Legal & Ethical Issues Assignment 2

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UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ICT

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

YEAR 4

lEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES ASSIGNMENT 2

Group 4: Members of the group

NAMES REGISTRATION NUMBERS


AKIMANIMPAYE JEAN BOSCO
220003420

ISSAAC NDAYISHIMIYE
220002460
MUTONI KEZA VANESSA 220000390
MUGISHA PATRICK 220001397
HAKIM RACHID 220010020
SANDRINE UWAMAHORO 220010148
SAMUEL NIYOMUHOZA 2200014864
ALBERT BYUMVUHORE 220001860
● Professional Organizations and their Codes of Ethics

Professional organizations serve as main pillars of their respective fields, establishing the
bedrock for ethical conduct through codes of ethics. These codes outline the principles and
standards that members are expected to uphold in their daily practice, ensuring trust, integrity,
and accountability. Let's delve into some key examples:

American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA's Code of Medical Ethics safeguards patient
well-being, emphasizing patient-physician relationships, confidentiality, informed consent, and
professional conduct. Adherence to this code ensures patients receive the highest quality care
grounded in ethical principles.

American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct guide
attorneys towards upholding justice and the rule of law. It addresses crucial aspects like client
confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and the duty to provide competent legal representation. This
code helps maintain public trust in the legal system.

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE's Code of Ethics for Engineers
prioritizes public safety, welfare, and health above all else. It emphasizes principles like avoiding
conflicts of interest, ensuring transparency, and being honest in professional judgments. This
code safeguards the public from potential harm due to unethical engineering practices.

Project Management Institute (PMI):


Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: PMI's code provides guidance for project
management professionals, emphasizing responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty in their
dealings with stakeholders and colleagues.

These are just a few examples, and it's crucial to remember that these codes are dynamic,
subject to periodic updates. Professionals have a responsibility to stay informed about the latest
versions relevant to their fields. Additionally, individual organizations within professions may
have their own specific codes or guidelines, further solidifying the ethical landscape.

● Organizational Liability and the Need for Counsel

Organizational liability refers to the legal responsibility that an organization has for its actions,
decisions, and the conduct of its employees in the course of business. The need for legal
counsel in addressing organizational liability arises from the complex and multifaceted nature of
legal issues that can affect a business. Here are some key aspects of organizational liability and
why legal counsel is essential:

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:


Organizations operate within a framework of laws and regulations at local, national, and
sometimes international levels. Legal counsel helps ensure that the organization complies with
these laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal actions and penalties.

Contractual Obligations:
Businesses enter into various contracts with suppliers, customers, employees, and other
parties. Legal counsel assists in drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts to ensure that the
organization fulfills its contractual obligations and is protected in case of disputes.

Employment Law:
Employment-related issues, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and workplace
harassment, can lead to legal challenges. Legal counsel provides guidance on employment
practices, policies, and compliance with labor laws to minimize the risk of employment-related
liabilities.

Risk Management:
Legal counsel plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating potential risks that may expose
the organization to liability. This includes assessing risks associated with business operations,
products, and services.

Intellectual Property Protection:


Organizations often have valuable intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, and
copyrights. Legal counsel helps protect these assets, enforce intellectual property rights, and
navigate legal issues related to infringement or misappropriation.
● Managing Investigations in the Organization

Managing investigations within an organization is a critical process that requires careful


planning, adherence to legal and ethical standards, and effective communication. Here are key
steps and considerations in managing investigations:

Establish Investigation Protocols:


Develop clear and comprehensive investigation protocols that outline the procedures to be
followed when an incident occurs. This may include defining the roles of investigators,
preserving evidence, and ensuring confidentiality.

Designate a Team:
Identify and designate a qualified team to conduct the investigation. This team may consist of
internal investigators, legal experts, and, in some cases, external professionals.

Define the Scope:


Clearly define the scope and objectives of the investigation. Determine the specific issues to be
investigated and set realistic timelines for completing the process.

Preserve Evidence:
Ensure the preservation of relevant evidence, whether it be documents, electronic data, or
witness statements. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and any
potential legal proceedings.

Maintain Confidentiality:
Emphasize the importance of confidentiality throughout the investigation. This helps protect the
individuals involved, prevent interference, and maintain the organization's reputation.

By following these steps and considering these key aspects, organizations can effectively
manage investigations while upholding legal and ethical standards, promoting fairness, and
maintaining a positive organizational culture.

● Requirements of Information Systems Professionals

Information Systems (IS) professionals play a crucial role in designing, developing,


implementing, and maintaining information systems within organizations. The requirements for
individuals working in the field of Information Systems vary depending on specific roles and
responsibilities, but some common requirements and skills include:

Technical Proficiency:
Strong technical skills in areas such as programming, database management, systems analysis,
and network administration are essential. IS professionals should be proficient in relevant
programming languages, databases, and software tools.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
The ability to analyze complex problems, break them down into manageable components, and
develop effective solutions is crucial. IS professionals often encounter challenges that require
logical thinking and innovative problem-solving.

Communication Skills:
Effective communication is vital, both in written and verbal forms. IS professionals need to
convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders, collaborate with team members,
and document their work clearly.

Project Management Skills:


IS professionals are often involved in projects, and knowledge of project management
methodologies is beneficial. This includes skills in planning, organizing, and coordinating project
activities to ensure successful implementation.

Cybersecurity Awareness:
Given the increasing importance of cybersecurity, IT professionals should have a good
understanding of security principles and practices to protect information systems from potential
threats and vulnerabilities.
Team Collaboration:
Many IS projects involve cross-functional teams. Being able to collaborate effectively with
colleagues, users, and stakeholders is crucial for the success of information systems initiatives.

