Ethics in the Engineering Profession - Assignment Example

Running head: Ethics in the Engineering Profession Introduction The of ethics for engineers is meant to guide the conduct of the professionals practicing engineering at all times in their work. The assignment discussed on this paper is designed to familiarize the training engineers with the issues of ethics in the profession. The paper identifies and describes in details a situation in which the concept of ethics in work was applied. Further, the situation is analyzed in relation to how the code of conduct would be applicable. The actions that would be taken appropriately by any practicing engineer in the situation are presented. Thereafter, the consequences of the choices and decisions made in the situation are reviewed, and finally an analysis of the impact the code of ethics on the conduct of engineering professionals is discussed. Ethics in Engineering Profession Identify and Describe In Detail a Situation A facility was needed to store water in a reservoir. The water to be stored was to be drawn from the reservoir by a separate system. The required system was expected to manage the level of water in the storage reservoir. The engineers in the situation used digital signals in which the PLC had two digital inputs, that is, empty reservoir and full reservoir. The digital output of the PLC is used to open and lock the inlet into the reservoir. When the two switches are off, the PLC opens the valve to let in more water. In the event that both switches are on, the PLC by design shuts the inlet to prevent overflow. Float switches were used to avert a situation in which any use of water opens the valve or activates, and subsequently deactivates the pump for a stint, making the system wear down quickly. The analog approach may use water and a valve, which can be adjusted. As for the PLC, a PID reaction loop could be used to regulate the opening of the valve. The engineers tasked with this duty were not getting on well and hence had challenges in communicating to one another; therefore, their ultimate goal lacked objectivity. The system they designed did not optimize the refill rates because one engineer failed to advise the counterpart that using both options of analog and digital system would be the best option to the problem. They ended up using the digital system. Analysis of How the Code Would Apply To the Situation The two engineering professionals failed to effectively communicate; hence, performed the activity with dishonesty and without objectivity. The solution they offered the client will cause economic loss since the refill rates were not optimized even though it was possible for the two to ensure it happened. Clearly, the engineering code of ethics three was violated as objectivity and honesty in the activity performed was not considered (APEGA, 2007). The professional engineer who knew the advantaged of using both the digital and the analog system as the solution failed to inform his counterpart. He should have communicated his ideas to his partner but failed; thus, he was responsible for anticipating the adverse effects and consequences that their solution would lead to. Professional engineers are expected to demonstrate proper conduct, such as courtesy, fairness and actions in good faith (APEGGA, 2005). The most appropriate option that the engineers should have deliberated on, through effective communication would have been to use a real system, combining both approaches involving the analog and the digital systems. They ought to have used float switches in addition to valves to avert spills as well as a rate sensor and valve to optimize the reservoir refill rates. According to the engineering code of ethics, professional engineers ought to express their opinions on engineering issues only on the premise of proper knowledge, experience, besides honest assurance. It is evident that the professional members involved in the project did not ensure that their statements and solutions to the problem adequately represented their professional opinion to the best of their abilities (APEGGA, 2005). Actions That You and /or the People Involved In the Incident Would Take First, the professional engineers are registered members of APEGA and hence are bound by the code of conducts governing all the activities of engineers in their work. The practicing engineers who violated the code of ethics three of APEGA should be reported to the authority for relevant disciplinary actions to be taken against their practice. APEGA’s code of conduct demands that engineering professionals should take suitable measures to uphold the competence level required of them in their profession. The competence level demonstrated in the activity was questionable and substandard because the services they rendered the client were done in an unethical manner inconsistent with responsibilities of practicing professionals (APEGGA, 2005). Second, upon realizing, they should take the responsibility of immediately informing their superiors. Further, both professionals ought to agree to resolve the errors and omissions they made in the process of creating the water system. This would be accomplished by redoing the whole activity, incorporating all the aspects that they overlooked in the initial design. The professionals are responsible for highly regarding the needs of the client in their services. The interest of the client ought to be above the personal interest of the engineers such that the personal feuds should have been shelved to ensure the client got the best services (APEGGA, 2005). On the other hand, the professionals engaged in the project should notify their client on the success of the project such that the client is aware that the project may not be very successful. According to the code of conduct for engineers, practicing professionals have a responsibility to offer their clients appropriate advice and notification in the event that the project they were carrying out would not be very successful (APEGGA, 2005). The Consequences of the Choices and Decisions Made The water system that was constructed was is not efficient. The engineers’ failure to incorporate both the analog and the digital system in the water system compromises the efficiency of the whole system. This in turn lowers the safety of the use of the system by the client and it may end up being several catastrophic disasters. The fact that the client does not know that the system that was constructed is not efficient is