The May Ethical Dilemma: The Clairvoyant Engineer

Engineer Ben is hired by Client X to develop a design for a project. After Ben develops what he believes to be the best design and meets with Client X to discuss the design plans and specifications, Client X and Ben enter a dispute concerning the project’s ultimate success.

By |2023-06-27T16:09:41-06:00May 15th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|16 Comments

The April Ethical Dilemma: Reviewing the Work Of Another Engineer

Engineer Wally performed design services for a client and also agreed to perform inspection services during the construction phase of the project. Owing to factors beyond the control of the client, work does not proceed to the construction phase, and therefore, Wally does not perform inspection services.

By |2023-06-27T16:10:03-06:00April 17th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|15 Comments

The March Ethical Dilemma: Sometimes Silence is Golden

Engineer Russell offers a homeowner inspection service in which he performs an engineering inspection of residences by prospective purchasers. Following the inspection, Russell renders a written report to the prospective purchaser.

By |2023-06-27T16:10:28-06:00March 20th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|16 Comments

The February Ethical Dilemma: Can a Proposal Be Too Detailed?

A village board made known its interest in receiving what it called “proposals” in connection to a contemplated water project, with an estimated construction cost of $500,000, to be financed in part with funds under a federal-aid program.

By |2023-06-27T16:10:45-06:00February 17th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|25 Comments

The January Ethical Dilemma: Referring Work to a Former Firm

Engineer Albert, principal in ABC Engineers, P.A., retires and sells his stock to ABC. He takes a 25% down payment with the remaining balance to be paid over a period of five years. After retirement, he offers his services to various clients as an advisory consultant—one who is not involved in design or planning, but rather assists them in decision-making.

By |2023-12-22T14:33:42-06:00January 16th, 2023|Ethical Dilemma|24 Comments

The November Ethical Dilemma: Grandfathered Projects Have It Easier

Engineer Troy serves as a director of a building department in a major city. Troy has been concerned that as a result of a series of budget cutbacks and more rigid code enforcement requirements, the city has been unable to provide...

By |2023-03-27T14:59:21-06:00November 14th, 2022|Ethical Dilemma|21 Comments

The September Ethical Dilemma: Designed for his own bid?

Engineer Arthur, a principal in a local consulting engineering firm, practicing as a professional corporation, who also is a principal owner in a construction contracting firm, prepared plans and specifications for the design...

By |2023-02-22T08:25:53-06:00September 19th, 2022|Ethical Dilemma|13 Comments