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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?
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.