ENG1101 Ethics Case Studies

Below is a list of ethics case studies that you can choose from.

Name Description

Hyatt Regency (Civil)

In 1981 the suspended walkways in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri collapsed. The accident is the most devastating structural failure to occur in the United States, in terms of loss of life and injuries, with 114 deaths and more than 200 injured. More info....

Anhydrous Ammonia Hose Rupture (Mech)

A agricultural hose manufacturer began making hoses out of less expensive materials. They are later sued by several farmers for accidents caused by their hoses. More info....

Drive-by-wire (Computer)

Called "Embedded Systems", computers are now commonly used for controlling automotive functions. However, fault critical functions (like steering) have remained as mechanical systems even though there are known performance and cost benefits to using "steer-by-wire". More info …

PG&E Chromium Ground Water contamination (Geo/Envir) From 1952 to 1966, PG&E dumped water tainted with a cancer-causing chemical into unlined ponds, from which it seeped into Hinkley's water supply. Residents were not informed of the contamination until the late 1980's, and in 1993 they filed a lawsuit blaming the company for a spate of cancer- related illnesses. Throughout the proceedings, the utility stalled, insisting it was not to blame for the illnesses. This case brought public attention in the movie Erin Brockovich.

Engineered Materials and Cancer (Materials) A type of chemical used in everything from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant fabric coatings is coming under scrutiny, after animal tests showed a possible connection to cancer and birth defects. Environment Canada is conducting an assessment of perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, which are used to create products like the non-stick coating Teflon, the stain-repellent Stainmaster, and the waterproof membrane Gore-Tex. More info ...

$200 Billion Broadband Scandal (Computer/Electrical) By 2006, 86 million households should have been rewired with a fiber optic wire, capable of 45 Mbps, in both directions. The public subsidies for infrastructure were pocketed and the improvements were not made. The phone companies collected over $200 billion in higher phone rates and tax perks, about $2000 per household. More info ...

Stem Cell Research (Biomed)

In two papers published in Science, Hwang Woo Suk fraudulently claimed to have successfully created human embryonic stem cells by cloning. Investigation revealed ethical violations in the acquisition of human eggs used in the study and falsification of data. Both papers have been editorially retracted. More info ...

B.F. Goodrich - Air Force Brake Problem (Mech)

A company with a contract from the U.S. Air Force produced a report showing the brakes passed qualifying tests. An employee came forward stating the results in the report were falsified and, as one of the most famous whistleblowing cases in the literature, he was later hailed a hero. More info....

Kennecott Eagle Project - Yellow Dog Plains (Geo/Envir)

Kennecott Mining Company has applied for a permit to mine silver and copper near the Yellow Dog river (near Big Bay in the U.P.). The company claims to have plans to carefully follow the environmental regulations for mining, shipping and reclamation and states that the regulations ensure there will be no significant impact on the local environment (water, soil or air). Several environmental and conservation groups are actively opposing the development. More info ...

Ford-Firestone Tire Problem (Mech)

Vehicle accidents caused by tread separation, blowouts, and other failures, involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires have resulted in 174 deaths, over 700 injuries and 6000 complaints. Although there is evidence of faults by both Ford and Firestone, each company blamed the other for the accidents, making it one of the most notorious cases involving customer and automobile safety in recent years . More info....

Aberdeen Research Center (Chem)

Three engineers that managed Aberdeen, a U.S. Army facility where chemical weapons are developed, stated that their job description did not include responsibility for specific environmental rules. Should these engineers be held responsible for the Aberdeen facility not complying with environmental regulations? More info....

NASA Challenger Launch (Materials)

Seven astronauts were killed when the Challenger space shuttle exploded just over a minute into flight. The decision to launch the shuttle was made by NASA managers despite the engineers' concerns over questionable launch conditions. More info....

Matz, Childs and Associates (Civil)

A consulting engineering firm got involved in bribes and kickbacks given to elected officials by engineers working in the construction industry. The situation ultimately led to the disgrace and resignation of the vice president of the United States. More info....

Teton Dam (Geo)

Teton dam in Idaho failed, releasing millions of gallons of water and causing 14 deaths and between $400 million and $1 billion worth of damage. The failure was determined to be caused by lack of planning, foresight, and design by the engineers. More info....

