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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a component of 'The Engineering Code of Ethics'?
Which of the following is NOT a component of 'The Engineering Code of Ethics'?
- The Fundamental Canons
- Personal Preferences (correct)
- The Rules of Practice
- Professional Obligations
According to the NSPE Fundamental Canons of Ethics, engineers should prioritize personal gain over public safety, health, and welfare if it leads to significant career advancement.
According to the NSPE Fundamental Canons of Ethics, engineers should prioritize personal gain over public safety, health, and welfare if it leads to significant career advancement.
False (B)
An engineer is asked to approve engineering documents that do not conform to applicable standards. What is the ethical course of action?
An engineer is asked to approve engineering documents that do not conform to applicable standards. What is the ethical course of action?
- Refuse to approve the documents. (correct)
- Approve the documents to maintain good relations with the client.
- Approve the documents after receiving written permission from a senior colleague.
- Approve the documents but note the discrepancies in a separate report.
According to the NSPE Code of Ethics, what should an engineer do if their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where life or property could be endangered?
According to the NSPE Code of Ethics, what should an engineer do if their professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where life or property could be endangered?
Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior ______ of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior ______ of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
Match the following actions with the corresponding principle from the NSPE Fundamental Canons of Ethics:
Match the following actions with the corresponding principle from the NSPE Fundamental Canons of Ethics:
According to the NSPE Code of Ethics, under what condition can engineers express publicly technical opinions that are paid for by interested parties?
According to the NSPE Code of Ethics, under what condition can engineers express publicly technical opinions that are paid for by interested parties?
It is acceptable for engineers to accept compensation from more than one party for services on the same project if they have the permission of their supervisor.
It is acceptable for engineers to accept compensation from more than one party for services on the same project if they have the permission of their supervisor.
Engineers should strive to serve the ______ interest at all times.
Engineers should strive to serve the ______ interest at all times.
According to the case study involving SPQ Engineering, was it considered ethical for Engineer A to report his employer's apparent software licensing violation without first discussing it with his employer?
According to the case study involving SPQ Engineering, was it considered ethical for Engineer A to report his employer's apparent software licensing violation without first discussing it with his employer?
According to the case study, any engineering firm that willfully ignores licensing agreement restrictions is violating the NSPE Code of Ethics.
According to the case study, any engineering firm that willfully ignores licensing agreement restrictions is violating the NSPE Code of Ethics.
In the NewSoft case study, what are the two courses of action mentioned for resolving the issue of using unlicensed proprietary software?
In the NewSoft case study, what are the two courses of action mentioned for resolving the issue of using unlicensed proprietary software?
According to the NewSoft case study, what are Engineer A's options if NewSoft fails to take action regarding the unlicensed software?
According to the NewSoft case study, what are Engineer A's options if NewSoft fails to take action regarding the unlicensed software?
In the UVW Engineering case study, Engineer A had an ethical obligation to, at a minimum, ______ the substantial door prize to UVW Engineering.
In the UVW Engineering case study, Engineer A had an ethical obligation to, at a minimum, ______ the substantial door prize to UVW Engineering.
According to the conclusion of the 'door prize' case study, the engineer is ethically obligated to remit the entire door prize to their employer.
According to the conclusion of the 'door prize' case study, the engineer is ethically obligated to remit the entire door prize to their employer.
In the case study involving the pressure vessel manufacturer, is it ethical for Engineer A to voluntarily release files related to previous work for Company A to defense counsel?
In the case study involving the pressure vessel manufacturer, is it ethical for Engineer A to voluntarily release files related to previous work for Company A to defense counsel?
In the case study where Engineer A reads embedded comments damaging to Defense Attorney X's interests, what is Engineer A's ethical duty?
In the case study where Engineer A reads embedded comments damaging to Defense Attorney X's interests, what is Engineer A's ethical duty?
According to the pressure vessel case study, if the litigation involves direct issues related to the services Engineer A provided to Company A ten years earlier, it would be ETHICAL for Engineer A to voluntarily release the files to the defense counsel.
According to the pressure vessel case study, if the litigation involves direct issues related to the services Engineer A provided to Company A ten years earlier, it would be ETHICAL for Engineer A to voluntarily release the files to the defense counsel.
In the case involving Engineer A and ENJ Engineering, it would be ethical for Engineer A to take ______ files with him when he terminates his employment with ENJ Engineering.
In the case involving Engineer A and ENJ Engineering, it would be ethical for Engineer A to take ______ files with him when he terminates his employment with ENJ Engineering.
According to the case study involving Engineer A who leaves ENJ Engineering, which type of files would it be unethical for Engineer A to take with him upon leaving?
