Engineers are paramount and respected professionals in the society; hence, they are expected to uphold high standards of ethics at all times. Tim realized that they could not meet the deadline because of the failure of one machine. Out of the three options, the third option would be the best to apply to this scenario. One of the Engineering codes of ethics requires the engineer to be faithful and honest to the client (National Society of Professional Engineers 1). The next preferable option for Tim would be discussing the issue with Parker Products to see whether they can either extend their deadline or make another decision regarding their order.
Tim was responsible for every operation that took place in the production sector because he was in charge of quality control. He was supposed to undertake all quality control measures and ensure every machine works according to specifications. Tim should report the matter to Arnold, the Vice President of Product Engineering. Arnold would be furious about the issue, but Tim will be out of the dilemma by notifying the management of the problem promptly.
Version I: Tim decides to call Arnold
Scenario one: Arnold’s response gave Tim another headache. He was supposed to meet the deadline and produce quality results. Period!
Tim's decision towards Arnold's response mattered a lot. Under these circumstances, Tim would go straight to the management and report the issue. He should be ready to explain to the management what led to the breakage of the machine and be granted authority to use the old machine because it was as efficient as the new machine.
Scenario two: Arnold tells Tim to take the risk and ensure products are ready by the time Parker needs them irrespective of the quality
Under the above situation, Tim had no other alternative but to substitute the old machine with the new one and continue with the production process. However, the decision goes against the Engineering code of ethics, but it is worth the risk. If Tim failed to act in this manner, he would either lose his job or face a disciplinary action from the management.
Scenario three: Arnold is out of town, and Tim had to make decisions alone
The above scenario would be the most critical in testing Tim’s ability to make decisions. Tim should continue with the production process using the substitute machine, but inform Parker about the issue and explain how it was not possible to stop the production because they were supposed to meet the deadline.
Version 2: Tim calls Arnold
In the above scenario, Tim owes an explanation to Arnold as to why he had to deliver low-quality products to Parker without notifying him. Tim should claim that Arnold was not available during the time of machine breakage; hence, he assumed the leadership post and decided on the best option that would ensure Parker's demand is met.
Tim went ahead and approved substituting the new component of the machine with the existing component. When asked for the explanation by the management, Tim should argue he had no alternative because Parker wanted the product within the set deadline and Ruskin manufacturing needed the product delivered on time to avoid losing the contract. On the issue of quality, Tim would defend himself by claiming senior leaders in the production unit, Chuck and Arnold, left him to handle the issue alone. Additionally, he wanted to protect his career.
Part V: Tim substitutes the old component for the new one and neither of the party notices.
Tim's option of utilizing the old component was against the engineering code of ethics and inappropriate. An engineer should uphold high levels of honesty and integrity at all times irrespective of the situation. When faced with such dilemmas, engineers always find it easier to break the code of ethics and safeguard their careers and also keep the firm's reputation. Engineering companies should develop alternative codes aimed at supporting engineers when faced with an ethical dilemma, especially those arising from external pressures (Ingenia 44). The presence of such codes forms a better base for the engineer to argue when faced with a similar situation as in the case of Tim and Parker.
Works Cited
Ingenia. “Ethical dilemmas.” Ethical Dilemma, 46. (2011). 44-45.
National Society of Professional Engineers. Code of Ethics for Engineers. Virginia: National
Society of Professional Engineers. July 2007.