alarming since he or she may not pay much attention to it after installation. This is dishonesty on the part of the engineers and it goes against their code of ethics rules (APEGGA, 2005). This means that in the event that the system gets faulty, the client will realize it when it is too late. The immediate consequence of the incompetence portrayed by the two engineers in their decision making is that the system they constructed will wear out faster than they had planned. It will most probably cause damages to the client’s property when it becomes faulty, causing an overflow of the water. There is also a high likelihood that the valve opening system may stop working, meaning that water from the reservoir will not flow to the storage. This will inconvenience the client when they lack water in the storage facility later. According to the first rule of conduct in the code of ethics, the professionals are required to ensure the safety of the public (APEGGA, 2005). The two engineers ignored this rule and the safety of the client and the public in general was compromised by their decision making. After the system fails, the client is most likely going to forward complaints to the superiors of the two engineers. The client may also spread negative comments about the engineering firm that the two engineers are registered with. This will ruin the firms’ reputation and it could cost them many of their potential customers as well as revocations on their current projects by their contractors. This will translate to heavy losses and a bad reputation. The engineers in the case discussed had the basic working idea between them for the project that they were working on but they failed to deliver the required results due to ignorance and lack of communication. Their individual competence levels were not enough to tackle the task, thus the unsatisfactory results. This was a clear violation of the second rule in the code of ethics. Professionals are required to only work on projects that they can handle and deliver the required results (APEGGA, 2005). The water system may break down and cause an overflow that may lead to very severe damages on property or even harm the people living near the reservoir and the storage facility. The worst case scenario would be having someone lose his or her life due to the faulty system. If this happens, the engineers involved risk facing multiple lawsuits that will see them lose their jobs and watch their careers go down the drain. The whole issue is a gamble and it is their careers that are on the line. Intentional incompetence by the professionals is highly rejected by the code of ethics in the engineering profession (APEGGA, 2005). The client may choose to sue the entire company. The engineers may be taken to court with several charges which revolve around their incompetence. This will cost their company heavy losses if the court rules against them and the firm ordered to pay for the damages caused. If such a scenario ensues, the reputation of the engineering company will be ruined further. The engineers have no viable defense for their incompetence. It was sheer ignorance on the part of the engineer who failed to communicate their feasible idea and a complete neglect of responsibility to uphold the code of ethics on the part of the engineer who did not have the experience and skills to handle the project (APEGGA, 2005). Things might also go soft on the engineers and their company if they report their incompetence in time. They may be required to reconstruct the water system afresh while observing all the rules of conduct to honor and dignify their profession (APEGGA, 2005). The client may also be compensated for the inconveniences that they may experience. The project could also be delegated to other engineers who will build the required efficient system. The engineering company will most probably penalize the incompetent engineers and order them to review the code of ethics in their engineering profession. An Analysis of the Impact the Code of Ethics has on the Conduct of Engineering Professionals The code of ethics has several positive impacts on the conduct of engineering professionals. Most importantly, the code of ethics instills a sense of responsibility to the professionals. Engineers are ethically required to serve their clients with quality products that guarantee public safety and high efficiency (APEGGA, 2005). The code of ethics dictates that the professionals only work on projects which they are sure they can handle and deliver as required. They should work on projects as if they are doing it for themselves. They should aim at always giving satisfactory results to their delegated projects. Many engineers uphold the rules of conduct and their work is always satisfactory to both their clients and their superiors. The code of ethics cultivates an organizational culture that influences the behavior of all the members. The engineering professionals are required to work under the given principles in the code of ethics, failure to which they may be punished by their superiors. The principles ensure that the professionals always think ethically before making any decision. It promotes self leadership in the profession and advocates for high competence levels. Most engineers embrace the code of ethics in all their projects, thus satisfying their clients and they help in achieving the goals of their superiors and the key stakeholders in their respective organizations. The professionals are compelled to work parallel to the laws and regulations that govern the engineering profession (APEGGA, 2005). Conclusion Professionals in the engineering field should always ensure that their mindset is guided by the principles provided by the code of ethics in their profession. They should always ensure that their projects are safe for the public and also put to consideration the effects they have on the environment. They are required to always tackle tasks they have experience and skills on. The professionals should practice honesty at all levels of their work. They should always observe all rules and regulations provided. Lastly, they should always uphold trust and build reputation for their profession. References APEGA. (2007, April ). The engineering, Geological and Geophysical professions Act . Retrieved July 5, 2012, from http://www.apegga.org/About/ACT/code.htm APEGGA. (2005, June). Guideline for Ethical Practice. Retrieved July 5, 2012, from www.apegga.org/pdf/Guidelines/GuidelineEthical.pdf Read More