Volkswagen — Engineering Breakdown or System Failure? (Lessons Learned)

Webinar – 1.0 CPD Hour

Delve into the ethics involved in the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal.

Course Abstract
This course will introduce you to ethical issues in engineering and how to engage, respond and use insights derived from the Volkswagen (VW) diesel fraud case in the United States and in global markets. The lessons gained will help you think through and analyze, understand and respond to ethical challenges for engineering in the 21st century. It provides illustrations and lessons learned from the VW case which have been unfolding since 2015. This lecture is based on a workshop conducted by the presenter with the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers.

What Engineers Will Learn

• Gain insights into ethical issues and practices associated with engineering in the private, nonprofit and public sectors
• Understand the interdisciplinary pressures and challenges confronted in private and public sector engineering and technology development assignments
• Gain specific knowledge and strengths to cope with increasing engineering ethical challenges based on lessons illustrated in VW responses in both the automotive, public policy and technical sectors
• Develop business skills in the current understanding of global trends affecting the engineer in the workplace

Presenter Biography
Michael J. Zimmer is executive in residence and senior fellow at the Russ College of Engineering and Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University (Athens, Ohio) since 2007. He has worked as a practicing attorney in the corporate and trade association world, and retired from almost 35 years in private law practice in 2013. He has represented Fortune 500 companies, communities and developing companies on energy, environmental, finance and technology development issues since 1980. He has testified before the U.S. Congress, and federal and state departments and agencies, authored numerous articles, and has been an outside executive editor on several new books on climate change law, environmental ethics and public – private partnerships.

Registration Fee

• Professional (Nonmember) - $50
• OSPE Member (30% off) - $35

Participation Monitored
During this webinar, we'll be monitoring your attendance so that we are in compliance with the requirements of the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors.  While this webinar is available "on demand," your participation will be monitored through a device that will require your response at various intervals. You must respond appropriately, or you will not be eligible for a CPD Certificate of Completion.

Continuing Professional Development Hours
OSPE programs are designed to meet the requirements for Ohio’s continuing professional development (CPD) law and State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors (Board of Registration) rules.  For Ohio licensees, the Board of Registration determines the acceptance of individual courses for CPD credit. The Board of Registration does not preapprove any courses nor course providers.  However, OSPE programs are designed to comply with the law in OH, KY, NC and WV.  Be sure to consult those states’ licensing authorities. The All Ohio Engineering Conference also meets continuing professional development (CPD) requirements in many other states.  There is 1.0 CPD hour associated with this program.  Professionals should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  Throughout the program, be sure to respond appropriately to our attendance monitoring device so that your attendance may be verified in case you are audited by the State.

Deductibility of Registration Fee
Registration fees for this program are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.  However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.  Please consult your tax advisor.

© 2017 Ohio Society of Professional Engineers

Ohio Society of Professional Engineers
614-223-1144 or 1-800-654-9481
OSPE@OhioEngineer.com