THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

Advertising: Calendars & Pencils

Story 1 --- Austin is a principal of a consulting engineering firm. He wants to purchase and distribute gifts to clients and prospective clients. After having researched many products, Austin proposes two possibilities. One suggestion is to purchase and distribute wall calendars in the fall of the year. On each page of the calendar will be printed: Austin & Associates, Consulting Engineers, 1234 Main Street, Capital City, Ohio, Phone 123-456-7890. The other suggestion is to purchase and distribute pencils to present to potential clients. On each pencil will be inscribed: Austin & Associates Research & Development Company, Capital City, Ohio.

How would you respond to his suggestions?

--adapted from NSPE Cases No. 78-8

Current NSPE Code of Ethics An earlier version may have been used in this case.

Original Case and BER Judgement

• Return to Professional Ethics in Engineering Practice: Discussion Cases Based on NSPE BER Cases

• Commission Payment Under a Marketing Agreement

• Services on Same Project

National Academy of Engineering

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