Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Writing Reports
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: +8801719456829
Writing Reports
What is a report?
A written report is a document that presents specific information as
accurately and as concisely as possible to a particular audience.
Reports are often used to communicate the results of a project or
investigation to, for example, an employer or other critical reader who
might be looking for specific information.
Report brief
When asked to write a report, usually a report brief will be given, which
provides with instructions and guidelines. The report brief may outline
the purpose, audience and problem or issue that the report must
address, together with any specific requirements for format or
structure.
Writing Reports
Functions of a report
There are a number of reasons for writing a report, including one or
more of:
1. providing a record of an event or meeting;
2. aiding decision-making;
3. persuading or influencing an audience;
4. setting out procedures.
Writing Reports
Types of report
1. Technical and business reports
Technical and business reports often simulate the process of report
writing in industry, where a problem or a case study is addressed and
resolved for the benefit of a prospective client.
2. Field reports
Field reports are common in disciplines such as law (e.g. a Court
observation), history (e.g. a site report) where observations of
phenomena or events in the real world might be analysed using
theories studied in the course.
Writing Reports
Types of report
3. Scientific reports
Scientific reports (also called laboratory reports) are common in all the
sciences. They use a standard format describing methods, results and
conclusions to report on an experiment or other empirical
investigation.
Writing Reports
A well written report demonstrates the ability to:
1. understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its
specifications;
2. gather, evaluate and analyze relevant information;
3. structure material in a logical and coherent order;
4. present report in a consistent manner according to the instructions
of the report brief;
5. make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence
and analysis of the report;
6. make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required.
Writing Reports
The structure of a report
➢ Title Page
➢ Summary (Abstract)
➢ Terms of Reference
➢ Contents (Table of Contents)
➢ Introduction
➢ Methods
➢ Results
➢ Discussion
➢ Conclusion
➢ Appendices
➢ Bibliography
➢ Acknowledgements
➢ Glossary of Technical Terms
Writing Reports
Title Page
This should briefly but explicitly describe the purpose of the report (if
this is not obvious from the title of the work). Other details may include
name, the date and for whom the report is written.
Terms of Reference
Under this heading, a brief explanation of who will read the report
(audience), why it was written (purpose) and how it was written
(methods) can be included.
Writing Reports
Summary (Abstract)
The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It
should cover the aims of the report, what was found and what, if any,
action is called for.
Contents (Table of Contents)
The contents page should list the different chapters and/or headings
together with the page numbers.
Writing Reports
Introduction
The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The
aims and objectives of the report should be explained in detail. Any
problems or limitations in the scope of the report should be identified,
and a description of research methods, the parameters of the research
and any necessary background history should be included.
Writing Reports
Methods
Information under this heading may include: a list of equipment used;
explanations of procedures followed; relevant information on materials
used, including sources of materials and details of any necessary
preparation; reference to any problems encountered and subsequent
changes in procedure.
Writing Reports
Results
This section should include a summary of the results of the
investigation or experiment together with any necessary diagrams,
graphs or tables of gathered data that support your results.
Discussion
The facts and evidence you have gathered should be analyzed and
discussed with specific reference to the problem or issue.
Writing Reports
Conclusion
In the conclusion, the overall significance of what has been covered is
shown. The most central issues or findings are highlighted. However,
no new material should be introduced in the conclusion.
Appendices
Under this heading all the supporting information that have been used
are included. This might be tables, graphs, questionnaires, surveys or
transcripts.
Writing Reports
Bibliography
The bibliography should list, in alphabetical order by author, all
published sources referred to in your report.
Acknowledgements
Where appropriate the assistance of particular organisations or
individuals who provided information, advice or help should be
acknowledged.
Writing Reports
Glossary of Technical Terms
It is useful to provide an alphabetical list of technical terms with a brief,
clear description of each term. Explanations of the acronyms,
abbreviations or standard units used in the report can be included.
