Ethics

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I.

Dindong was previously working in a small computer firm without asking him to sign an agreement that any product of his work will be the firm¶s property. Dindong made software that was considered as the ³lifeblood´ of the company. However, he left the small computer firm and he¶s now working at a larger computer firm. He¶s planning to use the program that he made for the small computer firm that is supposed to be the firm¶s property so that he could work more efficiently under his current employment. In addition, he told his friend about his plans and they realized that it is unethical, so he decided that the small computer firm should be contacted first before using the program but his current employer disagreed. The issue is the disagreement about the ownership of the software.It is unethical and unprofessional for Dindong to use the software that he made for the previous firm even though they don¶t have any agreement. Based on the Code of ethics, canon 4 states that ³engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.´ According to Professional Obligations section III.4 ³Engineers shall not disclose confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer without his consent.

II.

Jan and Jacque were friends since college. Jan recruited Jacques to join the company he was working with. However, the company needs to reduce its employees and Jacques was one of them. Jacque informed Jan about the issue and asked if he could help him but Jacque¶s supervisor told Jan that Jacque cannot get the job done and that Jacque is more interested in the golf league. Given these issues, Jan again wrote a recommendation letter for Engr. Jacques so that he can land in a new job even though he knows about the issue that Jacque is not working well.

It is unethical for Jan to write a recommendation letter for Jacques because he knows that Jacque does not work well and that he was fired due to problems with his work. Jan¶s action is unprofessional and it was unethical. Moreover, he used the company¶s name to recommend Jacque without informing his superiors. Jan should be objective and must say what is truthful and that he must not falsify testimony. References:
Section II.3.a. Code of Ethics: Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current.

III.

Ramon has been employed by an organization for a long time. He was active when it comes to participation in both technical and professional societies that he was attending to. In spite of this, Ramon¶s immediate superior opposes his participation in activities of his professional society because he doesn¶t find it reasonable. Luckily, Ramon had the opportunity to talk about the matter when he was summoned by the CEO to discuss some matters regarding his work. William, who happened to be Ramon¶s immediate superior refuses to approve the travel request and told Ramon that he was offended when Ramon discussed about the attendance and participation issues with the CEO.

Ramon talked directly to the CEO regarding the matter without consulting first his boss. Though, I can¶t say that it is unethical because he was just asking about the company¶s policies. On the other hand, it doesn¶t seem right to hinder someone¶s efforts to obtain excused leaves in order to attend technical and professional society meetings. This sounds unethical and unprofessional. References: Code of Ethics- Section I.4.:"Engineers, in the fulfilment of their professional duties, shall . . . Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees." Section III.11.a.:"Engineers shall encourage engineering employees' efforts to improve their education." Section III.11.b.:"Engineers shall encourage engineering employees to attend and present papers at professional and technical society meetings."

Section III.1.f.:"Engineers shall avoid any act tending to promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession."

IV.

Ramon is a chief engineer in an engineering firm where he signs and affixes his seal of the plans prepared by his subordinate engineers. Sometimes, he also seals the plans prepared by a non-registered engineer under his general supervision. Due to heavy workload, there are times when he cannot review and check the plans in details. Though he still believe that it is alright because he believes in the ability of his subordinates. The problem is some of the plans are prepared by a non-registered professional engineer. And the chief engineers signs and seals the plan even though he was not able to review and check it on detail. These issues pose threats with regards to the plan. It is unethical to seal the plan that have not been prepared by him, or which he has not be checked and reviewed in detail. References:
Section II.2.a. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved. Section II.2.b. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control. Section II.2.c -Code of Ethics: Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.

V.

Ramon was hired to design a particular project. He arrived with what he believes to be the best design and meets with the client to discuss the design. In spite of this, he had argument with his client after showing the design plans and specification. The client was not impressed by his design and seeks another simpler solution. Ramon believes that altering the design could endanger the public but his employer asked

him to deliver the design so that the employer can give it to another engineer to finish the job according to his will. I don¶t see any problems when the engineer delivered the plan to his employer because his plan is owned by his employer. However, he knows that altering his design may pose threats to public safety but it¶s just an assumption because it is not stated in the problem that he was able to prove it that it may threaten the public. If in case that it is true then he should do what is necessary to protect the public.

References:
Code of Ethics- Section II.1.a.: "Engineers shall at all times recognize that their primary obligation is to protect the safety, health, property, and welfare of the public. If their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where the safety, health, property, or welfare of the public are endangered, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate."

Section II.1.e.:"Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required." Section III. 1 .b.:"Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful."

VI.

Ramon and William was colleague at a major university. They were required to author articles for publication in scholarly and technical journals for obtaining tenure in the university. Ramon was planning to use the paper he wrote when he was in college, besides it was never published. The two agreed to develop the article and Ramon rewrites the article bringing it up to date. Later, after submitting the paper, it was accepted and was published. It was ethical for Ramon to use the paper he wrote when he was in college because it was written before he holds tenure in the university. Besides, he is the one who wrote it and it was never been published. In addition William should not be given the credit as an author of the paper because his contribution is minimal and it is possible also that it he may not contributed at all. Moreover, it was unethical to include William as co-author for the sake of tenure and it is unprofessional. References:

Section III.1. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Section III.3.c."Consistent with the foregoing, Engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others."

VII.

