FIT5122 - Professional practice - 2019

This unit provides a practical and theoretical understanding to what it means to be an IT professional today. Students will encounter a range of issues relevant to professional practice in the workplace, including ethical and legal challenges caused by technology use. Students will research established theories and concepts and critically evaluate their practical use (taking into account many international aspects) in organisations today, as well as reviewing and understanding the wider responsibilities that IT professionals are called upon to uphold in society. Topics addressed include - organisational and professional communication; teamwork; the nature of the IT professions; the role of professional associations; problem solving and information use; cross-cultural awareness; personal and professional ethics and codes of practice.

It is highly recommended that students enrol in FIT5122 in conjunction with FIT5120 where possible. Students therefore should take FIT5120 in the last semester of their course.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. compare and contrast IT professional roles, assessing the necessity and rationale for constant review and change;
2. identify and analyse the ethical dimensions associated with IT-related decisions, use and quality and their possible impacts on organisations and society;
3. reflect on and analyse the need for IT professional associations and the need for codes of ethics (including the ACS) in IT development and use;
4. research, select and apply strategies, protocols and innovative methods for effective and efficient communications across all stakeholders, evaluating their appropriateness for intercultural communications;
5. appraise and justify various teamwork skills for various situations, demonstrating the ability to apply them by working cooperatively and managing conflict within their team;
6. develop and apply appropriate information gathering, critical evaluation (information and its sources) and problem solving skills;
7. evaluate, assess and communicate both personal and team progress and learning, thus engaging in meaningful reflective practice.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (3 hours): 25%, In-semester assessment: 75%

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • One 1-hour lecture
   • One 3-hour laboratory
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information