Writing Reports
Essential stages of writing the report: the
Stage 1: Understanding the report brief
Stage 2: Gathering and selecting information
Stage 3: Organizing material
Stage 4: Analyzing material
Stage 5: Writing the report
Stage 6: Reviewing and redrafting
Stage 7: Presentation
Writing Reports
Reference list
Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. (2008) Essential study skills: the complete guide to success at university (2nd ed.).
London: Sage
Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2008) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide. Newcastle upon Tyne: Pear
Tree Books.
Turner, J., Shahabudin, K. and Reid, M. (2009) Better report writing for university students. Available at:
http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk/learningareas/reportwriting/betterreportwriting.htm (Accessed: 9th June 2010)
Unilearning (2000) Report writing. Available at: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/index.html (Accessed: 9th
June 2010)
Wilson, J. (1996) Report writing for business students. Preston: University of Central Lancashire
Oral Presentation
Preparation for Oral Presentation
1. Analyzing audience, and limit topics accordingly.
2. Determining the primary purpose.
3. Analyzing the presentation environment.
4.Selecting effective supporting information and an appropriate pattern
of organization.
5. Preparing an outline.
6. Selecting appropriate visual aids.
7. Preparing a suitable introduction.
8. Preparing a closing summary.Credit: Asst.Prof.Dr. Ferda Can Çetinkaya, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY
Oral Presentation
Analyzing audience
Asking the following questions will enable to analyze the audience:
• What do your listeners already know about the topic?
• What do they need or want to know about it?
• How much new information about it can they absorb?
Oral Presentation
The Presentation Environment
The following questions describes the presentation environment.
• Is it a large auditorium or a small conference room?
• Will the audience be seated theater-style or around table?
• Are there potentially distracting elements in the environment such as
noisy air-conditioners?
• What will the arrangement be for the speaker? Will there be a
podium, microphone, a table, and a visual equipment?
Oral Presentation
Selecting Effective Supporting Information
Asking the following questions describes the Effective Supporting
Information collection process:
• What kind of information will best support the main point?
• What kind of information will appeal to the listeners?
Oral Presentation
Guidelines for Outlining the Presentation
• Each level of the outline should be similar in scope.
• Each section of the outline should present one idea.
• Sections should not overlap, so that the audience is not confused.
Oral Presentation
Guidelines for Visual Aids
•They must be visible, large enough for the whole audience to see-
even those people who insist on sitting in back row.
•They must be clear; their meaning must be obvious at a glance
without explanation.
•They must be simple and easy for the audience to comprehend.
•They must be controllable, easy for you to use with your presentation.
Oral Presentation
Eye Contact
A good speaker looks at the audience, not anything else, but does not
stare at any one person.
Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Writing Proposals
Reference: Open Oregon Press books – Technical Writing
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: +8801719456829
Writing Proposals
Definition
A proposal is a written document prepared in application for funding.
A project proposal is a detailed description of a series of activities
aimed at solving a certain problem.
The proposal should contain a detailed explanation of the:
• justification of the project;
• activities and implementation timeline;
• methodology; and
• human, material and financial resources required.
A proposal should demonstrate that your project will:
Provide economic benefit to an area or a community
Have a high probability of success
Address a strategic priority
Demonstrate need for financial assistance
Be economically viable
Have stakeholder support
Be consistent with development strategies
Writing Proposals
Types of Proposal
Internal
External
Solicited/Formal
Unsolicited
Writing Proposals
Common sections in proposals (Structure/Format of a Proposal)
• Introduction
• Background on the problem, objectives
• Benefits and feasibility of the proposed project
• Method, procedure, theory
• Schedule
• Costs, resources required
• Conclusory remarks
Writing Proposals
Elements of effective proposal writing include:
• Proper formatting
• Content development
• Satisfying program criteria
• Demonstrating economic and social benefits
• Addressing funding agency requirements
• Demonstrating the sustainability of the project’s
output
• Selecting qualified consultants
• Monitoring and evaluation provisions
• Proposal follow up
• Proper referencing of other documentation and
other sources of information used in preparing the
proposal
Writing Proposals
Credit: Open Oregon
https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/technicalwriting/chapter/3-4-common-sections-in-proposals/
Writing Proposals
Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Conducting meetings
Reference Book: The Manager’s Guide to Effective Meetings
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
Conducting meetings
Meeting
A meeting is an event consisting of people, content, and process for a
purpose—who, what, how, and why.
