Name: Neil G.

Llagas

Subject: MEAP422: ME Laws, Ethics, Contracts, Code & Std

Practical Exercise 1B - CASE Study Analysis

Case Study Analysis:

Introduction:

Engineer Joaquin Aragon, as the chief engineer in a large engineering firm, is faced with a
dilemma regarding the sealing of plans prepared by both registered and non-registered
engineers under his supervision. His actions raise ethical and legal concerns, especially
concerning the quality and safety of the designs.

Issues:

Sealing of Plans: Engineer Aragon affixes his seal to plans not prepared by registered
engineers, some of which are designed by non-registered, graduate engineers under his
general direction.

Lack of Detailed Review: Due to the volume of projects and the size of the organization,
Engineer Aragon finds it impractical to conduct a detailed review of all designs, relying instead
on his trust in the competence of his team.

Analysis:

Ethical Considerations:

Professional Responsibility: Engineers have a duty to ensure that their work meets the
required standards of professionalism, quality, and safety. Affixing a seal to plans without
thorough review compromises this responsibility.

Delegation of Authority: While it's acceptable to delegate tasks to qualified subordinates,

ultimate responsibility lies with the licensed professional affixing the seal. Engineer Aragon's
actions may exceed the reasonable limits of delegation.

Professional Integrity: Affixing seals without proper review undermines the integrity of the
engineering profession and erodes public trust in the competence and accountability of
engineers.
Legal Implications:

Regulatory Compliance: Engineering licensure laws typically mandate that only licensed
professionals can affix seals to engineering documents. Sealing plans prepared by non-
licensed individuals may violate these laws.

Liability: In the event of design flaws or failures, Engineer Aragon could be held legally liable
for approving plans without adequate review, especially if they result in property damage,
injury, or loss of life.

Organizational Challenges:

Workload Management: The high volume of projects necessitates efficient delegation and
oversight. However, sacrificing quality assurance for expediency poses significant risks.

Resource Allocation: Adequate resources, including time and personnel, should be allocated
to ensure thorough review and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Recommendations:

Compliance Review: Engineer Aragon should conduct a thorough review of the firm's
practices to ensure compliance with licensure laws and professional standards.

Quality Assurance Measures: Implement robust quality assurance processes, including

regular peer reviews, to uphold the integrity and safety of designs.

Training and Development: Invest in ongoing training and development programs to enhance
the skills and knowledge of engineering staff, ensuring they meet the required standards for
independent design and sealing.

Client Communication: Transparently communicate the firm's procedures and the role of
licensed professionals in overseeing design work to clients to maintain trust and confidence.

Risk Management: Develop protocols for identifying and mitigating potential risks associated
with delegated tasks and ensure appropriate levels of oversight are maintained.

Conclusion:

Engineer Joaquin Aragon's actions raise serious ethical and legal concerns regarding the
sealing of engineering plans without adequate review. Addressing these issues requires a
commitment to upholding professional standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and
prioritizing the safety and integrity of engineering designs.