Case Study 1
What should she do?
Diane should show a demonstration or simulation of the effects that could happen with the weak security produced on the requested system. Being an adviser, she is well-aware of all the risks they are taking. Even if the client's willing to take the risks, Diane should follow one of the core values of the code of ethics, Priorities (4.3.1), which says "I must place the interests of the community above those of personal or sectional interests." and some of its sub-components. Diane should also follow "I must make myself aware of relevant standards, and act accordingly." (4.6.3) which might mean to use the proper security standards for risks in such system as proposed.
Should she refuse to build the system as they request?
With the given rules, Diane should continue advising her client no matter what or reject the project to prevent ethical dilemma that is at risk. and if things go wrong, it's her responsibility.
a.)
Priorities (4.3.1)
I must place the interests of the community above those of personal or sectional interests.
Competence (4.3.2)
I must work competently and diligently for my clients and employers.
b.)
4.5.1
I must endeavour to preserve continuity of information technology services and information flow in my care.
4.5.2
I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and security of the information of others.
4.5.3
I must respect the proprietary nature of the information of others.
4.5.4
I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of the information of others.
4.5.5
I must advise my client or employer of any potential conflicts of interest between my assignment and legal or other accepted community requirements.
4.5.6
I must advise my clients and employers as soon as possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious objections which face me in connection with my work.
4.6.3
I must make myself aware of relevant standards, and act accordingly.
4.6.4
I must respect and protect my clients' and employers' proprietary interests.
4.6.5
I must accept responsibility for my work.
Case Study 2
Can she continue with the evaluation?
No, it will be hard for her to continue the evaluation because of what was happening between the two companies she is evaluating.
If she cannot continue with the evaluation, how does she inform Company A of the patent violation?
She must write a letter or inform Company A that the GUI they used has already been used and thus warn them of the possible law suits if they decide to continue with their current GUI.
Does she have an obligation to let Company B know Company A has copied their GUI?
No. Her obligation is to inform Company A that their GUI design has already been used by a different company and must change it as soon as they can to avoid conflicts.
a) Values and Ideals (from Section 4.3 ACS Code of Ethics)
4.3.1 Priorities
4.3.2 Competence
4.3.3 Honesty
b.)
4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and security of the information
of others
4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of the information of
others.
4.5.5 I must advise my client or employer of any potential conflicts of interest
between my assignment and legal or other accepted community
requirements.
4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as possible of any
conflicts of interest or conscientious objections which face me in
connection with my work.
4.6.3 I must make myself aware of relevant standards, and act accordingly.
4.6.4 I must respect and protect my clients' and employers' proprietary
interests.
4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential client as to the
suitability of a product or service.
4.7.3 I must give opinions which are as far as possible unbiased and objective.
4.7.5 I must qualify professional opinions which I know are based on limited
knowledge or experience.
