Comsats University Islamabad Vehari Campus

Submitted By:
Faizan Sharif

Submitted To:
Madam Yasmeen

Subject:
Professional practices of IT
Topic:
IEEE code of ethics
 • What might a software engineer do that is…
Illegal, immoral, unethical?
A software engineer might engage in various activities that could be considered illegal, immoral, or
unethical. Here are some examples:
Illegal:

 Developing software for hacking purposes, such as creating malware or viruses to gain
unauthorized access to computer systems.
 Intentionally infringing on intellectual property rights by copying or distributing copyrighted
software without permission.
 Engaging in software piracy by distributing or using unauthorized copies of software.
Immoral:

 Creating software that facilitates harmful or addictive behavior, such as gambling apps that
exploit vulnerable individuals.
 Developing software with intentional design flaws or vulnerabilities that could lead to harm or
security breaches.
 Participating in projects that contribute to environmental harm, such as developing software for
companies that engage in illegal logging or pollution.
Unethical:

 Manipulating data or algorithms to mislead users or stakeholders, such as intentionally skewing

search results or user ratings.
 Failing to prioritize user privacy and security, such as selling user data without consent or
neglecting to implement adequate security measures.
 Discriminating against certain groups or individuals through biased algorithms or decision-making
processes in software development.
Legal, immoral, unethical?
Legal:

 Creating software that assists in tax calculations.

 Developing a social media app that adheres to all relevant privacy laws and regulations.
 Building a mobile game that is appropriate for all ages and doesn't violate any copyright laws.
Immoral:

 Creating software that facilitates harmful or addictive behavior, such as gambling apps that
exploit vulnerable individuals.
 Developing software with intentional design flaws or vulnerabilities that could lead to harm or
security breaches.
 Participating in projects that contribute to environmental harm, such as developing software for
companies that engage in illegal logging or pollution.
Unethical:

 Manipulating data or algorithms to mislead users or stakeholders, such as intentionally skewing

search results or user ratings.
 Failing to prioritize user privacy and security, such as selling user data without consent or
neglecting to implement adequate security measures.
 Discriminating against certain groups or individuals through biased algorithms or decision-making
processes in software development.
Legal, moral, unethical?
Legal:

 Developing a software application that helps users track their daily exercise routines.
 Creating a website for a local charity organization to help them reach a wider audience.
 Working on a project to improve the efficiency of public transportation systems in compliance
with all relevant laws and regulations.
Moral:

 Implementing privacy features in a messaging app to protect users' personal information.

 Refusing to work on a project that involves developing software for a company engaged in
unethical business practices, such as exploiting child labor.
 Advocating for accessibility features in software to ensure equal access for users with disabilities.
Unethical:

 Intentionally introducing bugs or defects into a competitor's software to undermine their business.
 Developing software for surveillance purposes without regard for individuals' privacy rights.
 Knowingly using stolen or pirated software components in a project without proper licensing or
permission.

Scenario #1
 You are the owner of a software engineering company. Your employees (engineers) want you to
pay for them to attend training.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
Thank you for your request for training. While I fully support your professional development, I need
to ensure any investment aligns with our budget and objectives. Please provide specific details on the
training, its relevance, and costs. We'll review and allocate budget accordingly.
Scenario #2
 You are the owner of a software engineering company. Your employees (engineers) want you to
let them do pro bono work for a local non-profit organization on company time.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
While I appreciate your willingness to contribute to the community, we must ensure our actions are
legally compliant and align with our business priorities. Let's discuss how we can support non-profits
without compromising our client commitments.

Scenario #3
 You are the head of a computer science department at a university. Your boss
(a “dean”) wants you to find a way to tweak your curriculum so undergrads are more likely to
choose your department for their major.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
I appreciate your interest in increasing enrollment in our department. To achieve this, we will focus
on enhancing the relevance and appeal of our curriculum through student feedback and industry
trends, ensuring alignment with academic standards and ethical practices.

