WRITING ASSIGNMENT
BACKGROUND
You are an intern at a large engineering-based technology firm. You've been asked by your supervisor, Gil Hernandez, to provide your thoughts on the following situation.
A recent article republished in JavaWorld Magazine asks the question whether software developers should have a separate code of ethics.
Note: this article is about software development, but you are free to write about ethical issues and any code of ethics in another field.
Your company has been identified as a leader in the industry and wants to be included in this larger conversation. To understand the issue better, the company is asking everyone from VPs to lawyers to interns to offer their thoughts. As a result, your supervisor has identified you as a person with a promising future and has asked you to participate by providing a short White Paper.
To do so, you've been advised to first consider your own opinions and experiences. What do think are the most important ethical issues facing your profession in 2018? Do your best to avoid generic thoughts on the topic.
YOUR TASK
In 750 words prepare your White Paper. This is the structure:
• Brief overview of the primary ethical issue you are discussing and its importance
• Analysis supported by specific examples of past ethical initiatives or ethical problems that a company or institution has been involved in.
• Description of any relevant code of ethics or what such a code should include (see the JavaWorld link above)
• Brief recommendations
This is an internal document, not an academic research paper. However, you need to use credible source material that is properly referenced (at least 2 publications: journal articles, newspapers, books). Footnotes and a list of sources should be included. You may use any standard system for citing material: APA, MLA, IEEE, etc. Look up one of these formats online to see the proper forms for citing your reference material.
ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Note the following specifications for this assignment:
Main Criteria for Success:
• Opening Summary/Focus
• Clarity and Conciseness
• Thoughtful discussion of the ethical issue you are focusing on
• Audience-appropriate Tone and Content
• Authoritative Voice (Credibility)
• Proper Citing of Materials
Assignments Specifics:
• Due via course dropbox (by 5PM on 2/2)
• Include Statement of Originality with Submission
• 750 words
• The larger audience is the company's Board of Directors
• Formatting: single spaced short paragraphs, headings
• Bring a hardcopy of the rough draft to class on 1/26.