Overview of the presentation: Understanding ethical principles and using the Code of Ethics to navigate dilemmas.

1. CODE OF
ETHICS_ PART 1
LECTURER: ENG.ABDULLA ALI
EMAIL: ABDULLA.ALI@ASU.EDU.BH
PHONE: EXT. 214
OFFICE: 223

2. INTRODUCTION
• Ethics are essential in engineering to ensure public
safety, environmental sustainability, and professional
integrity.
• Overview of the presentation: Understanding
ethical principles and using the Code of Ethics to
navigate dilemmas.
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3. CASE STUDY
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• Collapsing Parking Garage
(Kansas City, Missouri, USA): In 2002, a newly constructed multi-story parking garage
in a major city collapsed, causing significant damage and injury.The investigation
revealed that the structural engineer had overlooked crucial load-bearing
calculations, relying on outdated design data to save costs and expedite construction.
The engineer's failure to conduct adequate inspections and ensure proper quality
control resulted in the collapse. Ethical issues included compromising public safety
for financial and time savings.The project’s manager also failed to address these
concerns when raised by junior engineers.The incident led to a review of safety
standards and engineering oversight in construction projects.
• Discussion Prompt:
• What do you think went wrong in this case?
• What were the ethical lapses here?
• How could engineers have acted differently to prevent this?

4. WHAT IS ENGINEERING
ETHICS?
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• Definition:
• Engineering ethics refers to the moral principles and professional standards
that guide engineers in their decision-making and practice.
• Purpose:
• Protect public health, safety, and welfare.
• Ensure engineers act with integrity, fairness, and responsibility.
• Build trust in the profession.
• Ethical Decision-Making in Engineering:
• Engineers face numerous decisions that impact people, the environment, and
society.
• Ethics help engineers make decisions that are not only legally correct but also
morally sound

5. THE ROLE OF A CODE OF
ETHICS
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• What is a Code of Ethics?
• A Code of Ethics is a set of principles that guide professionals in
making ethical decisions, maintaining accountability, and ensuring
integrity in their work.
• Purpose of the Code:
• Provide a framework for responsible behavior.
• Ensure decisions prioritize public safety and professional ethics.
• Help engineers navigate conflicts of interest, fairness, and public
accountability.

6. THE NSPE CODE OF ETHICS
• NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) Code of
Ethics Overview:
• A comprehensive framework for guiding engineers in their ethical decision-
making.
• Focuses on:
• Protecting the public.
• Upholding integrity and professionalism.
• Maintaining competence and responsibility.
• Key Areas Covered by the Code:
• Public safety and welfare.
• Honesty and integrity in practice.
• Professional accountability and competence.
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7. NSPE CODE OF ETHICS –
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
• The Core Principles of the NSPE Code of Ethics:
1. Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and
dignity of the profession.
2. Engineers hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare
of the public.
3. Engineers perform services only in areas of their
competence.
4. Engineers issue public statements only in an objective and
truthful manner.
5. Engineers act for each employer or client as faithful agents
or trustees.
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8. NSPE CODE OF ETHICS –
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Key Responsibilities for Engineers:
• Honesty: Engineers must provide truthful information, be
transparent, and avoid misleading stakeholders.
• Fairness: Engineers must treat all people fairly, impartially, and
equitably.
• Confidentiality: Engineers must respect the confidentiality of
sensitive information, unless required to disclose it for public safety
or legal reasons.
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9. NSPE CODE OF ETHICS –
RESPONSIBILITYTOTHE PUBLIC
• Engineers’ Primary Duty:
• Public Safety: Engineers must always place public safety above all
other considerations.
• Environmental Impact: Engineers should consider the
environmental consequences of their projects.
• Compliance with Laws and Standards: Adhering to local,
national, and international regulations ensures projects are safe and
sustainable.
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10. USINGTHE CODE OF ETHICS –
DECISION-MAKING STRATEGY
• Step-by-Step Strategy for Using the Code of Ethics:
1. Identify the ethical dilemma: What decision needs to be made, and what are the
potential consequences?
2. Analyze the situation: What facts are relevant? Who are the stakeholders? What are
the risks?
3. Consult the Code of Ethics: Which sections of the NSPE Code apply to this situation?
What guidance does it offer for responsible action?
4. Evaluate alternatives: What are the possible solutions? Consider the impact of each on
public safety, honesty, fairness, and environmental sustainability.
5. Make a decision: Choose the option that aligns best with the Code of Ethics and
professional responsibility.
6. Document the decision: Transparency is key—record why a particular decision was
made, referencing ethical guidelines.
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11. CLASS ACTIVITY
• Prompt for Students:
• "Imagine you are an engineer working on a project.Think of a
situation where you face an ethical dilemma—something that
involves making a difficult decision between two conflicting choices.
The dilemma should involve factors like public safety, honesty,
fairness, or professional integrity.Write your case study in 5 to 7
lines, including details like:
• What the dilemma is.
• The conflicting choices you face.
• The potential consequences of each choice."
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12. CONCLUSION
• Summary:
• Engineering ethics are crucial for maintaining public trust and safety in
engineering projects.
• The NSPE Code of Ethics provides clear guidelines to help engineers
make ethical decisions.
• Through real-world case studies, engineers can learn how to apply these
principles effectively.
• FinalThought: Ethical decision-making in engineering is an ongoing
learning process, and the NSPE Code of Ethics is a vital tool for ensuring
responsible and professional conduct.
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13. END