Name: Muhammad Hammad Wasim (ME-2150), Abdul Rehman (ME-21048), Abdul Ahad (ME-

21062)

Department & Section: Mechanical Engineering & Section A

Assignment 2 (CLO 3, PLO8)

In the book Engineering Economic Analysis by Donald G. Newnan, Ted G. Eschenbach,
Jerome P. Lavelle (Ed.11, 2012) on page no. 15 – 18, authors have discussed a topic called
‘Ethical Dimensions in Engineering Decision Making’. During the discussion, authors
have identified some ethical dilemmas for engineers, which may arise while doing
engineering economic analysis.

Requirements:

1. Read above mentioned topic from the book carefully (for understanding supportive
material can also be referred).
2. After reading what do you understand about term “Ethical Dilemma”, explain briefly.
3. Identify ethical dilemmas discussed by the authors and explain briefly in your own
words.
4. Find out and explain (briefly in your own words) atleast THREE examples (all
together) (preferably from recent past) related to these ethical dilemmas.
5. References must be list down in the end of your write up.
6. Word limit: minimum 500 words and maximum 1000 words (excluding
references).
7. Format: Typed, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font and standard
margins. Also cover all the assignment requirements heading wise.
8. Do not use ChatGPT for your writeup, otherwise your assignment will mark
as ZERO.

Explanation of Ethical Dilemmas

Engineers often face tough decisions where they have to choose between doing what is right

and meeting financial or business demands. Ethics in engineering is about making choices

that protect people, the environment, and public safety, even when these decisions might be

more expensive or difficult.

Sometimes, engineers are pressured to make choices that benefit companies but may have

negative effects on society. These challenges create ethical dilemmas that require careful

thinking and responsibility.

Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering Decision Making

1. Cost vs. Quality

A common ethical dilemma in engineering is choosing between cost and quality. Engineers

must decide whether to use high-quality materials that make products safer and more durable

or cheaper materials that save money but might not last long. For example, one case

discussed in the topic talks about a company that uses lower-quality materials in a bridge

construction project to cut costs. While this saves money, it puts public safety at risk because

the bridge may not be strong enough in the long run. Engineers must balance keeping costs

low with ensuring quality and safety.

2. Environmental Concerns

Another ethical issue arises when engineers work on projects that affect the environment.

Large projects like power plants, dams, or mining operations can provide jobs and economic

benefits, but they can also destroy ecosystems, pollute water, and displace communities. One

example from the topic shows a situation where a chemical company dumps waste into a

river to save money on waste disposal. This harms the environment and risks people’s health.

Engineers must find ways to design systems that reduce environmental harm while still being

practical for businesses.

3. Safety vs. Cost Considerations

Engineers also face ethical choices when it comes to safety. Companies often want to save

money by reducing safety measures, but this can put workers and the public at risk. One

example from the topic describes a construction company that considers using weaker

materials to build a dam because they are cheaper. However, this increases the risk of the

dam failing and causing a disaster. Engineers must advocate for safety, even when businesses

push for cost-cutting measures that could lead to dangerous consequences.

4. Professional Conduct and Conflicts of Interest

Engineers must also navigate ethical concerns in their professional relationships. They may

be offered gifts or incentives by companies in exchange for approving certain products or

contracts. For example, one scenario from the book describes an engineer being pressured to

approve a defective product because rejecting it could cause financial losses for the company.

Accepting these kinds of deals can lead to biased decisions that might endanger public safety.

Engineers have a responsibility to remain honest and transparent in their work and to reject

any form of bribery or unethical behavior.

Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering

The topic provides several examples of ethical dilemmas in engineering.

1. One example talks about a lifeboat that is overcrowded and sinking. The difficult choice

is whether some passengers should be sacrificed to save the rest. This situation is similar

to decisions engineers face when resources are limited. For example, when designing

safety features in buildings or transportation, engineers have to decide how to use the

available resources in the best way possible. Just like in the lifeboat scenario, they must
 make tough choices to ensure the greatest number of people are protected, even if some

compromises must be made.

2. Another example from the topic discusses a dam project where engineers must decide if

the benefits of building the dam outweigh the harm it could cause. Dams provide

electricity and water to many people, but they can also harm the environment and force

communities to move. Engineers must carefully consider both the advantages and the

negative effects before making a decision. Sometimes, companies or governments want to

push forward with big projects without fully addressing these problems. It is up to

engineers to find a way to reduce the harm while still allowing progress.

3. The last example explains how engineers may be pressured by companies to approve

unsafe projects just to save money. If an engineer speaks up, they might risk losing their

job. But if they stay silent, they could put many people in danger. This kind of situation

happens in many industries, such as car manufacturing, construction, and chemical

production. For instance, an engineer working for a car company might discover a

problem with the braking system but face pressure from their bosses to approve the

design anyway to avoid costly recalls. Engineers must have the courage to stand by their

ethical responsibilities and prioritize public safety over profits.

References

Engineering-Economic-Analysis-Donald-G.-Newnan-Ted-G.-Eschenbach-Jerome-P.-

Lavelle-(Ed.11 - 2012)

Engineering-Economy-William-G.-Sullivan-Elin-M.-Wicks-C.-Patrick-Koeling-(Ed.17-

2018)