To: ENGR 595A Students

From: Elizabeth Fife

Associate Prof., Engineering Writing Program
Date: January 17, 2018
Re: ENGR 595A WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1

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. The article can be found here:
(http://www.javaworld.com/article/3156939/careers/should-software-developers-have-a-
code-of-ethics.html) 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

Please 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