ACS CaseStudiesFinal

ACS Code of Ethics Project Case Studies and their clauses in the Code
This table shows a range of case studies with references to relevant clauses of the ACS Code of Ethics. The Code consists of a series of clauses
which gradually expand on aspects of ethical behaviour relevant to professional people in the ICT industry. Clauses 4.3.1 to 4.3.6 describe the six
Values and Ideals, summarised as: Priorities; Competence; Honesty; Social Implications; Professional Development; and Information
Technology Profession.
Clauses 4.5.1 through to 4.10. 9 cover the Standards of Conduct, which provide a series of non-exhaustive standards explaining how the Code
applies to a members professional work, related to each of the six Values and Ideals.
Case Summary of case ACS Code of Ethics ACS Code of Ethics Standards of Conduct
No. 4.3 Values and Ideals
1 Jean, a statistical database programmer, is trying to 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.3 I must respect the proprietary nature of the
[1] write a large statistical program needed by her information of others.
company. Programmers in this company are
encouraged to write about their work and to publish 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.4 I must respect and protect my clients' and
their algorithms in professional journals. After employers' proprietary interests.4.6.4
months of tedious programming, Jean has found
herself stuck on several parts of the program. Her 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.2 I must not misrepresent my skills or knowledge.
manager, not recognising the complexity of the
problem, wants the job completed within the next 4.7.6 I must give credit for work done by others where
few days. Not knowing how to solve the problems, credit is due.
Jean remembers that a co-worker had given her
source listings from his current work and from an
early version of a commercial software package
developed at another company. On studying these
programs, she sees two areas of code which could
be directly incorporated into her own program. She
uses segments of code from both her co-worker and
the commercial software, but does not tell anyone or
mention it in the documentation. She completes the
project and turns it in a day ahead of time.
ACS_CaseStudies_final.doc Page 1 of 25 Last printed 6/10/2004 11:06 AM

2 Three years ago Diane started her own consulting 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
[1] business. She has been so successful that she now the information of others.
has several people working for her and many
clients. Their consulting work included advising on
how to set up corporate intranets, designing 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
database management systems, and advising about which match the operational and financial needs of
security. my clients and employers.
Presently she is designing a database management
system for the personnel office of a medium-sized
company. Diane has involved the client in the 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.6.6 I must advise my clients and employers when I
design process, informing the CEO, the director of believe a proposed project is not in their best
computing, and the director of personnel about the interest.
progress of the system. It is now time to make
decisions about the kind and degree of security to 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
build into the system. Diane has described several might be affected by my work.
options to the client. Because the system is going to
cost more than they planned, the client has decided
to opt for a less secure system. She believes the
information they will be storing is extremely
sensitive. It will include performance evaluations,
medical records for filing insurance claims, salaries,
and so forth.
With weak security, employees working on client
machines may be able to figure out ways to get
access to this data, not to mention the possibility of
on-line access from hackers. Diane feels strongly
that the system should be much more secure. She
has tried to explain the risks, but the CEO, director
of computing and director of personnel all agree that
less security will do. What should she do? Should
she refuse to build the system as they request?

3 Max works in a large state department of alcoholism 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
[1] and drug abuse. The agency administers programs security of the information of others.
for individuals with alcohol and drug problems, and
maintains a huge database of information on the 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
clients who use their services. Some of the data the information of others.
files contain the names and current addresses of
clients.
Max has been asked to take a look at the track
records of the treatment programs. He is to put 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
together a report that contains the number of clients might be affected by my work.
seen in each program each month for the past five
years, length of each clients treatment, number of
clients who return after completion of a program,
criminal histories of clients, and so on. In order to
put together this report, Max has been given access
to all files in the agencys mainframe computer.
After assembling the data into a file that includes the
clients names, he downloads it to the computer in
his office.
Under pressure to get the report finished by the
deadline, Max decides he will have to work at home
over the weekend in order to finish on time. He
burns the information onto a CD and takes it home.
After finishing the report he leaves the CD at home
and forgets about it.

4 A computer company is writing the first stage of a 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
[1] more efficient accounting system that will be used which match the operational and financial needs of
by the government. This system will save tax payers my clients and employers.
a considerable amount of money every year. A
computer professional, who is asked to design the 4.6.2 I must give value for money in the services and
accounting system, assigns different parts of the products I supply.
system to her staff. One person is responsible for
developing the reports; another is responsible for 4.6.3 I must make myself aware of relevant standards,
the internal processing; and a third for the user and act accordingly.
interface. The manager is shown the system and
agrees that it can do everything in the requirements.
The system is installed, but the staff finds the 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.2 I must not misrepresent my skills or knowledge
interface so difficult to use that their complaints are
heard by upper level management. Because of
these complaints, upper-level management will not 4.3.6 Information 4.10.1 I must respect, and seek when necessary, the
invest any more money in the development of the Technology Profession professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of
new accounting system and they go back to their competence.
original, more expensive system.
5 In determining requirements for an information 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.3 I must give opinions which are as far as possible
[1] system to be used in an employment agency, the unbiased and objective.
client explains that, when displaying applicants
whose qualifications appear to match those required
for a particular job, the names of white applicants
are to be displayed ahead of those of non-white
applicants, and the names of male applicants are to
be displayed ahead of those of female applicants.

