USMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HS-212 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

ASSIGNMENT #01

Instructions:

1. Assignment must be submitted in proper file through CR .

2. Marks will be based on Viva.
3. Copied assignment will be cancelled and will be marked as
4. Zero.
5. Assignment must be completed in your own hand writing.
Further questions may be added in this case Course instructor will inform
you.
Note: Assignment must be hand written with zero plagiarism.

Keepi
ng in
the
mind
that
these
1. Explain two model of professionalism.
2. Enlist and state three types of morality.
3. Differentiate between Preventive Ethics and Aspirational Ethics.
4. Interpret the Blame responsibility and causation in your own words in the
light of Columbia Accident.
5. Justify Design Standards in terms of Engineering Ethics.
6. Relate Engineering and Professionalism.
7. Utilize the concepts which you have learned in this subject to rationalize
whistleblowing in professional environment, also discuss the negative
aspects of whistle blowing, use NSPE codes of ethics to strengthen your
debate.
8. What attitudes and frames of mind can contribute to less than fully
responsible action, whether it be intentional, reckless, or merely
negligent?
9. Analyze how Socratic account and sociological analysis plays a pivotal role in determining a
profession?

10. Case Study

CASE 1: A plant discharges a pollutant into the local river, where it is ingested by fish. If humans eat
the fish they will experience significant health problems. Eliminating the pollutant will be so
expensive that the plant will become, at best, only marginally profitable. Allowing the discharge to
continue will save jobs and enhance the overall economic viability of the community. The pollutant
will adversely affect only a relatively small proportion of the population which is also the most
economically deprived community. What should be the most appropriate step to solve this problem?

What will be the aftermath if Risk-Benefit approach is utilized to resolve the issue?
Apply the relevant engineering code of ethics.
 Question?
Using the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers as a
guidance document highlight key Ethical
obligations on Engineering Student A case 3
Engineering Student A, a professional engineer on unpaid leave from
employer of ZYX Consultants, was a post-graduate student at a small, CASE
private university and was enrolled in a research class for credit taught by
Jugnu, a Electrical Engineering professor at the university. Part of the
2
research being performed by Engineering Student A involved the use of an
innovative Artificial Intelligence technology. The university was in the process of enlarging
its facilities and Jugnu, a member of the university’s building committee, was charged
with responsibility for developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in order to solicit
interested engineering firms. Jugnu planned to incorporate an application of the Artificial
Intelligence technology into the RFP. Jugnu approached Engineering Student A and
asked if he would personally serve as a paid consultant to the university’s building
committee in developing the RFP, reviewing proposals, etc. ZYX Consultants would not
be submitting a proposal and was not averse to having Engineering Student A submit a
proposal. Engineering Student A agreed to serve as a paid consultant.
CASE 3:
Engineer A designs and builds a barn with horse stalls on his property. Four years later, Engineer A sells the
property, including the barn, to Jones. Later, Jones proposes to extend the barn and, as part of the
extension, removes portions of the columns and footings that support the roof. The changes were approved
by the town and the extension is built and a certificate of occupancy is issued. Engineer A learns of the
extension and is concerned that the structure may be in danger of collapse due to severe snow loads.
Engineer A verbally contacts the town supervisor who agrees to
look into the matter, but no action is taken.
 
Question:
Has Engineer A fulfilled his ethical obligations under the NSPE Code of Ethics discuss in detail?
Study all NSPE case studies
available on shared folder. Viva
will be conducted .