A country hospital board owns a hospital facility and contracts with a private health care provider to manage, administer, and generally operate a hospital facility. Ramon, head in local engineering firm also serves on the board of directors of the private health care provider. Engineering and surveying work are required to be performed in the hospital facility. Ramon received the contract but the decision was made by the private health care provider's board of directors and Ramon participated in the decision.

It was unethical for Ramon to seek a contract with the private health care provider to provide engineering and surveying services. he should not have engaged in the decision making because it can be considered that he may decided favourable to his interest since he owns the engineering firm. Also engineers shall not solicit or accept professional contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization servers as a member.

References:
Section II.4.d. Code of Ethics: Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.

Section II.4.e. - Engineers shall not solicit or accept a professional contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.

VIII.

A forensic engineer was hired by Atty. William to provide an engineering and safety analysis report and courtroom testimony in support of applicant in a personal injury case. However, the forensic engineer found out that the result is not favourable to the applicant , thus his services were terminated and he was paid in full. After that another lawyer learned about the circumstances relating to the forensic engineer¶s

reluctance to provide a report in support of atty. William¶s case and seeks to retain Ramon to provide an independent and separate engineering and safety analysis report. It was unethical for the forensic engineer to agree to provide a separate engineering and safety analysis report. He should have told the truth. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in all reports, statements or testimony. In addition he should not have accepted compensation from more than one party for services on the same project unless both parties agreed upon it. References:
Section II.1.c. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not reveal facts, data or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.

Section II.3.a. Code of Ethics: Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current. Section II.4.b. Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties. Section III.4.b. Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the Engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer..

IX.

Ramon was employed by Philip as a staff engineer together with 5 other engineers of the same rank. The team were tasked to design certain products. While working with Philip, the design they made were given credit and a patent was given to them. Now, Ramon was seeking employment with William and he submits his resume to William that implies that he¶s personally responsible for the design of the product even though it was actually designed through joint efforts of the members of the design team. It was unethical for Ramon to imply on his resume that he was personally responsible for the design of the products which were actually designed through the joint efforts of the members of the design team. He should have noted that it is not an individual effort but it is a team effort. Though it is ethical if he does not name the five persons he should have stated that he didn¶t designed it on his own. He should not exaggerate his degree of responsibility for the purpose of enhancing his qualifications. References:
Section II.5.a. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their, or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers or past accomplishments.

Section III.10.a.:"Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments."

X.

Ramon was a consultant in RMF Inc. In connection with manufacturing of a new product. There were no written agreement between Ramon and RMF Inc regarding the ownership of the product. When the product is on manufacturing stage, RMF Inc. Terminated Ramon¶s services in accordance with their agreement. After that, Ramon was also employed in a competitor company of the RMF Inc. However, he revealed confidential information regarding the design of the product designed for the RMF Inc. It was unethical for Ramon to reveal specific information to SYS, Inc. Unique to the product designed earlier by him for RMF, Inc. Even though there was no agreement bet the two parties he must observe confidentiality in all his work. He should not reveal facts, data or information obtained in professional capacity without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or require by the law. References:
Section II.1.c. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not reveal facts, data or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.

Section III.4. Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.

XI.

Ramon was employed and was responsible for the design of certain computer equipment several years ago. He signed the drawings for the equipment at that time. Although it was properly prepared, during the manufacturing process the equipment suffered from mechanical breakdown and became too costly. The manufacturing division recommended modification to his design that will reduce the cost of production. Ramon¶s analysis was contrary to the recommended modifications because it will reduce the reliability of the product and will just increase the downstream cost. Though he raises his concerns to his superiors he still signed the modification made for the product. Ramon has ethical obligation when he signed the design because he knows about the consequences when changes has to be made but he still signed it. Though he told his immediate superior about the concern and was denied he should have informed his other superior or he should have informed the management. He needs to insist that the manufacturing should be stopped if it does not conform with public health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.

References: Code of Ethics- Section II. 1.:"Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties." Section II.1.a.:"Engineers shall at all times recognize that their primary obligation is to protect the safety, health, property and welfare of the public. If their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where the safety, health, property or welfare of the public are endangered, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate." Section II.1.b.:"Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents which are safe for public health, property and welfare in conformity with accepted standards." Section II.2.b.:"Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control." Section II.4.:"Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees." Section III.2.b.:"Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not of a design safe to the public health and welfare and in conformity with accepted engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project."

XII.

Ramon, William and Phillip are head of a consulting firm. The engineers are involved in recommending to the developers a list of contractors and suppliers to be considered for selection in bidding. Usually, the recommended contractors and suppliers win in the bidding. While used to be business partners, the officers of the contractors or suppliers developed a close business and personal relationship with the engineers of the firm. From time to time, at holidays or on birthdays of the engineers with whom they dealt, the contractors and suppliers would give Ramon, William and Phillip personal gifts of substantial value.

It is unethical to accept gifts from contractors and suppliers. Accepting such gifts may influence their decision making when it comes to awarding of contracts. Also, it doesn¶t sound good to accept gifts from contractors and suppliers because it can be interpreted by others as a bribery which is not good. Also engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances directly or indirectly from contractors or other parties

dealing with the clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.

References:

Code of Ethics- Section II.4.c.:"Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other parties in connection with work for employers or clients for which they are responsible." Section II.5.b. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift, or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them. Section III.5.b.:"Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the Engineer in connection with work for which the Engineer is responsible."

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