6 A software development company has just 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.2 I must give value for money in the services and
[1] produced a new software package that incorporates products I supply.
the new tax laws and figures taxes for both
individuals and small businesses. The president of 4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.
the company knows that the program has a number
of bugs. He also believes the first firm to put this
kind of software on the market is likely to capture 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
the largest market share. The company widely client as to the suitability of a product or service.
advertises the program. When the company actually
ships a CD, it includes a disclaimer of responsibility
for errors resulting from the use of the program. The
company expects it will receive a number of 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.5 I must attempt to increase the feelings of personal
complaints, queries, and suggestions for satisfaction, competence, and control of those
modification. The company plans to use these to affected by my work.
make changes and eventually issue updated,
improved, and debugged versions. The president
argues that this is general industry policy and that 4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated
anyone who buys version 1.0 of a program knows Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices
this and will take proper precautions. Because of
bugs, a number of users filed incorrect tax returns
and were penalised by the ATO.

7 A small software company is working on an 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
[1] integrated inventory control system for a very large possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
national shoe manufacturer. The system will gather objections which face me in connection with my
sales information daily from shoe stores nationwide. work.
This information will be used by the accounting,
shipping, and ordering departments to control all of
the functions of this large corporation. The inventory 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
functions are critical to the smooth operation of the which match the operational and financial needs of
system. Jane, a quality assurance engineer with the my clients and employers.
software company, suspects that the inventory
functions of the system are not sufficiently tested, 4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.
although they have passed all their contracted tests.
She is pressured by her employers to sign off on the
software. Legally she is only required to perform
those tests which have been agree to in the original 4.3.6 Information 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
contract. However, her considerable experience in Technology Profession member, or a person who could potentially be a
software testing has led her to be concerned over member, of the Society engaging in unethical
risks of the system. Her employers say that they will behaviour.
go out of business if they do not deliver the software
on time. Jane contends if the Inventory sub-system
fails, it will significantly harm their client and its
employees. If the potential failure were to threaten
lives, it would be clear to Jane that she should
refuse to sign off. But since the degree of
threatened harm is less, Jane is faced with a difficult
moral decision.
8 A software consultant is negotiating a contract with 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
[1] a local community to design their traffic control possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
system. He recommends they select the TCS objections which face me in connection with my
system out of several available systems on the work.
market. The consultant fails to mention that he is a
major stockholder of the company producing TCS 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
software. 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.
4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated

Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices.

9 Joe is working on a project for his computer science 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
[1] course. The instructor has allotted a fixed amount of security of the information of others.
computer time for this project. Joe has run out of (Query this)
time, but has not yet finished the project. The
instructor cannot be reached. Last year Joe worked 4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated
as a student programmer for the campus computer Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices.
centre and is quite familiar with procedures to
increase time allocations to accounts. Using what
he learned last year, he is able to access the master
account. Then he gives himself additional time and
finishes his project.
10 Consider an HCI consultant with extensive 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.3 I must respect the proprietary nature of the
[2] experience in evaluating web sites and graphical information of others.
user interfaces (GUI). She has just received an
evaluation contract for a new accounting product 4.5.5 I must advise my client or employer of any potential
made by Company A due to her prior experience conflicts of interest between my assignment and
with e-commerce site evaluation. The work involves legal or other accepted community requirements.
assessing the training requirements and the
usability of the system. During the initial 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.3 I must make myself aware of relevant standards,
configuration of her usability laboratory she and act accordingly.
becomes aware that that software she is to evaluate
contains a GUI already patented by a rival Company 4.6.6 I must advise my clients and employers when I
B, which she evaluated several weeks before. believe a proposed project is not in their best
Under her contractual arrangements she is not interest.
allowed to discuss the evaluation of a product with
anyone outside the contract. She therefore has an 4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I
obligation to Company B not to provide information believe a proposed project is not in their best
regarding their product to anyone else without their interest.
permission. She has a similar obligation to
Company A. Can she continue with the evaluation? 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
If she cannot continue with the evaluation how does client as to the suitability of a product or service.
she inform Company A of the patent violation?
Does she have an obligation to let company B know
Company A has copied their GUI?

