Ethics Cases in Professional Practice

Abstract

This forum article is a continuation of a regular series of columns on engineering ethics. The column has been generated, in part, by an interactive discussion on the Internet. The focus of the Ethics Case program is to present real situations taken from professional practice in order to stimulate greater attention to ethical issues and to allow Internet Web site visitors the opportunity to avoid similar pitfalls in their own careers. In addition to presenting results from the Internet discussion, the article includes an overview of the Public Broadcasting Network five-part television series, Building Big. Episodes covered construction of bridges, design and construction of domes, skyscrapers, engineering challenges and social consequences of dams, and design and construction of tunnels. The column concludes with a summary of results from a survey of faculty advisors conducted by the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Committee for Student Activities (CSA). Survey questions addressed seven topics: faculty advisor roles, specific chapter/club activities, workshops for student chapter leaders, national ASCE competitions, funding, ASCE contact member roles, and specific comments/criticisms of the CSA.