Citicorp Center (Civil)

A manhattan building with an innovative structural design is built, but it is determined several years later that certain, unlikely wind conditions could cause the building's structure to fail. The structural engineer works with officials to solve the problem at the risk of his own reputation. More info....

Denver Runway Concrete (Civil)

When the Denver International Airport was near completion, several lawsuits were filed against the runway contractor. The main allegation of these lawsuits was that the contractor had altered the recipe for the concrete, making the concrete weaker, but the project more profitable. More info....

Intel Pentium Chip (Computer)

In late 1994, the media began to report that there was a flaw that could be detected by the user in the new Pentium microprocessor produced by Intel. The manner in which Intel responded to the problem left many users unhappy, which ultimately led to the voluntary recall of the chips. More info....

Valujet Crash (Mech)

Valujet was one of the generation of new discount airlines that offered cheap fares to Florida and other popular destinations. In 1996 one of Valujet's DC-9's crashed into the Everglades killing all 110 people on board, and it was later determined that the cause of the crash centered around the treatment of oxygen-generator canisters on board the aircraft at the time. More info....

Nanotechnology and Innovations in the Medical Field

(Materials)

The concept of nanotechnology is associated with the manipulation of matter at the scale of atoms and molecules, and although this technology promised to deliver numerous benefits to society, there are also concerns. Here you are asked to apply an ethical guideline known as the "precautionary principle" to generate a set of policy recommendations for the National Science Foundation. More info....

Three Mile Island (Chem)

Three Mile Island Nuclear Power accident was one of the most serious in the history of the U.S. nuclear industry. This case brings about interesting reform measures to ensure safe operation of other nuclear facilities in the US. More info....

Union Carbide (Chem)

A Chemical accident kills 10,000 people in one night and exposes 500,000 to toxic gasses. More info....

Boeing Co (Mech)

In two cases, a competitor's documents have been found in Boeing offices. Boeing was accused of theft --- ultimately costing them $1billion in government business. Also, the former CFO of Boeing talked with a former US Air Force official regarding employment while that official was evaluating projects that involved Boeing. More info....

Keyhole Heart Surgery (Biomed)

Open-heart surgery is extremely risky for the patient. To minimize patient risks a less invasive procedure was developed. Concerns have arisen regarding the FDA approval process (was it rushed and without complete testing of the procedure?). Secondly, the scientists, engineers and doctors have a significant interest in the financial gains of the procedure. More info....

Persistent Environmental Pollutants (Envir)

Several years ago, the world community banned several persistent organic pollutants (POPs). One was DDT; the developed world has banned it, but the developing world uses it for mosquito control. More info....

Technology in the developing world (Civil)

What are ethics involved in providing the developing world engineering services such as electricity or water? Some of the benefits and corresponding costs of technology are: reduced infant mortality, but population increases; a power distribution system is installed, but T.V. becomes readily available, road systems are built, but that permits governments to consolidate and centralize power and allows the military easy access to the countryside. More info....

THERAC-25 - Software Risks (Biomed)

Computers and software programs are frequently used in systems where safety is critical. The Therac-25 case is one where software design caused injury. Therac-25 is a computerized machine used in radiation therapy. In some cases, the patients received an overdose of radiation that caused death or serious injury. More info....

The Clinical Trials of the Artificial Heart (Biomed)

An artificial heart for humans is being developed. Currently, limited clinical trials are being performed. Who gets the device? Does it improve the quality of life for the patient? More info....

Columbia Space Shuttle (Mech)

The Columbia Space Shuttle disaster was caused by many decisions and technical problems. The technical issues centered around the foam on the structural supports for the wing. Many decisions were made that affected the safety of the astronauts and the administration of the NASA space program. More info....

Occidental Petroleum Platform (Chem)

In 1988, an off-shore oil production platform exploded due to a gas leak. The people working on the platform did not have adequate safety training in the event of a disaster. The employees and supervisors did not know how to deal with the gas explosion. More info....

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Chem)

In April 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant failed. This failure was due to a poor reactor design and the lack of safety training for employees. More info....

