Abstract

Ethics is one of the important driving forces in responsible organizations. Often the code of ethics is defined at a very high level as they are meant to be followed by all the employees of the organization. However, software development projects introduce several new scenarios that require more specific recommendations for following a code of ethics. In a globally distributed software development team, where people from multiple cultures and value system collaborate and therefore may have a different notion for ethics, this becomes even more important. Apart from ethical challenges such as intentional bug introduction, code theft, etc., the wide use of AI algorithms in the software applications has raised a new set of ethical challenges around algorithmic biasness and data biasness. This talk would present examples from a number of globally distributed projects where Accenture successfully addresses challenges related to ethics management. It would also demystify the aspects that are going to become more important in the future.

Bio

Shyam Thyagaraj is a Managing Director in Accenture’s Technology Advisory practice focused on retail, consumer goods, industrial, travel and life sciences clients. He has partnered with companies around the globe and worked effectively with multiple cultures. His recent role includes serving as program advisor for various global retailers focused on technology transformation, digital enablement, and operational improvements. For example, for a multi-brand retailer, he led the visioning, planning, and implementation for use of AI technologies to drive efficiencies across the organization (in-store, middle office, and back office). He facilitates the education of the management team on the potentials of new technologies and the identification and prioritization of new technology initiatives.