UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2013/2014
ORDINARY EXAMINATION FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2109 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
(DISTANCE LEARNING)
DATE: APRIL, 2014 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE and any other TWO
QUESTION ONE
a) Explain the exclusive rights accorded to the owners of a copy right [6 Marks]
b) Discuss the law of confidence intellectual property right [6 Marks]
c) Briefly explain the purpose of a code of conduct. [4 Marks]
d) Outline the benefits of adopting codes of conduct in the field of computing
and information systems. [6 Marks]
e) Explain the following terminologies [8 Marks]
i. Information Technology
ii. Plagiarism
iii. Confidentiality
iv. Professional Ethics
QUESTION TWO
a) What is software piracy and how can this problem be addressed? [10 Marks]
b) The Internet allows for free exchange of knowledge, a chaotic electronic freeway that
now girdles the Earth. Discuss the ethical and legal considerations of Internet use
[10 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
a) Discuss the reasons why the advert of Technology has not had a great impact in
developing countries [8 Marks]
b) Discuss the purpose of professional bodies and using examples show how they can
contribute to professional practice in organisations. [8 Marks]
c) Explain the difference between a public limited company (plc) and a private limited
company. [4 Mark]
QUESTION FOUR
a) Explain the difference between copyright and trademarks as they affect the
protection of software. [6 Marks]
b) At a recent computing conference, a delegate was heard commenting that; “The
future credibility of our industry will only be assured once all computing practitioners
adhere to policies and standards set by their professional body, after all, practitioners
in professions such as Medicine and the Law need a license to practice”. Do you
agree or disagree with this statement? Give FOUR reasons to support your answer.
[8 Marks]
c) Discuss the categories of Private and Personal information in the context of
Professional Issues in IT [6 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
a) An organization will be effective to the extent that its structure is such as to ensure a
maximum probability that in all interactions and in relationships within the
organization, each member, in the light of his background, values, desires, and
expectations, will view the experience as supportive and one which builds a sense of
personal worth and importance
Required:
Discuss the Professional IT Organizations Structuring Principles [8 Marks]
b) Discuss factors that have contributed to the digital divide [6 Marks]
c) Many people fear that the development of intelligent robots could have devastating
consequences for the human race. Is it ethical to do research in AI? [6 Marks]