11 An internal usability team wanted to perform a 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from
[2] usability test on a web site using half internal and treating them unfairly.
half external participants. Would the consent form
designed for external users also be used for the 4.3.6 Information 4.10.1 I must respect, and seek when necessary, the
internals? Some members of the usability team Technology Profession professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of
argued that the terms of employment were sufficient competence.
to require internals participate. Others argued that
the purpose of consent was to ensure that 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
participants understood why they had been asked, member, or a person who could potentially be a
what was going to happen, what data would be member, of the Society engaging in unethical
collected, how it would be used and that they were behaviour.
free to leave any time. Given that the company had
paid for usability testing, and given that the
employees had agreed to work for the company for
payment, is the employee free to leave?
12 You have been asked to observe how junior 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
[2] management use new accounting software at a the information of others.
leading city accounting firm. As part of informed
consent, staff are informed that they will remain 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
anonymous. As part of your observations, you possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
notice that many of the junior management staff are objections which face me in connection with my
making a particular data entry error when using this work
software. These errors are causing the
accountancy firm to lose profit. Company policy 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
dictates clearly that workers salaries will be docked client as to the suitability of a product or service.
for clear mistakes leading to loss of company profit.
Do you take the edge off the results to protect the 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
people who helped you in the study? might be affected by my work.
4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from

treating them unfairly.

13 You are contracted by a Web design consultancy 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
[2] company to interview their staff to ascertain their the information of others.
current knowledge. The aim of the study is to
inform the company about the type of training 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
courses they need to implement. The aim is possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
therefore to highlight areas of overall weakness as objections which face me in connection with my
opposed to individual shortcomings. Despite this, work.
the type of data you collect will be able to identify
individuals weaknesses. Informed consent clearly 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
stares that comments made to you by interviewees might be affected by my work.
are to remain private. Following the study, a senior
Vice President of the company approaches you, 4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from
asking you who did well in the study? What do treating them unfairly.
you say?
14 A retired nurse applied for a pension from 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
[3] Centrelink, and was informed that she would receive which match the operational and financial needs of
a small pension of $8 per fortnight, and a Pension my clients and employers.
Card. She then received a letter saying that her
pension would not be paid because she had assets 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
of over $18 million, and an annual income of over client as to the suitability of a product or service.
$770,000. It took this lady several attempts to get
Centrelink to examine her case. Finally, the cause 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.5 I must attempt to increase the feelings of personal
of the mistake was found to be a human error satisfaction, competence, and control of those
when the ladys investment details were coded into affected by my work.
the computer. When the cause of the mistake was
discovered, she was informed that they couldnt
remove it from the computer. Centrelink claimed
that this was an "isolated incident". However, at the
same time, another man was discussing with
Centrelink their claim that he had an income of $6
million, which was not the case.

15 The initial estimate, in late 1999, for the re-vamp of 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
[4] the web site of the Dept. of Communications, which match the operational and financial needs of
Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA), was my clients and employers.
$600,000. The final price was over $4 million. 4.6.2 I must give value for money in the services and
The department provided a number of products I supply.
excuses/reasons for the excessive costs, including
"over-ambitious expectations"; "a relatively 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.2 I must not misrepresent my skills or knowledge.
immature understanding of the new content
management technologies'; changes in the scope of 4.7.4 I must give realistic estimates for projects under my
the project; no allowance made for support of control.
existing web site during the project; and no 4.7.5 I must qualify professional opinions which I know
allowance for the tendering process. A spokesman are based on limited knowledge or experience.
stated that the department did not have adequate
development skills at the outset of the process 4.3.6 Information 4.10.1 I must respect, and seek when necessary, the
Technology Profession professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of
competence.
16 In December 1999, IBM-GSA was one of three 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
[5] tenderers for the IT outsourcing contract for the security of the information of others.
Departments of Health, Aged Care and the Health
Insurance Commission (the Health Group), along 4.5.3 I must respect the proprietary nature of the
with CSC and EDS. During the tender process, IBM- information of others.
GSA was supplied with computer disks containing
critical information relating to final pricing of their 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
rival tenderers. IBM-GSA subsequently revised its the information of others
tender after the due deadline and the minister
announced they were the successful bidder. 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
At the time, the Office of Asset Sales and might be affected by my work.
Information Technology Outsourcing (OASITO)
described giving IBM-GSA details of their rivals bids 4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated
as an inadvertent error. The minister dismissed Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices
the Opposition's call for an immediate halt to the
tender process. Three years later, the minister, now 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
retired, admitted that the $350 million tender should member, or a person who could potentially be a
have been cancelled. He told the Audit Office in member, of the Society engaging in unethical
September 2002: behaviour.
When the disc containing all three bids was
delivered to IBM GSA in error my reaction on being
informed directly by OASITO was to cancel the
tender. I could not see that a tender process with
integrity could continue. At the conclusion of the
tender I was both disappointed and annoyed at the

