PART A

1. Define respect for authority

Respect for authority means recognizing and following the lawful instructions, rules, and decisions of
superiors or governing bodies while maintaining ethical judgment and professionalism.
2. What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process in which employees, through their unions, negotiate with
employers to decide wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment terms.
3. What are professional rights?
Professional rights are the rights of individuals to practice their profession with dignity, fair treatment,
freedom of expression, recognition of skills, and protection from exploitation.
4. What are employee rights?
Employee rights include fair wages, safe working conditions, reasonable working hours, job security,
equality, privacy, and the right to form or join trade unions.
5. Define intellectual property rights (IPR).
Intellectual Property Rights are legal rights given to creators to protect their inventions, designs, ideas,
and creative works from unauthorized use or copying.
6. What is meant by corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
CSR refers to the responsibility of companies to operate ethically by contributing to economic
development, protecting the environment, and improving the quality of life of society.
7. What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any illegal activity carried out using computers, networks, or the internet, such as
hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and data breaches.
8. What is meant by data privacy?
Data privacy refers to the protection of personal and sensitive information from unauthorized access,
misuse, or disclosure.
9. What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is development that meets present needs without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.
10. What is meant by conflict of interest in consulting?
A conflict of interest occurs when a consultant’s personal, financial, or professional interests interfere
with their duty to provide unbiased and honest advice to a client.
PART B
1. Explain the concepts of safety and risk in engineering practice
Safety and risk are two fundamental concepts in engineering practice that guide decision-making and
design.
Safety
Safety refers to the condition in which the risk of harm to people, property, and the environment is
minimized. Engineers are ethically responsible for ensuring that their designs, systems, and processes
do not pose unacceptable dangers to users or society. Safety is achieved by following engineering
standards, codes, proper testing, quality control, and regular maintenance.
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an undesirable event may occur and cause harm. It is usually defined as a
combination of:
• The probability of failure
• The severity of its consequences
Relationship between Safety and Risk
• Absolute safety is impossible because uncertainty always exists.
• Engineers aim to reduce risks to an acceptable level, not eliminate them completely.
• Risk assessment helps engineers identify hazards and apply control measures.
Conclusion
Ethical engineering practice requires identifying risks, reducing them as much as reasonably possible,
and ensuring public safety above personal or organizational interests.

2. Explain risk–benefit analysis with suitable examples

Risk–benefit analysis is a systematic process used to compare the potential risks of a project against
its expected benefits.
Steps in Risk–Benefit Analysis
1. Identify possible risks
2. Identify expected benefits
3. Evaluate the severity and probability of risks
4. Compare risks with benefits
5. Decide whether to proceed with mitigation measures
Example 1: Nuclear Power Plant
• Risks: Radiation leaks, waste disposal, accidents
• Benefits: Large-scale electricity generation, low carbon emissions
If safety systems are strong and benefits outweigh risks, the project may be approved.
Example 2: New Medical Device
• Risks: Side effects, malfunction
• Benefits: Saves lives, improves health
Testing and approvals reduce risks before use.
Conclusion
Risk–benefit analysis helps engineers make ethical and informed decisions by balancing technological
progress with public safety.

3. Explain intellectual property rights (IPR) and their significance for engineers
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights that protect creations of the human mind such as
inventions, designs, software, and artistic works.
Types of IPR
• Patents: Protect inventions and innovations
• Copyrights: Protect software, books, and designs
• Trademarks: Protect brand names and logos
• Trade secrets: Protect confidential technical knowledge
Significance for Engineers
• Encourages innovation and creativity
• Protects inventions from unauthorized copying
• Provides financial benefits through licensing
• Enhances professional recognition
• Promotes research and development
Conclusion
IPR plays a crucial role in motivating engineers to innovate while ensuring legal and ethical use of
technology.

4. Discuss the causes and effects of discrimination in the workplace

Workplace discrimination refers to unfair treatment of employees based on personal characteristics
rather than merit.
Causes of Discrimination
• Gender, caste, religion, or racial bias
• Cultural stereotypes and prejudice
• Lack of awareness and education
• Unequal power structures
 • Poor organizational policies
Effects of Discrimination
• Low employee morale and motivation
• Reduced productivity and creativity
• Mental stress and health issues
• High employee turnover
• Legal consequences and damaged reputation
Conclusion
Discrimination is unethical and harmful. Organizations must promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
to ensure a healthy workplace.

5. Is zero risk achievable in engineering projects? Critically analyze

Zero risk is not achievable in engineering projects due to uncertainties such as material failure, human
error, and environmental conditions.
Reasons Why Zero Risk Is Impossible
• Natural disasters cannot be fully predicted
• Human errors may occur
• Materials have limitations
• Complex systems increase uncertainty
Risk Reduction Measures
• Safety factors in design
• Testing and simulations
• Quality control and inspections
• Compliance with standards and codes
Ethical Perspective
Engineers must aim to reduce risk to acceptable levels and ensure informed consent of stakeholders.
Conclusion
Ethical engineering does not demand zero risk, but it requires responsible risk management and public
safety protection.

6. Explain the impact of globalisation on engineering ethics

Globalisation has increased international collaboration, outsourcing, and competition in engineering.
Positive Impacts
• Knowledge sharing across countries
 • Access to global talent and resources
• Faster technological development
Ethical Challenges
• Different countries follow different safety and labor standards
• Pressure to reduce costs may affect safety
• Environmental exploitation
• Data privacy and intellectual property issues
Role of Engineers
• Follow universal ethical principles
• Respect cultural differences
• Ensure safety and sustainability globally
Conclusion
Globalisation increases ethical responsibility and demands higher professional integrity from
engineers.

7. Explain the importance of environmental ethics in modern engineering projects

Environmental ethics deals with moral responsibilities towards nature and the environment.
Importance
• Prevents pollution and environmental damage
• Promotes sustainable use of resources
• Protects biodiversity
• Ensures compliance with environmental laws
• Safeguards public health
Role of Engineers
• Design eco-friendly technologies
• Reduce waste and emissions
• Promote renewable energy
• Conduct environmental impact assessments
Conclusion
Environmental ethics ensures that engineering development does not harm present or future
generations.

8. Explain the role and responsibilities of engineers as managers

Engineers often take managerial roles in organizations.
Roles
• Planner
• Leader
• Decision-maker
• Coordinator
• Controller
Responsibilities
• Managing resources and budgets
• Ensuring safety and quality
• Ethical decision-making
• Team leadership
• Meeting deadlines
• Conflict resolution
Conclusion
Engineers as managers must balance technical efficiency with ethical and social responsibilities.

9. Explain the purpose and significance of a code of ethics

A code of ethics is a formal set of guidelines for professional behavior.
Purpose
• Guide ethical decision-making
• Define acceptable conduct
• Protect public interest
Significance
• Promotes honesty and integrity
• Builds public trust
• Prevents unethical practices
• Enhances professional reputation
• Encourages accountability
Conclusion
A code of ethics serves as a moral framework for professionals in complex situations.
10. Can a code of ethics alone prevent corporate scandals? Analyze
A code of ethics alone cannot prevent corporate scandals.
Reasons
• Lack of enforcement
• Weak leadership commitment
• Greed and unethical culture
• Poor corporate governance
What Is Also Needed
• Strong leadership
• Ethical training
• Transparent systems
• Whistleblower protection
• Legal enforcement
Conclusion
A code of ethics is necessary but not sufficient. Ethical culture and accountability are essential to
prevent corporate scandals.