GENG 215: Introduction to Ethics and Design

Homework 2 Form OA14

Mechanical Engineer with Electrical Problem Dr. Omar J. Al-Khatib, Coordinator

(Individual Homework Due Date: One Week)

Name: . ID: .

Learning Outcomes: F, G, H, J

A tenant filed a case in court complaining that house owner is not fixing his air-condition and not
giving regular maintenance as stated in the lease contract. The house owner claims that air-
condition low performance is due to tenant abuse. However, the house owner hired a mechanical
engineer (Engineer A) to check the AC system to solve the problem before going court.

When the mechanical engineer checked the AC system, he found no problem with it. He found a
major problem with the electrical wiring of the house. This problem might lead to a sudden short
electric circuit and eventually engulfing the entire house in flames.

Engineer A completed his work, and wrote a report about his findings and submitted for the
owner. However, the owner is not convinced about Engineer A finding, and hired another
engineer, which is Engineer B. Engineer B requested to review the report written by Engineer A
before checking the house.

Analysis Hint: think about the following issues before solving the case:
a- Think about the contract obligation between house owner and the engineer.
b- Would it be possible for the Engineer A to fix this problem?

Answer the following question:
1- What is the ethical dilemma in this case? (Write ethical and moral obligations) (30 POINTS)
2- What are the ethical issues involved in this case? Write two issues (20 POINTS)
Think of Moral/Ethical issues as:
a. Actions that have the potential to help or harm others
b. Any negative impact of project, action, or decision
3- (Ethical Framework): (20 POINTS)
What Engineer A should do in this case based on NSPE code of ethics Use two Canons?
4- (Moral Framework): (20 POINTS)
What Engineer A should do in this case based on Moral beliefs (religion, social, custom,
personal)?
5- Is it permissible for Engineer B to review the report written by Engineer A? Justify Answer
based on NSPE code of ethics. (15 POINTS)
6- (Preventive Ethics): (10 POINTS)
What could be UNETHICAL or IMROAL behavior in this case (Choose one)?

IMPORTANT: USE THIS SHEET AS A COVER PAGE WHEN SUBMITTING HOMEWORK