Software Engineering Ethics Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of configuration services in an iLearn architecture?

To ensure re-authentication for each independent service

To provide a browser interface for independent services

To integrate services through an API

To adapt the environment with a specific set of application services (correct)

What characterizes integrated services in an iLearn architecture?

They operate independently of other services

They offer an API for service-to-service communication (correct)

They require explicit user actions for information sharing

They are accessed through a browser interface only

What is a fundamental notion of software engineering?

Universally applicable to all types of system development (correct)

Separation of concerns

Focus on software product attributes only

Dependence on specific software processes

What is a critical aspect of software engineering?

Maintainability, dependability, and security Signup and view all the answers

What is software engineering concerned with?

All aspects of software production Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of independent services in an iLearn architecture?

They operate independently of other services and require explicit user actions for information sharing Signup and view all the answers

What is not a primary activity in software engineering?

Deployment Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential attribute of software products?

Efficiency and acceptability, maintainability, dependability, and security Signup and view all the answers

What is ethical behaviour beyond upholding the law?

Following a set of principles that are morally correct Signup and view all the answers

What should engineers normally respect?

The confidentiality of their employers or clients Signup and view all the answers

What should engineers avoid doing?

Misrepresenting their level of competence Signup and view all the answers

What should engineers be aware of?

Local laws governing the use of intellectual property Signup and view all the answers

What ranges from relatively trivial to extremely serious?

Computer misuse Signup and view all the answers

What have the professional societies in the US cooperated to produce?

A code of ethical practice Signup and view all the answers

Why should engineers protect the intellectual property of employers and clients?

Because it is a part of their professional responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What should engineers not do with their technical skills?

Use them to misuse other people’s computers Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of combining aspirations and details in a code?

A cohesive code Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary commitment of software engineers according to the Eight Principles?

To the health, safety and welfare of the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of software engineers according to the Eight Principles?

To make the analysis, specification, design, development, testing, and maintenance of software a beneficial and respected profession Signup and view all the answers

What is the first principle of the Eight Principles?

PUBLIC Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of software engineering managers and leaders according to the Eight Principles?

To subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is the seventh principle of the Eight Principles?

COLLEAGUES Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of software engineers in terms of their profession?

To advance the integrity and reputation of the profession Signup and view all the answers

What is the eighth principle of the Eight Principles?

SELF Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Behaviour in Software Engineering

Ethical behaviour involves following a set of principles that are morally correct, beyond just upholding the law.
Engineers should respect the confidentiality of their employers or clients, even without a formal agreement.
Engineers should not misrepresent their level of competence and should not accept work that is beyond their capabilities.
Engineers should be aware of and respect local laws governing intellectual property, such as patents and copyright.
Software engineers should not use their technical skills to misuse other people's computers.

ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics

The ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics is a code of ethical practice produced by professional societies in the US.
Members of these organizations sign up to the code when they join.
The code consists of eight principles, including:
- Acting consistently with the public interest.
- Acting in the best interests of clients and employers.
- Ensuring products meet the highest professional standards.
- Maintaining integrity and independence in professional judgment.
- Promoting an ethical approach to management.
- Advancing the integrity and reputation of the profession.
- Being fair to and supportive of colleagues.
- Participating in lifelong learning and promoting an ethical approach to the profession.

iLearn Architecture

Configuration services are used to adapt the environment with a specific set of application services.
These services define how services are shared between students, teachers, and parents.

iLearn Service Integration

Integrated services offer an API and can be accessed by other services through that API.
Independent services are accessed through a browser interface and operate independently of other services.

Key Points

Software engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with all aspects of software production.
Essential software product attributes are maintainability, dependability, security, efficiency, and acceptability.
The high-level activities of specification, development, validation, and evolution are part of all software processes.
The fundamental notions of software engineering are universally applicable to all types of system development.