Soft Skills:
Soft skills such as interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work well in a team are
important for effective collaboration and relationship-building within the organization.

● Describe IS specialists

Information Systems (IS) specialists are professionals who specialize in the design,
development, implementation, and management of information systems within an organization.
These specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that an organization's technology infrastructure
effectively supports its business processes and goals. Here is a description of IS specialists and
some common roles within this category:

Systems Analysts:

Role:
Systems analysts focus on understanding an organization's information needs and business
processes. They analyze existing systems, identify areas for improvement, and design new or
enhanced information systems to meet business requirements.

Software Developers/Programmers:
Role: Software developers or programmers create applications and software solutions to
address specific business needs. They write code, test applications, and collaborate with other
team members to deliver functional software.

Database Administrators (DBAs):


Role: Database administrators manage and maintain databases that store and organize an
organization's data. They ensure data integrity, security, and optimal performance of database
systems.

Network Administrators:
Role: Network administrators are responsible for managing an organization's computer
networks. They configure, monitor, and maintain network infrastructure to ensure efficient
communication and data transfer within the organization.

IT Managers/Directors:
Role: IT managers or directors oversee the organization's overall IT strategy and operations.
They are responsible for planning, budgeting, and implementing IT initiatives that align with the
organization's business objectives.
Cybersecurity Specialists:
Role: Cybersecurity specialists focus on protecting an organization's information systems from
security threats. They implement security measures, monitor for potential vulnerabilities, and
respond to security incidents.

Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts:


Role: BI analysts use data analysis tools to interpret and present data in a meaningful way.
They help organizations make informed business decisions by providing insights derived from
data.

Web Developers:
Role: Web developers design and create websites or web applications. They are skilled in
programming languages and technologies related to web development, ensuring a positive user
experience.

Cloud Architects:
Role: Cloud architects design and implement cloud-based solutions, leveraging cloud
computing services to enhance the scalability, flexibility, and accessibility of IT resources.

IS specialists often collaborate across different roles to address the complex and interconnected
nature of information systems. Their expertise is essential in ensuring that technology solutions
align with organizational goals, enhance efficiency, and contribute to overall business success.

● Discuss Seven forces that are changing professional services

Professional services, encompassing fields such as law, accounting, consulting, and technology,
are subject to various forces that continually shape and redefine the landscape. Here are seven
forces that are currently influencing and changing professional services:

Technological Advancements:

Impact: The rapid advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation,
and data analytics, is transforming the way professional services are delivered. Technology is
streamlining routine tasks, improving efficiency, and enabling professionals to focus on
higher-value, strategic activities.

Digital Transformation:

Impact: Organizations across industries are undergoing digital transformations to stay


competitive. Professional service providers must adapt to help clients navigate and implement
digital strategies, including the adoption of cloud computing, digital platforms, and integrated
information systems.

Client Expectations and Experience:

Impact: Clients are demanding more personalized, transparent, and value-driven services.
Professional service providers need to enhance the client experience, offering real-time insights,
customized solutions, and improved communication channels to meet evolving expectations.

Globalization and Remote Work:

Impact: Globalization has led to an increase in cross-border transactions and collaborations.


Additionally, the rise of remote work, accelerated by advancements in communication
technology, has changed how professional services are delivered. Virtual collaboration tools and
flexible work arrangements are now integral to the industry.

Compliance Challenges:

Impact: Evolving compliance requirements pose challenges for professional service providers.
Changes in laws and regulations, such as data protection rules and international trade policies,
necessitate continuous adaptation and proactive risk management.

Talent and Workforce Dynamics:

Impact: The nature of work is changing with an emphasis on multidisciplinary skills, creativity,
and adaptability. Professional service providers need to attract and retain diverse talent, foster a
culture of innovation, and invest in ongoing training and development to stay competitive.

Economic Uncertainty and Cost Pressures:


Impact: Economic fluctuations and cost pressures influence how clients engage with
professional services. Clients are increasingly cost-conscious and seek more flexible fee
structures. Professional service providers must demonstrate value, cost-effectiveness, and
agility in their service delivery models.

These forces are interconnected and dynamic, creating a continuously evolving environment for
professional services. Successfully navigating these changes requires a combination of
technological adoption, strategic vision, client-centric approaches, and a commitment to staying
ahead of regulatory and industry shifts. Professional service providers who proactively embrace
and adapt to these forces are better positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape.
References:

Hayes, A. (2023, March 28). Code of Ethics: Understanding Its Types, Uses Through
Examples. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/code-of-ethics.asp

ORGANIZATIONAL LIABILITY. (n.d.). The Lawyers & Jurists. Retrieved December 27,
2023, from https://www.lawyersnjurists.com/article/organizational-liability/

The Fundamental Guide to Investigation Management. (n.d.). Case IQ. Retrieved


December 27, 2023, from
https://www.caseiq.com/resources/fundamental-guide-to-investigation-management/#:~:t
ext=On%2Dthe%2DGo-

Critical skills and knowledge requirements of IS professionals: A joint academic/industry


investigation - ProQuest. (n.d.). Www.proquest.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023, from
https://www.proquest.com/openview/997527e00ea8f5cc2ff07afe4ad666db/1?pq-origsite=g
scholar&cbl=36245

What Does An Information Systems Specialist Do. (2020, October 2). Www.zippia.com.
https://www.zippia.com/information-systems-specialist-jobs/what-does-an-information-sy
stems-specialist-do/

Wittmer, P. (2022, April 27). 3 Major Forces Disrupting and Transforming the Professional
Services Landscape Right Now. Velosio.
https://www.velosio.com/blog/3-major-forces-disrupting-and-transforming-the-profession
al-services-landscape-right-now/

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