SME4901

ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Individual assignment 1

MUHAMMAD KHAIRI BIN OMAR HASSAN AM100133 4 SMP

The word engineering is defined as, the art or science of making practical application of the understanding of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the assembly of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants and also the action, work, or profession of an engineer. Ethics is defined as the rules of conduct known in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group. As members of this line of work, engineers are expected to display the highest standards of truthfulness and integrity. Engineering has a vital impact on the quality of life for all people. The services provided require honesty, impartiality, fairness and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behaviour that requires devotion to the highest principles of ethical conduct. Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics which examines and sets standards for engineers' obligations to the public, employers and the profession. In today's specialized technologically based society there is a great dependence on the sound judgment and honesty of the professional engineer. The further development of civilization, the conservation and management of natural resources and the improvement of the standards of living of mankind are greatly affected by the work of the engineer. For that work to be fully effective it is necessary not only has that engineers strived constantly to widen their knowledge and improve their skill but also that the community be willing to recognize the integrity and trust the judgment of members of the profession of engineering. For this to happen the profession must be recognized in the community for: Its skill in using technical expertise for the enhancement of human welfare. Its loyalty to the community, to employers and clients. Its honesty and impartiality in professional practice.

The three major Professional Engineering bodies to which engineers may be affiliated are: 1. The Board of Engineers (BEM), which is a statutory body governed by the Engineers Act 1967 and with which an Engineer must registered before he/she can be employed or practice as an Engineer. 2. The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), which is a learned society registered under the Societys Act. Membership is voluntary but the professional standards set by IEM for membership are accepted by BEM as qualifications for registration as a Professional Engineer (PE). Most PE are IEM members.

3. The Association of Consulting Engineers, Malaysia (ACEM), is a non-profit organization comprising of Consulting Engineers. Its objective is to promote the interest of Consulting Engineering as a profession.

Engineering Code and Ethics The engineering code and ethics examines and sets standards for an engineers obligation to the public, employers, clients and the profession. The standard code and ethics for an engineer differ for different engineering societies, like the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). The engineering codes and ethics also vary for different discipline or jurisdiction of engineering. They depends whether the engineer is serving a client, employed by the government, or an employee of an enterprise creating products. In most cases, engineers who are serving a client or employed by the government are the ones who follow the codes and ethics. The engineers who work in industries or corporations often rely on principles of business ethics rather than engineering ethics. The engineering codes and ethics were first developed in the 20th century to face shortcomings in the engineering profession after a series of structural failures in the early 20th century which had an impact on the engineering profession. As time moves on, the code of conduct is revised to face problems like bribery, and environmental protection. This is done to maintain the honour and prestige of the engineering profession and to create responsible and ethical engineers.

Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) BEM is a legal body governed by the Engineers Act 1967. An engineer must register with BEM before he/she can be employed as an engineer. BEM was formed on the 23rd August 1972. Its main role is to facilitate the registration of engineers and control the professional conduct and practice of registered engineers in order to look after the safety and interest of the public. BEM is the main engineering body here in Malaysia. The vision of BEM is:

The engineering services provided by Malaysian engineers are of world class quality with full regards to the public interest and safety in mind.

The mission of BEM is: To regulate engineering profession so as to ensure that professional engineering services provided in the country are in compliance with appropriate legislation and policies. Obtained from the official BEM website, the 5 main Code of Professional Conduct are: A Registered Engineer shall at all times hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. A Registered Engineer shall undertake assignments only if he is qualified by education and experience in the specific technical fields in which he is involved A Registered Engineer shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. A Registered Engineer shall act for each employer or client as faithful agent or trustee. A Registered Engineer shall conduct himself honourably, responsibly, ethically and lawfully so as to enhance the honour, reputation and usefulness of the profession.

Firstly, we analyse the first code of conduct, where it states that ; A Registered Engineer shall at all times hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. This means that a registered engineer must prioritize the safety and welfare of the public in all of his works, and he will be held responsible for accidents or faults in his work which causes harm to the public. This will force the engineer to be more careful and responsible about his work, indirectly improving the quality of his work. Next, we analyse the second code of conduct which states; A Registered Engineer shall undertake assignments only if he is qualified by education and experience in the specific

technical fields in which he is involved. This code of conduct tells the engineer to only undertake projects which are suited to his qualities and his specialization since the engineering field is very broad. For example, and electronics engineer should take part in a project which involves the construction of a bridge.

Problem Caused by Engineers In today's specialised technologically based world there is a great dependence on the sound judgment and integrity of the professional engineer. The further development of civilisation, the maintenance and management of natural resources and the improvement of the standards of living of mankind are greatly affected by the work of the engineer. For that work to be fully efficient it is necessary not only has that engineers strived constantly to widen their knowledge and improve their skill but also that the community be willing to recognise the integrity and trust the judgment of members of the profession of engineering. Firstly, to accept responsibility in making decisions dependable with the safety, health and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment. We are aware that most engineers do not follow this ethics nowadays. Not many cases of failures by engineers before this. A lot of building (civil engineering) collapses. Work is done by engineer more to money basis minded. Health and welfare of the public is ignored. Engineers shall continue their professional expansion throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision. Next, is to reject bribery. Before this no bribery cases are shown done by the engineers. But nowadays for a job to be done without any delay and within a short period of time, bribery happens. For example, recently the Hyundai Engineering and Construction in bribery scandal. Investigation begun into illegal payments allegedly made to army generals by Korea's largest builder. South Korean police have begun investigating six current and retired army generals on doubt of taking bribes from Hyundai Construction in connection with a construction contract awarded by the Ministry of National Defence. The construction order concerned work at Incheon International Airport. The senior military officers are alleged to have received 140 million won (US$117,000) in bribes from the company. To uphold and improve our technical competence and to undertake technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations also plays an important role for all engineers. World class training is given to all

engineers upon completing their studies today. Nothing much to worry about the experience because all fresh engineers are sent to a very good training to brush up their skills and to gain more experience. Whereby previously there was not enough training for fresh engineers because the equipment and teaching method which was not up to the standard of now. Training alone is not enough nowadays. Qualified interview should be carried on also.