There are basically two kinds of meetings:
• Participatory meetings, which need input from group members
• Nonparticipatory meetings, which are mostly one-way communication—
informational and motivational
Conducting meetings
Steps for Preparing for a Meeting
• Developing the Agenda
• Determining Purpose
• Setting Goals
• Deciding on Methods
• Allocating Time
• Sequencing the Items
• Determining who, when and where the meeting should be
• Finalizing and Distributing the Agenda
• Preparing Materials
Conducting meetings
Agenda
An agenda is a plan consisting of action points.
Ways of making decisions
There are four basic ways to make decisions:
• Managerial—the manager make the call!
• Vote by majority or plurality—by counting the votes
• Consensus—a result that all participants can support
• Delegation—selected members of the group make the decision
Conducting meetings
Do’s at the start of Meeting
• Warming up the Team
• Setting the Tone
• Establishing the Ground Rules
• Assigning Roles
Conducting meetings
Purposes of warm up
• To break the ice among people who do not know each other.
• To involve all participants from the start of the meeting.
• To generate a team feeling.
• To allow participants to share their concerns, needs, and hopes.
• To focus participants on the meeting purpose and agenda.
Conducting meetings
Ground rules cover the following issues
• Attendance
• Promptness: procedure for dealing with latecomers—bring them up
to speed? sanction?
• Participation
• Meeting role assignments
• Interruptions: pagers and cell phones?
• Respect
Conducting meetings
Ground rules cover the following issues
• Discussion process
Confidentiality: how is it determined what discussions are confidential?
What information or comments are not to leave the room?
• Assignments
• Method for evaluating meetings
• Chronic violations of rules
Conducting meetings
Dialogue vs. Debate
In a debate, people are driven by their individual interests to advocate
for their opinions and positions and to win over other opinions and
positions.
In a dialogue, people express their opinions and differences in an
effort to arrive at what’s better for the group, in a spirit of mutual
understanding, a quest for commonalties, and a sense of community.
Conducting meetings
Roles to be assigned
1. Facilitator
2. Scribe
3. Timekeeper
4. Note-taker
Conducting meetings
Facilitator
A person whose meeting role is to make the group’s work easier by
leading the group through the agenda, systematically and at an
appropriate pace, and encouraging full participation by all members.
Scribe
A person whose meeting role is to post key ideas, points, and
comments during discussions so that all participants can refer to
them. He or she is responsible for displaying a “living record” of the
progress of the group
Conducting meetings
Ways for conducting an effective meeting
Follow the Agenda
Set and Maintain an Appropriate Pace
Share Information
Conduct Discussion
Manage Participation
Get a Decision
Plan Action and Make Assignments
Conducting meetings
Closing the Meeting and Following Up
Final Matters
Summarize the Main Points, Decisions,
Actions, and Assignments
Sketch the Agenda for the Next Meeting—if Any
Express Appreciation
Evaluate the Meeting
Write and Distribute the Minutes
Work the Assignments
Improve Your Meetings
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Five Planning Steps
1. Identifying purpose
2. Analyzing audience
3. Choosing ideas
4. Collecting data
5. Organizing message
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Identifying Purpose
It is important to determine first the specific reason of writing. The
reason of writing a message could be: Mainly informational, such as
announcement etc. Persuasive, such as promotion of product or
sending applications for personal reasons, etc.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Analyzing Audience
It is important to adapt to the message according to the receivers
views, mental filters, needs, and culture. While preparing a message
the care must be taken for the following aspects: Member of a group,
such as business or professional person; laborer, colleague, or
subordinate; woman or man. New or long time customer; young,
middle-aged, or elderly. Receivers educational level, attitudes and
probable values (often culture-specific) Finally consider and decide
whether the receiver or listeners are informed or uninformed on the
subject and whether they will react to the message positively or
negatively, with interest or disinterest.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Chosing Ideas
With the purpose and receiver in mind, the next step is to choose the
idea for message. The idea of writing a message depends on the
background, situation, cultural context and location of the receiver
(national or international)
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Collecting Data
After deciding about the idea to be included in the message, it is
important to determine if the same requires specific facts, figures
quotations, or other types of evidence to support the main idea of the
message. It is important to know and take care of: Company’s policies,
procedures, and product detail if needed to support the main idea.
