Deal of The Day! Hurry Up, Grab the Special Discount - Save 25% - Ends In 00:00:00 Coupon code: SAVE25
Welcome to Pass4Success

- Free Preparation Discussions

WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Exam - Topic 3 Question 13 Discussion

A robotics company engages an IT firm to deliver a marketing software solution. During the project, the robotics company asks for additional features that were not in the initial contract. The IT firm's project leader is unsure whether it can deliver these features but verbally agrees to the scope change. On delivery, the robotics company notes that several of the additional features are not included and that because of this, the solution is not compatible with certain legacy systems the company did not initially disclose.Which factor might have mitigated the problem if the IT firm's project leader had abided by a professional code of ethics?
B) Improving decision-making around agreeing to additional scopes
A) Minimizing scope creep requests from the customer
C) Avoiding the delivery of an incompatible solution
D) Understanding the legal implications of noncontractual agreements

WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Exam - Topic 3 Question 13 Discussion

Actual exam question for WGU's WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology exam
Question #: 13
Topic #: 3
[All WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Questions]

A robotics company engages an IT firm to deliver a marketing software solution. During the project, the robotics company asks for additional features that were not in the initial contract. The IT firm's project leader is unsure whether it can deliver these features but verbally agrees to the scope change. On delivery, the robotics company notes that several of the additional features are not included and that because of this, the solution is not compatible with certain legacy systems the company did not initially disclose.

Which factor might have mitigated the problem if the IT firm's project leader had abided by a professional code of ethics?

Show Suggested Answer Hide Answer
Suggested Answer: B

The issue in this scenario stems from scope creep---when a project's requirements expand beyond the original contract. The IT firm's project leader verbally agreed to additional features without ensuring their feasibility, leading to incomplete delivery and incompatibility issues.

By following a professional code of ethics, the project leader would have:**

Carefully assessed whether the additional scope was feasible

Formalized the agreement in writing rather than relying on verbal commitments

Ensured realistic expectations regarding system compatibility

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Project Management Ethics (PMI Code of Ethics) -- Encourages informed decision-making and clear scope agreements.

ACM & IEEE Codes of Ethics -- Stress honest communication, responsibility, and due diligence in IT projects.

Contract Law & Professional Responsibility -- Professionals should document scope changes to avoid miscommunication.

Utilitarian Ethics (Preventing Harm) -- Poor decisions on scope cause project failures and stakeholder losses.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Improving decision-making around agreeing to additional scopes, as ethical decision-making could have mitigated scope creep issues.


Contribute your Thoughts:

0/2000 characters
Understanding the legal implications of noncontractual agreements sounds crucial here. I recall a similar practice question where a verbal agreement led to a lot of confusion.
upvoted 0 times
...
Sharan
5 days ago
I feel like avoiding the delivery of an incompatible solution is a bit too late in this scenario. The real issue seems to stem from the initial agreement.
upvoted 0 times
...
Luisa
10 days ago
I think improving decision-making around agreeing to additional scopes could have really helped. It seems like the project leader jumped the gun without fully assessing the implications.
upvoted 0 times
...
Leontine
15 days ago
I remember discussing how important it is to manage scope creep effectively, but I'm not sure if that alone would have solved this issue.
upvoted 0 times
...

Save Cancel