Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Software Engineering II Spring 2008 References McConnell, S. and L. Tripp, “Professional Certificaton: Fact or Fiction?” IEEE Software, December Gotterbarn, D., “How the New Software Engineering Code of Ethics Affects You,” IEEE Software, December 1999.

Elements of a Mature Profession Initial professional education Certification Licensing Professional development Professional societies Code of ethics

Education Initial education: baccalaureate degree –Computer Science –Software Engineering Accreditation: oversight body –Determine whether a program provides adequate education –Assures that graduates obtain knowledge needed to perform effectively in their profession

Certification and Licensing Certification –Voluntary process that helps the public determine who is fully qualified to participate in a profession –IEEE-CS has developed the Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) –BS; 9000 hours SE experience in 6 of 11 knowledge areas Licensing –Mandatory requirement administered by government authority –Texas began licensing software engineers in 1998

Professional Development On-going professional education –Maintains and improves worker’s knowledge and skills –Learn appropriate standards of practice: IEEE active in defining and maintaining standards Professional societies –Promote exchange of knowledge –Define standards –Define certification criteria –Manage certification programs –Establish accreditation standards –Defines code of ethics and disciplinary action for violation of these codes

Code of Ethics Explicit ethical standards Higher and broader standards of practice for professionals than nonprofessionals –Impact on lives of others –Impact on well-being

Function of Code of Ethics Provides positive stimulus for ethical conduct –Inspire confidence of customer/user Gives guidance rather than regulatory Educate SE about shared commitment to undertake certain level of quality of work Educate managers about expected behaviors, legislators that make laws, and general public Provides means of deterrence and discipline Enhances public image

Levels of Obligation Humanity Professionalism Each Profession integrity, fairness, care and justice owe a higher order of care by virtue of roles and special skills Profession-unique standards related to current best practices