CASE PROBLEMS:

Case Problems:  Here are three practical Engineering examples of “ethical dilemmas”

1.     An Engineer is required to design a “Pressure Vessel” using a specific

“Design Code” that requires a material thickness of 20mm. The designer is asked
to reduce the thickness of the material in order to reduce costs for the customer
who is planning to buy a large number of these vessels. What does he do?

2.     An Engineer is responsible for the disposal of “Hazardous Chemical Waste”

and due to the high costs involved is asked by the CEO to arrange to have the
materials dumped in the river that runs past the outer perimeter of the factory.
Does he comply?

3.     During the design of a pumping station a particular type of pump is specified

for the task. There are 3 possible suppliers with some minor technical differences
that would not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the design, but the
one supplier is a little more expensive than the other two. This supplier offers the
Engineer a free 10-day holiday in Mauritius if he buys the pumps from them.

What does the Engineer do? Consider the situation presented in the case study and write your
thoughts on what you would do to resolve the issue: