Case: Summary of case

A computer company is writing the first stage of a more efficient accounting system that will be used by the government. This system will save tax payers a considerable amount of money every year. A computer professional, who is asked to design the accounting system, assigns different parts of the system to her staff. One person is responsible for developing the reports; another is responsible for the internal processing; and a third for the user interface. The manager is shown the system and agrees that it can do everything in the requirements. The system is installed, but the staff finds the interface so difficult to use that their complaints are heard by upper level management. Because of these complaints, upper-level management will not invest any more money in the development of the new accounting system and they go back to their original, more expensive system.

1.2.2 Quality of Life

c) understand, and give due regard to, the perceptions of those affected by your work;

1.2.4 Competence

a) endeavour to provide products and services which match the operational and financial needs of your stakeholders;

c) make yourself aware of relevant standards and legislation, and act accordingly;

f) accept responsibility for your work;

g) respect, and seek when necessary, the professional expertise of colleagues in their areas of competence.