Regardless of the field of study, a challenging set of problems to solve is often related to ethics. Engineering is no exception. One specific scenario pertaining to ethics in engineering is about Rob, the manager of an electronic chip production firm, and his respectable coworker named Shane, the lead engineer of his production line. Shane’s team manufacturers and tests 100,000 chips yearly to assemble their final product involving prongs and spot plates. Unfortunately, certain chips are discarded due to its low capabilities. Each chip costs $13.25: $9 for creating, $4 for testing, and $.25 for profiting. If repairing defective chips is demanded, a $2 fee per malfunctioned chip is lost from the total profit. Currently, Shane’s workers find
…show more content…
NSPE rules that, “engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.” In this case, Rob’s interest is monetary. After explaining his solution for complaints, he reveals that the company can expect a net annual profit of $416,000. His calculations are correct in terms of generating a large sum of revenue; however, those numbers overlook ethical barriers. Rob, blinded by greed, is willing to tarnish the honorable name of engineering that serves for the public to gain more financial compensation. Even though adverse affects on the reputation of engineers would occur, a thoughtful response can still avert this …show more content…
Rob’s lack of concern for the consumer satisfaction is shown through his intention of not telling the consumer about the defective chips. Moreover, his willingness to potentially discredit the reputation of engineering for money qualifies as poor professional behavior. Yet, this whole situation could be avoided through Shane revealing that the bond wiring is the origin of the problem, proposing an alternative in optimizing production and showing a cost analysis for repairing defective
NSPE rules that, “engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.” In this case, Rob’s interest is monetary. After explaining his solution for complaints, he reveals that the company can expect a net annual profit of $416,000. His calculations are correct in terms of generating a large sum of revenue; however, those numbers overlook ethical barriers. Rob, blinded by greed, is willing to tarnish the honorable name of engineering that serves for the public to gain more financial compensation. Even though adverse affects on the reputation of engineers would occur, a thoughtful response can still avert this …show more content…
Rob’s lack of concern for the consumer satisfaction is shown through his intention of not telling the consumer about the defective chips. Moreover, his willingness to potentially discredit the reputation of engineering for money qualifies as poor professional behavior. Yet, this whole situation could be avoided through Shane revealing that the bond wiring is the origin of the problem, proposing an alternative in optimizing production and showing a cost analysis for repairing defective