Enclose, if needed, a brochure, table, picture, or product sample.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Organizing Message
Before writing the first draft of the letter, outline of the message needs
to made (mentally or on paper). The order in which the idea is
presented is as important as the ideas themselves. Disorganized,
rambling messages often seem careless, confusing, and unimportant.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Business Letter Format/Structure
Your Contact Information:
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date
Recipient’s Contact Information:
Their Name
Their Title
Their Company
The Company’s Address
Preparing Effective Business Messages
The Salutation:
Use "To Whom It May Concern," if unsure specifically whom it is
addressing.
Use the formal salutation “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],” if the
recipient is unfamiliar.
Use “Dear [First Name],” only if there is an informal relationship with
the recipient.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
The Body
Strike the Right Tone:
Make the purpose of the letter clear through simple and targeted
language, keeping the opening paragraph brief.
Complimentary Close:
Keep the closing paragraph to two sentences. Simply reiterate your
reason for writing and thank the reader for considering your request.
Some good options for your closing include:
• Respectfully yours,
• Yours sincerely,
• Respectfully,
• Cordially,
Preparing Effective Business Messages
The Signature:
Write your signature just beneath your closing and leave four single
spaces between your closing and your typed full name, title, phone
number, email address, and any other contact information you want
to include. Use the format below:
Handwritten signature
Typed full name
Title
Approaches
Direct (Deductive) Approach:
When the reader or listener will have a favorable or neutral
reaction to the message, direct approach is preferable.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Indirect (Inductive) Approach:
When the reader or listener might react negatively to the message,
the main idea should not be presented in the first paragraph.
Need to begin with a buffer, give an explanation and then introduce
the main idea.
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Preparing Effective Business Messages
Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Strategies for Effective Speaking and Successful
Inter Personal Communication
References: 1. Successful Public Speaking by Arina Nikitina (Book)
2. Communication & Interpersonal Relationship at Workplace by Dr. Syed Abdullah
Syed Othman (Workshop lecture)
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: +8801719456829
Effective Speaking
Public speaking
Public speaking is a process, an act and an art of making a speech
before an audience.
Effective Speaking
Personal Benefits of Public Speaking
1. Increased self-confidence
2. Improved communication skills
3. Increased organizational skills
4. Greater social influence
5. Enhanced ability to listen
6. Improved memory
7. Enhanced persuasion ability
8. Greater control over emotions and body language
Effective Speaking
Three Parts of Persuasion by Aristotle
Effective Speaking
Three Parts of Persuasion by Aristotle
1. Ethos (credibility of the speaker)
2. Logos (logic behind any conclusions drawn by a speaker)
3. Pathos (emotional appeal or ability to create connection between
the speaker and his audience)
Effective Speaking
Five steps of Eloquent Speech (Cicero)
1. Invention - development and refinement of the argument (finding
ways to persuade)
2. Arrangement - creation of the structure of a coherent argument
3. Style - the process of determining how to present an argument,
using rhetorical techniques and choosing the words that have the
greatest impact on the audience
4. Memory - the process of learning and memorizing the speech
while making it sound natural
5. Delivery - the process of making effective use of voice and body
language
Effective Speaking
The Three P’s of a Successful Speech
1. Preparation
2. Practice
3. Performance
Effective Speaking
Elements of Basic speech outline
1. Attention grabber
2. Introduction
3. Body
4. Conclusion
5. Call-to-action
Inter Personal Communication
Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal communication refers to the different types of verbal,
non-verbal and physical actions or expressions that people use when
they communicate with each other.
