Assessment Policies

The task is to:

(a) Analyse the case study (from JD Berensen's point of view), making use of the Ethical Decision Making Model as provided in the text book,

(b) Synthesise the findings of your analysis into a prioritised set of conclusions, and

(c) Evaluate and present your conclusions to determine what would be the appropriate (ethical) course of action in that situation.

Competencies that must be displayed.You must demonstrate an understanding of the course material (lecture/chapter content) such that you can apply it in your analysis of the case study, then synthesise and evaluate these into well-reasoned conclusions.

To pass this courseyou must get no less than25/50for this assignment. To pass the assignment, you must analyse the case study then produce a well-reasoned set of conclusions. This is a third year level course which requires evidence of being able to perform these activities. The ACS also require it as a condition of accreditation.

You should make reference to the Ethical Theories on Behavior (as outlined in text) as part of your analysis. You are free to mention any other content from the text that you see fit to use.

What are the marking criteria for the Assignment?Your result will depend on (a) how deep your analysis went using the EDM, (b) how well you evaluated the outcomes of your analysis into a coherent argument, (c) use of other supporting material from text, and (d) how well it is all presented (clear, concise, grammatically correct, use of template). In plain English, your result will depend on how well you deal with the case study situation which is an all too common occurence in the IT industry.

There isno one correct way to do this assignment, you have considerable freedom within the broad constraints. You can use thesample analysisas a guide. There are nuances within the case study that a student who looks hard enough will find. These students will get the D's and HD's. Ethics is an inexact combination of art and science. The assessment criteria MUST be broad enough to recognize the multitude of ways someone can interpret the same situation.

How can I get help with the assignment?There is sufficient information already provided in thetext book,instruction video, assignment description (above), Sample Case Study andtemplatethat you should not need further information. Allow enough time to do the assignment, it will probably take longer than you initially estimate. If you don't know what to write, then like the IT professionals you are about to become you need to go back to the reference material and think some more about it. The answers are all there. Emailing me saying'I don't know what to write'or'Tell me what to write'will receive a reply suggesting a closer consideration of the reference material. In fairness, I will not be telling anyone what to write beyond what is already available to everyone.

I've prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have ANY questions about the assignment you must read these before emailing me. Particularly note how unlikely it is you will get an extension.
Q. When is the deadline for the Assignment?
A. Midnight, Friday of Week 8. The SafeAssign link will disappear after this time. Late assignments must be emailed direct to convenor at
Q. What are the marking criteria for the Assignment?
A. Criteria & Marking: Your result will depend on (a) how deep your analysis went using the EDM, (b) how valid your supporting arguments were, (c) other supporting material from text, and (d) how well it is all presented (clear, concise, grammatically correct, use of template). There is no one correct way to do this assignment, you have considerable freedom within the broad constraints. There are nuances within the case study that a student who looks hard enough will find. These students will get the D's and HD's. Ethics is an inexact combination of art and science. The assessment criteria MUST be broad enough to recognize the multitude of ways someone can interpret the same situation.
Q. Can I ask specific questions about doing the assignment (like what should I write in this section)?
A. No, you must work out your own answers, just like in the professional world that you are about to enter. If I tell you what to write, you'll write it and give it back to me. In reality though, there is no one 'right thing' and the purpose of this assignment is for me to gauge what YOU think after having read the textbook and assignment specification. There is already an extraordinary amount of help given here, with template and the guidance therein. From there it is up to you.
Q. With the Assignment, do I HAVE to use the Case Study in L@G, or can I use my own real life case study?
A. For consistency, everyone must use the L@G Case Study. This is the fairest method.
Q. With the Assignment, what is the maximum/minimum number of words?
A. The general rule in Academia, and in this course, is 10% above and below the stated word count. Part of the assessment is to see if you can answer properly within these limits. (Bear in mind that quoting big chunks of the case study to artificially inflate your word count, or leaving in the advisory text in the template will NOT count towards the words you have written yourself. SafeAssign will tell me if you have done this.)
Q. Can I submit a draft of the assignment for feedback?
A. Helping individual students workshop their assignments is not fair to the majority so we don't do it. If you are having real difficulties, make an appointment and we can talk. See related question below.
Q. How do I get help with the assignment?
A. Great care has been taken to give detailed instructions on how to do the assignment in the textbook and on L@G. The assignment template gives you a good start. You are expected to carefully read and apply these instructions. There is NO ONE RIGHT WAY to answer this assignment. Evaluating HOW you go about it is part of the assessment, so do not expect to be given a blue-print for how it SHOULD be done. There is no 'should'. Experience over 10 years of running this course shows that students who take their time, carefully read the material, and thoughtfully answer will do well.
Q. Can I get an extension?
A. Its going to be difficult. If you have had two months to get get an assignment done, and unforeseen events get in the way, then those are NOT grounds for an extension. The real cause of the problem is poor time management, and effective time management is one of the factors being assessed with any assignment. In the professional world, you are expected to deliver results, not excuses. This is, after all, a course that teaches professional practice. Unsubstantiated personal difficulties will not be grounds for an extension. In fairness to everyone, this rule will be applied. If you think it is hard-line, just wait until you get into the world of employment. Medical Certificates citing non-specific ailments such as a pain in the stomach that the doctor cannot objectively verify will probably not be accepted.
Q. The SafeAssign Plagiarism checker says between 30 & 35% -- is that going to be a problem?
A. No, with the cover sheet, that is normal and fine.
Q. What is the penalty for late submission of Assignment?
A. An assessment item submitted after the due date, without an approved extension from the Course Convenor, will be penalised. The standard penalty is the reduction of the mark allocated to the assessment item by 10% of the maximum mark applicable for the assessment item, for each day or part day that the item is late. Weekends count as one day in determining the penalty. Assessment items submitted more than five days after the due date are awarded zero marks.
Q. What Referencing style should I use on the assignment?
A. APA
Q. Do I have to use SafeAssign, can I hand in a printed copy instead?
A. YES you must use SafeAssign. NO you should not hand in a printed copy. There is no guarantee that it will be marked if you do as it will appear to be an attempt to circumvent the plagiarism checker in SafeAssign.