Engineering Ethics

Engineering Ethics ( I ) Wael. A. Moustafa MA.Sc., P.Eng. May 11, 2011 Mechanical Engineering Department Umm Al-Qura University

Presentation Outline Introduction Objectives What is Ethics ? Ethical principles. Case study and dilemma. Code of ethics. Fundamental canons.

Introduction Ethics in Islam. Objectives. Ethics from different prospective. Engineering applications for ethics. Taking right decision. Solving conflicts and dillamma. Consistancy and standarization.

What is Ethics….. ? Why studying ethics….?  If I am a successful research engineer working in an engineering chemical or petroleum facility is it right to talk (disclose) in public about the details which make our production or techniques successful…..?  To get rid of the disposal products it is really expensive to the company, is it right to get rid of it by dump it inside sea water…? If I found out that company doing so what should I do….

What is Ethics….. ? Engineering ethics is not about gaining virtue rather, it target to increase your ability as an engineer to responsibly face moral issue raised by technological activity. The study of moral decisions that must be made by engineers in the course of engineering practice. Engineering is a profession and not just a “Job”. our interest is in solving conflict with ethics where there is no legal guidanceEthics and law : our interest is in solving conflict with ethics where there is no legal guidance.

Ethical Principles As a member of engineering profession, engineer expected the highest standards of: Honestyintegrity Honesty and integrity Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. The services provided by engineers require: Honesty, fairness equity Honesty, fairness and equity. Engineer must be dedicated to the protection of the public Health, safety and welfare. ( National society of professional engineers) ( National society of professional engineers)

Ethical Principles (Cont.) Case study : Ford Pinto Ford Pinto ( August 10, 1978 ) Compete with foreign import models that had better gas mileage, rushed to have it available to the public faster. Design problem Design problem: Ford knew that the gas tank would explode if hit at > 20mph from rear. For avoiding the problem For avoiding the problem : Installing rubber bladder to cushion impact. Cost analysis: the cost of installing the part was be higher than the damage resulting from fatalities. Resolution Resolution: Ford eventually did recall the Pinto voluntarily to save their reputation.

Ethical Principles (Cont. Ethical Principles (Cont.) Case study : The Space Shuttle Challenger The Space Shuttle Challenger (January 28, 1986) Problem: NASA was under pressure by competitor, European Space Agency. Engineers knew that cold weather would increase problems with sealing of O-rings, they recommended not to launch. Manager to Engineer:Manager to Engineer: “Take off your engineering hat and put on your management hat.” The Challenger was launched in extremely cold weather and an O-ring failed because of the cold Management overruled the engineers. Is it ethical issue or accident?

Ethical Principles (Cont.) Ethical Issues are Seldom Black and White Conflicting demands: Loyalty to company and colleagues. Concern for public welfare. Personal gain, ambition. (example: decisions for employer and tender)

Ethical Principles (Cont.) Kickbacks, Bribe and gifts.Kickbacks, Bribe and gifts. Conflict of interestConflict of interest. Case: Case: The company that you intend to buy and install your personal A.C. is one of the companies that apply for a tender for installing A.C.s in your company and you are one of the decision maker committee. Should you go buy your personal A.C from this company and enjoy the discount or…..? Slander vs. witnessingSlander vs. witnessing Case: Case: In your worksite workshop a welding technician working under a contractor to fix air compressed tank. He use wrong and no standard procedures. Should you speak up or that is not your business….??

Ethical Principles (Cont.) Whistle-blowing The act of a man or woman who, believing that: The public interest overrides the interest of the organization he serves. Publicly “blows the whistle” if the organization is involved in corrupt, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activity. (Nader, P etkas, and Blackwell, 1972) Problems that might warrant whistle-blowing Incompetence Criminal Behavior Unethical Policies Threat to Public Safety Injustices to Workers

Case study and dilemma It is morally permissible for engineers to engage in external whistle-blowing concerning safety: 1. If the harm that will be done by the product to the public is serious and considerable 2. If they make their concerns known to their superiors. 3. If getting no satisfaction from their immediate superiors, they exhaust the channels available within the corporation, including going to the board of directors. 4. He must have documented evidence that would convince a reasonable, impartial observer that his view of the situation is correct and the company policy wrong. 5. There must be strong evidence that making the information public will in fact prevent the threatened serious harm. For the chemical facility case what is your decision…..?

Code of Ethics Codes of Ethics are found in individual societies: American society of mechanical Engineer (ASME). Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Professional Engineering of Ontario (PEO).

Code of Ethics

Fundamental Cannons Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: 1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. 2. Perform services only in areas of their competence. 3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. 4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. 5. Avoid deceptive acts. 6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

Questions……?? ….. Thank you …….