ME181 – Prelims Reviewer

I. Describe the development of the mechanical engineering profession in human history.

The discipline originated in the early machines—inclined planes, levers, screws, pulleys, and springs—which provided a means (the so-
called mechanical advantage) to enhance the limited strength of the human body. During these early years, kinematics, dynamics,
strength of materials, and the innovative design of mechanisms and transmissions, as well as agricultural and production tools, were
at the heart of the discipline. But with the introduction of steam power as the prime mover and the enabler of large-scale manufacturing
and long-distance transportation, the mechanical engineer's vocabulary grew to include thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid
mechanics. The depth of mechanical engineering knowledge, the strength of its foundations, the significance of its contributions to
mankind, and the resilience of its practitioners bespeak a future rich in opportunities and a profession that will—and must—continue
to play a critical role in the creation of innovative solution to society's unmet needs.

II. Map the scope of mechanical engineering profession.

1. Aerospace industry – researches, designs, manufactures, operates and maintains aircraft
2. Automotive industry – designs, manufactures, distributes and markets motor vehicles
3. Chemical industry – covers oil companies, chemicals manufacturers and the businesses that support them (e.g. to build
new plants or develop new process technologies)
4. Construction industry – designs and builds infrastructure, buildings and buildings services (e.g. heating and ventilation)
5. Defense industry – provides equipment, support and services for the armed forces and national security
6. Electronics industry – designs and manufactures components and complete equipment for sectors from automotive to
medicine and the military
7. Fast moving consumer goods industry – manufactures products such as household cleaning items, personal hygiene goods
and convenience foods
8. Marine industry – develops and helps operate vessels
9. Materials and metals industry – activities include developing new materials and manufacturing components or end
products
10. Pharmaceuticals industry – develops and manufactures drugs
11. Rail industry – designs, constructs, manages and maintains rail system components from trains and tracks to electrical
power systems and train control systems
12. Utilities industry – helps supply power, water, waste management and telecoms
III. Identify the contribution of mechanical engineering profession.
1. The automobile
2. The Apollo program
3. Power generation
4. Agricultural mechanization
5. The airplane
6. Integrated-circuit mass production
7. Air conditioning and refrigeration
8. Computer-aided engineering technology
9. Bioengineering
10. Codes and standards
IV. Enumerate the existing local and international mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering related
organizations.
1. PSME – Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
2. ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
3. NSPE – National Society of Professional Engineers
4. ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
5. IHVE – Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
V. Explain the role of mechanical engineers in the society, self-explanatory.
1. Politicians
2. Scientists
3. Managers
4. Experts
5. Academics
VI. Explain the aspects of professionalism, self-explanatory.
1. Nature of work: intellectual, mental vs. manual, specialized skills and knowledge
2. Moral aspect: this goes beyond general honesty, integrity, codes of conduct and ethics, “self-regulation”
3. Collective organization: professional association, entry and competence, “accreditation” and “recognition”
4. Status
5. Impartiality and independence
VII. Relate the domain of engineering in societal needs and the scientific knowledge.
The utilization of scientific knowledge over time establishes that some of the knowledge is immediately relevant to societal needs while
other parts are less immediately relevant (society may never realize the relevance of a particular scientific inquiry). While the
congruence of societal need with scientific knowledge is much more complex than indicated in this article, it may be represented for
the purpose of this discussion by a Venn diagram as seen in figure 2. It is this overlap of scientific knowledge with societal need, more
specifically, the application of scientific knowledge to the needs of society, that is the domain of engineering (see below). Clearly, the
extent of human enterprise is much more complex than is represented here. If, for example, it is in the interest of society to increase
our store of scientific knowledge, then engineers and scientists who ply their trade in the frontiers of scientific research are both serving
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societal need. Nevertheless, our contention is that the central focus of the engineering profession is the application of scientific
knowledge to meet societal needs.

