Professionalism in Computing An Overview Khurshid Ahmad, Prof. PhD, CEng., MBCS Department of Computing, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey.

Professionalism in Computing Computing is concerned with the understanding, design and exploitation of C OMPUTATION and C OMPUTER T ECHNOLOGY Computing combines the ethos of the scholar with that of the professional.

Professionalism in Computing Profession ~noun ( One of a limited number of occupations involving special learning and carrying a certain social prestige, especially the learned professions – law, medicine, COMPUTING) Professional ~adjective Of or relating to a profession; Professionalism ~noun

Professionalism in Computing The whole area of C OMPUTING can be divided into five areas: Hardware Software Communication and Interaction Practice Theory

Professionalism in Computing The whole area of C OMPUTING can be divided into five areas: Practice  Problem Identification  Design, development, testing and evaluation  Management and Organisation  Professionalism and Ethics  Commercial and Industrial Exploitation

Professionalism in Computing You are required to develop a range of skills and abilities, especially those relating to intellectual tasks; During your studies you should acquire skills and abilities to recognise the professional, moral and ethical issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology……… &

Professionalism in Computing You are required to develop a range of skills and abilities, especially those relating to intellectual tasks; During your studies you should acquire skills and abilities to be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.

Professionalism in Computing Communicating Professionally You must have the appropriate skills so that you can communicate with others: The doing word ( verb ) is to communicate and the act of so doing ( noun ) is communication.

Professionalism in Computing Communicating Professionally COMMUNICATE: (Source: OED Online) To impart (information, knowledge, or the like); to impart or convey the knowledge of, inform a person of, tell. COMMUNICATION: (Source: OED Online) The action of communicating or imparting. The imparting, conveying, or exchange of ideas, knowledge, information, etc. (whether by speech, writing, or signs). Hence (often pl.), the science or process of conveying information, esp. by means of electronic or mechanical techniques.

Professionalism in Computing Communicating Professionally You must have the appropriate skills so that you can communicate with others: You must be able to communicate orally – during a meeting with you as a contributor; you as the communicator; you as a rapporteur (a person who prepares an account of the proceedings of a committee, etc., for a higher body.) You must be able to communicate in writing – informally ( s, notes) and formally (reports, manuals).

Professionalism in Computing: Ethics, Law, Systems, Professional Bodies Ethics: That branch of moral philosophy that studies the principles of right and wrong in H UMAN C ONDUCT. Professional Body: A collective unit of professionals whose aim is to maintain standards of behaviour within the collective; to further the cause of the professionals

Professionalism in Computing: Ethics Ethical considerations cover individuals, organisations and societies which may be affected by computing systems; use of computation and computer technology and skills with a concern for the public good; duties and rights of the computing professional and the duties and rights of individuals (organisations & societies) with whom the professional deals.

Professionalism in Computing: Law Legal considerations include: an awareness of relevant civil and criminal law, for instance DATA PROTECTION; COPYRIGHT MISUSE; CONTRACT LAW; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; COMPANY LAW an awareness of laws governing telecommunication networks An awareness of ‘ CYBER LAW’ – for example laws governing e-business; digital signature…………

Professionalism in Computing: Systems System-wide considerations include: financial aspects of systems development and computer (network) operations; criticality issues: safety critical nature of some systems; mission critical of others; fail-safe operations; risk analysis failure issues: liability, compensation; damage and damage limitation; recovery security

Professionalism in Computing: Professional Bodies – the BCS The British Computer Society is the only chartered professional institution for information systems professionals; a charter refers to right to form a collective given by the state. Formed in 1957, Royal Charter in 1984; 33,000 members worldwide; affiliated with the UK Engineering Council Address-

Professionalism in Computing: Professional Bodies – the BCS The BCS : Sets standards for education and training Helps to advance and disseminate knowledge of computation and computer technology ; Monitors professional conduct Provides services to its members; Recognises achievement Represents the profession on issues of importance Provides opportunities for networking

Professionalism in Computing: Professional Bodies – the BCS For you the BCS runs the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME; For you the BCS has a network of branches and specialist groups; BCS publishes newsletters, magazines, learned journals, conference proceedings BCS provides professional qualifications