Components of Interpersonal Communication
1. Conversation
2. Listening
3. Body language
4. Environment
5. Self-appearance
Inter Personal Communication
Conversation
Simplify Your Message
Inter Personal Communication
Conversation
Give Other People The Chance To Talk
Inter Personal Communication
1. Conversation
Mention Their Names
Use Suitable Language
Tone Of Voice
Simplify Your Message
Give Other People The Chance To Talk And Do Not Control All
Try To Control From Telling Too Much About Yourself
Use Closed And Open Questions Properly
Suitability Of Topics To Talk
Inter Personal Communication
The Way to Converse
Be confident, cool and relaxed
Inter Personal Communication
The Way to Converse
Be yourself
Inter Personal Communication
The Way to Converse
Be assertive – do not let other people step on your head
Inter Personal Communication
The Way to Converse
Be confident, cool and relaxed
Be yourself – do not belittle yourself but at the same do not be
arrogant – must show respect to all parties
Be assertive – do not let other people step on your head
Give your opinion if you don’t agree – with full of diplomacy and
respect
Inter Personal Communication
LISTENING SKILLS
Look at the eyes and give attention
Inter Personal Communication
LISTENING SKILLS
Do not look at different direction
Inter Personal Communication
LISTENING SKILLS
Show your interest
Inter Personal Communication
LISTENING SKILLS
Do not interrupt
Inter Personal Communication
LISTENING SKILLS
➢ Look at the eyes and give attention But do not do it too close or too
long
➢ Show your interest and show that they are important
➢ Concentrate – do not let your mind wonder to other places. Do notlook at other places or do other things while listening to peopletalking to you
➢ Do not look at different direction
➢ Ensure that you really understand what you have just heard by
repeating what you have heard to him / her.
➢ Do not interrupt or try to finish his sentence while people aretalking to you. Wait until he or she finishes his or her sentences.22
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Smile
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Nod your head
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
▪ PROPER BODY LANGUAGE
Smile or show happy face
Nod your head to show that you understand or agree or you are
following the conversation attentively.
Give space so that everyone can see each other’s face if you are
talking in a group.
▪ GOOD BODY LANGUAGE
“Mirroring” is you create the same body posture with those you
are talking to – if they are standing with one leg up, you do the
same, if they are holding cup, you do the same. This is called
mirroring.
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Avoid Yawning
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Avoid Drilling your nostrils
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Avoid Digging your ears
Inter Personal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE
Avoid from:
• Yawning,
• Scratching your head,
• Drilling your nostrils,
• Digging your ears, and all sort of inappropriate actions
Inter Personal Communication
ENVIRONMENT
Try to understand their mood
Inter Personal Communication
ENVIRONMENT
Suitability of topic
Inter Personal Communication
ENVIRONMENT
Suitable place
Inter Personal Communication
ENVIRONMENT
▪ Try to understand their mood (are they tired, have many
problems, after getting scolded from their boss, feeling sad,
mixed feeling etc.)
▪ Look at suitability of topic at that moment (talking about
marriage to women who haven’t got married, talking about child
birth with the couple who don’t have kids yet etc.)
▪ Find suitable place (e.g. quite, not many people around) for the
topic you want to discuss. To discuss multi-million dollar
business deal, must find a suitable place.