VIII. Distinguish the engineering enterprise on the aspects of creativity and analysis.
This analogy can be extended by superimposing the distinction of the creative versus the analytical aspect of the human enterprise.
We can represent this aspect of the human intellect by another Venn diagram shown in figure 3. As indicated in the diagram, one may
pursue creative efforts without involving analytical skills, and one may apply analytical skills without entering the domain of creativity.

IX. Explain the ethical principles and theories.

Ethical theories and principles are the foundations of ethical analysis because they are the viewpoints from which guidance can be
obtained along the pathway to a decision. Each theory emphasizes different points such as predicting the outcome and following one's
duties to others in order to reach an ethically correct decision. However, in order for an ethical theory to be useful, the theory must be
directed towards a common set of goals. Ethical principles are the common goals that each theory tries to achieve in order to be
successful.

X. Enumerate and describe the ethical principles.

1. Beneficence – The principle of beneficence guides the ethical theory to do what is good. This principle is also related to
the principle of utility, which states that we should attempt generate the largest ratio of good over evil possible in the
world. An example of "doing good" is found in the practice of medicine in which the health of an individual is bettered by
treatment from a physician.
2. Least Harm – This is similar to beneficence, but deals with situations in which neither choice is beneficial. In this case, a
person should choose to do the least harm possible and to do harm to the fewest people. For example, in the Hippocratic
Oath, a physician is first charged with the responsibility to "do no harm" to the patient since the physician's primary duty
is to provide helpful treatment to the patient rather than to inflict more suffering upon the patient.
3. Respect for Autonomy – This principle states that an ethical theory should allow people to reign over themselves and to
be able to make decisions that apply to their lives. This means that people should have control over their lives as much as
possible because they are the only people who completely understand their chosen type of lifestyle.
In the paternalistic viewpoint, an authority prioritizes a dependent person's best interests over the dependent
person's wishes. For example, a patient with terminal cancer may prefer to live the rest of her life without the medication
that makes her constantly ill. The physician, on the other hand, may convince the patient and her family members to
make the patient continue taking her medication because the medication will prolong her life.
In the libertarian viewpoint, this standpoint prioritizes the patient's wishes over their best interests. This means that
the patient has control over her life and should be content with her quality of life because she has chosen the path of life
with the greatest amount of personal beneficence. Although this viewpoint is more mindful of the patient's desires, it
does not prevent the patient from making decisions that may be more harmful than beneficial.
4. Justice – The justice ethical principle states that ethical theories should prescribe actions that are fair to those involved.
This means that ethical decisions should be consistent with the ethical theory unless extenuating circumstances that can
be justified exist in the case. For example a policeman is allowed to speed on the highway if he must arrive at the scene
of a crime as quickly as possible in order to prevent a person from getting hurt. Although the policeman would normally
have to obey the speed limit, he is allowed to speed in this unique situation because it is a justified under the extenuating
circumstances.
XI. Enumerate and describe the ethical theories.
1. Deontology – The deontological theory states that people should adhere to their obligations and duties when analyzing
an ethical dilemma. This means that a person will follow his or her obligations to another individual or society because
upholding one's duty is what is considered ethically correct. For example, a deontologist will always keep his promises to
a friend and will follow the law. A person who follows this theory will produce very consistent decisions since they will be
based on the individual's set duties. For example, if a person hijacked a train full of students and stated that one person
would have to die in order for the rest to live, the person who volunteers to die is exceeding his or her duty to the other
students and performs an act of supererogation.
2. Utilitarianism – The utilitarian ethical theory is founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action. To a
utilitarian, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most people is the choice that is ethically correct. There are
two types of utilitarianism, act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism adheres exactly to the definition
of utilitarianism as described in the above section. In act utilitarianism, a person performs the acts that benefit the most
people, regardless of personal feelings or the societal constraints such as laws. Rule utilitarianism, however, takes into
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account the law and is concerned with fairness. A rule utilitarian seeks to benefit the most people but through the fairest
and most just means available. Therefore, added benefits of rule utilitarianism are that it values justice and includes
beneficence at the same time.
3. Rights – In the rights ethical theory the rights set forth by a society are protected and given the highest priority. Rights
are considered to be ethically correct and valid since a large or ruling population endorses them. Individuals may also
bestow rights upon others if they have the ability and resources to do so. For example, a person may say that her friend
may borrow the car for the afternoon. The friend who was given the ability to borrow the car now has a right to the car
in the afternoon.
4. Casuists – The casuist ethical theory is one that compares a current ethical dilemma with examples of similar ethical
dilemmas and their outcomes. This allows one to determine the severity of the situation and to create the best possible
solution according to others' experiences. Usually one will find paradigms that represent the extremes of the situation so
that a compromise can be reached that will hopefully include the wisdom gained from the previous examples.
5. Virtue – The virtue ethical theory judges a person by his character rather than by an action that may deviate from his
normal behavior. It takes the person's morals, reputation and motivation into account when rating an unusual and
irregular behavior that is considered unethical. For example, if a person plagiarized a passage that was later detected by
a peer, the peer who knows the person well will understand the person's character and will be able to judge the friend. If
the plagiarizer normally follows the rules and has good standing amongst his colleagues, the peer who encounters the
plagiarized passage may be able to judge his friend more leniently.
XII. Enumerate the reasons for providing standards code of ethics for mechanical engineers.
1. The ability to have a significant influence on the direction and quality of a given standard.
2. Increased opportunities to interact with and learn from the foremost technical experts in a given field.
3. Ensuring that the organization’s interests, practices and experience are thoroughly considered in developing and updating
requirements in standards.
4. Gaining an in-depth understanding of how potential changes may impact your industry and organization.
XIII. Explain the general principles in the Code, summarize and understand the kernel.
General Principles

