Construction Engineering

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Construction Engineering

Introduction

In professional engineering, adhering to the ethical requirements and standards especially in surveying is important. This is because it makes it possible for the two parties involved that is the engineer and the client, to abide to all the required rules and regulations to protect the relationship. On the other hand, having a binding and legal professional relationship improves the standards of the operation and the technical competence of those involved. Professional ethics are therefore there to recognize that engineers have a duty and a responsibility to act dutifully at all times. In this case study, there are certain conflicts of interests that exist between the engineer and two clients. This paper will evaluate the ethical issues in the case study titled The second Time Around, then understand the rules of conduct and further on identify the solutions that are best fitted to avoid ethical issues.

The first ethical issue identifiable in this case is that the engineer intends to use the drawings and designs that were prepared for another firm to service another interested party. This is the first breach of ethical conduct because the deal may be unfair against the original contractors. This means that using the plans of another client may interfere with the professional trust and reputation that the contractor has built because it denies the first company the merit of having been the first to agree to the contraction agreement. To make this right, the original client ought to be informed so that their opinion and authorization is given to avoid appearing as an inconsiderate contactor.

The second ethical issue is that engineers should always make it there priority to exercise fairness because their first duty is to the public before themselves. In this cases study however, this is not the case. This is because the decision on how much the cost is going to be might be biased if the price is not well reasoned out. This is to say that the engineer ought to consider all the additional costs, procedures, the issue of patents and decide the place of the original client in making a bid to the project before involving another client. This will create a big conflict of interest that may challenge the authenticity of the engineer.

Rules of Conduct

The rules of conduct provide for these kinds of issues and they are there to ensure that the engineer maintains professionalism and that the client receives quality service. Dealing with interactions protecting both parties equally shows that the rules of ethics are crucial in operations. For instance, in handling the first conflict, the original contracting party should be notified of any intentions to use any drawings or earlier contracts that may affect it in any way. This is as notified as seen under the Rules of Professional conduct, I (d) that states, “Licensees shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in as such reports, statements or testimony.” This means that the engineering contractors have a duty and responsibility to be open and truthful to their clients especially concerning their services.

In addition, besides disclosing, it is important that all the conflicts of interest are exposed and discussed in a wider platform. This is such that, in every professional relationship, there is prior consent from both clients especially the original one to ensure that the every single action is authorized and legal. This is provided in Rules of Professional conduct, II (d) stating that, “Licensees shall not reveal facts, data, or information obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law.” It is further supported in II (f) “Licensees shall make full prior disclosures to their employers or clients of potential conflicts of interest or other circumstances which could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their service.”

Lastly, in the second conflict concerning the correct fee for this process and the right activity for the same, part II (g) that states, “Licensees shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.” This means that it is not viable for the project to be carried out at a price that has not been cautiously calculated and identified as reasonable in the first place. In addition, the both projects are two distinct ventures and ought to be treated as such upon completion.

Solutions

Upon evaluation of the rules of conduct, there are certain solutions suitable for this case scenario. The first one is that, the parties concerned should realize that there are no identical projects and all of them should be treated as such. The main solution in this case therefore means that one could offer to review original calculations based on what makes this other project profitable for the company. Once this is made possible, it is easier for Zeller to make adjustments, do calculations, and at the same time avoid creating conflict between the two.

Secondly, the other solution is to ensure that the engineer has followed all the right procedures such as informing the original clients and ensuring that all concerns are addressed. This could mean that the project designs may be patented and that the original contractors may find a way to protect their project design from other companies if they find it fit to do so. Similarly, this effort ensures fairness and the reassurance that an engineer is not out to betray either sides or that ever action taken is for the goodness of both sides.