phyllis young
ENGINEERING ETHICS
Dr. Rick Clifft, P.E.
Professor of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
ENGINEERING ETHICS
Percent of executives selecting the indicated professionals as most ethical
Engineers are considered to be among the most ethical of all professionals
Defining Ethics
What is Ethics? Is it the same as law? Not always. In some cases, acting within the law may be considered unethical.
Ethics might be defined as the process each person uses to make value-laden decisions. Components, attributes of morality, might include:
Diligence (persistent effort)
Efficiency (acting/producing with minimum effort)
Equality (equal rights, political & social)
Equity (being just, impartial, and fair)
Freedom (act, speak, think without restraint)
Honesty (telling the truth)
Honor (esteem, respect, reputation)
Integrity (keep promises, fulfill expectations)
Defining Ethics …contd.
A persons individual values may be different and carry a different weight than for someone else. We are brought up in different social settings. So, an action one individual considers ethical may not be considered ethical by another individual.
Ethics might be defined simply, as what you do when no one is looking. Your reputation is what others think of you; your ethics is what you really are.
Legal and Ethical
LEGAL ILLEGAL
1
2
3
4
ETHICAL
UNETHICAL
Quadrant 1- most engineering planning, design, construction
Quadrant-2- an engineer successfully designs a project outside of his or her area of
competence
Quadrant 3- bid rigging or collusion to secure a contract (For example: fraud)
Quadrant 4- violating a signed “secrecy” agreement with an employer to “go public” on something believed to be hazardous to the public
Codes of Ethics
A. All engineering societies and many businesses and government entities developed and adopted codes of ethics to address ambiguities. Over 850 different codes of ethics exist.
B. Purpose of Codes of Ethics:
Establish Goals
Identify Values
Identify Rights/Responsibilities of Members
Provide Guidance and Inspiration
Codes of Ethics …contd.
C. Engineering Codes of Ethics:
ASCE:
http://www.asce.org/leadership-and-management/ethics/code-of-ethics
ASME:
http://www.asme.org/groups/educational-resources/
IEEE:
http://www.ieee.org/portal/pages/iportals/aboutus/ethics/code.html
NSPE:
http://www.nspe.org/ethics/codeofethics/index.html
CODES OF ETHICS …CONTD.
D. Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at
Illinois Institute of Technology:
http://ethics.iit.edu/ecodes lists over 850 codes of ethics
Government Code of Ethics:
http://ethics.iit.edu/codes/gov.html
Federal Code contains 14 principles of ethical conduct
Ex: Employees shall not use public office for private gain, employee cannot accept gifts of more than $20
NSPE Code of Ethics
Six Fundamental Canons
Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public
Perform services only in areas of their competence
Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
Avoid deceptive acts
Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession
NSPE Code of Ethics …contd.
Rules of Practice for each of the fundamental canons, examples:
Shall not reveal facts, data or information without prior consent of the client or employer
Shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are paid for by interested parties unless revealing the interest of the individuals involved
Shall not accept gifts from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible
Handling Ethical Issues
A. Online Ethics Center- National Academy of Engineering: http://www.onlineethics.org
Ethics Help-Line (discussion groups)
Engineering Ethics Cases (discussions by NSPE Board)
Student Problems (problem situations for study)
Essays on Science & Engineering Ethics
Handling Ethical Issues contd.
A Practical Situation:
Assume that you are a college senior, and that you accept an expense-paid trip to interview with an engineering/manufacturing firm for potential employment upon graduation
You accept the interview invitation knowing that you will not accept the job even if it is offered
Is this a violation of “your” professional society’s code of ethics? Explain and identify applicable elements of the code
Handling Ethical Issues …contd.
ASCE Canon No 6: Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession
National Association of College and Employers (NACE), see: http://www.jobweb.org/ has code of ethics, also good site to help with job search preparation, interviews, etc
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Dr. Rick Clifft, P.E.
Professor of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
Why Registration?
Mark of a Professional: The process demands an extra measure of competence. Employers find registered engineers to be more dedicated, have enhanced leadership and management skills.
Jobs: Employers recognize PE, more job opportunities exist.
Promotions: Some employers require PE for advancement
Money: PEs have significantly higher pay.
Credibility: PEs can consult in private practice. It’s the law.
Respect: Respect from other engineers as well as the public
Security: Moving from state to state, as well as internationally
Steps for Registration
Engineering Degree: Most licensing boards require a bachelors degree from a 4-year ABET accredited program.
FE Examination: 8-hr Fundamentals of Engineering Exam over math, science and engineering courses, required for Senior Design I.
Engineering Experience: After passing FE exam, you are an Engineering Intern. You must complete four years of progressive, acceptable engineering experience verified by a PE.
PE Examination: 8-hr Practice of Engineering Exam over practical applications, mostly design work, but also ethics
Proposed for those taking the PE exam in 2020. 30 hours past the BS, or MS in Engineering. Thus, affects those graduating in 2016.
License Renewal
Annual renewal is required in most states, Arkansas renewal fee is $40.
Continuing Education is also required in many states. Arkansas requires 15 professional development hours (PDH’s) per year.
State Boards administer and enforce the laws in most states:
Review applicants
Set dates/administer testing
Sanctions for violations of laws by fines and loss of license
ORAL PRESENTATION
Dr. Rick Clifft, P.E.
Professor of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
Presentation Types
Impromptu: Always avoid, no preparation
Memorized: Suitable only for tour guides & actors
Written: Suitable for politicians, graduations, etc.
Extemporaneous: Best for technical presentations, well prepared and practices, not memorized or read
Contents
Introduction: Announce the subject, team members, scope and plan of the talk
Body: Chronological approach, no more than 5 minutes per topic, which should include:
Problem Statement (define, constraints, etc)
Alternative Evaluation and Final Choice
Description of the Solution (may involve several people)
Implementation Aspects (costs, safety, recommendations)
Presentation Tips
Visual Aids:
Must be simple, readable, well labeled
Use PowerPoint presentation software for slides
Use a pointer or laser light
Topical lists are good for you and the audience
Too many or irrelevant slides are distracting
Do not pass exhibits through the audience
Presentation Tips …contd.
Delivery:
Have the talk well planned and PRACTICE
Use index cards to help you (nervousness is temporary)
Establish eye contact frequently
Use a natural posture, do not pace around
Short pauses in delivery are good
Presentation Tips …contd.
Other Suggestions: Practice, Practice, Practice
Don’t use vague expressions
Give short, but complete answers to questions
Don’t make up an answer off the top of your head, it will be wrong
Don’t make excuses and don’t argue with a questioner
Direct questions to the person who can best answer them
Chart1
| Don't Know | Don't Know | Don't Know |
| Investment Banker | Investment Banker | Investment Banker |
| Dentist | Dentist | Dentist |
| Lawyers | Lawyers | Lawyers |
| Doctors | Doctors | Doctors |
| CPA's | CPA's | CPA's |
| Engineers | Engineers | Engineers |
Sheet1
| Series 1 | Column1 | Column2 | |
| Don't Know | 9.8 | ||
| Investment Banker | 1.5 | ||
| Dentist | 9.4 | ||
| Lawyers | 9.6 | ||
| Doctors | 17 | ||
| CPA's | 27 | ||
| Engineers | 35 |