Question

8. Write an essay on the following case study. An internal usability team wanted to perform a usability test on a web site using half internal and half external participants. Would the consent form designed for external users also be used for the internals? Some members of the usability team argued that the terms of employment were sufficient to require internals participate. Others argued that the purpose of ‘consent’ was to ensure that participants understood why they had been asked, what was going to happen, what data would be collected, how it would be SESSION X (XX), 201XXX – ITC506 Page 5 of 5 used and that they were free to leave any time. Given that the company had paid for usability testing, and given that the employees had agreed to work for the company for payment, is the employee free to leave? Source: Australian Computer Society (2014). ACS Code of Ethics Case Studies & Related Clauses to the Code of Conduct Instructions: You must: • present an introduction (or background) to your topic and your essay (1 mark); • present a comprehensive analysis of the identified ICT related ethical issue(s) using appropriate professional Codes of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct to support your analysis ; • present a conclusion that briefly outlines your point of view ; and • ensure that your essay is well written and structured . You are not required to include any references in your essay, but where applicable you should cite relevant researchers to support your arguments. State any assumptions before you start writing your essay.

Answer 1

Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy user interfaces are to use. The word "usability" also refers to methods for improving ease-of-use during the design process.

An essential characteristic of a profession is the need for its members to abide by a code of ethics. For the ACS, this code is established as the Code of Professional Conduct and is part of the Society's Regulations. These Regulations apply to any ACS member who works in the field of information and communications technology (ICT).

This Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) identifies six core ethical values and the associated requirements for professional conduct. The Society requires its members to abide by these values, and act with responsibility and integrity in all of their professional dealings.

According to the above case study- ACS Code of Professional Conduct values and relevant clauses of the Code of Professional Conduct

Public Interest- identify those potentially impacted by your work and explicitly consider their interests.

Quality of Life- recognise, in your work, the role that ICT can play to enhance the quality of life of people, particularly the disadvantaged or those with disabilities.

Honesty- qualify professional opinions which you know are based on limited knowledge or experience.

Competence- respect, and seek when necessary, the professional expertise of colleagues in their areas of competence.

Professionalism- take a calm, objective, informed and knowledgeable stance on your professional work, complementing your enthusiasm and engagement in it.

The Code of Professional Conduct has relevance to professional standards legislation. Failure to abide by the Code could be used as grounds for a claim of professional negligence. The Code may be quoted by an expert witness giving an assessment of professional conduct. Failure to observe the Code could also lead to disciplinary action by the ACS.