Question

1. Tom is a civil engineer and working in a large construction project. Tom was assigned by his manager to look for steel suppliers for the project. Tom placed a newspaper advertisement for potential suppliers to bid. A potential supplier approached Tom, indirectly requested Tom to buy steel from his company. Then he invited Tom to an expensive dinner and a boat tour. Tom was planning to accept the dinner invitation and boat tour. (a) Identify the ethical situation in this case (if any) (b) Explain what Tom should do (c) Mention the relevant Rule of Practice or Professional Obligation (if any)

2. Nathan and Bill are electrical engineers. They are colleagues and working for a reputed private firm. One day Nathan saw that his colleague Bill is accepting a new laptop as a gift from a material supplier. Next day, Nathan talked with Bill about this and told him that this is not appropriate. Bill did not care. After a couple of months later, Nathan got to know that the same supplier has arranged a vacation (i.e., air ticket, hotel etc.) in Hawaii for Bill. (d) Identify the ethical situation in this case (if any) (e) Explain what Nathan should do (f) Mention the relevant Rule of Practice or Professional Obligation (if any)

Answer 1

1.(a) In this question  Ethical situation is Tom is listening to the supplier of steel and showing his own interest in the bidding process. But according to the code of Ethics engineers should not show his own interest in selecting suppliers.

(b) Tom should not go for any indirect request. and he should also not show his own interest in suppliers. There should be competitive bidding whoever will be the best in all aspects will supply steel.

(c) Here conflict of interest will arise. According to the code of Ethics, engineers can not show their own interest in competitive bidding as per professional obligation.

2. (d) Here the situation is Bill is accepting the bribe. But according to the code of Ethics bribe should not be taken or given.

(e) Nathan should convince Bill one more time. If this time also Bill does not care then Nathan should inform the truth of Bill to the head person of the Firm.

(f) According to the Code of Ethics Professionals should not offer or accept bribes.