Question 1

Explain why keeping one's professional skills up-to-date is a requirement of professional ethics.

Accepted Answer

Keeping one's professional skills up-to-date is a requirement of professional ethics because it is essential for maintaining competence and providing the best possible service to clients or customers. In many professions, staying current with the latest developments, technologies, and best practices is necessary to ensure that one is able to meet the needs of those they serve. Failing to do so could result in subpar performance, potential harm to clients, or a lack of trust in the professional's abilities.

Additionally, keeping up-to-date with professional skills demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical behavior in any profession. It shows that the professional takes their responsibilities seriously and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of work.

Furthermore, in some industries, there may be legal or regulatory requirements for professionals to maintain their skills and knowledge through continuing education or professional development activities. Failing to meet these requirements could result in disciplinary action or loss of licensure, further emphasizing the importance of staying current with professional skills as an ethical obligation.

Overall, keeping one's professional skills up-to-date is a requirement of professional ethics because it is essential for providing competent and high-quality service, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement, and meeting legal and regulatory obligations. It is a fundamental aspect of ethical behavior in any profession.

Question 2

Choose two issues/topics covered this semester. For each of the two topics: 
a. Describe each issue/topic, giving a brief history (no more than a paragraph).
b. Give at least two arguments on each side of the issue/topic (at least four arguments total).
c. What suggestions do you have for resolving this issue/topic, or why do you think the issue/topic cannot be resolved? Explain your answer.
Remember to answer all three questions for each of the two issues/topics.

Accepted Answer

Topic 1: Climate Change
a. Climate change refers to the long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. It is primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. The history of climate change dates back to the industrial revolution when human activities began to significantly impact the Earth's atmosphere and climate.

b. Arguments in favor of addressing climate change include the potential catastrophic consequences of inaction, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, addressing climate change presents economic opportunities for renewable energy and sustainable practices. On the other hand, arguments against addressing climate change often revolve around the economic costs of transitioning away from fossil fuels and the potential impact on industries and jobs.

c. Suggestions for resolving climate change include implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable practices. However, the issue of climate change is complex and involves global cooperation, making it difficult to fully resolve.

Topic 2: Gun Control
a. Gun control refers to the regulation of the manufacture, sale, and use of firearms. The history of gun control in the United States dates back to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Over time, there have been debates and legislative efforts to address gun violence and access to firearms.

b. Arguments in favor of gun control include reducing gun-related violence and mass shootings, as well as implementing background checks and waiting periods to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. On the other hand, arguments against gun control often revolve around the Second Amendment rights and the belief that responsible gun ownership should not be restricted due to the actions of a few individuals.

c. Suggestions for resolving the issue of gun control include implementing comprehensive background checks, closing loopholes in existing gun laws, and promoting responsible gun ownership. However, the issue of gun control is deeply rooted in cultural and political beliefs, making it a contentious and difficult issue to fully resolve.

Question 3

For the following scenario, identify at least 3 stakeholders. List at least 2 possible actions. How would each possible action affect each of the 3 stakeholders (give at least one possible consequence for each stakeholder and each possible actions - 6 total)? Which action would you take? Why?
You are the lead programmer on a new software product. You work for a small, privately owned software company that has had only limited success in the past. There is nothing else on the market similar to the new software you are developing. The software is just entering the testing stage, which is estimated to take approximately 10-12 months. The scheduled release date is 14 months from now. You and the other developers have been working long hours, 60 hours a week, and earning a relatively low salary. The entire development team will be sharing in the profits once the new software is launched. The owner has just returned from an industry tradeshow, and has learned about a consumer tradeshow that would be perfect for launching the new product. The project manager meets with you and the other developers on the team and tells you that the owner is very excited and determined to release the product at the consumer show, which is only 4 months away. It will take at least 2 months to prepare the marketing and packaging for the product. You are told you have 2 months to test and fix any problems.

Accepted Answer

Stakeholders:
1. The lead programmer and other developers on the team
2. The owner of the software company
3. Potential customers who will be using the new software

Possible Actions:
1. Rush the testing and release the product at the consumer tradeshow in 4 months
2. Stick to the original 14-month release schedule and continue with thorough testing and development

Consequences of Possible Actions:
1. Rushing the testing and release could lead to a lower quality product, causing frustration and dissatisfaction among the development team. The owner may be excited about the early release, but if the product is not well-received by customers, it could harm the company's reputation and future success. Potential customers may also experience frustration if the software is released with bugs or other issues.
2. Sticking to the original schedule and continuing with thorough testing and development may lead to disappointment for the owner, who is eager to release the product sooner. However, it could result in a higher quality product that meets the needs and expectations of potential customers, leading to greater long-term success for the company. The development team may also feel more satisfied with their work if they are able to release a high-quality product.

Which Action to Take:
Given the potential consequences for all stakeholders, the best action would be to stick to the original 14-month release schedule and continue with thorough testing and development. This decision prioritizes the long-term success and reputation of the company, as well as the satisfaction of potential customers. While the owner may be disappointed in the short term, the decision to release a high-quality product will ultimately benefit all stakeholders in the long run.

Question 4

Why is honesty one of the most fundamental values?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is honesty one of the most...

Question 5

How do professional ethics differ from general ethics?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do professional ethics differ from general...

Question 6

In one application of a voice-recognition system, the system failed to recognize female speakers. A likely reason was

Accepted Answer

A)   The program was specifically designed for men
B)   Women's voices are inherently harder to recognize
C)   Women do not speak as loudly as men, and the system used inferior microphones
D)   The program was primarily developed and tested by men

Question 7

Professional ethics requires professionals maintain their skills.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

MATCHING
-ACM

Accepted Answer

A)   individuals and organizations who would be affected in some way by an ethical dilemma
B)   professional organization for the computing industry

Question 9

Software designers should include users in the design stages.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a principle for producing good systems?

Accepted Answer

A)   Understand what success means
B)   Include users in the design and testing stages
C)   Be open and honest about capabilities, safety, and limitations of software
D)   Overestimate the costs and time a project will take

Question 11

MATCHING
-stakeholders

Accepted Answer