Civil and Architectural Engineering
Student’s name
Course
Date
Introduction
The Civil and Architectural Engineering course encompasses the precision of engineering analysis, the creativity in designing buildings and structures, as well as the skills of management, finance, and construction. Moreover, the civil and architectural engineer is expected to comply with legal requirements and codes of practice on design procedures, meet quality, health and safety issues, and observe ethical conduct.
Legal Requirements
Professionals Engineers are expected to execute their professional conduct in such a manner as to improve the health, safety, and welfare of all (Bruce, Georgi & Elyce 2016). At the same time, the professional engineer in executing his/her professional duties, should pay due regard to the environment and more importantly, towards ensuring sustainability of resources (Toole & Gabrielle 2013). In this way, the professional engineer makes professional and personal commitments to improving the well-being of society by managing teams in a creative manner and via the exploitation of knowledge.
The key areas of commitment and competence that affect professional engineers entails knowledge and understanding of the engineering practice; ability to design and develop systems, processes, and products, management, leadership, and responsibility; inter-personal skills and communication; and professional commitment (Rafael et al.2015). Professional Engineers working at the ORR (Office of Rail and Road) for example are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers travelling on railways across the UK (Office of Rail and Road 2016). In this case, professional Engineers are expected to comply with the various legislations that have been enforced to ensure the health and safety of passengers and workers, including the 1974 Health and Safety Act (Office of Rail and Road 2016).
Ethical Conduct
Four basic principles have been deemed vital in guiding the professional engineer to attain high ideals of professionalism. The four fundamental principles touch on the values and beliefs of the professional engineers are evaluated herein.
Accuracy and rigour
Professional engineers in executing their duties are expected to obtain and utilise wisely faithful and wisely the knowledge relevant to engineering skills required in serving others (Whitbeck 2011). In my case, I always ensure that I go about my professional duties with competence and care and that my service to others is only confined to areas in which I am currently competent.
Honesty and integrity
The professional engineer is expected to embrace the hinges t levels of professional standards in terms of fairness, honest, and openness (Toole & Gabrielle 2013). In my case, I am always careful to avoid engaging in deceptive acts and in case I foresee an area where there could be conflict of interest, I ensure that I am not involved in such an activity. More importantly, I act for an individual client or employer in a trustworthy and reliable manner.
Respect for law, life, and public goods
As professional engineers, we are expected to demonstrate respect for all relevant published guidelines and facts, law, and the wider public interest (Whitbeck 2011). In other words, we are expected to work in a justified and lawful manner. In my case, I am always careful to ensure that I act responsibly, lawfully, and honourably, making sure that I uphold the standing, dignity, and reputation of m y engineering profession.
Responsible leadership
As professional engineers, we are expected to demonstrate responsible leadership in managing and exploiting technology. In my case, I aspire to actively enhance public understanding and awareness of the benefits and effects of engineering achievements while also being truthful and objective while making any statement in my capacity as a professional engineer.
Conclusion
Civil and Architectural Engineering professionals have a legal and ethical duty to ensure that they comply with stipulated laws, ethics and standards in executing their roles. Moreover, Civil and Architectural Engineers have a duty to comply with best engineering practices in order to achieve the intended outcome. To achieve professionalism, Civil and Architectural Engineers should ensure that their decisions are intended at promoting sustainability. Moreover, success in this profession requires development of a mix of hard and soft skills.
Reference List
Bruce, L, Georgi, P & Elyce, B 2016, ‘Prevention through design for hazards in construction’, Professional Safety, vol. 61, no. 9, pp. 37-44.
Office of Rail and Road: Working at OOR 2016. [Online]. Available at: <http://orr.gov.uk/about-orr/working-at-orr> (Accessed November 9, 2016)
Rafael, S, Jeniffer, W, Swissa, D, Raviv, G & Zhou, W 2015, ‘Safety by design; dialogues between designers and builders using virtual reality’, Construction Management and Economics, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 55-72.
Toole, M & Gabrielle, C 2013, ‘Prevention through design as a path towards social sustainability’, Journal of Architectural Engineering, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 168-173.
Whitbeck, C 2011, Ethics in engineering practice and research, Routledge, New York.
