Professional IT practitioners need not only the appropriate technical skills, but also a broad understanding of the context in which they operate. This book provides a unique introduction to: social, legal, financial, organizational and ethical issues in the context of the IT industry; the role of professional codes of conduct and ethics; and key legislation. It is designed to accompany the BCS Professional Examination Core Diploma Module: Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice.

This textbook provides an introduction to the social and policy issues which have arisen as a result of information technology. Whilst it assumes a modest familiarity with computers, its aim is to provide a guide to the issues suitable for undergraduates. In doing so, the author prompts the students to consider questions such as: "What are the moral codes of cyberspace?" Throughout, the book shows how in many ways the technological development is outpacing the ability of our legal systems to keep up, and how different paradigms applied to ethical questions may often offer conflicting conclusions. As a result students will find this to be a thought-provoking and valuable survey.

Professionalism is arguably more important in some occupations than in others. It is vital in some because of the life and death decisions that must be made, for example in medicine. In others the rapidly changing nature of the occupation makes efficient regulation difficult and so the professional behaviour of the practitioners is central to the good functioning of that occupation. The core idea behind this book is that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is changing so quickly that professional behaviour of its practitioners is vital because regulation will always lag behind.

Understanding, appreciating and taking corrective steps to maintain and enhance social and ethical responsibility in the information age is important not only because of our increased dependence on information and communication technologies, but also because information and communication technologies pose complex challenges. Ethical Issues of Information Systems strives to address these pertinent issues. This scholarly and academic book provides insight on many topics of debate and discussion in the field and lends the most recent research in the field of IT ethics and social responsibility.

This book explores the impact of technology on ethical issues. A series of real-world scenarios are drawn from both business- and technology-oriented contexts.

Software engineers are increasingly becoming business people; Professional Issues in Software Engineering, 3rd Edition gives them comprehensive coverage of the issues they should know about. While most books look at programs related to software engineering rather than the context in which they are used, this book covers the major developments that have occured in recent years, such as the Internet, Data Protection Act, and changes to the legal status of software engineers. This updated edition of a successful textbook is for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for professionals in software engineering and computer science.

Computing technology is constantly evolving and changing, developing and consolidating its position as a vital component of our lives. It no longer plays a minor part in society – it is embedded in, and affects, all aspects of life, from education to healthcare to war. Dealing with the implications of this is a major challenge, and one that can impact upon us, both personally and professionally. As a consequence, it is vital that all in the computing industry make wise decisions regarding their conduct. Using case studies and discussion topics drawn from entertaining real world examples, Pandora’s Box examines the background of a wide range of vital contemporary issues, encouraging readers to examine the social, legal and ethical challenges they will face in their own careers. Written in an engaging style and packed with international examples, this book addresses topics which have come to the forefront of public consciousness in recent years, such as online crime, piracy and peer to peer file sharing. Comprehensive coverage is provided of digital entertainment, censorship and privacy issues, presenting a rich source of context in which to consider ethical matters. Suitable for students on computer science degree programmes, as well as those taking IT related modules on other courses which consider the impact of technology on 21st century living, Pandora’s Box is an essential read and a unique and timely textbook.