Research and Practice

Added02/16/2006

Updated05/04/2016

This case provides an analysis of the O-ring data from the Challenger Disaster and argues for a launch scrub. Suitable for courses in applied statistics, material, and general engineering levels 1-4.

Added01/19/2010

Updated01/08/2016

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.

Added06/25/1992

Updated01/05/2016

What to do when old friendship gets in the way of decision making.

Added06/15/1992

Updated02/04/2016

Just moments ago, Bryan's supervisor, Max Morrison, told him to dump half of the used coolant down the drain. Bryan knew the coolant was toxic, and he mentioned this to Max. But Max was not swayed.

Added04/07/2001

Updated02/04/2016

This case examines the 1984 catastrophe arising from a chemical leak at a Union Carbide Corporation plant in Bhopal, India, which resulted in the death of as many as 3,000 and injury to thousands more, from the standpoint of exporting risk from industrialized to developing countries. The case, which includes comparisons with Bhopal's sister plant in Institute, West Virginia, considers the moral responsibility for preventing such tragedies on the part of multinational corporations, the governments of the industrialized nations where they are head quartered, and the governments of developing countries where they operate. The moral responsibilities of engineers and scientists working for these organizations are also considered. Deena Murphy-Medley, North Carolina State University.

Added10/01/2009

Updated01/13/2016

One of nine role play scenarios developed by Michael Loui and C. K. Gunsalus. This page, on dealing with hazardous substances, includes the summary, real summary, and handouts to be given to various participants. The full role play instructions with discussion guidelines are included in pdf format.

Added06/15/1992

Updated02/04/2016

ABC's chemical waste is stored in a warehouse at an off-site location. While inspecting the warehouse, engineer Scott Lewis notices several leaking drums.

Added06/15/1992

Updated01/05/2016

Chief engineer of Axtell's Installation Division, Howard Hanson implements a new policy which may be necessary. A situation arises for two engineers which makes them question how necessary the policy is.

Added06/15/1992

Updated12/08/2015

Don Hayward is employed as a chemical engineer at ABC Manufacturing. Although he does not work with hot metals himself, he supervises workers who are exposed to hot metals eight hours a day, five days a week. Don becomes concerned when several workers develop respiratory problems and complain about "those bad smelling fumes from the hot metals". When Don asks his superior, Cal Brundage, about air quality in the workplace, the reply is that the workplace is in full compliance with OSHA guidelines.