limited role of the Probity Auditor and the absence
of a separate report on the issue.
Not only did the tender continue, with IBM-GSA
being awarded the contract, but the minister's claim
that the Probity Auditors role was limited was
contradicted by evidence provided by OASITO to a
Senate Estimates hearing on 8 February 2000.
OASITO representatives told Senate Estimates that
the management of the tender:
was conducted in accordance with the advice
from both the probity auditor and our legal advisers
engaged for the initiative. All parties concurred at
the time that the process could continue unchanged
[OASITO] briefed the probity auditor in person [who]
immediately came back to us with a proposed
course of actionWe engaged the probity auditor to
participate in all of our discussions to make sure
that he fully witnessed the nature of the
discussionsand he was happy that we had
delivered the messages in accordance with his
proposed course of action.

17 A consultant was engaged by a large private sector 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
[6] company to help run a tender process for some new which match the operational and financial needs of
software. The process was that tenderers would be my clients and employers.
short-listed on functional requirements, there would
be a detailed evaluation of the short-listed tenders, 4.6.6 I must advise my clients and employers when I
and then the evaluation panel would look at the believe a proposed project is not in their best
prices tendered. interest.
While preparing the documents for the panel the
consultant was required to remove the pricing 4.6.7 I must go beyond my brief, if necessary, in order to
information from the body of some of the act professionally.
documents. As a result he became aware that
several of the vendors' prices were well above the 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
budget set by the client. client as to the suitability of a product or service.
At the end of short-listing the consultant thought his
manager should know about this problem so that he 4.3.6 Information 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
could deal with it early, and not waste a lot of time Technology Profession member, or a person who could potentially be a
evaluating unaffordable tenders. He decided to member, of the Society engaging in unethical
make sure he was right by checking the prices of all behaviour.
of the tenders. He then told his manager that he
had looked at the prices and the business could not 4.10.7 I must seek advice from the Society when faced
afford any of the short-listed proposals. The with an ethical dilemma I am unable to resolve by
consultant did not tell his manager or anyone else myself.
what the prices were.
His manager was very angry that he had disobeyed
orders and looked at the prices before the time
agreed, and he terminated the consultant's contract
without notice. This upset the consultant, because
he thought he had done the right thing by his
employer. Fortunately another area of the company
offered him a different contract soon afterwards. He
told them about the issue with the tenders, and they
did not think it was a problem.
However, two weeks into the new contract his
manager went to HR, accused the consultant of
professional misconduct and had his new contract
terminated without notice. The consultant's agency
will not take this issue up with the company because
the manager has threatened the agency's other
contractors if they did.
Do you think the company has been fair? What
advice would you give to the consultant?

18 Jim, a member of the Australian Computer Society, 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[6] was contracted as a test consultant to a client, to information technology services and information
provide testing and quality assurance services. flow in my care.
Initially there was a testing manager, Ken, Jim as
team lead, and two test analysts, one of them on 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
loan from the vendor. Ken had hired the two test which match the operational and financial needs of
analysts and Jim for the project. my clients and employers.
The system under test had a web browser front end,
with an interface for successful customer product 4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.
orders to SAP for order fulfilment and order transfer
to 3rd party vendors. The testing effort initially 4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I
seemed manageable, but as the team delved into believe a proposed project is not in their best
the task they found the complexity increasing interest.
substantially.
Suddenly, and voluntarily, Ken left the project 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
approximately 4 weeks after Jim started, when client as to the suitability of a product or service.
budget issues became apparent. At the time the rest
of the team were confused, and questions were 4.7.2 I must not misrepresent my skills or knowledge.
asked as to who would take over Ken's
responsibilities. Jim took it upon himself to ensure 4.7.3 I must give opinions which are as far as possible
that a fully tested system was delivered to the unbiased and objective.
business, and thus he gladly accepted more
responsibility. 4.3.5 Professional 4.9.3 I must encourage my colleagues, employees and
Problems soon arose when Jim realised that the two Development students to continue their own professional
test analysts hired by Ken were not up to the task of development.
performing the testing preparation needed for such
a complex system. Al, the analyst from the vendor, 4.3.6 Information 4.10.1 I must respect, and seek when necessary, the
was initially brought in to handle the SAP Technology Profession professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of
functionality testing component. Al told Jim that he competence.
didn't know anything about SAP, and did not want
the responsibility of writing the SAP test cases. A 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
few weeks later Jim found out that Ken and Al had member, or a person who could potentially be a
previously worked on a project together for the member, of the Society engaging in unethical
client, and that Ken was fostering relationships with behaviour.
the vendor by hiring its consultants for testing roles
within the client's IT projects. 4.10.7 I must seek advice from the Society when faced
This was the first time that the other test analyst, with an ethical dilemma I am unable to resolve by
Col, had lived and worked overseas, so he was myself.
finding his feet in a new work and social
environment.