Alyeska (The Alaskan Pipeline) (Envir)

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company operates the 800-mile long, 48-inch diameter pipeline that transports crude oil from Alaska's North Slope to the marine oil terminal of Valdez in Prince William Sound. The pipeline was completed in 1977. During its construction and operation, wildlife habitat was destroyed and/or modified. The migration path of caribou was affected. The structure of the permafrost has been affected by the supports for the pipeline and the pipeline. Environmental damage has occurred due to pipeline leaks. Does the need for petroleum override the natural environment? What ethical issues that occurred during the design/construction phase? What current ethical issues are occurring due to how the system is managed and maintained? More info....

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge & Petroleum Reservoirs

(Geo, Envir)

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the last pristine environments in the United States. It also lies above one of the largest oil reservoirs left in the United States. Currently, the development of this resource is bieing debated and explored. The development of this resource would supply the United States with a national supply of oil. It would provide local people with employment and other economical opportunites. On the other hand, the development could damage a pristine environment and impact animal and plant species.

How should the interests/needs of US be balanced with environnmental impact of development? How does the development of this area affect the global environment?

More info....

Ecological Footprint (Envir)

Your ecological footprint denotes how much of the Earth's resources you use compared to other people in the United States and globally. Typically, a person in the US uses the equivalent 24 acres of resources per year. The average global use of resources is 4.8 acres. What is the impact on the global scale of US resource consumption? What are the ethics involved in the mass consumption of finite resources? More info....

Power Outage, August 14, 2003 (Elec)

On August 14, 2003 the power went out in Canada and much of the northeastern United States. The outage was caused by many factors including the lack of routine maintenance and situational awareness. What caused this situation? How has the management of the electrical distribution network changed since this outage? What were the ethical issues involved in this blackout? More info....

VIOXX (Biomed)

VIOXX is a medication to control the pain of arthritus. Merck, Inc. removed the drug from the market when they discovered that taking the drug could result in cardiovascular problems. More info....

Sustainable Urban Development (Civil)

All over the world, municipalities are struggling with methods to balance development and sustainability. How can towns bring new businesses and manufacturing into an area, keep the local culture/flavor in tact and control growth? More info....

Sustainability in the Communications Industry (Elec)

At a glance, the communications industry seems to be an unlikely place for a company to become active in promoting sustainability, but that is what Verizon Communications has done. In 2002, they were awarded Energy Star Corporate Commitment Award. More info ...

