ASSIGNMENT # 1

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Case Study

Ethical dilemma for a Software Engineer

Company X has just signed a

business agreement with
Company Y, which entitles both
of them to
access each other clients’
records. 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 Allah’s
commands, which requires him
to be truthful and
sincere in his dealings
Company X has just signed a business agreement with Company Y, which entitles both of them to access
each other clients’ records. 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 Allah’s commands, which requires
him to be truthful and sincere in his dealings?

Question:

1. What are facts of the case study?

The facts of the case study are that Faisal have to make program software for data retrieving for two
companies, as one already had the program but he finds a loop hole in a software program from which
hackers can hack the data of the company and the second fact is that Faisal have to report everything to
his boss and convince him to solve the problem.

2. What is the moral problem for Faisal?

ANS: Faisal has two responsibilities one which is his job duties and the other is his moral duties which
he has to fulfill for the sake of gods will. So the moral duties must be fulfilled just along the worldly
responsibilities. All the moral duties such as speaking truth, be fair, be loyal and honest, and to earn
halal have to abide by these practices so he does not do anything illegal to earn and that would count as
haram. So such moral duties have been a hindrance for Faisal to perform his daily duties and such
actions as mentioned in the case study.

3. Consult the list of

fundamental principles and
identify those that are relevant
to the
moral problem
3. Consult the list of fundamental principles (IEEE/ACM/BCS) and identify those that are
relevant to the moral problem

ANSWER

Many of the fundamental principles of IEEE/ACM/BCS are relevant to the moral problems
because many of them indicate to be honest towards your working. Integrity of each personnel
has a special importance in the moral values so the fundamental principles refers to protect the
integrity of everyone. Also the fundamental principles mentions to keep the privacy of clients
which is also a part of our moral values. Loyalty towards your job and duty is also alluded within
the fundamental principle and loyalty is a part of our moral values and so does the
fundamental principles relate to the moral problems.

4. What are the alternative courses/directions/solutions of action?

ANSWER

Alternative directions and solutions that could be adopted to solve the problem may be one
from the followings:

 Convince his boss to take appropriate action.

 Contact the higher authority
 Try to develop his software so he can cover the security breach.

5. What course of action will

you recommend and why?
Support your answer with
strong
5. What course of action will you recommend and why? Support your answer with strong
arguments?

ANSWER

In my opinion one should try to contact his higher authorities because this is the only
appropriate channel to convey his issue and be sincere and honest toward his duties. As he has
no authority because he is an employee to the employer so he could be fired if he doesn’t
follow the orders of his manager. So this is the only appropriate way to fulfill his duty with
honesty.

6. What will be the effect of your decision on the society?

ANSWER

The decision took may not have any effect directly to the society but will have an impact within
the organization as there will be a better environment with respect to honesty in each and
every employee. And may be every employee will try to follow the right practices and be an
effective part in building up the society.