Saudi Arabia
King Saud University
Information technology department
IT419
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CODE OF
ETHICS
Prepared by
Group#1
Section:
Name
Dina Al-Bassam
Hanan Al-Dosari
Norah Al.Omair
ID
430201084
430201109
428921059
Supervised by
L. Abeer Al.Dayel
Second Semester 1435 H – 2014
SE Code of Ethics
1. INTRODUCTION
Now a day computers have been involved in many fields and they considered as a major
tool to be used for storing and retrieving important data and making critical processes. Since
many fields rely on computers to accomplish their works, so the software they use must be
provided in a professional way which leads them to achieve their goals and benefit from it
without causing any harm to others. Although providing a professional software for the user is
important, but on the other hand there are some ethical issues that must be regarded between the
software engineers themselves and how they are actually developing the software. [2]
2. PROFESSION OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
What does "Profession of Software Engineering" mean? "A Profession is a vocation
requires a high level of education and practical experience"[3]. Profession of Software
Engineering means "software engineers ought to be committed to doing good by respecting
eight principles identify key ethical relationships and obligations within these relationships"[3].
3. THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES
There are eight principles that must be respected by every software engineer. First, “act
consistently with the public interest". Second, “act in a manner that is in the best interests of their
client and employer". Third, “ensure that their products and related modifications meet the
highest professional standards possible". Fourth, “maintain integrity and independence in their
professional judgment". Fifth, “promote an ethical approach to the management of software
development". Sixth, "advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the
public interest". Seventh, "be fair and supportive of their colleagues". Eighth, "participate in
lifelong learning".[3]
Page 1
SE Code of Ethics
4. CASE STUDIES
There are lots of case studies conflict with the software engineering code of ethics and
led to the appearance of critical ethical issues. Here are examples of some real case studies:
CASE STUDY 1:
Jean is a programmer who is responsible for developing a statistical software for his
company. The company want to publish the algorithms of this program in a professional journal
to show their succeed. The Manager asked Jean to finish the program within a given time. While
Jean developing the program, she stuck in some codes. Her Manager didn't know how much this
problem is big for Jean, and he forced her to finish it at the required time. She remembered that
her co-worker gave her his code that he is implementing with the source code of other
commercial product from different company. She started to see these codes and she found the
codes that she want, so she simply embedded these codes in her program without telling anyone
and without documenting what she did.[1]
CASE STUDY 2:
"Joe is working on a project for his computer science course. The instructor has allotted a
fixed amount of computer time for this project. Joe has run out of time, but has not yet finished
the project. The instructor cannot be reached. Last year Joe worked as a student programmer for
the campus computer center 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" [1].
Page 2
SE Code of Ethics
CASE STUDY 3:
Anna is a young talented programmer who works at a small company for developing
web-based software for the health area. To progress in her career Anna takes additional tertiary
study with support from her manager Brain, This study discusses computer ethics and use of ICT
in aboriginal communities. On her current project, Anna develops a new user interface, which
has a strong focus on accessibility for remote communities, especially considering the type of
technology likely to be used. She pays special attention to the use of cultural images in the
interface and avoids these which may be distressing or offensive to users. The new system is a
great success and Anna’s work is recognized 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 work [1].
Page 3
SE Code of Ethics
References:
[1] Mike Bowern .(2012). "ACS Code of Ethics Case Studies & Related Clauses to the Code of Conduct"
[Online].Available: http://www.acs.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/12179/ACS-Code-of-Ethics-CaseStudies.pdf
[2]"software engineering code
http://www.acm.org/about/se-code
of
ethics
and
professional
practice"
[Online].Available:
[3]Michael J.Quinn, "Professional Athics," in Ethics For The Information Age, 5 th edition. Seattle
University, ch.9, sec 3, pp. 403-415
Page 4