Rule 1. The mechanical engineer shall, in the practice of his profession, be governed by the Golden Rule, the ideals of service to man
and his environment, and the indispensability of unwavering public confidence in his professional competence, integrity and humanity.

Rule 2. The mechanical engineer shall maintain the proper pride for his profession, observe the standards of professional practice,
safeguard the dignity, welfare, and reputation of his colleagues in the professions, and fulfill his duties and obligations as a citizen of
the Republic of the Philippines.

Rule 3. The mechanical engineer shall update and enhance constantly his professional knowledge and skills through assiduous research
and study, and meaningful participation in continuing education programs and seminars conducted or authorized by the Philippine
Society of Mechanical Engineers or educational institutions supervised by the State.

Rule 4. The ethical principle governing the mechanical engineer applies equally to partnerships, firms and entities organized and
existing for the practice of mechanical engineering.

XIV. Enumerate and explain the Code of Ethics for mechanical engineers in his relations with the state, community,
labor, clients, employers, colleagues and associates, summarize and understand the kernel.
Relations with the State
Rule 5. The mechanical engineer shall honor and respect the supreme authority of the State, the Rule of Law, the primacy of the general welfare, the
fundamental rights of persons, and the obligations and privileges of citizens recognized and guaranteed by the Constitution of the Philippines.

Rule 6. He shall cooperate fully with the State in the pursuit of national development plans and programs, the inviolability of national security, the
promotion of peace, and the prevention and/or prosecution of unjust, criminal or unlawful acts and omissions.

Rule 7. He shall be ready to render the services needed for the adequate and orderly development of the resources of the country, and to offer his
mechanical devices and inventions essential or necessary for national defense.

Rule 8. In a national emergency, he shall offer his professional knowledge, skill and experience in the service of the State.

Relations with the Community

Rule 9. The mechanical engineer shall be well-informed of the latest technological progress in his own line of work. He shall encourage and require
the use, or application of standard mechanical equipment, machinery, or processes for safety, economy and efficiency.

Rule 10. Whenever he designs a mechanical equipment, machinery or process, or prepares the layout of a project, he must apply an adequate factor
of safety, and provide for the necessary leeway for proper operating and maintenance conditions.