Both test analysts needed considerable more time
than usual to write the test cases, as they were
having difficulty comprehending the requirements
and functional specifications, although Jim had held
workshops to assist in their preparation. When the
difficulties in performing basic test preparation
became apparent, Jim asked both analysts about
their previous testing experiences. He found that Al
had only two years experience, while Col had only
one years experience in testing, and he had no
previous Telecommunications experience.
Issues came to a head when Al could not meet the
deadlines for his test cases, although he had been
given the easiest cases to write. Jim, and Bob, the
project manager, felt that Al was more of a
hindrance than a help to the team and, noting that
he was an expensive vendor resource, they made
the decision that Al's services were no longer
required. Al was not sacked, however his Purchase
Order would run out soon and it would not be
renewed.
Al was not happy about this and he became very
confrontational in two closed meetings with Jim,
who considered Al's behaviour as unprofessional.
These incidents, coupled with Al's poor work
deliverables, prompted Jim to ask the vendor to be
involved in a performance review so both the vendor
and Al could benefit from objective feedback.
Ken was no longer on the project, and he had not
had any formal or informal business contact with
Jim for at least 5 weeks. However, Ken, in a closed
meeting, asked Jim to retract his request for a
performance review, as he, Ken, said that he might
re-hire Al for future projects. He asked Jim to email
the vendor saying that he would not require a
performance review for Al, and that there were no
issues with Al's performance. Jim did neither.

Not long after this incident the project was placed on
hold by the client. The project scope had crept
alarmingly to the point where it was considered that
delivery was impossible for the planned dates, and
an internal audit was conducted to investigate the
project slippage.
When the project was halted the test team was
immediately released as their services were not
needed for the time being. Jim was approached by
another senior testing manager, Ben, to work on a
project that would be for approximately 9 months.
An interview was arranged with Ben, Jim and the
client business sponsor. The day before the
interview Ben rang Jim to say that the interview was
cancelled and that Jim would not be considered
because Ben had received a bad review of Jim. Ben
didn't say who had said this, but Jim later found out
from a reliable source that it was Ken.

19 The following stories cover the use of unlicenced 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.3 I must respect the proprietary nature of the
[6] software, or the contravention of a licencing information of others.
agreement. None of the organisations mentioned
are members of the Business Software Association 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
of Australia (BSAA), although one is associated with which match the operational and financial needs of
the US parent organisation. my clients and employers.
1. A reseller sells "additional user" software
licences to a client for a project, but installation 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
will be delayed for some months, so third-party client as to the suitability of a product or service.
software licences are not acquired from the
supplier immediately. When the software is 4.7.3 I must give opinions which are as far as possible
eventually "supplied" to the end-user client, no unbiased and objective.
CDs or licence keys are required. At a
subsequent date it is "rediscovered" that the 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.6 I must not require, or attempt to influence, any
additional licences were never purchased from person to take any action which would involve a
the supplier, and moves are made to acquire breach of the Code of Ethics.
these. The Manager stops the Purchase Order
being raised, wanting assurances that the 4.3.6 Information 4.10.1 I must respect, and seek when necessary, the
licences were not purchased. Documentation is Technology Profession professional opinions of colleagues in their areas of
produced to show that licences were sold, these competence.
licences were never purchased from the
supplier, and that the client has the additional 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated
licences. The Manager claims to "want to with, dishonest or fraudulent practices
confirm other paperwork and negotiate a price
with the supplier", but there is doubt that this is 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
a genuine response. Perhaps there is no member, or a person who could potentially be a
intention to purchase the licences from the member, of the Society engaging in unethical
supplier in the hope that the situation is not behaviour.
discovered. After a week, the paperwork seems
to be back in the file to be forgotten again. 4.10.7 I must seek advice from the Society when faced
2. A client acquires "additional user" software with an ethical dilemma I am unable to resolve by
licences from a distributor under a special myself.
licence agreement that varies from the normal
end-user licence agreement. This variation
allows the same licence keys to be reused on
multiple installations. The Distributor warrants
that it is authorised to make these variations to
the licence agreement. The details of the
arrangement with the supplier that authorised
this are not available, but when it has been
discussed, "it's all confidential" is the stock
answer. The client is invoiced for the additional
licences, but in one case a note on the file and
another verbal advice to staff by the Manager
says "do not order on supplier". It is possible
but unlikely that the arrangement with the
supplier allows the distributor to make unlimited
sales to its clients without further payment to the
supplier. Subsequent to this, the supplier
makes a change to introduce an "unlimited
user" licence for the latest version that, if
purchased, and the client were to upgrade to it,
would regularise the transaction. Would such a
changed event and/or the passage of time be
sufficient to regularise the transaction?
3. A distributor, that may or may not have a current
and valid reseller agreement, uses "demo" or
"not for resale" software in its day-to-day
operations.
4. An end user, in a system failure and recovery
situation, allows the operating system and
firewall software licensed to another company,
to be installed to "get the system back up". It is
not clear if there is intention to subsequently
license the software, or if it will become an
"administrative oversight". What is a
reasonable time to regularise such use, and
would it then become software piracy after that
time?
5. An end user licenses utility software from a
small supplier by internet download, and
receives a licence key for one user. The licence
agreement provides:
This copy of xxxxxxxx may either be used by a
single person who uses the software personally
on one or more computers, or installed on a
single workstation used non-simultaneously by
multiple people, but not both. This is not a
concurrent user licence.
The use of this software becomes part of the
company's standard procedures and all staff need a
copy on their PCs. The one licence key is published
and shared by all employees.

