Question 6 (Marks: 20) Study the following case study and answer the questions.

Alex is working as an IT Systems Analyst for a small start-up IT company, which has been in operation for two years. The companys main product is a mobile payment system that enables mobile phones to be used as a Point-Of-Sales (POS) device so that businesses such as gardeners and plumbers can use their mobile phone for credit card transactions at their customers homes. Alexs company supplies both the hardware as well as the software and set them up for their clients specific use as part of their service. While Alexs company purchases the hardware from another vendor, the software is developed in-house, in which Alex has been involved. The company has been generally successful, but with its newness and the initial investment it made when the company was established, the financial situation is rather tight, and it will go bankrupt if their sales drops in any way. A few weeks ago, Alex had noticed a strange behaviour of the software. It works fine almost all the time, but there are times when the system charges the customers a random number of times. This problem only happens very occasionally, and there is no pattern to the problem. Alexs company has not disclosed this issue to its clients yet, since it fears the negative effects the issue may have on the company and its sales and reputation. Knowing the companys financial difficulty, Alex agrees to remain silent, while also finding technical solutions to eliminate this problem as soon as possible. Respond to the following questions based on the above scenario. The ASC Code of Ethics, consisting of six values, is provided below for your reference. 1. The Primacy of the Public Interest: You will place the interests of the public above those of personal, business or sectional interests. 2. The Enhancement of Quality of Life: You will strive to enhance the quality of life of those affected by your work. 3. Honesty: You will be honest in your representation of skills, knowledge, services and products. 4. Competence: You will work competently and diligently for your stakeholders. 5. Professional Development: You will enhance your professional development and that of your staff. 6. Professionalism: You will enhance the integrity of the ACS and the respect of its members for each other.

Q.6.1 List one of the actual and potential legal issues (i.e. one actual issue and one potential issue), for which Alex should seek legal advice. (4)

Q.6.2 List one of the actual and potential ethical issues (i.e. one actual issue and one potential issue) in reference to the values in the ACS Code of Ethics. (4)

Q.6.3 What should Alex have done? Describe a possible alternative course of action Alex could have followed to deliver better, if not entirely positive and professional, outcomes, and justify in light of the values in the ACS Code of Ethics. (4)