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Teaching Engineering Ethics: A Case Study Approach
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From the Center For the Study of Ethics in Society, Western Michigan University. Thirty-two cases which address a wide range of ethical issues that can arise in engineering practice.
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Cost of Design Improvement
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Hypothetical Case
WPI begins production and ships the first portion of the order to GFI on time. GFI, at this point, is very happy with the component and wants WPI to ship the final three quarters of the order as soon as feasible. As Philip is working on the component he thinks of an apparent solution to the 'nagging problem' that bothered him in the design. It would involve a small change in the production process, while increasing the cost to three dollars more per component. Philip is convinced that, had they known about this improvement earlier, GFI would have wanted it.
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Question of Delegating Responsibilities
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Hypothetical Case
Dan Dorset had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. Once he was assigned to help Rancott install its equipment for Boulding, Inc., he arranged his vacation at a nearby ski resort. The installation would be completed on the 12th, and his vacation would begin on the 13th. Unfortunately, not all of Rancott's equipment arrived on time.
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US Parts
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Hypothetical Case
John Budinski, quality control engineer at Clarke Engineering, has a problem. Clarke contracted with USAWAY to supply a product subject to the requirement that all parts are made in the United States. Although the original design clearly specifies that all parts must satisfy this requirement, one of Clarke's suppliers failed to note that one of the components has two special bolts that are made only in another country. There is not time to design a new bolt if the terms of the contract are to be met. USAWAY is a major customer, and not meeting the deadline can be expected to have unfortunate consequences for Clarke.
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The Value Engineering Clause
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Hypothetical Case
A design firm considers adding unnecessary items to an initial design in order to boost profits.
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Risk Assessment and Nuclear Waste Sites
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Open-Ended Scenario
A scenario in which an engineer must choose between state-of-the-art science and a simpler method to fulfill a contract.
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The Persistent Engineer
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Fictionalized Case
Is it within an engineer's responsibility to fight against a public danger, even if it is not within his area of expertise?
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Lamination Press Layout
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Hypothetical Case
An engineer discovers potentially hazardous dust in the company press room.
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Generating Good will in a Subdivision Without Electricity
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Fictionalized Case
Are engineers obligated to use their expertise and skill to solve social and ethical problems?
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Chemical A or B?
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Open-Ended Scenario
A scenario in which an engineering student attempts to innitiate a manufacturing process that will ensure the safety of company workers and is met with stiff resistance from management.