A robotics company engages an IT firm to deliver a marketing software solution.

The issue in this scenario stems from scope creep—when a project’s requirements expand beyond the original contract. The IT firm's project leader verbally agreed to additional features without ensuring their feasibility, leading to incomplete delivery and incompatibility issues.

By following a professional code of ethics, the project leader would have:**

Carefully assessed whether the additional scope was feasible

Formalized the agreement in writing rather than relying on verbal commitments

Ensured realistic expectations regarding system compatibility

Project Management Ethics (PMI Code of Ethics) – Encourages informed decision-making and clear scope agreements.

ACM & IEEE Codes of Ethics – Stress honest communication, responsibility, and due diligence in IT projects.

Contract Law & Professional Responsibility – Professionals should document scope changes to avoid miscommunication.

Utilitarian Ethics (Preventing Harm) – Poor decisions on scope cause project failures and stakeholder losses.

Relevant Ethical References in Technology:Thus, the correct answer is B. Improving decision-making around agreeing to additional scopes, as ethical decision-making could have mitigated scope creep issues.