Software Ethics: Professionalism, Governance Case Study Analysis

This case study examines an ethical dilemma faced by a programmer, Christina, at a small software development company. Christina discovers major bugs in a program slated for release, creating a conflict between meeting the deadline and delivering a functional, error-free product. The analysis considers the ACS code of ethics, emphasizing professionalism, honesty, and competence, and recommends actions such as improved testing, extended deadlines, and enhanced communication. The study concludes that adhering to ethical principles is crucial for maintaining the company's reputation and customer trust, highlighting the importance of professional development and compliance with Australian legislation to avoid legal issues.

Running head: ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND GOVERNANCE
ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND GOVERNANCE
–Case study 6
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND GOVERNANCE
Ethical dilemma in the case study
In the case study it is observed that the Christina who is a programmer for small software
Development Company and while testing three program it was found that there were major
issues and bug within the program. Hence according to the developer it will take much more
time to develop the codes. However according to the manager they want to release the software
towards the public so that they can meet the estimated deadline. For a software development
company it becomes essential to deliver a project that delivers the codes and software without
errors so that it does not harm the users. However in this case study it can be observed that the
programmer faces a huge dilemma as it becomes difficult to decide whether to release the
software or not. Launching the software without fixing thee error can hamper the reputation of
the company and will harm the uses. However not delivering the software within the mentioned
deadline will also have some major issues. According to the ACS code of ethics every individual
should work in a way that it will bring positive results towards the organization and the users.
They should always work with maintaining proper dignity and honour. In this type of situation
Christina needs to evaluate the situation based on code of ethics. This will help the programmer
to take correct decision that will be beneficial for organization and for the users.
ACS code of ethics
Professionalism is one of the important factors that can be considered to be useful while
making decision in such situations. Professional behavior always ensures to deliver a product
with integrity so that launched product does not sacrifice the norms of a software development
company. Secondly honesty plays a major role in every individual life and is considered to be

2ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND GOVERNANCE
one of the crucial points. If the developer focuses on maintaining proper honesty towards the
work and programming than they will never agree on launching a product with errors. The third
and most important code of ethics is that competence. This quality ensures that the product that
is developed by the programmers will be able to meet the requirements described by the
stakeholders and will ensure proper justice towards the developed product.
Recommendation
After analyzing the issues it can be stated that proper recommendation will help in analyzing
the condition of the organization. In order to overcome such situation it is important to keep in
mind the following recommendation:
 The programmer should have tested the program from initial stage that will help in
reducing the chances of errors.
 The manager of the organization should focus on extending the deadline so that they can
deliver completed work without errors.
 The communication process between the employees should increase so that it can ensure
better working of the organization.
 It is important to work with dignity so that it can have better implications and will ensure
better profit towards the organization.
 The manager can focus on improving the testing process so the bugs can be identified at
initial stages.
 After identifying the ethical dilemma the programmer should perform the activity that
will be beneficial for everyone associated with the organization.

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Conclusion
Thus after analyzing the ACS code of ethics it can be stated that with the implementation
of these ethics it will become easy for Christina to make decision. The code of ethics states that
the product should be delivered only when it is complete and error free. This will help in
achieving better reputation and trust of the customers. Delivering software with bugs is against
ethics and will hamper the dignity of the programmer and of the organization. Hence it is
important to ensure that the product is launched once all the errors are resolved. According to
Australian legislation the professional development is needed to be maintained within a
workplace so that it can ensure better performance of the organization. This will ensure
protection from unwanted issues and legal actions against the organization.

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Bibliography
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Professional Behaviour?.
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Thornley, C.V., Murnane, S., McLoughlin, S., Carcary, M., Doherty, E. and Veling, L., 2018.
The role of ethics in developing professionalism within the global ICT community. International
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