How do engineers respond to ethical dilemmas that occur in practice? How do they view their individual and collective responsibilities? How do they make...
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How do engineers respond to ethical dilemmas that occur in practice? How do they view their individual and collective responsibilities? How do they make decisions before all the facts are in?
Using the space shuttle program as the framework, this book examines the role of ethical decision making in the practice of engineering. In particular, the book considers the design and development of the main engines of the space shuttle as a paradigm for how individual engineers perceive, articulate, and resolve ethical dilemmas in a large, complex organization. A series of in-depth case studies shows engineers at work on various stages of the project as they balance budgets, deadlines, and risks.
By documenting the historical development of a single system, the book provides a unique opportunity to explore the complex interactions between political, organizational, and technical pressures and engineering and management decisions. Both students and engineers will gain valuable insight into ethical dilemmas common to engineering practice and to ethical decision making.
Sommaire
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BACKGROUND
Low-Bid Ethics: Decision Making about Cost, Safety, and Deadlines
Engineering Ethics Framework
Engineering Ethics: The Common Ground between Individual Whim and Legality
Satisficing, Organizational Theory, and Other Theoretical Contributions to Engineering Ethics
POLITICAL AND TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, PLUS THE CASES
The Decision to Build the Space Shuttle: Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later
The Space Shuttle Main Engine: An Overview and Analysis
All-Up Testing versus Component Testing: Normative Practice or Flawed Judgment? AO Tischler: An "Ethical" Engineer (Alternatives to Whistle-Blowing)
Cost versus Schedule versus Risk: The Band-Aid Fix: A $3.5 Million Overrum in Test Stand Construction
Back to the Drawing Board or Normal Errors: Senate Investigations of the SSME Development Problems
A Judgment Call or Negligence: Maiden Voyage of the Challenger Delayed Six Months
Against the Odds: Ethical Decisions and Organizational Goals
Engineering Ethics and Risk Assessment
POSTCRIPT
The Challenger Accident: Engineering Design and Performance Decisions
Description of a Space Shuttle Mission
AO Tischler's Personal Commentary
Summary of Technical Issues Raised by the Covert Committee
Post-Challenger Redesign Activities of the Solid Rocket Boosters