Social, Ethical and Policy Implications of Information Technology

Legal and ethical issues have become a standard part of engineering and business schools' curricula. This has not been the case for computer science or management information systems programs, although there has been increasing emphasis on the social skills of these students. This leaves a frightening void in their professional development. Information systems pose unique social challenges, especially for technical professionals who have been taught to think in terms of logic, structures and flows. Social, Ethical and Policy Implications of Information Technology focuses on the human impact of information systems, including ethical challenges, social implications, legal issues, and unintended costs and consequences.

Legal and ethical issues have become a standard part of engineering and business schools' curricula. This has not been the case for computer science or management information systems programs, although there has been increasing emphasis on the social skills of these students. This leaves a frightening void in their professional development. Information systems pose unique social challenges, especially for technical professionals who have been taught to think in terms of logic, structures and flows. Social, Ethical and Policy Implications of Information Technology focuses on the human impact of information systems, including ethical challenges, social implications, legal issues, and unintended costs and consequences.

Linda Brennan received her Ph.D. in 1994 from Northwestern University in the field of Industrial Engineering/ Management Science. She also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, with concentrations in policy studies and marketing. She is currently Program Director Master of Science in Technology Management & Assistant Professor of Management at Mercer University in Macon, GA. Her current research interests include: project and process management, particularly in knowledge-intensive organizations and professional services firms; impact assessments of information and instructional technologies; quality practices in higher education.