Code of Ethics Workshop - Abbey & Jai

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Exploring Ethics in Engineering

ENGR90033: Internship – Workshop Presentation


Presenter 1 Presenter 2
Name: Abbey He Jai Phookan
Student ID: 949219 1210614
Agenda

● Introduction to Ethics & Ethics in Engineering


● Understanding the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics
● Ethical Decision-Making Process
● Case Study Analysis: Occidental Engineering's Dilemma
● Applying Ethics to Real-World Scenarios
● Discussion & Conclusion
What is Ethics?

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary…

“The principles of conduct governing an individual or a group”

“A set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values”

“The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral
duty and obligation”
Ethics vs Morals

Ethics Morals
● Set of rules or guidelines within a specific context ● Personal beliefs about right vs wrong
● Should be objective and guide behaviour of ● Often shaped by cultural, religious and familial influences
members
● More universal - code of conduct, company values ● Subjective and usually less likely to change
Engineer Australia’s Code of Ethics
As engineers, our role involves applying our expertise and abilities to develop solutions
that contribute positively to society and support a sustainable future.
Our primary commitment is to prioritize the welfare of the community, placing it above
personal or specific group interests.

1. Demonstrate Integrity 3. Exercise Leadership

2. Practise Competently 4. Promote Sustainability


Indicators of Attainment

1. Demonstrate Integrity 2. Practise Competently


Act ethically, honestly, and in a Undertake tasks within one’s capability &
trustworthy manner ensure ongoing development
Transparency & Objectivity Meeting Standards
Honesty Continuous Growth
Respect & Inclusivity Quality Assurance
Indicators of Attainment

3. Exercise Leadership 4. Promote Sustainability

Leading by example to promote Engineering solutions that fosters


ethical actions environmental and community
well-being
Reputation & Accountability
Sustainable Practices
Advocacy for Diversity
Future focused
Communicating Clearly
Economic, Social & Environmental
Impacts
Australian Computing Society Code of Ethics

1. Primary of Public Interest 4. Competence

2. Enhancement of Quality of Life 5. Professional Development

3. Honesty 6. Professionalism
Applying Ethical Decision Making
1. Stop and think
2. Clarify goals
3. Determine known and unknown facts
4. Develop options
5. Consider foreseeable results of the options
6. Refer to a code of ethics for guidance of areas to be mindful of
7. Consult with respected staff or outside professionals
8. Decide the course of action and take it
Applying Ethical Decision Making
Serves as a practical tool for exploring ethical dilemmas and identifying ethical
courses of action

1. Identify the Ethical Issues

2. Get the Facts

3. Evaluate Alternative Actions

4. Choose an Option for Action and Test It

5. Implement Your Decision and Reflect on the Outcome


Case Study - Occidental Engineering (½)
● Background: Wayne is a software engineer working on Operation Safe Skies, a critical project
that is vital for the company’s financial stability and future prospects.

● Competitive Pressures: Occidental had aggressively underbid to win the contract, leading to
underfunding and understaffing.

● Technical Issue: Wayne discovers a significant flaw in the software – it loses track of aircraft
under certain conditions. This is a major safety concern!

● Time constraints and Pressures: The bug fix requires over a month, but the contract deadline
is in three days. Missing it risks severe penalties, loss of future contracts, and extensive job
losses

● Ethical Dilemma: Wayne faces a moral conflict between delivering a potentially unsafe
product and the adverse consequences of missing the deadline.
Case Study - Occidental Engineering (2/2)
● Management Decision: The project manager, Deborah, decides to deliver the software
without fixing the bug, rationalizing that initial FAA tests won't reveal the issue and that it can
be fixed in a later update.

● Professional Integrity vs. Practical Considerations: Wayne is uncomfortable with delivering a


flawed product, however, the manager reassures him that there is no immediate danger

● Resolution and Aftermath: Wayne eventually agrees to certify the software. The software
passes the FAA's tests, and the bug is fixed in a subsequent update. The project's success leads
to more contracts for Occidental, saving and creating jobs. However, Wayne is troubled by his
decision and takes early retirement.

● Ethical Implications: The case raises questions about professional ethics, the responsibility of
engineers to ensure safety
END!
Any Questions?
Activity

1. Now that you’re aware of the context of the case study and the steps involved in the Ethical Decision
Making process, briefly suggest how you would have applied any of the steps in the process to decide
your course of action.
a. Please follow this link and have a brief read through the case study

https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more-focus-areas/engineering-ethics/engineering-ethics-cas
es/occidental-engineering-case-study-part-1/

b. Please join the link provided:


https://miro.com/online-whiteboard/board/jpBbi1Nf50kDS7Upu7IAazzltC1dFdoY/ and begin jotting
down your thoughts under the respective boards (5 minutes)

2. How would you apply the Code of Ethics to the case study? End with a short reflection on how we’ve
encountered ethics and ethical decision-making thus far in our internships?
Student Feedback
Presentation Stream: C
Presentation Subtopic: Code of Ethics
Link - https://go.unimelb.edu.au/yfa8

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