CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Division of Computer Studies

Course Code and Title : DCO20119 Prof’l Issues in Technology

Session : Semester B, 2008/09

Time Allowed : Two Hours

This paper has four (4) pages (including this cover page).

Instruction to candidate:
1. This examination paper consists of SEVEN (7) questions.
2. Answer ALL (2 in total) questions in Section A and any 3 (5 in
total) in Section B.
3. Each question carries 20 marks.
4. Write your answers in the answer book provided.
5. Start a new page for each question and major sub-section.

Page: 1 of 4
Section A – Contains 2 question.
Answer all (two) questions in this section.

Question 1: Answer any 5 of the following; each carries 4 marks [20 marks]

1a). Define the word ethics and the term value system.

1b). What is a professional code of ethics? How is it different from the

corporate code of conduct?

1c). What is the difference between a cyberterrorist and an industrial spy?

1d). What is an opt-in policy? What is an opt-out policy?

1e). Distinguish between defamation, slander, and libel.

1f). What is meant by prior art? How does it factor into the requirements
for a patent?

1g). How would you define the term digital divide?

Question 2:

With reference to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance in Hong Kong,

a). state and explain the Six Principles of Data Protection, [12 marks]

b). and as a Data User, what are the guidelines for Collecting and Maintaining
Data? [8 marks]

** End of section A **

Page: 2 of 4
Section B – contains 5 questions.
Answer any 3 (three) questions in this section

Question 3:

a). What are the key reasons that technology corporations need to promote an
ethical work environment? [6 marks]

b). Outline and briefly discuss a seven-step approach for ethical decision
making. [14 marks]

Question 4:

a). What are the six relationships in which an IT professional becomes involved?
Identify at least one key issue for each of these relationships.
[12 marks]

b). You are the new CIO at a small manufacturing company with a total of 500
employees at one plant, two warehouses and a headquarter building.
Your manager is the chief financial officer (CFO), who wants you to make it
a high priority to establish a set of policies and guidelines on the use of IT
resources - the firm currently has none.
How would you proceed? [8 marks]

Question 5:

a). Identify and explain the key characteristics of six types of computer
criminals. Which type is considered the top security risk for most companies?
[12 marks]

b). What is CERT/CC, and what role does it play? [8 marks]

Question 6:

a). What is meant by a submarine patent? What is patent farming?

[6 marks]

b). Identify and explain the best way for a software manufacturer to protect
new software. [14 marks]

Page: 3 of 4
Question 7:

a). What is a contingent workforce, and in what kinds of roles is it employed

most effectively for a technology company or unit? [8 marks]

b). Identify and explain six major factors that you think are significant
indicators of the standard of living in today’s technology-supported society.
[12 marks]

** End of section B **

** End of Exam Paper **

Page: 4 of 4