BIT203 Professional Practice and Ethics, Assignment 1

BIT203 Professional Practice and Ethics, Assignment 1

Complete an essay discussing ethical theories and their relevance to the ICT industry. In the essay, consider ‘rights’ vs ‘virtue’, ‘relativist’ vs ‘objectivist’ and ‘consequentialist’ vs ’deontology’ and how they relate to professional codes of ethics and practice (eg. ACS, ACM, or IEEE Computing). You should make sure to discuss how they would assist with resolving an ethical question.

Make sure to 1. Describe each theory. 2. Compare and contrast theories. 3. Clearly state a professional code of ethics. 4. Comment on the connection between the code and the theories.

You must use the Harvard technique to cite your references within the essay.

You are to present a 5 minute discussion of your paper to the class.

Your essay must include:

Assignment Cover Page: (Use the cover sheet provided. Include the Title, Assignment number, Student Name and Number, Subject)

Introduction: (Introduction to the topic, a statement of the purpose of the paper and a brief description of the paper’s structure.)

Body: (Discuss, compare and/or contrast different perspectives, present arguments supporting the purpose of the paper)

Conclusion: (A summary of the points you have made in the body of the paper. These should match your stated purpose.)

References/ Bibliography

The footer must include your name, student ID, and page number.

The paper will need to be 2000 words to cover the topic. A minimum of 1600 words is needed to pass.

Part 2 Presentation Weight: 5% Due: 5/04/2016

During week 6 you will be required to give a brief 5-8 minute presentation to the class explaining the analysis and conclusion of your essay topic. You are expected to be an active member of the audience for other student’s presentations. LATE PRESENTATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT OFFICIAL SPECIAL CONSIDERATION (medical or family emergency).

You may use any appropriate presentation technology to support your presentation, but it is up to you to organise anything that is not part of the usual classroom facilities.

Some points to note about your presentation:

You should assume that while the audience is not familiar with the particular case study, they have some knowledge of the fundamentals of Information Technology and Management Information Systems. For instance, while you would not expect to need to explain Porter’s Value Chain, you might need to use it to explain your analysis.

Delivery

Do not read out a prepared speech.
Do not use slides unless they are needed (tables, graphs, pictures).
Either use cards (with few words) that are small enough to sit in your hand (business card size is good) or make a sheet with big print headings (and nothing else) and lay it on the table where you can glance at it occasionally.
Do not block the projector.

Preparation

Structure your presentation. There is much to be gained from organising what you will say. Make sure you have a suitable introduction and conclusion.
Prepare your speaker’s notes in the form of brief headings, and use these as prompts. If you are familiar with the material (as you ought) then you should be able to talk about it.
Practice your presentation. If you have not given it out loud (preferably to a friend) you haven’t prepared it.
Slides should support your presentation, not replace it.
Find an opportunity before your presentation to see how the projection system works.
Academic and Professional Standards
Plagiarism is the inclusion of another person’s work within your submission without acknowledgment or permission. While limited amounts of information and concepts expressed by others may be included as part of your work, each inclusion must be identified by appropriate referencing and acknowledgement to the original author. Plagiarism is regarded as a form of cheating, The penalties associated with misconduct are severe, and plagiarism may result in failure or variation of grade in the unit.
Student Assessment

This assignment is designed to meet the following criteria required for the course:
Assessment Type When Assessed Weighting
Report & Presentation
Week 11 30%

Part 1 Report Weight 25% Due 10/05/2016
Assignment Details
Assessment Requirements
Report

(1,200 words)
1) Identify a real or imagined Case Study that presents one or more significant ethical issues to an ICT professional. This Case Study is to be used to complete your assignment. (Note: that the Case Study is not counted towards the word count. Only your analysis will count.)

2) Prepare a report analysing the ethical issues raised in a case study, with recommendations for professional behaviour in both organisational and/or consultancy settings. In the report, describe the relevant case, identify the most pressing ethical issue(s), the stakeholders, possible breaches in standards or behaviour and the consequences. Discuss what you think is the most appropriate action(s). You must apply the process steps suggested in the text to identify the necessary information for the report.

3) Present a 5 minute overview of the report to the class.

Your report must include:

Assignment Cover Page: (Use the cover sheet provided. Include the Title, Assignment number, Student Name and Number, Subject)

Introduction: (A statement of the purpose of the report and a brief description of the report’s structure.)

Body: (Describe the relevant Case Study, identify the most pressing ethical issue(s), the stakeholders, possible breaches in standards or behaviour and the consequences.)

Conclusion: (Discuss what you think is(are) the most appropriate action(s)

References/ Bibliography

The footer must include your name, student ID, and page number.

The paper will need to be 1500 words to cover the topic. A minimum of 1200 words is needed to pass.