Question

Question (1)

Discuss the difference between Ethics and Moral. why are civil Engineers governed by the code of conduct? Discuss Malaysia code of ethics and how it applies to the civil engineering profession.

Question (2)

In view of globalisation discuss how engineers in Malaysia can meet and overcome the challenges and issues in civil Engineering and construction brought upon by globalisation.

Answer 1

Solution 1 – Basically MORALS are standards of behavior, these control persons behaviour and choices, moral can be good or bad(evil) ,An individual get these mainly from society or religion or self like –honesty, treat others like you want to be treated while in ETHICS there are predefined sets of rules for workplace,you have to follow. Morals can be shaped by your surroundings but ethics are predefined set of rule which organisations can frame for their respective fields

Civil engineers are governed by code of conduct because many time in field works there situation arises and conflict of ideas occur so the decision in that situation should be taken which is ethical correct and brings credit to profession, like as sometimes in construction work contractors use soil in place of sand or uses less diameter reinforcement bars or does not provide minimum depth of slab and then tries to bribe civil engineer of PROJECT QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT TEAM,so bribe acceptance is not ethical and sometimes situation arises of strike of workers than civil engineer have to be ethically correct and take decisions which credit organisation

MALAYSIA CODE OF ETHICS is applied to civil engineers as in situations like as-

1) If a document is signed by civil engineer then that should be prepared by him or under his supervision,it should not be like that some other unskilled person prepares and for sake of money civil engineer signs that document,in that case for any accident or hazard civil engineer will be responsible

2) A civil engineer should not reveal information of project without prior consent of client or employer because that is against code of conduct except in case when required by law or public safety is concerned

3) A civil engineer should authorize documents pertaining to his field only and should not sign documents in which he/she lacks knowledge,like as civil engineers cannot authorise the work of electrical engineers

4) Civil engineer have to be loyal to his profession and not to issue public statements or argument or criticise on technical matter inspired or paid by people/party,he can only put public opinions that are founded   upon his competence and knowledge of facts

5) A professional engineer should not work with another person/company without the approval of parent company or employer

SOLUTION 2 – Today Malaysia faces challenges in terms of international companies providing services in less cost,Engineering services are often out-sourced to companies/countries which provide the best value or lowest cost,

In today’s scenario engineers should have traits like-System thinking,passion ,innovative ability,adapt to change

The current education system have to be changed and new education system have to include science and engineering fundamentals,technical skills,soft skills ,

Main challenges are-

- To formulate and design a system or program to meet global needs,

-Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

-Business management skills and leadership skills

To meet these challenges ,malaysian education system /universities needs to formulate plans for reforming engineering education system,increase interaction with global civil companies should be increased,minimum delivery standards should be fixed ,academic staff should keep pace with technological developments,rewards and incentives should be promoted so as to recognize the good work of civil engineers,opt new trends in construction industry and keep up to date knowledge of civil engineers for civil equipments and new technologies