Andrew, a highly qualified and experienced software developer, has just started
ID: 3901891 • Letter: A
Question
Andrew, a highly qualified and experienced software developer, has just started work with a government health department on a project that has been underway for about 9 months. He is replacing a novice developer who has decided to move on to a new project with another organisation. Even though the current system is incomplete, it has is being used with 'live' data. On analysing what's been done so far, Andrew discovers that the system is poorly designed and is riddled with bugs due to the former developer's lack of expertise, and that the choice of technologies are incompatible with the department's infrastructure, leading to corruptions and loss of financial data on a daily basis. In fact, much of Andrew's time is initially spent unsuccessfully attempting to recover corrupted data. His vast experience leads him to the conclusion that the system is so unstable that it will eventually corrupt beyond repair and that all its data will become unrecoverable. He therefore advises the supervisor of his findings and recommends that the system be redeveloped using appropriate technologies and quality control measures. He indicates that the entire redevelopment effort will take less than 6 weeks. The supervisor rejects Andrew's recommendation, stating that their IT Department will not agree to a change in technology, and directs Andrew to complete the project using the existing technologies. What should Andrew do?
Clear explanation about how each of the four ethical theories can be applied to the scenario (2.5 marks for each explanation x 4 = 10 marks)
Explanation / Answer
Answer)
Andrew is a highly qualified and experienced software developer. He analyses the current system in place and concludes that the system is poorly designed and is riddled with bugs, choice of technologies are incompatible with the department's infrastructure, and this leads to corruptions and loss of financial data on a daily basis. And also much of Andrew's time is initially spent unsuccessfully attempting to recover corrupted data.
He further concludes that the system is so unstable that it will eventually corrupt beyond repair and that all its data will become unrecoverable. He thus progresses to let the supervisor know of the findings about the current system in place and recommends that the system be redeveloped using appropriate technologies and quality control measures within 6 weeks.
The supervisor rejects his proposal citing various reasons such as their IT Department will not agree to a change in technology, and directs Andrew to complete the project using the existing technologies. In accordance to the health, safety and welfare of the company and the system Andrew should do the following things according to the code of ethics:
a) CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Software engineer should be able to act in manner that is the best interests of the client and also the employer. Thus, here Andrew should go ahead and try convincing the IT team and upper management about the problems with the current system and his rectification plan.
b) PRODUCT - Software engineers should be able to provide class and top products and ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards. Thus Andrew should go ahead with this plan and explain the reasons to go with his plan to the management.
c) JUDGMENT - Software engineers should maintain the highest form of integrity and independence in their professional work.
d) MANAGEMENT - Software engineers should manage and promote an ethical approach to the software development and maintenance. They should also consider the integrity and reputation of the profession and be true to that.