop a good reputation in terms of performance for longer run in the
business and can also gain customer’s trust.
Why the above option is the best?
The above option is the best because the employee developed a transparent relation with
the management and the management also listens to all the suggestions and requests of their
employees (Buchler et al., 2012). Ken told them the truth as without testing, the system might
not work properly and millions of users get unsatisfied and faced adverse result due to the
system. This option can also be labeled as the best option as the management emphasized more
on the quality and security of the system than delivering an un-tested system go live as per as the
scheduled date according to the contact.

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Reference List and Bibliography
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