LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to: Knowledge 1. Identify ethical, social and legal issues relevant to Information Systems within a context of application (e.g. information systems management, project management, forensic investigations) 2. Assess and evaluate key aspects of legal, ethical and cultural issues relevant to an IT professional 3. Distinguish opposing perspectives and authority of reference material. Skills 4. Apply professional principles to an application domain of current and emerging technologies 5. Recognise the limits and vulnerabilities of information systems 6. Evaluate and select the appropriate conceptual tools available to an information systems practitioner FINAL COURSEWORK This is the final work. The final piece of work for this module and builds on the learning you have achieved throughout the module. Task Your task is to write an essay on a topic that interests you, and that is within the scope of this module. How to present your essay • The essay must have a coherent and explanatory title (see marking scheme below). • The essay should be around 3,500 words (marks will be deducted for work that is significantly over the word limit). • Your name and student number should be included on each page (either in the header or footer). • The pages should be numbered. Assessment criteria In addition to the presentation and structure of the essay, the content of the essay will be assessed according to :- • Demonstration of your understanding of the ethical, social and legal issues relevant to the topic you are writing about. • Assessment and evaluation of the key aspects of the issues relevant to an IT professional • The different perspectives of an argument (for and against) given by key people (authors, experts, stakeholders) in the topic area you are discussing • The use of ethical principles and professional principles (Codes of Conduct) to support your argument • Coverage of the limits and vulnerabilities of the technologies, applications, or systems you are discussing. • References to the sources of information you are providing. Marking Scheme Marking Criteria Maximum marks Marks given Title and Topic Relevance of title and topic to module concepts and ideas. 2 Presentation Essay structure and presentation (including spelling, grammar, length, and organisation). 5 Content Identification of ethical, social and legal issues within chosen topic. 8 Different perspectives given and references made to different arguments by different stakeholders/authors. 8 Assessment and evaluation of issues based on consideration of evidence, different perspectives and sound reasoning. 8 Application of professional codes of conduct and ethical principles to chosen topic. 8 Limits and vulnerabilities of information systems discussed. 6 Range and quality of references consulted. Authoritative sources cited. Correct citation style (Harvard). Use of in-text referencing. 5 TOTAL 50 The minimum reading requirements for your essay are as follows:- • 2 book chapters from 2 different books • 1 academic journal article • 1 additional internet article of your choice (excluding Wikipedia). The essay must be your own work and original. Make sure you write in your own words, use quotation marks when you are quoting other people’s words, and use references.