Title       : NIEE Video Project: A Sequel to Gilbane Gold
Type        : Award
NSF Org     : SES 
Latest
Amendment
Date        : May 29,  2003       
File        : a0138309

Award Number: 0138309
Award Instr.: Continuing grant                             
Prgm Manager: Rachelle D. Hollander                   
	      SES  DIVN OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SCIENCES    
	      SBE  DIRECT FOR SOCIAL, BEHAV & ECONOMIC SCIE
Start Date  : March 15,  2002     
Expires     : February 28,  2005   (Estimated)
Expected
Total Amt.  : $265661             (Estimated)
Investigator: Jimmy H. Smith Jimmy.Smith@coe.ttu.edu  (Principal Investigator current)
              Michael C. Loui  (Co-Principal Investigator current)
              Steven P. Nichols  (Co-Principal Investigator current)
              William D. Lawson  (Co-Principal Investigator current)
Sponsor     : Texas Tech University
	      203 Holden Hall
	      Lubbock, TX  794091035    806/742-3884

NSF Program : 7915      ETHICS AND VALUES STUDIES
Fld Applictn: 
Program Ref : 7915,9178,SMET,
Abstract    :

     A project team of engineer educators, engineer practitioners, and
     philosophers with international reputations in engineering ethics creates a
     video dramatizing a fictional but realistic case study in engineering ethics.
     This is a sequel Gilbane Gold; a highly successful, award-winning video. This
     video will help meet the contemporary need for effective instruction in
     engineering ethics, prompted by recent accreditation requirements for
     engineering curricula to include aspects of engineering ethics, and by
     increases in requirements for awareness of professional ethics in the licensing
     of professional engineers by states' licensing agencies. The video will reach
     hundreds of thousands of engineering students, practicing engineers, and others
     who work with engineers. It emphasizes the positive responsibilities of
     engineers and the resulting benefit to the public, rather than whistle-blowing,
     which was one aspect of Gilbane Gold. Because of the globalization of the
     economy, the new video is cast in an international context. The video is done
     in three versions to enhance its exposure and pedagogical effectiveness: a
     20-25 minute "basic" story version along the lines of Gilbane Gold, a
     "segmented' version that can be viewed in parts, and an "interactive" version
     on DVD that allows the viewer to observe the consequences of different ethical
     decisions. The film will improve the ability of students and practicing
     engineers to: Evaluate alternatives according to basic ethical values and
     through simple tests

     Identify and distinguish ethical issues, technical
     issues, and economic issues Identify affected parties (stakeholders) and their
     rights and responsibilities Identify social and political constraints on
     possible solutions Determine whether additional information is needed to make a
     good decision Formulate alternative courses of action Test the alternatives and
     imagine possible consequences of those alternatives. Also, the video will help
     the viewers become more aware that: Ethical considerations are an integral part
     of making engineering decisions A code of ethics will provide guidance in the
     decision-making process The obligations of a code of ethics do not stop at the
     United States border The obligations of engineers go beyond fulfilling a
     contract with a client or customer. The effectiveness of the video in achieving
     these goals is assessed through questionnaires and a

     standard test of
     moral reasoning. As part of the dissemination plan and in order to assure its
     wide use in the educational environment, a free copy will be sent to every
     engineering dean in the United States who oversees ABET-accredited engineering
     programs. Free examination copies will also be sent to major engineering and
     applied ethics societies in the United States. This wide distribution will
     encourage use of the video in conveying the importance of ethics in 
     undergraduate curricula, graduate curricula, and continuing education
     programs.