According to the case study involving Engineer A who leaves ENJ Engineering, which type of files would it be unethical for Engineer A to take with him upon leaving?
It is ethical for a former employee (Engineer B) to contact their previous company's (Engineer A's) employees, instructing them to withhold the information from Engineer A, to obtain proprietary schematics.
It is ethical for a former employee (Engineer B) to contact their previous company's (Engineer A's) employees, instructing them to withhold the information from Engineer A, to obtain proprietary schematics.
In the case involving Engineer A and Engineer B, describe the action taken by Engineer A that was considered unethical or unprofessional.
In the case involving Engineer A and Engineer B, describe the action taken by Engineer A that was considered unethical or unprofessional.
In the case study involving Engineer A at Company C, Engineer A did not ______ the situation and there is no effort to put pressure on any party in connection with the dealings between the parties.
In the case study involving Engineer A at Company C, Engineer A did not ______ the situation and there is no effort to put pressure on any party in connection with the dealings between the parties.
An engineer discovers errors in a program used for machine maintenance in a food factory but hesitates to correct them because management wants satisfactory results. Which of the following reflects the most ethical course of action?
An engineer discovers errors in a program used for machine maintenance in a food factory but hesitates to correct them because management wants satisfactory results. Which of the following reflects the most ethical course of action?
According to the case study involving a mechanical engineer who 'displays results that are inaccurate in real-world settings', is the engineer within his rights to manipulate results to satisfy management.
According to the case study involving a mechanical engineer who 'displays results that are inaccurate in real-world settings', is the engineer within his rights to manipulate results to satisfy management.
Emily works in Quality Control where, no questions asked, refurbished computers are given away to the local elementary school. She discovers the school is given 12 computers, and in that same moment, realizes that she needs one for her son in college. Which of the following is the most reasonable ethical resolution:
Emily works in Quality Control where, no questions asked, refurbished computers are given away to the local elementary school. She discovers the school is given 12 computers, and in that same moment, realizes that she needs one for her son in college. Which of the following is the most reasonable ethical resolution:
In the 'Richard and Conway' case study, Cathy overhears a discussion and her supervisor asks about it, what is one ethical approach Cathy could take?
In the 'Richard and Conway' case study, Cathy overhears a discussion and her supervisor asks about it, what is one ethical approach Cathy could take?
Match each of the following circumstances from the provided text with a suitable ethical code from the set provided.
Match each of the following circumstances from the provided text with a suitable ethical code from the set provided.
Which of the following represents an ethical principle for engineers related to performing services?
Which of the following represents an ethical principle for engineers related to performing services?
Engineers are expected to always prioritize the public interest, even if it means potentially discrediting the profession.
Engineers are expected to always prioritize the public interest, even if it means potentially discrediting the profession.
Engineers shall give ______ for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
Engineers shall give ______ for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
Flashcards
Engineering Code of Ethics Components
Engineering Code of Ethics Components
The engineering code of ethics has three components: Fundamental Canons, Rules of Practice, and Professional Obligations.
Engineer's Priority
Engineer's Priority
Engineers must prioritize safety, health, and welfare while fulfilling professional duties.
Competence in Assignments
Competence in Assignments
Engineers should only undertake assignments within their specific technical competence.
Truthful Statements
Truthful Statements
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Loyalty in Engineering
Loyalty in Engineering
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Avoiding Deception
Avoiding Deception
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Engineer's Integrity
Engineer's Integrity
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Serving Public Interest
Serving Public Interest
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Avoiding Discrediting Conduct
Avoiding Discrediting Conduct
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Respect Amidst Engineers
Respect Amidst Engineers
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Case Study 1 Ethical Violation
Case Study 1 Ethical Violation
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Case Study 2 Engineer's Options
Case Study 2 Engineer's Options
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Case Study 3 Fair Share
Case Study 3 Fair Share
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Case Study 4 Code of Ethics
Case Study 4 Code of Ethics
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Case Study 5 Ethical Oversight
Case Study 5 Ethical Oversight
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Case Study 6, Ethical Information
Case Study 6, Ethical Information
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Case Study 7 Contacts
Case Study 7 Contacts
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Case Study 8 - Relation Pressure
Case Study 8 - Relation Pressure
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Study Notes
- The Engineering Code of Ethics includes the Fundamental Canons, the Rules of Practice and Professional Obligations.
NSPE Fundamental Canons of Ethics
- Engineers must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
- Services should be performed only in areas of competence.
- It's important to issue public statements objectively and truthfully.
- Act as faithful agents or trustees for each employer or client.
- Engineers should avoid deceptive acts.
