This is the second part of SW1 on the topic of Moral Dilemma.

Open the shared YouTube case – Ethical

Dilemma of a Civil Engineer, then using your knowledge of moral dilemmas, resolve the situation. If you
were the moral agent, which option would you choose? Defend your option without committing the
fallacy of “going around the bush” or using details of the case presented as your proof.

Predicaments and dilemmas in the career field and workplace are inevitable and uncontrollable
creating tests on a professional’s response and action towards it. Generally, the code of ethics then clearly
outlines the behavioral guidelines and establishes the foundation for a vigilant warning; hence, it
compromises the possible conflict of interests between the client and the experts on line.
Engineers are also confronted with situations in which they must make rational snap judgments on
ethical quandaries. Most ethical complexities involve a clash between underlying principles of right and
wrong. Engineers are now guided to make moral choices with the aid of a code of ethics.
To reiterate, in the given case study, the engineer-in-charge, Ahmed, and his chief, in an
engineering consultancy company had a contradicted plan for one of their big project with the
government. It is to design a new road to which Ahmed immediately complied. The preliminary design
for the new road has been passed to his supervisor, and the disagreement begins. Spitting facts, the
engineer opposed modifying the preliminary design, simply because it is impractical and costly. Under
the fundamental canon in the code of ethics, it is firmly stated that engineers shall issue public statements
only in an objective and truthful manner. Significantly, engineers may express publicly technical opinions
that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter (NSPE, 2019). The
judgment of Ahmed is reasonable but with due consideration to his boss, the boss explained that the
proposal is quite unfavorable since the road-to-be-built is distant from the government’s land. On the
civil engineer’s side, the issue holds him under pressure and threat given that his boss argued about the
staff losing their job in the company because they will not be able to get future contracts with the
government.
As a civil engineer, I have to acknowledge the point of argument of my boss and by giving that, it
involves setting aside my emotional outburst and his unexpected extreme rage to be able to concentrate
and contemplate, professionally. As it is one decision to be made, I have agreed to what my chief
suggested regarding the modification of the project design scheme. Though I believe, it will be
impractical and pulls expensive funds, I also questioned my first draft as to what will be the purpose of
the road if it’s not near to the government establishments.
Roads make a crucial contribution to economic development and growth and bring important
social benefits (Malkoc, 2015). The road-to-be-built function is for the people’s welfare as it is subject to
give them access to the government, is convenient to their needs, and is fare-friendly. Having access to
the government with a road design close to them will gain connectedness from people to authority. Given
that, they will be able to experience the public services to any their urgent extent. It is also convenient for
their needs as we know, this is where offices for employment, social health, and public concerns are
located. And it is fare-friendly in a way that the road structure itself is closed. Realistically, the budgetary
estimation for the modified road design, recommended by the chief there will be none of a need will be
presented to the government; therefore, will enable them to check if the fund needed meets the
government allocation plan. With that, this will make us, the company, and the government meet halfway.
Once agreed, the project will officially start.
 In conclusion, road structures are one of the most vital public assets as they will make way for
people from other people and infrastructures. Consequently, as a moral agent of this ethical dilemma,
there is a need for adjustment on my part and that is complying with my chief’s recommendation,
especially that this is a government project; hence, the beneficiaries are the individuals living in the
community.