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EE Production
EE Production
Case Study:
While Anirudh understands the need to reduce costs, he is well aware that neglecting regular
maintenance can lead to increased machine breakdowns, lower product quality, and, most
importantly, safety risks for the workers on the production floor. He knows that if he follows
through with this initiative, it could potentially compromise the integrity of the company's
products and put the safety of his colleagues at risk.
On the other hand, John is also aware that the company is struggling financially, and several
employees' jobs are at stake. If he refuses to comply with the cost-cutting measures, he risks
being labeled as uncooperative and might even face consequences for insubordination. He is
torn between his ethical obligations as an engineer to ensure safety and quality and his loyalty
to the company that has provided him with stable employment for many years.
Assignment:
1. What are the primary ethical issues in the case of Anirudh, the production engineer at
ABC Manufacturing?
2. Describe the relevance of engineering ethics principles such as safety, quality, and
responsibility in the context of Anirudh's dilemma.
3. Analyze the potential consequences of Anirudh's decision to comply with the cost-
cutting initiative on the company's products, employees, and reputation.
4. Discuss the ethical implications of Anirudh speaking up internally about his concerns
regarding the cost-cutting measures. How might this impact his relationship with the
company?
5. If Anirudh were to blow the whistle and report the ethical concerns to external
authorities, what are the potential benefits and risks of this course of action?
6. Explain why it is essential for engineers to balance their professional responsibilities
with their loyalty to their employers, as illustrated in Anirudh's situation.
7. Compare and contrast the pros and cons of the compliance, internal speaking up, and
whistleblowing options for Anirudh. Which option aligns best with engineering ethics
principles?
8. Propose an alternative course of action for Anirudh that was not explicitly mentioned in
the case study. How might this alternative approach address the ethical dilemma
differently?
9. Discuss the long-term consequences for the engineering profession and the
manufacturing industry if engineers consistently prioritize cost-cutting over safety and
quality.
10. In your conclusion, reflect on the broader implications of Anirudh's case for the ethical
practice of engineering. How can engineers and organizations work together to ensure
ethical decision-making in the field?
Include a list of credible sources used in your analysis and cite them using an appropriate
citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Report:
Subject: Engineering Ethics Case Study Analysis
7. Comparison of Options:
Compliance may preserve immediate job security, but it compromises ethical principles.
Internal speaking up seeks a middle ground, while whistleblowing prioritizes ethical concerns
but comes with significant risks. Internal speaking up aligns best with engineering ethics
principles, as it addresses the issue within the organization.
8. Alternative Course of Action:
Anirudh could propose a compromise, suggesting targeted cost-cutting measures that do not
compromise safety and quality. This alternative approach considers both financial concerns and
ethical obligations.
9. Long-Term Consequences:
Consistently prioritizing cost-cutting over safety and quality can erode trust in the engineering
profession, jeopardize public safety, and lead to industry-wide consequences, including
increased regulations and loss of consumer confidence.