Case Repository - AI Ethical Decision-Making Simulator

2025

Community Engagement for Infrastructure Projects

Case #24-04

Questions

Should Engineer M challenge the validity of Firm DBA’s report?
Should Engineer M raise any concerns with the City, as the client, and, if so, how?
Are Firm DBA’s actions ethical? Even though Firm DBA is not providing engineering services, are they required to abide by NSPE’s Code of Ethics?

Conclusions

Engineer M should challenge the validity of Firm DBA’s report as Firm DBA did not abide by the Code in a number of instances.
Engineer M should first confer with Firm DBA to correct all discrepancies in the report. If no agreement can be made going forward, Engineer M should confer with the City to outline the ethical obligations. Engineer M should also consider any obligations they may have to report to the state licensure board.
The actions of Firm DBA are not ethical under the Code as the services provided were under the supervision and ownership of licensed professional engineers.

2015

Misrepresentation - Changes Made to Engineer’s Report

Case #15-2

Duty to the Public Engineering Document Associating with Others Firm Name Unethical Practice by Others Misrepresentation/Omission of Facts Professional Reports, Statements, Testimony Plans/Specifications | Synthesis Find Similar

Questions

What are Engineer A’s obligations under the circumstances?

Conclusions

Engineer A has an obligation to seek an understanding of his company’s actions and, if there is an effort to misrepresent the conclusion contained in Engineer A’s report, to seek an immediate correction by contacting appropriate authorities, including the state engineering licensure board and other enforcement officials as appropriate.

1998

Gifts To Foreign Officials - Application Of Code Of Ethics To Non-U.S. Engineers

Case #98-2

Associating with Others Firm Name Political Contributions, Gifts, Commissions Licensure Laws | Synthesis Find Similar

Questions

Would it be ethical for Engineer A, an NSPE International Member governed by the laws of his home country and the local practices, to provide cash payments or in-kind property to public officials...

Conclusions

It would not be ethical for Engineer A to provide cash payments or in-kind property to public officials in foreign countries in order to obtain and retain business from those public officials.