Question

Johan, a quality control engineer at ABC Engineering, has a problem. ABC had won the contract with USAWAY to supply a product subject to the requirement that all parts are made in the USA. Although the original design clearly specifies that all parts must satisfy this requirement, one of ABC's suppliers failed to note that one of the components has two special bolts that are made only in another country. There is not enough time to design a new bolt if the terms of the contract are to be met. USAWAY is a major customer, and not meeting the deadline can be expected to have unfortunate consequences for ABC. Johan realizes that the chance of USAWAY discovering the problem on its own is slim. The bolts in question are not visible on the surface of the product. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that those who work on repairs will notice that the bolts are foreign made. In any case, ABC is also under contract to do the repairs. Meanwhile, it can work on a bolt design so that it will be ready with USA made bolts when, and if, replacements are needed. Johan lets the product go to USAWAY with the foreign bolts. List 1 (one) the most relevant codes in BEM Code of Professional Conduct that might had been violated by Johan. As quality control engineer in this case, briefly explain steps for Johan to take in order to make thing right for both ABC Engineering and USAWAY.

Answer 1

Note: The codes for BEM are based on same principle / logic. But, different country have different codes corresponding to same situation. Please confirm the codes of conduct as per your country norms.

The most relevant code which is violated is section 1 - The engineer must show highest integrity and act in professionally in faithful manner for both client and employer.

Johan has acted in unethical way, showing least integrity for the client. He may be charged for breach of several codes of conduct for professional engineers.

Other codes violated are -

Section 2 - Engineer must have highest regard for safety, health and welfare of public. In case the bolts fail and in some way lead to casualties, Johan can be charged for loss of life by knowingly allowing low quality work.

Section 9 - Uphold of appropriate compensation for loss of quality.
By hiding the facts, Johan is upholding compensation that USAWAY should get for loss of quality / replacement of bolts.

For Johan, delay in deliverable is least of the problem. Johan must disclose problem with current design. Hiding the same may lead to big consequences - even possiblity of losing licence to work as an engineer.

As quality engineer, Johan should take following steps :

1. Disclose the error, issue an appology - Disclose the mistake to ABC engineering as well as USAWAY. Johan must make sure that the same information is reached till USAWAY because it might happen that someone from ABC engineering might hide the information and USAWAY never knows.

2. Calculate loss of quality due to use of foriegn bolts, provide compensation for same to USAWAY.

3. Explain the expected delay for implying in-house designed bolt. If USAWAY cannot afford delay and are ok with foriegn bolts, go for it. If not, design bolt yourself and delivery at best rate. Whatever the action is taken, USAWAY must have clear picture.


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