Name	Description
Hyatt Regency (Civil)	In 1981 the suspended walkways in the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri collapsed. The accident is the most devastating structural failure to occur in the United States, in terms of loss of life and injuries, with 114 deaths and more than 200 injured. More info....
Anhydrous Ammonia Hose Rupture (Mech)	A agricultural hose manufacturer began making hoses out of less expensive materials. They are later sued by several farmers for accidents caused by their hoses. More info....
Drive-by-wire (Computer)	Called "Embedded Systems", computers are now commonly used for controlling automotive functions. However, fault critical functions (like steering) have remained as mechanical systems even though there are known performance and cost benefits to using "steer-by-wire". More info …
PG&E Chromium Ground Water contamination (Geo/Envir)	From 1952 to 1966, PG&E dumped water tainted with a cancer-causing chemical into unlined ponds, from which it seeped into Hinkley's water supply. Residents were not informed of the contamination until the late 1980's, and in 1993 they filed a lawsuit blaming the company for a spate of cancer- related illnesses. Throughout the proceedings, the utility stalled, insisting it was not to blame for the illnesses. This case brought public attention in the movie Erin Brockovich.
Engineered Materials and Cancer (Materials)	A type of chemical used in everything from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant fabric coatings is coming under scrutiny, after animal tests showed a possible connection to cancer and birth defects. Environment Canada is conducting an assessment of perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, which are used to create products like the non-stick coating Teflon, the stain-repellent Stainmaster, and the waterproof membrane Gore-Tex. More info ...
$200 Billion Broadband Scandal (Computer/Electrical)	By 2006, 86 million households should have been rewired with a fiber optic wire, capable of 45 Mbps, in both directions. The public subsidies for infrastructure were pocketed and the improvements were not made. The phone companies collected over $200 billion in higher phone rates and tax perks, about $2000 per household. More info ...
Stem Cell Research (Biomed)	In two papers published in Science, Hwang Woo Suk fraudulently claimed to have successfully created human embryonic stem cells by cloning. Investigation revealed ethical violations in the acquisition of human eggs used in the study and falsification of data. Both papers have been editorially retracted. More info ...
B.F. Goodrich - Air Force Brake Problem (Mech)	A company with a contract from the U.S. Air Force produced a report showing the brakes passed qualifying tests. An employee came forward stating the results in the report were falsified and, as one of the most famous whistleblowing cases in the literature, he was later hailed a hero. More info....
Kennecott Eagle Project - Yellow Dog Plains (Geo/Envir)	Kennecott Mining Company has applied for a permit to mine silver and copper near the Yellow Dog river (near Big Bay in the U.P.). The company claims to have plans to carefully follow the environmental regulations for mining, shipping and reclamation and states that the regulations ensure there will be no significant impact on the local environment (water, soil or air). Several environmental and conservation groups are actively opposing the development. More info ...
Ford-Firestone Tire Problem (Mech)	Vehicle accidents caused by tread separation, blowouts, and other failures, involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires have resulted in 174 deaths, over 700 injuries and 6000 complaints. Although there is evidence of faults by both Ford and Firestone, each company blamed the other for the accidents, making it one of the most notorious cases involving customer and automobile safety in recent years . More info....
Aberdeen Research Center (Chem)	Three engineers that managed Aberdeen, a U.S. Army facility where chemical weapons are developed, stated that their job description did not include responsibility for specific environmental rules. Should these engineers be held responsible for the Aberdeen facility not complying with environmental regulations? More info....
NASA Challenger Launch (Materials)	Seven astronauts were killed when the Challenger space shuttle exploded just over a minute into flight. The decision to launch the shuttle was made by NASA managers despite the engineers' concerns over questionable launch conditions. More info....
Matz, Childs and Associates (Civil)	A consulting engineering firm got involved in bribes and kickbacks given to elected officials by engineers working in the construction industry. The situation ultimately led to the disgrace and resignation of the vice president of the United States. More info....
Teton Dam (Geo)	Teton dam in Idaho failed, releasing millions of gallons of water and causing 14 deaths and between $400 million and $1 billion worth of damage. The failure was determined to be caused by lack of planning, foresight, and design by the engineers. More info....
Citicorp Center (Civil)	A manhattan building with an innovative structural design is built, but it is determined several years later that certain, unlikely wind conditions could cause the building's structure to fail. The structural engineer works with officials to solve the problem at the risk of his own reputation. More info....
Denver Runway Concrete (Civil)	When the Denver International Airport was near completion, several lawsuits were filed against the runway contractor. The main allegation of these lawsuits was that the contractor had altered the recipe for the concrete, making the concrete weaker, but the project more profitable. More info....
Intel Pentium Chip (Computer)	In late 1994, the media began to report that there was a flaw that could be detected by the user in the new Pentium microprocessor produced by Intel. The manner in which Intel responded to the problem left many users unhappy, which ultimately led to the voluntary recall of the chips. More info....
Valujet Crash (Mech)	Valujet was one of the generation of new discount airlines that offered cheap fares to Florida and other popular destinations. In 1996 one of Valujet's DC-9's crashed into the Everglades killing all 110 people on board, and it was later determined that the cause of the crash centered around the treatment of oxygen-generator canisters on board the aircraft at the time. More info....
Nanotechnology and Innovations in the Medical Field (Materials)	The concept of nanotechnology is associated with the manipulation of matter at the scale of atoms and molecules, and although this technology promised to deliver numerous benefits to society, there are also concerns. Here you are asked to apply an ethical guideline known as the "precautionary principle" to generate a set of policy recommendations for the National Science Foundation. More info....
