Case Study:

You find a novel solution to an important problem posed by your advisor; however, your advisor sees this as an opportunity for him to get published, downplays the significance of the results, collates a paper and submits it before you are any the wiser (the paper acknowledges a discussion with you, but does not include you as an author). You are absolutely clear that this idea was yours, and feel suitably put out. You approach your advisor and make a complaint, but he empathizes with you and tells you to be a bit quicker with the write-up next time.

He tells you, "That's just the way of the world." You decide not to leave it there, and approach the head of the department (going up one link in the management chain). You make your complaint to him, and he asks you for evidence, but you can't provide any because you didn't keep a dated notebook: all of your notes are in several ring binders, some at home and some in your desk at work. You start feeling a bit silly, and the head advises you to drop the matter.

Questions:

1- What would be your first course of action taken, when you are facing this issue?

2- Are there long-term consequences for anyone to not dropping the issue? Explain your answer.

3- What are your possible options?

4- Are there any whistleblower aspects to this case study? Explain your answer.

5- State three fundamental rights, which you can exercise as a practicing professional engineer (professional rights).

6- State three fundamental duties, which you are obliged to perform as a practicing professional engineer .