Sustainability and Ethical Issues in Mechanical Engineering - Term Paper Example

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Name Institution Instructor Date Contents Contents 1 Abstract 2 Introduction 3 Sustainability issues 3 Ethical issues 5 Discussion 5 Conclusion 8 References 9 Abstract The content of this report explores the both sustainability and ethical issues that are associated with various engineering disciplines and in particular the design and mechanical in engineering. This takes place through appropriate analysis and discussion. It does this through a proper presented of both current and documented examples. There is an urgent need to ensure that the engineering professional in various disciplines of engineering are adequately equipped with a wide range of concepts with regard to sustainable attributes of their professions. These include the attributes that are concerned with the analysis of the multidisciplinary options. Introduction In the recent past, the enhancements with regard to the public awareness of engineering sustainability have contributed to the prompting of shift of attention to the developed environment from the ecological sustainability. The concept of sustainability and engineering disciplines has come into consideration because of most engineering activities and practices that have recently been taking place. On the other hand, ethical issues are equally of major concern when it comes to mechanical engineering discipline and the activities that are there in involved. Ethical issues in the mechanical engineering field are supposed to deal with adequately since the professional ethics offer standardization for the moral practice in this particular discipline. The ethical issues in the mechanical engineering discipline address both correct and incorrect aspects that come out in the course of the profession (Pritchard and Rabins, 2009). This document looks into both sustainability and ethical issues as they come out in the mechanical engineering profession, discusses the issues through a critical evaluation and sums up with a conclusion. Sustainability issues Sustainability issues in the mechanical engineering discipline are those engineering activities and practices that compromise the natural environment as well as other sustainable resources. The sustainability concept in engineering discipline recognizes the three dimensions that are brought about by the human activities. These ones include social, environmental and economic. In addition, the value that is associated with such impacts, the norms as well as the methods through which their evaluation takes place can change with time. When it comes to engineering design as an engineering discipline, the aspect of sustainability encourages an evaluation from engineers with regard to practices and ideas that are present in the engineering profession. This evaluation also plays a significant role with regard to objectives in obtaining balance in various engineering projects as well as programs (Azapagic, 2004). Behind efforts of engineering sustainability such as green building, lean manufacturing, design for the environment as well as resilience engineering among others, there are basic laws and procedures. It is a fundamental requirement that these laws and regulation be followed to the latter if sustainability in engineering is to be realised. The engineering design discipline in particular and its sustainability concerns requires appropriate testing and evaluation before any form of implementation can take place. The efforts that are directed towards the realisation of engineering sustainability in this particular engineering discipline are deeply found within individual engineering disciplines. Appropriate sustainable engineering issues should be in a position to address all dimensions of engineering aspects. These include systems, operation of structures, machines, devices, processes as well as materials among several others. The inclusion of theses engineering aspects comprises the relevant and useful research in various domains of engineering (Pritchard and Rabins, 2009). Ethical issues Ethical issues in an engineering field or discipline find application through a system or program that oversees the practice or performance of engineering practices. The systems are concerned with the moral principles that are applicable and required in the execution of engineering professional activities. It is through the involvement of ethical issues in the engineering profession that various obligations are examined and set by the professional in a respective engineering discipline (Azapagic, 2004). The focus in these ethical issues is directed towards the profession itself, clients and the society. As a scholarly discipline ethical issues in the mechanical engineering discipline has a close relationship with several subjects such as the philosophy of engineering, the philosophy of science and the technological ethics. Several dilemmas in the discipline of mechanical engineering come about because of the various projects being performed. Some of these projects and programs are not even within the competence of the engineering involved. It is thus important to adhere strictly to the provided ethical code of conduct but the engineering professional (Azapagic, 2004). Discussion The engineering discipline that involves mechanical engineering and construction management should not only focus on the available procedures but also the code of ethical that are attributable to this particular disciplines. Just