Bott F. Professional Issues in Information Technology

The British Computer Society, 2005. – 267 p.Frank Bott studied Mathematics at Trinity College Cambridge, where he was awarded the Yates Prize. He worked in the University’s Computing Laboratory before joining SPL International, where he managed large projects in the ship-building industry and Health Service. Frank has previously lectured at the University of Missouri and been head of the University of Wales Computer Science Department. He now lectures part time, and is an active member of the British Computer Society, sitting on their Board of Examiners.The British Computer Society is the leading professional body for the IT industry. With members in over 100 countries, the BCS is the professional and learned Society in the field of computers and information systems.
The BCS is responsible for setting standards for the IT profession. It is also leading the change in public perception and appreciation of the economic and social importance of professionally managed IT projects and programmes. In this capacity, the Society advises, informs and persuades industry and government on successful IT implementation.
IT is affecting every part of our lives and that is why the BCS is determined to promote IT as the profession of the 21st century.Law and governmentWhat is the law?
Criminal law and civil law
Where does the law come from?
The legislative process in the UK
The legislative process in other countriesFurther reading
The nature of a professionProfessional bodies
Reservation of title and function
Software development as engineering
The status of engineers
International recognition of engineering qualifications
Compulsory registration of software engineers
Examination questions
Further reading
Professional bodies in computingThe development of professional bodies in computing
Professional conduct
Education
Continuing professional development
The advancement of knowledge
Membership grades
Official advice
Examination questions
Further reading
What is an organization?Commercial organizations
Limited companies
The constitution of a limited company
Directors
Setting up a company
Non-commercial bodies
Examination questions
Further reading
Financing a start-up companyWhy capital is needed
The business plan
Sources of finance
Gearing
Further reading
Financial accountingThe balance sheet
The profit and loss account
The cash flow statement
The overall picture
Examination questions
Further reading
Management accountingCost of labour
Overheads
Budgeting
Cash flow forecast
Examination questions
Further reading
Investment appraisalThe time value of money
Applying DCF to a simple investment project
Assessment of a software product proposal
Pitfalls of DCF
Professional Issues in Information Technology
Examination questions
Further reading
Structure and management of organizationsOrganizational models
Structuring principles
Depth of structure
Centralization
Setting up a structure in practice
Examination questions
Further reading
Human resources issuesThe legal context
Recruitment and selection
Staff training and development
Remuneration policies and job evaluation
Appraisal schemes
Redundancy, dismissal and grievance procedures
Contracts of employment
Human resource planning
Job design
Examination questions
Further reading
Anti-discrimination legislationWhat is discrimination?
Discrimination on grounds of sex
Discrimination on racial grounds
Discrimination on grounds of disability
Discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, or sexual orientation
Discrimination on grounds of age
Avoiding discrimination
Further reading
Software contracts and liabilityFixed price contracts for bespoke systems
Consultancy and contract hire
Time and materials
Outsourcing
Licence agreements
Liability for defective softwareHealth and safety
Further reading
Intellectual property rightsDifferent types of intellectual property rights
Copyright
Patents
Confidential information
Trade marks and passing off
Domain names
Examination questions
Further reading
Data protection, privacy and freedom of information
Background
Data protection
Privacy
Freedom of information
Examination questions
Further reading
Internet issuesInternet service providers
Law across national boundaries
Defamation
Pornography
Spam
Further reading
Computer misuseThe Computer Misuse Act
The Review of the Computer Misuse Act
Computer fraud
Examination questions
Further reading
Appendixes:
The BCS Code of Conduct
A sample agreement
Sample terms and conditions for a fixed price contract
Sample contract of employment