Rule 11. When he discovers faulty or unsafe devices, equipment, or machinery in any place, work or plant, he shall without delay, give notice thereof
to the proper authority, public or private, for the immediate and effective correction, regardless of whether or not he is responsible for said place,
work or plant.

Relations with Labor

Rule 12. The mechanical engineer shall recognize labor as one of the major resources of our country. He must acknowledge that a working man is not
a mechanical robot but a human being.

Rule 13. He shall be familiar with the State policies on Labor and Social Justice, as well as labor and social legislation and shall observe faithfully these
policies and laws in his dealings with labor in general, and with his workmen in particular.
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Rule 14. He shall strive to improve the skills of his workmen, pay them a fair living wage, and instruct them on how to prevent accidents in their place
of work.

Relations with Clients and Employers

Rule 15. The mechanical engineer shall observe punctuality in his appointments, perform honestly and in good faith his contractual obligation and his
duties and obligations to his client or employer, and observe fair dealing in his relations with his clients and employers.

Rule 16. He shall treat with confidentiality any information obtained by him as to the business affairs and technical methods or processes of a client
or employer.

Rule 17. He shall inform his client or employer of his business connections, interests, or affiliations which may influence his judgment, or impair the
quality or character of his services.

Rule 18. The mechanical engineer is entitled to a just and fair compensation for his services. In the computation of such compensation, the period of
time consumed, his knowledge, skill, experience, and reputation, and the depreciation of instruments and materials used, shall be considered and
accorded such weight as is just and reasonable.

Rule 19. He shall accept compensation, financial or otherwise, for his services from his client or employer only. He may agree to, or receive
compensation from any other source only with the full knowledge and consent of all parties concerned.

Rule 20. The mechanical engineer shall be completely above suspicion or reproach in his relation with his clients or employers, avoiding the remotest
reference or relation to any secret or questionable agreement on commissions or other financial considerations promised by or received from any
person or entity other than his client or employer.

Relations with Colleagues and Associates

Rule 21. To thane own self be true and thou cannot be false to any man - expresses the duty which a mechanical engineer owes to himself and to
others.

Rule 22. The mechanical engineer shall use only fair means to gain professional advancement. In the pursuit thereof he shall not injure the work or
employment opportunities of others or use any improper or questionable method of soliciting employment or clientele.

Rule 23. He shall refrain from association with, or allowing the use of his name by, any person or entity of questionable reputation.

Rule 24. He shall provide the opportunity and the means to improve and advance the knowledge, skills, and experience of his colleagues and
associates.

Rule 25. He shall define clearly the line of authority and scope of responsibility of his associates and assistants. Orders, or the recall thereof, shall be
issued through proper channels.

Rule 26. He shall be receptive to new ideas and suggestions from others, and ready to recognize, encourage, and accredit the authors thereof.
Suggestions from colleagues and associates shall be given more careful attention.

Rule 27. He shall use tact and discretion in dealing with his colleagues and associates, but not at the sacrifice of firmness. He shall work out difficult
problems with courage and serenity.

Rule 28. Careful selection of understudies shall be a guiding principle, and preference shall be given to those with adequate engineering education.

Rule 29. He shall not expect others to face danger that he himself will not face. He shall observe at all times safety requirements for the protection
of all concerned.

Rule 30. The mechanical engineer shall actively support the duly accredited association with the end in view of enhancing the practice of the
profession and discharging his public responsibilities as professional.

XV. Enumerate and explain the ASME Code of Ethics, summarize and understand the kernel.
1. The Fundamental Principles – Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession
by:
a. Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare;
b. Being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients; and
c. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession.
2. The Fundamental Canons
3. The Criteria for Interpretation of the Canons
XVI. Enumerate and explain the NSPE Code of Ethics for engineers, summarize and understand the kernel.
1. Preamble – Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected
to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life
for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must
be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of
professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
2. Fundamental Canons
3. Rules of Practice
4. Professional Obligations
5. Statement by NSPE Executive Committee