Question

You are a relatively junior programmer working on modules that collect data from loan application forms and convert them to formats required by the parts of the program that evaluate the applications. You find that some demographic data are missing from some forms, particularly race and age. What should your program do? What should you do? risk ,problems ,benefits and phase analyze

Answer 1

- Consult the specifications (approved by the client and project manager) for the program. Doing what the company has agreed to do and had been paid to do should be your topmost priority.

- If not in spec, talk to your manager. If he said “default to white for race, banks do not discriminate based on race anyway”, do not accept his decision. You should consult the client or higher level manager who is responsible for the program design. Document the decision in a new version of the specification

- You may not know all potential use of the program.

The lender and government might want data on race to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination policies and laws.

The program may later be used for patients evaluation to develop new drugs. Missing or wrong data can lead to misleading conclusions. They do their job. You do yours. At least, document in specification.