▪ Find suitable environment (cold, not smelly, refreshing, clean)
Inter Personal Communication
SELF APPEARANCE
The way you dress
Inter Personal Communication
SELF APPEARANCE
Body smell
Inter Personal Communication
SELF APPEARANCE
The way you dress
Cleanliness
Color of your dress
Ornaments
Body smell
Inter Personal Communication
Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Job Application Process, Interviews and Follow
ups
Reference Book: 1. The handbook of communication skills
by Owen Hargie
2. The Balance Careers (Job Application Process)
3. The Balance Careers (Interview Follow ups)
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
Job Application Process
Steps in Job Application
1. Getting Resume Ready
2. Writing a Cover Letter
3. Submitting Job Applications
4. Job Application Screening
5. Employment Tests
6. Interview Process
7. Hiring Process
8. Job Offers
9. New Hire Paperwork
Job Application Process
Resume
A resume is a document used by a person to present their
backgrounds and skills. Résumés can be used for a variety of
reasons, but most often they are used to secure new
employment.
A typical resume contains a summary of relevant job
experience and education. The résumé is usually one of the
first items, along with a cover letter and sometimes an
application for employment, which a potential employer sees
regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen
applicants, often followed by an interview.
Job Application Process
Cover Letter
A cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter,
motivational letter or a letter of motivation is a letter of
introduction attached to, or accompanying another
document such as a résumé or curriculum vitae
Job seekers frequently send a cover letter along with their
curriculum vitae or applications for employment as a way of
introducing themselves to potential employers and explaining
their suitability for the desired positions.
Job sites for Bangladesh
1. www.bdjobs.com
2. www.bdjobstoday.com
Job Application Process
Interview for Jobs
Employment interview
It is a selection procedure designed to predict future job
performance on the basis of applicants’ oral responses to oral
enquiries
Interview for Jobs
Interview structure
It is any enhancement of the interview assisting the interviewer
in determining what questions to ask and how to evaluate
responses
Unstructured interviews
Unstructured interviews specify no standardization of
questioning sequence but rather delegate such control to the
interviewer’s discretion.
Interview for Jobs
Factors affecting employment decision in an interview
1. Personal characteristics
2. Personality
3. Physical appearance
4. Speech style and communication apprehension
Interview for Jobs
Impression management
According to Ralston and Kirkwood (1999, p. 191), ‘Whenever
we attempt to influence how others see us, we are engaging in
impression management.’
Self-presentation behavior
1. Assertive
2. Defensive
Interview for Jobs
Assertive Tactics of Self-presentation
1. Self-promotion: engaging in positive self-descriptions
about skills, knowledge, and abilities
2. Entitlements: exaggerating responsibility for positive life
experiences and achievements
3. Enhancements: giving an event pronounced value or
significance to enhance its importance
Interview Follow ups
Follow up strategies
• Sending a thank you letter or email message
• Sending a handwritten thank you note
• Promoting candidacy.
• Mentioning about what was forgotten to say?
• Cleaning up interview mistakes
• Proofreading follow up letters
• Follow-Up Phone Calls
Follow up E-mail/Thank Letter sample
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
I sincerely enjoyed meeting with you yesterday and learning more about the Position at Employer.
Our conversation confirmed my interest in becoming part of Employer's staff. I was particularly pleased
at the prospect of being able to develop my own article ideas with the head of the bureau, and develop
my multi-media skills.
I feel confident that my experiences both in the workplace and in the classroom would enable me to fill
the job requirements effectively.
Please feel free to contact me if I can provide you with any further information. I look forward eagerly to
hearing from you, and thank you again for the courtesy you extended to me.
Sincerely,
Signature (hard copy letter)
Your Name
Interview Follow ups
Professional Practices and Communication (CE 3101)
Chapter: Introduction to the Code of Ethics for Engineers
Reference Book: Engineering Ethics: An Industrial Perspective by Gail D.