- Conduct in a way that enhances the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
- Engineers should notify employers or clients if their judgment is overruled and endangers life or property.
- Engineering documents should only be approved if in conformity with applicable standards.
- Engineers cannot reveal unauthorized facts, data, or information without consent, unless required by law or code.
- Names or associates should not be used in fraudulent or dishonest enterprises.
- Aiding or abetting the unlawful practice of engineering is prohibited.
- Any alleged violations of the Code need to be reported to professional bodies and also public authorities when relevant.
- Honesty and integrity are the highest standards guiding professional relations.
- Public interest should be served at all times
- Avoid conduct that discredits the profession or deceives the public.
- Confidential information should not be disclosed concerning business affairs/ technical processes of clients/employers without consent.
- Professional duties should not be influenced by conflicting interests.
- Adequate compensation for those engaged in engineering work is to be upheld.
- Employment/advancement should not be obtained by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or other improper/questionable methods.
- Do not injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice or employment of other engineers, nor untruthfully criticize other engineers' work.
- Responsibilities for professional activities should be accepted, where Engineers may seek indemnification for professional services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence
- Credit should be given for engineering work to those to whom credit is due
- Extend the profession by interchanging information with other engineers and to offer chances for professional development
Case Study 1: Software Licensing Violation
- Facts: An engineer reported their employer's software licensing violation via a hotline.
- Question: Was reporting without discussing concerns first ethical?
- Conclusion: Reporting without speaking to the employer first was not ethical. Engineering firms that ignore licensing agreement restrictions are in violation of the NSPE Code of Ethics.
Case Study 2: Software Piracy Concerns
- Facts: an Engineer knows of a software copyright infringement and the firm is not resolving the matter
- Question: is Engineer A taking necessary actions
- Conclusion: Insisting on resolution is ethical: either obtain licenses or get legal opinion demonstrating actions do not amount to copyright infringement. If management fails to act, Engineer A may resign or report to authorities.
Case Study 3: Door Prize Ethics
- Facts: An engineer won a $5,000 door prize at a conference paid for by their employer.
- Question: Is keeping the prize ethical?
- Conclusion: At minimum, reporting the prize to the employer is ethically required. The ultimate decision on how to address it is between the engineer and employer.
Case Study 4: Confidentiality and Legal Requests
- Facts: An engineer is asked to provide files from previous work by a defense attorney, but it is unrelated to the current case.
- Question: Is it ethical to release the files voluntarily?
- Conclusion: It would not be ethical to voluntarily release the files to the defense counsel.
Case Study 5: Discovery of Damaging Comments
- Facts: Engineer A is hired by Plaintiff Attorney, then reads comments damaging to the interests of Defense Attorney.
- Question: What ethical action should be taken?
- Conclusion: Engineer A has a duty to advise their client, Plaintiff Attorney, about the revealed comments. Suspend further action pending court's resolution of the issue may be required.
Case Study 6: Employee Transition and File Ethics
- Facts: An employee leaving their current firm is considering taking client, technical, and personal files.
- Question: Would it be an ethical decision?
- Conclusion: Taking client files or corporate technical data is unethical. Taking personal files, is ethical.
Case Study 7: Proprietary Schematics
- Facts: Engineer B is requesting copies of their company's proprietary schematics and instructing the employees to not tell Engineer A.
- Question: Was it ethical to contact A's employees and for A to confront Engineer B in the manner described?
- Conclusion: Contacting Engineer A's employees unethical, Engineer A and Engineer B's derogatory language was not professional.
Case Study 8: Quality Assurance Fact
- Facts: Manager has a new supplier of plastic components. The production manager at the new supplier is the Engineer A's wife,
- Question: Was it ethical?
- Conclusion: If the arrangement does not create pressure on any party in connection with dealings, it is ethical.
Case Study 9: Mechanical Engineer in maintenance:
- Facts: A mechanical Engineer works in the maintenance department of a food factory, He provides a program that fools management.
- Question: Do you believe the mechanical engineer is within his rights to exclusively display results that hold true in program but not in actual use?
- Conclusion: This is an ethical issue.
Case Study 10: Quality Control Computers
- Facts: Emily, who works in QC, gets asked by her supervisor each year to deliver refurbished computers to the local elementary school. Could save one for her son,
- Question: What should Emily do?
- Conclusion: Ethical issue, up to the indiviual
Case Study 11: Employees and Benefits program
- Facts: is approached by her supervisor who says he heard a rumor that some people were taking advantage of the company benefits program.
- Question: What ethical action to take?
- Conclusion: Ethical issue, up to the indiviual
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