1. Fundamentals & Ethics of Information Systems IS 201
Chapter 8
Continuous Professional Development
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 1

2. Learning Objectives
Understand the need for continuous professional development
Identify professional societies in IS
Outline the need for certification and licensing for IS professional carreer
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 2

3. Chapter Overview Introduction Professional Societies
Certification and licensing
Professional conduct
Summary
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4. 1. Introduction Information Technology (IT) is changing everyday
New technical skills of IS professionals become old soon
IS professionals need to be aware and up-to-date of the latest technologies and innovations in the IS and IT fields
Need for professional ethics and continuous professional development
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 4

5. Continuous Professional Development (Cont.)
Industry and government devote significant resources to the training of software engineers
The ACM and IEEE-CS promote and support professional development through
Publications
Conferences
Workshop
tutorials
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6. Improve Yourself Focus on professional development Opportunities
conferences, training, certification, degree
Successful people never stop learning about profession, industry, career path
at minimum read industry trade journals and books
Invest in yourself
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7. Be Prepared Never stop growing/expanding your network
Update your resume
Stay active outside of work – volunteering
Gain additional work experience
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8. 2. Professional Societies
Two very active societies provide mature support for the Information Systems profession:
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS)
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9. Professional Societies (Cont.)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (
Founded in 1947, ACM has 75, 000 members and has the objective of advancing the skills of computing professionals and students worldwide.
The ACM has 34 “special interest groups” (SIGs). The Special Interest Group on Management Information Systems (SIGMIS) promotes best-practice and research in the management of information systems and technologies and the use of these systems and technologies.
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10. Professional Societies (Cont.)
IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS) (
Founded in 1946, with nearly 100,000 members, it is the largest of the 36 societies of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
The Computer Society's vision is to be the leading provider of technical information and services to the world's computing professionals
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 10

11. 3. Certification and Licensing
Certification is a voluntary process administered by a profession.
Why certification is an asset for Information Systems related careers?
A student having a certification is more marketable and earn higher salaries
Certification give employers a criterion for selecting the most capable employee to recruit
Employees who update their knowledge and skills through certification are more valuable employees because of the strength they bring to the job
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 11

12. Certification programs
Currently there are many certification programs for various computing technologies in software, hardware, networking, system analysis and design. Most of the certifications are brand name certifications:
Oracle
SAP
Cisco
Java/Sun
Microsoft
Novell
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 12

13. Licensing
Licensing is a process administered by a governmental authority to allow IS professionals to practice in their fields. Licensing requires in general:
Competency in IS Body Of Knowledge
Competency in professional issues related to IS
Code of ethics
Adhere to risk management guidelines
Personal and professional responsibility
Commitment to professional ongoing development
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 13

14. 4. Professional Conduct Professional competence and integrity
Social implications
Organization and leadership
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 14

15. Professional Competence and Integrity
Continue to upgrade my professional knowledge and skills, and shall maintain awareness of technological developments, procedures and standards, which are relevant to my field.
Only offer to do work or provide a service within my professional competence and shall not claim any level of competence that I do not possess; any professional opinion which I am asked to give shall be objective and reliable.
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16. Social Implications
Increase my awareness of issues affecting the IT profession and its relationship with the community
Ensure that within my chosen fields, I have knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and standards and that I comply with such requirements.
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 16

17. Organisation and Leadership
Keep myself and subordinates informed of new technologies, practices, legal requirements and standards as are relevant to my duties
Encourage my colleagues, employees and students to continue their own professional development, and ensure that subordinates are:
trained in order to be effective in their duties
to qualify for increased responsibilities.
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 17

18. Organisation & Leadership
Create opportunities for members of the organization to learn the principles and limitations of IT and systems
Accept professional responsibility for my work and for the work of my subordinates and associates under my direction
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19. 5. Summary Continuous Professional Development Professional Societies
Certification and licensing
Professional conduct
Chapter 8 – Continuous professional development Slide 19