The Roles and Challenges of Engineers Without Borders

Engineers without borders play a very crucial role in different aspects of human life globally. These individuals are usually committed to serve disadvantaged communities across the world through implementation of various engineering projects. One of the common challenges that engineers without borders face is that they work in different location, with different engineering codes, standards and policies. In this regard, it means that they have to check the codes, standards and policies of the country or local area they are working in before commencing any works.

As engineers, they are obligated to ensure that they always apply codes and standards that conform to engineering requirements. This is achieved through comprehensive analysis of the local codes and standards then matching them with the requirements of the project they are about to execute. Sometimes the local codes and standards may be different from those they are used to. In this regard, they need to discuss with the relevant authorities in the area and use engineering knowledge to choose the best practices.

One of the most important things that engineers without borders should always consider is the code of ethics. This is because the services provided by engineers have great impacts on people's quality of life (National Society of Professional Engineers, 2007). If the engineers decide to disregard the engineering code of ethics then there shall be an ethical crisis that will affect the general public directly or indirectly. The code of ethics defines the standard behavior of professional engineers which require engineers to commit themselves in protecting the public health, welfare and safety.

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The engineers should put the interest, welfare, safety and health of the public first (Wichita State University, 2012). They should know that their decisions affect the life of people directly. For example, in cases where they have to design and build a structure, due diligence must be followed to the latter. This means that they should check the local design and construction codes and standards during the planning stage. Unrealistic assumptions should not be made because they may end up costing people's lives. This means that they should adapt all applicable standards.

By following appropriate code of ethics, it means that all works done by the engineers even in foreign locations will be safe and serve the public welfare effectively. In as much as engineers are exposed to numerous temptations in their line of duty, they are required to remain honest and faithful to their clients. There are many cases where engineers have been enticed so as to comprise on some issues concerning planned or ongoing works. When such things happen, the entire project becomes literally compromised. For example, there are cases where engineers have been offered compensation from companies in order to award them project contracts despite their incapacity to execute the project.

The companies end up performing poor quality work thus causing losses to the clients and risking people's lives since the structures built cannot serve as intended. The best way to overcome this kind of ethical problem is for the engineers to perform their duties faithfully and honestly. If anyone tries to corrupt then they should be open and tell them that they cannot do something that is unethical in regards to the engineering profession.

Different projects have different requirements and it is for this reason that engineering as a whole has numerous fields. These fields, such as civil engineering, also have sub- branches that specialize in one particular area such as roads and highways, water, structures, etc. The same applies for projects; there are some projects that are more sophisticated and only require professionals within a specific field of engineering. Engineers should not work on projects in which they are not well conversant with. Each project always has specifications, which act as guidelines on what should be done.

The specifications determine the kind of competence required of the engineer. It is a big risk for engineers to undertake assignments they do not understand. For example, for an engineer to work on a project that requires construction of a retaining wall to protect a local community against flooding, the engineer should start by analyzing the weather patterns of the areas. This should be followed by designing a retaining wall that has the capacity to withhold the anticipated quantity of water. The engineer should then select the most suitable materials for construction and oversee the entire construction process. This kind of project requires vast knowledge and experience.

If the engineer who is working on this project is not knowledgeable or experienced enough then the project will certainly fail and be more disastrous. This is because, the engineer is likely to under-design or over-design the structure, use unsuitable construction materials and have poor workmanship quality. To end this kind of problems, engineers without borders should offer their services only in areas they are well competent in. This will make it easier for them to understand the technical details of the project, the codes and standards to apply, the relevant authorities to consult and the engineering documents to approve and disapprove. At the end of it, the project will be efficiently implemented.

It is also important to know that engineers have the responsibility of protecting the reputation of engineering profession. This is one of the reasons why engineering societies are established. They aim at bringing engineers together so as to promote the profession and make other people understand and appreciate its usefulness. Engineers are also individually responsible for their practices. For example, an engineer who is in charge of a house construction project will be answerable to any issue arising on the house.

There are several cases where engineers have been sued due to failure of structures they were responsible for designing or building. It is unethical for engineers to constantly offer substandard services that will cause more harm than good to human life and environment as a whole. If an engineer becomes associated with poor quality works then he/she risks being deregistered as a professional. The engineer should always ensure that the structure being constructed is able to serve the intended purpose efficiently.

Therefore, engineers need to perform their duties responsibility, lawfully, ethically and honorably in order to promote the reputation, usefulness and honor of the engineering profession. Chances of poor quality work can be reduced if by performing due diligence and applying the right knowledge and expertise through all processes and stages of project implementation.

Last but not least, engineers should always be responsible for all their actions and services. They should know that their actions and decisions have a great impact on human life. Engineers without borders should acknowledge that they are likely to face more challenges than those working from one country. Nevertheless, these challenges can be overcome if they follow the code of ethics and always consult relevant authorities in areas they are working in so as to understand the local engineering codes, standards, policies and practices. They should work as a team to achieve a common goal (Josep M. Basart and Montse Serra, 2011). Performing any action unethically as an engineer is one of the highest order of violating engineering profession and reputation. Engineers should not violate any code of ethics for their selfish reasons.

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