like in other fields, the application of code of ethics in the area of mechanical engineering is a fundamental requirement that that requires special and consistent considerations. The professional in this engineering discipline are expected to avoid several negative issues that may arise with regard to ethics by discharging their professional duties and responsibilities as expected. The expectations are those that consider integrity, honesty, rationality as well as objectivity. These principles form part of top priority when it comes to successful execution of the mechanical engineering projects and programs. Various disciplines of engineering professions in every engineering discipline, there is expected to be the presence and continual development of ethical requirements and guidelines (Azapagic, 2004). A general acceptance of the ethical guidelines is an important requirement for both scientific and engineering endeavours and it is thus important for professional in various engineering disciplines to adhere to them. Ethical issues in the mechanical engineering field are supposed to be dealt with adequately since the professional ethics offer standardization for the moral practice in this particular discipline. The ethical issues in the mechanical engineering discipline address both correct and incorrect aspects that come out in the course of the profession (Pritchard and Rabins, 2009). A broad description of sustainability happens in a manner that attempts to address the requirements of the generations currently without necessarily infringing on upon the requirements of the generations to come. This also considers their abilities to uphold acceptable standards of engineering practices. There have also ben various proposal by previous scholars and scholars that appear to suggest that sustainability in engineering is an issue that is also associated with health, safety and the environment in terms of intellectual magnitudes. In order to make sure that the wellbeing of the ecosystem and sustainability is achieved focus has to be shifted to the acquisition of a large number of outputs from few resources with little damage caused to the environment (Azapagic, 2004). The main aim of realising sustainability in the area of design and mechanical engineering as chosen engineering disciplines is the realisation of sustainability in ecosystems in a manner that causes its integration with the natural environment and the natural society. Recently, there has been a trend demonstrating activities of sustainability integration. The activities are involved in the chosen engineering discipline. Environmental engineering, ecological engineering as well as ecological engineering areas are very significant areas that are related to sustainability issues that deal with mechanical engineering. The involvement of sustainability issues in the discipline of mechanical engineering is a desirable way of enhancing the role played by mechanical engineers in as far as environmental sustainability of mechanical engineering practices sis concerned. It is the role of engineers taking part in the mechanical engineering discipline to focus most of their natural resources towards the best interest of human and environmental sustainability. It is expected that these sustainability efforts coming from the mechanical engineers should be in a position to address acceptable standards of environmental sustainability as well as human aspirations (Pritchard and Rabins, 2009). The professionals in this engineering discipline are always required to come up with solutions that are both affordable and feasible as far as sustainability in engineering is concerned. In addition to that, the solutions should also be able to contribute significantly to the enhancement of standard of living for the humankind, environmental protection as well as economic growth. In order to realize the accomplishment of these aims and objectives, the developed solutions should in a better position of striking a balance that is informed with regard to benefits, cost as well as general acceptability within the available regulations. The available regulations and policy frameworks should also consider the concepts of the costs of lifecycle that account for both the mechanical engineering discipline as well as the economic feasibility (Azapagic, 2004). Conclusion In conclusion, it is imperative for the professionals in the mechanical engineering disciplines to acknowledge the importance of addressing and dealing with the issues that are associated with both sustainability and ethics. It is thus a requirement of the professional s taking part in this particular discipline to be ready and willing to take up responsibilities when it comes to the actions related to sustainability and ethical issues. Engineering ethics and sustainability in mechanical engineering discipline should be in a better position to offer an appropriate and reliable roadmap to the activities, programs and projects that for part of the mechanical engineering discipline. It is also important to acknowledge that there are challenges that exist in in mechanical engineering profession and are related with sustainability and ethical issues before embarking on finding solutions for them. References Azapagic, A. (2004). Sustainable development in practice: case studies for engineers and scientists. Chichester [u.a.], Wiley. Pritchard, M. S., & Rabins, M. J. (2009). Engineering ethics: concepts and cases. Belmont, CA, Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Read More