Question

3. Company X has just signed a business agreement with Company Y, which entitles both of them to access each other clients’ records. Mr. Faisal, a software programmer at Company Z, was assigned the task of developing a software program that handles the access and retrieval of records from each Company’s database system into the other. A first run of the software on real data indicated that the work was well within the state of the art, and no difficulties were found or anticipated. Several weeks later and during a normal test on the software developed, Faisal discovered a serious ‘security hole’ in the database system of Company Y by which hackers can easily obtain confidential information about clients. He was convinced that while the software he developed could correctly accomplish the task, the code in Company Y’s database system could not be trusted as the security hole posed a threat even on Company X’s database system. Faisal told his manager about the problem and explained its significance. The manager's response was, "That's not our problem; let's just be sure that our software functions properly." Faisal is not sure what to do. Refusing to work on the project means disobeying his manager’s orders. Continuing to work on the project, means disobeying one of God’s commands, this requires him to be truthful and sincere in his dealings. Question 1. ACS Code of Professional Conduct (20 marks) What is the action in this case study that is raising an ethical issue? (2 marks) What is wrong with the action (from an ethical point of view)? (2 marks) Who is responsible for that action? (2 marks) Who is affected by that action? (2 marks) What is the effect of that action on the person affected? (2 marks) Which of the following values of the ACS Code are relevant to the above case study? (5 marks) How the values you identified are relevant to the above case study? (5 marks) The values of the ACS Code are: 1. The Primacy of the Public Interest 2. The Enhancement of Quality of Life 3. Honesty 4. Competence 5. Professional Development 6. Professionalism Question 2. Ethical Theory (10 marks) We ask the students to analyse the above case study using either two or four classical ethical theories. So, it is always from the four classical ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue and contract.

Answer 1

1. a. What is the action in this case study that is raising an Ethical Issue?

Ans: The manager saying "That's not our problem: Let's just be sure that our software functions properly" with this manager doesn't bother about the security problems that may raise due to his decision, which is unethical, atleast intimating to the companies X and Y about the issue is the minimum responsibility of the manager.

b. What is wrong with the action?

Ans: By the above action, at some point the hackers may hack the company Y clients data and they can also capture the data of company X clients data, Which leads to the loss of reputation and downfall in the business.

c. Who is responsible for that action?

Ans: 1. Manager who doesn't consider the security problem and just thinks about his own benefits and profits. 2. Faisal if he doesn't take a right decision at right time.

d. Who is affected by the action?

Ans: 1. Directly, a. both the companies X and Y. b. clients of two company. 2. Indirectly, Faisal, if proper decision is not taken he may feel life time guilt.

e. What is the effect of that action on the person affected?

Ans: 1. Company X and Y will have loss of reputation, goodwill and business. 2. Clients, their data goes to a third person, by which their data may be misused. 3. Faisal- A guilty feeling for a life time.

f. Which of the following values of the ACS Code are relevant to the above case study?

Ans: 1. The Primacy of Public Interest. 2. Honesty. 3. Professional Development. 4. Professionalism.

g. How the values you identified are relevant tot he above case study?  

Ans: 1. The Primacy of Public Interest: Since no client wants their data to be in the hands of unauthorised people. 2. Honesty: Company X and Y trusted Company Z and its staff. But the manager is dishonest. 3. Professional Development: Manager just thinks about his and his company welfare but doesnot follow any ethics. 4. Professionalism: Manger is a pure professional if doesnot bother about the ethics. Based the decision taken by the Faisal we can say wheather he is following ethics or he is a pure professional.

2. Ethical Theory: We ask the students to analyse the above case study using either 2 or 4 classical ethical theories?

Ans: a. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is defined as the system or thought that states that the best action or decision in a particular situation is the one that brings most advantages to the most people.

  In this case study if Faisal has taken a decision to tell about the security loop holes to the companies X and Y then their are chances that his company may get the chance to rectify the loop holes which is a profit to the company Z as well a Company Z will become a Trusted company. And the clients data will be secure. And the Companies X and Y will won't loose their reputation and business.

b. Deontology: Deontology is simply based on the checklist which includes certain rules to be followed while performing a particular task.

In the above case study the manager is following the Deontology that simple following rules of his company without having ethics. If Faisal follows as manager then many people will be the victims as result of in security.