Baura
Lecture prepared by
Md Nuruzzaman
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET)
Credit also goes to Dr. Amar Fettani (IRKHS, IIUM, Malaysia)
Ethics
The philosophical science that deals with the rightness and
wrongness of human actions is known as Ethics.
It is a moral principal or set of moral values hold by an individual
or group.
Codes of conduct/ Code of Ethics
It is a set of guidelines for specific groups of professionals to help
them to perform their roles safeguarding professional ethics.
2
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Terms related to Ethics
Virtues
- The quality/practice of moral excellence or righteousness.
- Doing something right because it is the good thing to do.
Values
- Are matters/convictions that are worth striving for in general,
such as: happiness, justice, charity.
- Core beliefs that guide and motivate attitudes and actions
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Terms related to Ethics
Norms
- Are rules that prescribe what actions are required, permitted or
forbidden.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Engineering ethics
Engineering ethics is the study of the moral values, issues, and decisions
involved in engineering practice.
Morality encompasses the first-order beliefs and practices about good
and evil by which we guide our behavior. Ethics is the second-order,
reflective consideration of our moral beliefs and practices
Objectives of the Code of Ethics
1. To establish professional standards that will protect and
enhance the concept, the image, the credibility and the
sustainability of Engineering.
2. Social and environmental commitment.
3. Establish and maintain standards for the Engineering
industry.
4. Quality of service.
5. Fair competition.
6. Quality of information.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Why is the Code of Ethics important to engineers?
1. It is a SYMBOL of Professionalism.
2. A BASIC qualifying requirement.
3. An EDGE in competition.
4. Ultimate BENEFIT of the profession
Adhering to the Code of Ethics, the engineering profession willbenefit in promoting its reputation, credibility and respect. Theresult: the engineering profession will maintain its attractivenessas a rewarding and respectable profession.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Scope
1- Integrity.
2- Competence.
3- Individual Responsibilities.
4- Professional Responsibilities.
5- Human Concerns.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Responsibilities of Engineers
Internal Responsibilities
1- Collegiality : Considered a “professional virtue”
- Four central elements:
– Respect: for colleagues, clients
– Commitment: to overall good
– Connectedness: to broader picture
– Cooperation: with the team
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Responsibilities of Engineers
Internal Responsibilities
2- Loyalty.
- Agency loyalty (Owed, fulfil contractual duties, Do your
job and follow the rules) and Identification loyalty (More to
do with emotions, attitudes, and a sense of belonging).
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Responsibilities of Engineers
Internal Responsibilities
3- Respect for authority.
- Authority is the right to have control over decision affecting the
interests of the employer and the business.
- Two kind of authority:
1– Institutional authority: associated with administrative position
2– Expert Authority: results from specialized knowledge
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Responsibilities of Engineers
Internal Responsibilities
4- Collective bargaining:
A- Attack problems not people.
B- Build trust.
C- Start with discussion and analysis of interests, concerns, needs
not solutions.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Responsibilities of Engineers
External Responsibilities
1- Confidentiality
2- Reporting
3- Not committing occupational crimes (Embezzlement, Tax fraud,
Money Laundering, Altering records or cooking)
4- Conflict of Interests: situations where professionals have an
interest which, if pursued, might keep them from meeting their
obligations to their employers or clients. (Actual, Potential,
Apparent)
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Rights of engineers
1. Rights of conscience.
2. Institutional recognition of moral rights.
3. Privacy.
4. Whistleblowing.
5. Non discrimination.
6. No harassment. (bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes ,displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, oroffensive or intimidating phone calls).
7. No preferential treatment.
8. Intellectual property.
Code of Ethics for Engineers
Rights of engineers
9. The employer keeping to the contract of employment.
10. Working in a healthy and safe environment.
11. Being appropriately trained.
12. Joining a trade union or staff association.
13. Being allowed access to own personal employee record.
14. Rights against exploitation.
15. Freedom to choose outside activities.
16. Free speech.
17. Freedom of religion.
Code of Ethics for Engineers