Ethics-Engineering

You need to review two of the case studies and identify the sections in the IEEE Code of Ethics or NSPE Code of Ethics that apply to the case, followed by a brief discussion, and finally your conclusion that responds to the question. 

Case Study 1

ABC Inc. is a large company that sells computers, computer components, and software. Robert is hired as an entry-level software engineer ABC Inc. His first project was to assist in writing the code for ABC Inc.’s new hard disc controller. He had previously worked on a similar system interning at a start-up and had written a code which greatly enhanced the performance of their product. Robert quietly re-uses this same code in the ABC Inc. product, and does not think to tell anyone that he has used the code from his last job. His manager is thrilled with the speed improvements this code brings to the product.

Before the product is released, it has to undergo a four-month long quality assurance process review. During the review of the product, it was found the code which Robert developed had been copyrighted by the startup he had previously worked for. Even though Robert had developed the code, his previous company still owned the intellectual property rights to it.

When his manager informed Robert of the problem, Robert admits he did not realize he had made a mistake because he was not familiar with copyright laws. Robert then goes on to explain that the start-up he used to work for is now out of business and is unsure if ABC Inc. would be able to get in contact with the owner of the copyright. If ABC Inc. can’t use Robert’s code, then it will have to rewrite the entire code of the product, delaying its release by many months.

What should they do?

Case Study 2

Alberto is the head of engineering at a systems engineering company. His company has been contracted by a company, U-sub, to make firing assemblies for torpedoes. This contract calls for additional safety testing to ensure that the systems work properly.

The contract stipulated that it was the responsibility of Alberto’s company to pay for this expensive additional testing. However, the CEO reminds Alberto that their company is in financial trouble and asks Alberto to skip the extra testing and falsify the paperwork by saying that the testing had occurred and that the systems passed. He then goes on to tell Alberto that if he doesn’t sign off on the testing, he will be fired.

Alberto decides he cannot give in to his boss’s demands and quits. However, he suspects that his former boss will promote someone else who will be willing to sign off on the testing.

Should Alberto report the ethical violations of his former company?