20 A manager gave a contractor permission to work 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[7] off-site because of family problems. Remote on-line information technology services and information
access was granted for the contractor, to a large flow in my care.
government computing facility. All that was needed
was the managers signature to approve the 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from
arrangement. The manager went on leave before treating them unfairly.
the papers were returned, and the acting manager
cancelled the off-site work at the last minute,
because departmental policy was not to allow
remote access to contractors.
21 Live data is used in the final testing of a new 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
[7] system, and the system then is formally approved security of the information of others.
by a QA group. The output from this final test has
been released to the client as a genuine report, 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
before QA approval has been given. the information of others.
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
4.3.2 Competence 4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.
4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I

believe a proposed project is not in their best
interest.
4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential

client as to the suitability of a product or service.
4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.6 I must not require, or attempt to influence, any
person to take any action which would involve a
breach of the Code of Ethics.

22 A QA group has decided to sign off a system 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[7] without doing any testing, because they trust the information technology services and information
customer and development team to test the system flow in my care.
better than they can. (Look at this from several
points of view: the QA group, an individual in QA, 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
the customer, the development team, the team possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
leader (eg. should s/he tell the customer?) objections which face me in connection with my
work.
4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services

which match the operational and financial needs of
my clients and employers.
4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.
4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I

believe a proposed project is not in their best
interest.


23 In a large organisation, all software development 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[7] and support work has to be carried out against information technology services and information
budget codes. Maintenance work is a fixed amount flow in my care.
on an internal code, and is usually insufficient to
cover the work to be done. All development work is 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
funded by the customer, and paid for by an internal possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
funds transfer. It has become common practice to objections which face me in connection with my
sneak in maintenance work under funded work.
development work, because the customer does not
know the scope of the development task, and hence 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
how much it should cost which match the operational and financial needs of
my clients and employers.
4.6.2 I must give value for money in the services and

products I supply.
4.6.7 I must go beyond my brief, if necessary, in order to

act professionally.

4.7.4 I must give realistic estimates for projects under my

control.
4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated

Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices
4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a

member, or a person who could potentially be a
member, of the Society engaging in unethical
behaviour.

24 Over the years a number of systems have been 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[7] developed which record coded information across a information technology services and information
range of factors about disabilities in ethnic flow in my care.
communities. A new coding convention has been
developed to rationalise the inconsistent coding 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
conventions of these legacy systems. The new security of the information of others.
coding convention uses codes which had different
meanings in the legacy systems. This means that 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
time series analysis gives inconsistent results, which match the operational and financial needs of
particularly showing both under and over reporting my clients and employers.
of numbers of particular disability categories. This
is significant when making policies for people based 4.6.6 I must advise my clients and employers when I
on the size of the communities. To fix this would believe a proposed project is not in their best
take a lot of work and expense, and management interest.
has decreed that historical systems will not be fixed,
but new systems will all adopt the new coding
convention.
25 When Ilnaz, a 22-year-old female originally from 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.1 I must protect and promote the health and safety of
[8] Iran, did well in her job interview, the manager of those affected by my work.
CompuSoft, an Australian company that specialises
in the design of CD ROMs, offered her the job 4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from
immediately. Ilnaz, who needed this job, was so treating them unfairly.
happy that she accepted the offer straightaway.
When she reported to work the beginning of the 4.8.5 I must attempt to increase the feelings of personal
following week, she found that she has to share the satisfaction, competence, and control of those
office with a male colleague. Apparently her affected by my work.
manager placed her with Jason because both of
them will be doing similar tasks in nature. The
manager thought that this way they would both help,
and learn from, each other. He also thought, that
given that they also both will be working together in
a joint project that the company had just acquired, it
was important that they both have access to each
other during the day. Ilnaz, however, was not happy
with this arrangement as it was against her religion
and culture to be in complete isolation with an
unrelated man. Her husband was also upset and
threatened to stop her from going to work when he
learned about this arrangement. The following day,
Ilnaz goes immediately to her manager and asks
him what should she do