Three Mile Island (Chem)	Three Mile Island Nuclear Power accident was one of the most serious in the history of the U.S. nuclear industry. This case brings about interesting reform measures to ensure safe operation of other nuclear facilities in the US. More info....
Union Carbide (Chem)	A Chemical accident kills 10,000 people in one night and exposes 500,000 to toxic gasses. More info....
Boeing Co (Mech)	In two cases, a competitor's documents have been found in Boeing offices. Boeing was accused of theft --- ultimately costing them $1billion in government business. Also, the former CFO of Boeing talked with a former US Air Force official regarding employment while that official was evaluating projects that involved Boeing. More info....
Keyhole Heart Surgery (Biomed)	Open-heart surgery is extremely risky for the patient. To minimize patient risks a less invasive procedure was developed. Concerns have arisen regarding the FDA approval process (was it rushed and without complete testing of the procedure?). Secondly, the scientists, engineers and doctors have a significant interest in the financial gains of the procedure. More info....
Persistent Environmental Pollutants (Envir)	Several years ago, the world community banned several persistent organic pollutants (POPs). One was DDT; the developed world has banned it, but the developing world uses it for mosquito control. More info....
Technology in the developing world (Civil)	What are ethics involved in providing the developing world engineering services such as electricity or water? Some of the benefits and corresponding costs of technology are: reduced infant mortality, but population increases; a power distribution system is installed, but T.V. becomes readily available, road systems are built, but that permits governments to consolidate and centralize power and allows the military easy access to the countryside. More info....
THERAC-25 - Software Risks (Biomed)	Computers and software programs are frequently used in systems where safety is critical. The Therac-25 case is one where software design caused injury. Therac-25 is a computerized machine used in radiation therapy. In some cases, the patients received an overdose of radiation that caused death or serious injury. More info....
The Clinical Trials of the Artificial Heart (Biomed)	An artificial heart for humans is being developed. Currently, limited clinical trials are being performed. Who gets the device? Does it improve the quality of life for the patient? More info....
Columbia Space Shuttle (Mech)	The Columbia Space Shuttle disaster was caused by many decisions and technical problems. The technical issues centered around the foam on the structural supports for the wing. Many decisions were made that affected the safety of the astronauts and the administration of the NASA space program. More info....
Occidental Petroleum Platform (Chem)	In 1988, an off-shore oil production platform exploded due to a gas leak. The people working on the platform did not have adequate safety training in the event of a disaster. The employees and supervisors did not know how to deal with the gas explosion. More info....
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Chem)	In April 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant failed. This failure was due to a poor reactor design and the lack of safety training for employees. More info....
Alyeska (The Alaskan Pipeline) (Envir)	Alyeska Pipeline Service Company operates the 800-mile long, 48-inch diameter pipeline that transports crude oil from Alaska's North Slope to the marine oil terminal of Valdez in Prince William Sound. The pipeline was completed in 1977. During its construction and operation, wildlife habitat was destroyed and/or modified. The migration path of caribou was affected. The structure of the permafrost has been affected by the supports for the pipeline and the pipeline. Environmental damage has occurred due to pipeline leaks. Does the need for petroleum override the natural environment? What ethical issues that occurred during the design/construction phase? What current ethical issues are occurring due to how the system is managed and maintained? More info....
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge & Petroleum Reservoirs (Geo, Envir)	The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the last pristine environments in the United States. It also lies above one of the largest oil reservoirs left in the United States. Currently, the development of this resource is bieing debated and explored. The development of this resource would supply the United States with a national supply of oil. It would provide local people with employment and other economical opportunites. On the other hand, the development could damage a pristine environment and impact animal and plant species. How should the interests/needs of US be balanced with environnmental impact of development? How does the development of this area affect the global environment? More info....
Ecological Footprint (Envir)	Your ecological footprint denotes how much of the Earth's resources you use compared to other people in the United States and globally. Typically, a person in the US uses the equivalent 24 acres of resources per year. The average global use of resources is 4.8 acres. What is the impact on the global scale of US resource consumption? What are the ethics involved in the mass consumption of finite resources? More info....
Power Outage, August 14, 2003 (Elec)	On August 14, 2003 the power went out in Canada and much of the northeastern United States. The outage was caused by many factors including the lack of routine maintenance and situational awareness. What caused this situation? How has the management of the electrical distribution network changed since this outage? What were the ethical issues involved in this blackout? More info....
VIOXX (Biomed)	VIOXX is a medication to control the pain of arthritus. Merck, Inc. removed the drug from the market when they discovered that taking the drug could result in cardiovascular problems. More info....
Sustainable Urban Development (Civil)	All over the world, municipalities are struggling with methods to balance development and sustainability. How can towns bring new businesses and manufacturing into an area, keep the local culture/flavor in tact and control growth? More info....
Sustainability in the Communications Industry (Elec)	At a glance, the communications industry seems to be an unlikely place for a company to become active in promoting sustainability, but that is what Verizon Communications has done. In 2002, they were awarded Energy Star Corporate Commitment Award. More info ...