Scenario #4
 You are a software engineer working at a large publicly-traded corporation, where a colleague
invents a new kind of compiler. Your managers see it as a huge potential cash cow.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
I'm excited about the potential of Faizan new compiler. Before proceeding, we should ensure proper
legal protection for the invention and uphold ethical standards in its development and
commercialization.

Scenario #5
 You are a software engineer at a company where management routinely encourages you and your
colleagues to use pirated software.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
I believe it's crucial to adhere to legal standards regarding software usage. Let's explore options for
obtaining necessary software licenses to ensure compliance and uphold ethical practices.

Scenario #6
 You are a project manager at a software development firm. Your client requests additional
features to be added to the project scope without adjusting the timeline or budget.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
 The implications of the additional features on the timeline and budget, suggesting alternatives like
prioritizing within the existing scope or negotiating adjustments. This ensures compliance with legal
contracts, maintains transparency, and upholds ethical principles.

Scenario #7
 You are a software developer at a startup that is struggling financially. The CEO suggests
exaggerating the capabilities of your product to attract more investors.
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
I understand the urgency, but misrepresenting our product's capabilities would violate legal and
ethical standards. Let's focus on highlighting our genuine strengths and finding sustainable ways to
attract investors.

Scenario #8
 You are a software engineer at a tech firm that is developing a new product. Your team discovers
a security vulnerability that could potentially compromise user data
 How would you respond in a way that is
legal, moral, and ethical?
I would suggest implementing temporary measures to mitigate the risk to user data while we work on
a permanent solution. Additionally, I would advocate for transparent communication with users
regarding the issue and the steps being taken to address it, ensuring honesty and accountability.

Scenario #9
 You are part of a team developing a new product, and your manager asks you to manipulate data
to make the product appear more successful than it actually is.
 How would you respond in a way that is legal, moral, and ethical?
I cannot manipulate data to misrepresent the product's success. It's essential to maintain integrity, adhere
to legal standards, and prioritize ethical behavior in all aspects of our work.

Scenario #10
 You work for a tech company that has been accused of discriminatory hiring practices. Your CEO
wants you to manipulate applicant data to conceal evidence of bias.
 How would you respond in a way that is legal, moral, and ethical?
I cannot comply with that request. It violates legal, moral, and ethical standards. Instead, I suggest we
focus on addressing any existing biases in our hiring process transparently and proactively.
 Rules for the Student Code of Conduct and
fines for their violation

Recently different students' disciplinary issues were observed which arc

projecting a very negative image of the OM Vehari-Campus. To prevent
such incidents from occurring in the future a code of conduct for students is
developed by the Campus Proctorial Board. All the Departments (DOC:is and
Batch advisors) must communicate these rules to their respective
departmental students on an urgent basis. The reputation of the campus is a
top priority so all the students violating these rules will be strictly penalized
and punished according to the nature of the offense.

 It is compulsory for students to always keep their ID cards with them.

Students without ID
 cards are not allowed to attend their classes. Class teachers must
ensure that students without ID cards are not attending the classes.
 Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Campus. The violator would be
penalized with 1000 Rs.
 Loud Music anywhere on the campus is not permitted. The violator will
be fined 250 Rs.
 Cell Phones must be silent or on vibration within Academic Block
Building.
 Any type of verbal abuse or physical clash or damage caused to CUI
property on Campus• premises will be reckoned as gross misconduct
and will be penalized with a fine of 2000 to 5000 Rs. Further
Punishment depends on the nature of the offense.
 Any comments on notice issued by management placed anywhere on
campus restricted prohibited.
 Any type of littering anywhere on campus is unacceptable.
 Eating and Drinking are not allowed in the classrooms.
y any
 In front of the Director's office, students are not allowed to pla
games.

 Making noises in corridors is highly discouraged.

ings is strictly
 Writing on walls, furniture, or any campus belong
prohibited and highly offensive.