E126: Ethics in Engineering and Business
Fall 2014, 4 units
Lecture: MW 10:00-11:00AM, C220 Cheit Hall
Discussion: F 2:00-4:00PM, C220 Cheit Hall
Course Description
Rarely can we separate ethical questions into either the realm of business ethics or the realm of engineering ethics. Engineers are frequently put in positions that affect business and vice versa. In many instances it is difficult to analyze an ethical issue from a single perspective. This course takes a hands on approach to understanding ethics through the use of case studies and discussions with representatives from industry. In this class we will consider both business ethics and engineering ethics an attempt to create a system of values to help facilitate students in their future endeavors. Assignments include individual reflections on case studies. Students will be asked to analyze theses case studies from both an engineering and business perspective and make conclusions that try to satisfy both.
Objectives
- Analyze ethical issues from both a business and engineering viewpoint
- Understand compromises between business and engineering from an ethical perspective.
- Practice communication and presentation skills (especially about technical subjects to a nontechnical audience)
- Be able to identify ethical dilemmas and have a basic familiarity with approaching the problem
- Recognize and become familiar with different ethical philosophies
- Reflect upon the current role of ethics in the engineering and business industries and how it is effective or can be changed
- Differentiate between responsibility to self, society, government
Logistics
- Piazza will be our main course tool. You will be able to download course materials and announcements.
- We will go field trip on 11/27. Let me know if you cannot attend on the day. I can provide alternative way to fulfill the requirement.
- We will use Facebook group to post everything what you need to submit since you guys are on Facebook 24/7.
- There is no textbook for this class, save the Earth!
Assignments and Evaluation
Participation (35%)
Each student is expected to attend all lectures and discussion unless previously discussed with the instructor. The main purpose of this course is to develop your communication skills; active participation will be required, especially during discussions on Fridays.
Written Essay Responses (20%)
Throughout the school year, we will be watching two films (topic of films to be decided based upon student voting in the beginning of the semester) and a written response reflection will be required for one of the films. (Although not mandatory, you may choose to write a response on the other film as well and the highest grade between the two reflections will be counted) There will also be a written midterm where students will have to reflect upon the differences and similarities (if there are any) between managerial and engineering ethics and whether the two have the same expertise and responsibilities.
Case Study Report (25%)
Students will form a group of 4 students and research an ethical case study of their choice. Each student will analyze the decisions made during the dilemma from both an engineering and business managerial viewpoint and compare and contrast the two. Students will then create a 20 minute presentation discussing their findings and lead a discussion with the class.
Interview Report (20%)
Near the middle of the course, students will be required to conduct an interview with an industry personnel (preferably one that has a technical background and has transitioned into management or vice versa). A list of questions will be provided to help you start the conversation but it is completely up to you what you want to get out of the interview.
CPA Students
Students who are interested in taking the Certified Public Accounting Examinations upon graduation are required to take 10 units of Ethics Related courses in addition to their Accounting and Business Related Courses. The Haas School of Business currently offers 7 units that count towards your Ethics Related course work, but with this class. Engineering 126 will allow student to fulfill their CPA Ethics requirements within the business school.
Interesting proposal, and good supporting arguments. some additional analysis and supporting arguments are needed. You can choose to do these within the body of this syllabus (which is the “kick-start” of your proposed projects – ie the offering of a E126 course). Or you can choose do so in a short paragraph preceding the syllabus. A syllabus also typically includes a reading list. If you’ve thought at all about the kinds of readings that may be relevant for your course, it would be iteresting to include those thoughts.
who will be taking this course? how large is the course? are there GSIs?
your objectives don’t list anything about communication skills, or iteraction about students from the two disciplines (business and engineering). this is briefly alluded to in one of the latter sections.
I want to emphasize that we will be evaluating if it is possible to implement the proposal. For example, could this be a student run DeCal course (http://www.decal.org/)?
4 units is also implies that there will be approximately 12 hours of course work each week (which is one more unit than E125). What will students be doing for these 12 hours? Reading? Discussing? Working on projects?
Grading comments:
Interesting idea, and good analysis. Some development of the analysis and the implementation of the idea is still needed.
“Understand compromises between business and engineering from an ethical perspective.”
By using the word “compromises” you’re implying a conflict between business and engineering ethics. Sometimes the two have competing objectives, but many other times there are synergies that arise. You’re proposing a course to merge the business ethics with engineering ethics, but the content and the discussion in this proposal presents them as two separate, non-overlapping entities.
“Rarely can we separate ethical questions into either the realm of business ethics or the realm of engineering ethics.”
You should better explain how your course brings the two together. How do engineering and business students learn to find a common language, and to work jointly on exploring, defining, and addressing ethical issues that arise in engineering and business?
“Differentiate between responsibility to self, society, government.”
Why is this important? Why the “differentiate” word choice as opposed to “explore,” or “define?”
Just posted final revised proposal on class blog