Ethics

Not applicable.

The curricular unit is developed in theoretical-practical classes, combining an expository approach to theoretical content, supported by illustrative examples, with discussion and resolution of practical cases.

Teaching-learning methodologies include theoretical exposition, active and participatory methods, guided self-study, in-class demonstrations, individual work, problem-solving exercises, and small group work.

a) Framing

The curricular unit Ethics and Deontology, taught in the 3rd year (2nd semester) of the Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Administration Secretariat, aims to provide students with a structured set of fundamental knowledge for understanding the ethical and deontological dimensions of professional activity.

This unit seeks to meet the educational requirements of a future professional in 21st-century business sciences, highlighting the social, organizational, and human relevance of functions performed in the Secretariat and Advisory area.

At the same time, it intends to contribute to the students’ personal and academic development, fostering critical thinking, ethical reflection, and initiation into scientific research.

A central concern is also raising awareness of the importance of ethical, deontological, human, and social values as the foundation of active citizenship, socially responsible professional practice, and the construction of fairer organizations and societies, prepared to face the ethical challenges associated with competitiveness, progress, and organizational change.

b) Objectives

At the end of the curricular unit, students should be able to:

1. Contextualize the ethical phenomenon and understand the main concepts of ethics, deontology, and morality in social, organizational, and professional contexts.
2. Recognize the importance of ethical and deontological codes and of ethics in business and organizations.
3. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of ethics to the Secretariat and Advisory area.
4. Understand and respect the principles of confidentiality, information security, and professional responsibility.
5. Develop oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of academic work with scientific rigor.
6. Promote creativity, teamwork, autonomous bibliographic research, and appreciation of scientific and business knowledge.

c) Skills

By attending the curricular unit, students should develop the following skills:

1. Understand the ethical and deontological dimension of professional practice in Secretariat and Advisory.
2. Apply ethical and deontological principles in professional activity, adopting socially responsible behaviors.
3. Internalize and critically use fundamental concepts of ethics, deontology, and morality.
4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and make ethical decisions in concrete professional situations.

Recognize, value, and respect the Code of Ethics of the Secretariat and Advisory profession.

PART I: Introduction and Fundamental Concepts

I.1. General notions of Ethics

I.2. Ethics, morality, and values

I.3. Culture based on ethical values

I.4. General notions of deontology

I.5. Analysis of cases and ethical dilemmas

PART II: Ethics in Professional Activity

II.1. Definitions and objectives

II.2. Codes of ethics and deontological codes: examples from regulated professions

II.3. Importance of codes of ethics and deontological codes in professions and organizations

II.4. Ethical training in public and private institutions

II.5. Business ethics and social responsibility

II.6. The role of public administration and political power in promoting ethics

PART III: Ethics and Deontology in Secretariat and Advisory

III.1. Ethics in the Use of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Secretariat and Advisory

III.2. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in Organizations

III.3. Ethics in Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments

III.4. Ethics in Intercultural and International Communication

III.5. Ethics in Crisis Management and Organizational Reputation

III.6. Transparency and Integrity in the Administration of Corporate Information

III.7. Ethics and Sustainable Development in Organizations

III.8. Ethics in Leadership and Mentoring within Secretariat and Advisory

III.9. Ethics and Ethical Soft Skills in the Performance of Secretariat and Advisory Professionals: Communication, Empathy, and Responsible Decision-Making

PART IV: Specific Aspects – Case Studies

IV.1. Analysis and discussion of practical cases in the context of Secretariat and Advisory

Assessment may take one of the following forms:

According to current regulations, the assessment modalities are: distributed assessment without final exam, distributed assessment with final exam, or final exam assessment.

1. Distributed Assessment without final exam

Students are assessed through:
•    Written Test (individual) — 50%
•    Written Work (WW) of scientific nature (article/essay/paper) with oral defense — 50%

1.1.  Written Test — 50%

The written test is taken individually during the semester, covering the syllabus taught in the unit.
It aims to evaluate:
•    Understanding of fundamental concepts of ethics, deontology, and morality
•    Ability to analyze critically and apply ethical principles in specific situations, particularly in Secretariat and Advisory
•    Proper use of scientific and professional terminology

Grading is on a 0–20 scale.

Failure to take the test excludes the student from continuous assessment, subjecting them to final exam assessment according to regulations.

1.2.  Written Work — 50%

The WW may be an academic article, essay, or paper, completed individually or in groups per teacher guidance, with mandatory oral defense in class.
WWs are presented and defended publicly in the final classes of the semester, following a previously disclosed schedule.
Students are expected to produce knowledge, demonstrate research ability, critical analysis, and apply theoretical content to professional practice.

Oral defense is mandatory for all students under continuous assessment.

Written Work Grading Criteria

I — Formal Structure (4 points)
•    Coherence, balance, logical sequence between sections (2)
•    General organization and paragraph articulation (2)

II — Writing Style and Quality (4 points)
•    Clarity, precision, orthographic and grammatical correctness, syntax, and reading fluency

III — Depth of Topic Coverage (4 points)
•    Weak, sufficient, or complete approach to essential aspects

IV — Innovation and Originality (1 point)
•    Relevance of personal contribution

V — Bibliography (4 points)
•    Quantity and quality of sources (1)
•    Connection with existing scientific literature (2)
•    Correct application of referencing norms (1)

VI — Presentation and Oral Defense (3 points)

Note:
If a student opts to complete the WW individually, the assessment weighting remains 50% (test) / 50% (WW), with length defined by teacher guidance.
 
2. Distributed Assessment with exam

Composed of:
•    Individual Written Test (PE)
•    Mandatory individual Written Work (WW) with oral defense on exam day

This is intended for students who:
•    Were not approved under continuous assessment
•    Exceeded maximum allowed absences
•    Present directly for the exam, including final-year students

Students must contact the teacher by email by February 27 for an individual WW topic, to be defined by March 16. The WW must follow scientific article preparation norms, with contents taught during the semester and available on the unit’s electronic platform.

Individual WW Specifics (Exam Assessment)
•    Length: 20 pages
•    Font: Times New Roman, size 12
•    Spacing: 1.5
•    Margins: 2 cm
•    Oral defense: 20 minutes, same day as written test

Final Grade (FG) = (0.45 × Written Test) + (0.55 × Written Work)Pass mark: ≥ 9.50

3. Final exam assessment

The final exam accounts for 100% of the course unit’s final mark.

•    Assessment weighting: 100%
•    Marking scale: 0 to 100
•    The final mark for the course unit is derived exclusively from the result obtained in the final exam.

NAO