26 Company X has just signed a business agreement 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.1 I must endeavour to preserve continuity of
[8] with Company Y, which entitles both of them to information technology services and information
access each other clients records. Faisal, a flow in my care.
software programmer at Company Z, was assigned
the task of developing a software program that 4.5.2 I must endeavour to preserve the integrity and
handles the access and retrieval of records from security of the information of others.
each Companys database system into the other. A
first run of the software on real data indicated that 4.5.4 I must endeavour to preserve the confidentiality of
the work was well within the state of the art, and no the information of others.
difficulties were found or anticipated.
4.5.5 I must advise my client or employer of any potential
Several weeks later and during a normal test on the conflicts of interest between my assignment and
software developed, Faisal discovered a serious legal or other accepted community requirements.
security hole in the database system of Company
Y by which hackers can easily obtain confidential 4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as
information about clients. He was convinced that possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious
while the software he developed could correctly objections which face me in connection with my
accomplish the task, the code in Company Ys work.
database system could not be trusted as the
security hole posed a threat even on Company Xs 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.6 I must advise my clients and employers when I
database system. Faisal told his manager about the believe a proposed project is not in their best
problem and explained its significance. The interest.
manager's response was, "That's not our problem;
let's just be sure that our software functions 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
properly." Faisal is not sure what to do. Refusing to client as to the suitability of a product or service.
work on the project means disobeying his
managers orders. Continuing to work on the 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.5 I must attempt to increase the feelings of personal
project, means disobeying one of Gods commands, satisfaction, competence, and control of those
which requires him to be truthful and sincere in his affected by my work.
dealings.

27 Nirmal is the IT manager in a government 4.3.1 Priorities 4.5.5 I must advise my client or employer of any potential
[8] department with more than 500 staff members and conflicts of interest between my assignment and
six branches across Australia. His department has legal or other accepted community requirements.
decided to acquire an enterprise resource planning
(ERP) system. An RFT for the procurement of the 4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services
software was advertised in a number of Australian which match the operational and financial needs of
newspapers. Two local companies responded to the my clients and employers.
advertisement and sent their offers to the
department. When Nirmal opened the envelopes 4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential
and examined the offers he found that company As client as to the suitability of a product or service.
offer is slightly better than company Bs offer. To his
surprise, company Bs offer was made by his best 4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated
friend Devraj, who is the general manager of Technology Profession with, dishonest or fraudulent practices
company B. Company As software appeared to be
easier to use and easier to modify compared to 4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a
company Bs software. Although the initial cost of member, or a person who could potentially be a
company B software appeared to be less than that member, of the Society engaging in unethical
of companys A, the former may require some tools- behaviour.
consultants to modify it and some business-
consultants to assist in running it, which might 4.10.7 I must seek advice from the Society when faced
eventually raise the total cost. To complicate with an ethical dilemma I am unable to resolve by
matters more, Nirmal received a phone call from myself.
Devraj, who urged him to favour his offer, as he is
quite desperate to get this deal. He also reminded
him that the tools and business consultants who
might be needed in the project will be recruited from
his home country which means more jobs for his
countrymen and in turn more money sent home.
Nirmal is indeed in a difficult position.
28 Katherina, an ACS member, provides extensive, 4.3.6 Information 4.10.4 I must co-operate in advancing information
[9] voluntary assistance to a number of disability Technology Profession processing by communication with other
support groups. The support groups now use ICT professionals, students and the public, and by
for the benefit of their clients, and to run the contributing to the efforts of professional and
organisations more effectively. For this work scientific societies and schools.
Katherina is made a Fellow of the ACS.
29 The ACS Disciplinary Committee has decided to 4.3.6 Information 4.10.8 I must do what I can to ensure that the corporate
[10] hold its meetings In Camera, and not make Technology Profession actions of the Society are in accordance with this
available the results of their determinations to the Code of Ethics.
complainants, nor the general membership. This,
they say, is to protect the reputation of the members
who come before the committee.

