Ethics in Engineering
Ethics refer to the general code of conduct or principles required in a specific field or that which a person has set to govern their lives. Just like any other field of study, engineering also requires specific set of rules to ensure that there is proper sailing in the field. The ethical standards in engineering are essential in that they ensure the individuals in the field maintain honesty and integrity. Also, they enable an individual select the relevant and appropriate ways for completing a given task. Without the ethical standards, execution of skills will not be efficient. As people execute their daily duties, they come across various situation which may tend to compromise their ethical standards. The following discussion will particularly look into two primary ethical decisions in engineering, namely Proper Engineering Decision (PED) and a Proper Management Decision (PMD). Also, it will offer distinct differences that will enable the reader make appropriate conclusions and select the proper decision to implement on a given case. Thereafter, it will consider the form of ethical decision making process ought to be implemented in the chemical spill case.
A Proper Engineering Decision (PED)
A Proper Engineering Decision (PED) refers to any decision that is made and arrived upon by the engineers concerning technical issues or the engineering codes. These ethical decisions must be executed by a professional individual, who has studied engineering properly and has acquired the necessary skills that qualify them to be reliable engineer. They include matters on safety, health and how to handle various projects. The sole purpose of such decisions is to ensure the safety of the general members of the public. An individual lacking knowledge in engineering may not be able to implement such decisions.
Proper Management Decision (PMD)
Proper Management Decision (PMD) refers to the decisions made and arrived upon by the general management of a factory. Such decisions are meant to ensure the general well-being of the organization and its workers. Such decisions encompass marketing, cost, employment and welfare of the employees. For one to make appropriate PMD decisions, they need not have a background in engineering. Nonetheless, knowledge in engineering may play a critical role in ensuring that they do not make decisions which may interfere with the projects professionally. Also, these decisions ensure that the engineers do not compromise on the various health and moral standards in order to complete a given project.
Differences Between PED and PMD
One major difference between the PMD and the PED is the fact that PMDs do not necessarily require knowledge in engineering to be implemented. Their sole purpose is to ensure the safety of the individuals and organization involved. The engineers must first formulate the PED in accordance to the given project. Thereafter, they amend the given PED by formulating reasonable PMDs. Nonetheless, for the PMDs to be proper and functioning, they must meet specific codes of engineering. As much as they managers in charge of formulating the PMDs are all about safety, they must consider the engineering standards of the project. They need not have a background in engineering. Nonetheless, they must run their decisions with an engineer to endure maximum safety.
Another notable difference between the two decisions are the people involved in formulating the decisions. For a project to be rendered complete and safe, it must pass the proper engineering and health standards, The PEDs are put in place to ensure that the engineering standards of the project are maintained. In some instances, the data and information provided on the project may compromise on some health and safety standards. Those in charge of formulating the PMD must ensure that all the engineering and design standards meant for the project pass the proper safety standards. If not, they should point out the sectors that may be controversial and request amendment. Those formulating these decisions must also ensure that the engineers are not cornered into designing decisions which may harm the public in the long run.
Case Study: Chemical Spill
When designing a company, the managers need to ensure that the design will meet the required standards. Also, they need to ensure that its running will not affect the individuals in the plant, in the future. The given case is a good example of a Proper Management Decision, as it involves the operation of the firm, rather than its initial design. As the company continues it work, it may experience several derailments due to poor maintenance. For instance, when Stephanie carried out a research to investigate the amount of oil spill, she deduced that there were reasonable amounts of oil believed to be leaking into the environment. The manager, Adam was however in denial of the given report as this would portray him as a poor manger. Also, he does not want to take responsibility over the spill thus attempts to force Stephanie to forgo the report. Stephanie insists on delivering the report to the state as she believes that the working conditions in the firm are not suitable for working. She therefore signs and delivers the report, ensuring that the proper management decisions will be employed in the future.
All said and done, both PEDs and PMDs are essential in ensuring that a project is not only effected, but also runs effectively. The two ethical decisions combined are meant to ensure that projects are completed and maintained properly. PMDs keeps the project on check and ensure that it is properly maintained even in the future. In doing so, the health of the workers and the project itself and preserved.
