Question 7:

Engineers are often entrusted with the responsibility of implementing large-scale projects
involving millions of dollars. In view of the large amount of money changing hands, the
integrity and ethical standards of engineers are being put to test. What measures can an
engineer take to prevent corruption and unethical practice of cutting corners in order to
safeguard the good image of the engineering profession?

Answer :

Introduction:
Large scale projects are often been introduced currently which involved multi-millions of
dollars. As we aware corruption has become inevitable a common practice in the process
of implementing large scale projects. It has become so serious to the extend that involved
everybody from company top executive to site personnel. Ethical standards of engineers
are really being put to test. Several measures can be taken to prevent corruption and
unethical practice of cutting corners from the aspect of transparency of work flow system,
personal moral, legislation enforcement and public awareness.

Point 1:
The management level of the organization should ensure a transparent work flow system
to be implemented when runnign a large-scale project. The trend towards transparency
and accountability is a worldwide phenomena. We should strive towards transparency
and accountability in our learned society. These can be easily achieved by implementing
certain steps include proper and well documented procedure of issuing the money, all
money changing hands shall be transparent and traceable, all parties should be notified
and approved before issuing progress payment and certified work done.

Point 2:
Cutting corners can be reduced to none if engineers can come up with optimum,
economical and yet friendly construction design. Most cutting corners occurred due to
non-practical design. To achieve this, engineers can discuss with contractors prior to
commerce design. A good working relationship always save all the argument that may
present later. Engineers made to be responsible for the particular works that is deviated
from the original design and to undertake full responsibility of whatever mistake found to
occur. So, engineer will have a second thought before undertake cutting corners.
However, these all go back to the same source: lack of personal moral and ethical control.
Many of the engineers are solely driven by materialism goal rather than professionalism
and ethics. This mindset has to be immediately changed. Awareness of moral and ethical
practice should be cultivated among engineers in order to uphold the dignity of
professionalism.

Point 3:
It is the government’s responsibility to implement strong regulatory enforcement to battle
corruption and unethical practice among engineers. Government should encourage
engineers to work closely with government agencies such as Anti-corruption Agency
(ACA) to have regular audit or questioning on the people involve in large scale projects.
Regulations should provide rooms for engineers to be well educated and constantly
reminded on the strict procedure and consequences of corruption in which if caught and
convicted may bring upon to the LAW and possible jail-term. Besides, professional
organization such as BEM and IEM in the regards can organized seminar on
professionalism and ethic to all engineer on a more frequent manner.

Point 4:
Effort on reducing corruption and unethical practice not only confined on person
involved in construction industry. Public and other professional such as media, banker
and lawyer can also contribute in setting up a anti-corruption society. The involvement of
public have very much been lead and shaped the legislation and enforcement of
regulation. Besides, media such as newspaper, TV and radio also take a major role to
educate the public on the anti-corruption in the construction industry. They can always
give an alarm to an unethical practice by reporting to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion:
Implementation of eliminate corruption and unethical practice among engineers is not a
snapshot process, but it involves a series of efforts from all parties which need to be
rolled out in a systematic manner. However, with better awareness among public and
engineers, together with strong statutory enforcement and incentives and a more
transparent working culture, the effort will transform into very promising success. There
is no better time than now for us to improve the situation and contribute towards a better
future for our future generation of engineers in order to safeguard the good image of the
engineering profession.
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