30 At an ACS Council meeting there was not a clearly 4.3.6 Information 4.10.8 I must do what I can to ensure that the corporate
[9] defined and documented procedure to elect the Technology Profession actions of the Society are in accordance with this
National Office Bearers. Code of Ethics.
31 Peter and Allan, who both share the same office, 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.2 I must consider and respect people's privacy which
[8] are systems designers at QBase, an Australian might be affected by my work.
company that specialises in the development of
computer databases. Peter is a newly converted
Muslim and is committed to perform his prayers
regularly. Unfortunately he is having difficulty saying
his prayer around 1:00 pm in the afternoon. His
prayer takes only 2-3 minutes and does not require
any special rituals or arrangements. He could offer
his prayer in the office by standing and facing in one
direction and mutely reciting a few verses, but he is
afraid Allan might not feel comfortable about that.
He could offer his prayer at his house which is close
by his office but the return-trip takes usually 20-25
minutes and that time is taken from work.
32 Anna is a young ambitious programmer working for 4.3.4 Social Implications 4.8.4 I must endeavour to understand, and give due
[9] a small company developing software for web regard to, the perceptions of those affected by my
based services in the health area, with a focus on work.
support to remote aboriginal communities. To
further her career Anna undertakes additional 4.3.5 Professional 4.9.1 I must continue to upgrade my knowledge and skills.
tertiary study, with support from her manager, Brian. Development
This study includes topics covering computer ethics, 4.9.2 I must increase my awareness of issues affecting
and issues relating to the impact of ICT on different the information technology profession and its
communities. On her current project, Anna develops relationship with the community.
a new user interface, which has a strong focus on
accessibility for remote communities, especially 4.3.6 Information 4.10.3 I must not attempt to enhance my own reputation at
considering the type of technology likely to be used. Technology Profession the expense of another's reputation.
She also pays special attention to the use of cultural
images in the interface, to avoid those which may
be distressing or offensive to aboriginal users. The
new system is a great success and Annas
contribution is recognised by her company, through
an Employee of the Month Award. The company
also receives a national business award for its
contribution to the positive use of ICT in aboriginal
communities. Brian takes all of the credit for this,
and Anna receives no acknowledgement for her
efforts.

33 Carol is a popular person who has worked hard in 4.3.6 Information 4.10.5 I must distance myself professionally from someone
[9] the ICT industry. She is currently a team leader of a Technology Profession whose membership of the Society has been
group of software developers in a large company terminated because of unethical behaviour or
providing outsourced services to the Federal unsatisfactory conduct.
government. She is a Member of the ACS and
decides to contribute to her profession by playing an 4.10.9 I acknowledge my debt to the computing profession
active role in the local branch of the Society, and is and in return must protect and promote
elected Treasurer. Carol has some financial professionalism in information technology.
problems, and forges signatures on cheques to
embezzle $5,000 from the branchs reserves to pay
for medical treatment for her child. When she is
inevitably found out she returns the money, and her
membership of the ACS is terminated, but she
continues in her job. Several members of her team
are also ACS members. How should they treat
their team leader?
References
[1] Burmeister, O.K, (2000), Applying the ACS Code of Ethics, Journal of Research and Practice in Information Technology, Vol. 32, No. 2, May.
[2] Burmeister, O.K., and Weckert, J., (2003), Applying the new software engineering code of ethics to usability engineering: A study of four cases, Info, Comm &
Ethics in Society, Troubadour Publishing Ltd.
[3] Canberra Times, (7 April 2003), Costly upgrade: sprinting for cover, page 15.
[4] Canberra Times, (11 July 2003), Centrelink letter one in a million, page 1.
[5] Senator Kate Lundy (5 November 2002) Fahey finally tells the truth,: tendering process for Healths IT Outsourcing Program was without integrity, Media
release.
[6] From Barry de Ferranti (ACS) - These are real situations, modified to remove names.
[7] From Richard Lucas (CSU), based on actual events
[8] From Yeslam Al-Saggaf (CSU) These cases relate to issues of different customs and cultures in the workplace.
[9] From Mike Bowern. ( Case 30 is to generate discussion on the idea that the ACS should be run in an ethical, business-like manner)
[10] From Richard Lucas (This case has been added to generate discussion on the role of the Disciplinary Committee)
Note:
The cases in the following reference paper also appear in Burmeister (2000), which addresses the ACS Code of Ethics. So the Burmeister paper has been cited.
Anderson, R.E., Johnson, D.G., Gotterbarn, D., Perrolle, J., (1993), Communications of the ACM, February, Vol. 36, No. 2.

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ACS Code of Ethics Project Case Studies and their clauses in the Code

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4.7.3 I must give opinions which are as far as possible

4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated

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4.8.3 I must respect my employees and refrain from

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4.5.6 I must advise my clients and employers as soon as

4.3.2 Competence 4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.

4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I

4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential

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4.3.2 Competence 4.6.1 I must endeavour to provide products and services

4.6.5 I must accept responsibility for my work.

4.6.7 I must advise my clients and employers when I

4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential

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4.6.2 I must give value for money in the services and

4.6.7 I must go beyond my brief, if necessary, in order to

4.3.3 Honesty 4.7.1 I must not knowingly mislead a client or potential

4.7.4 I must give realistic estimates for projects under my

4.3.6 Information 4.10.2 I must not knowingly engage in, or be associated

4.10.6 I must take appropriate action if I discover a

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