Question

A senior licensed professional engineer with 30 years of experience in geotechnical engineering is placed in charge of a multidisciplinary design tam consisting of a structural group, a geotechnical group, and an environmental group. In this role, she is responsible for supervising and coordinating the efforts of the groups when working on large interconnected projects. In order to facilitate coordination, designs are prepared by the groups under the direct supervision of the group leader, and then they are submitted to her review and approval. This arrangement is ethical as long as

A) She signs and seals each design segment only after being fully briefed by the appropriate group leader
B) She signs and seals only those design segments pertaining to geotechnical engineering
C) Each design segment is signed and sealed by the license group leader responsible for its preparation
D) She signs and seals each design segment only after it has been reviewed by an independent consulting engineer who specializes in the field in which it pertains

Answer 1

The ethical approach for an engineer leading a multidisciplinary team is to have each design segment signed and sealed by the responsible licensed group leader, aligning with professional responsibility and the efficient functioning of the multidisciplinary team.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical arrangement for a senior licensed professional engineer leading a multidisciplinary design team is C) Each design segment is signed and sealed by the licensed group leader responsible for its preparation. This ensures that the professional in charge of each specific area of expertise takes responsibility for the work done under their supervision. It demonstrates not only an adherence to professional and ethical responsibility but also ensures that each segment of the design reflects the specialized knowledge of the group leader.

The senior engineer's role then involves coordinating these efforts and providing a high-level review to ensure the overall project's success. This approach aligns with the principle of multidisciplinary team functioning, where the collective expertise contributes to a well-considered and integrated final design. Furthermore, this method fosters ongoing education and professional development, as each group leader is accountable for staying abreast of developments in their respective fields to ensure their team's design meets the latest standards and best practices.