An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in next two years by 30 June, 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of inspecting team and continue working with same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

a. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?

b. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?

c. What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?

d. What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the scenario of the elevated corridor project.
• Highlight the key issue: discovery of a crack in the pier and the ethical conflict arising from the chief engineer’s directive.

A. Options Available to the Project Manager

1. Follow Orders: Continue work as instructed by the chief engineer.
   • Fact: The chief engineer believes the crack is minor and will not impact safety (Source: Project scenario).
2. Insist on Repairs: Advocate for demolishing and reconstructing the affected piers.
   • Fact: The assessment indicates that at least three piers need reconstruction (Source: Project scenario).
3. Seek External Advice: Consult higher authorities or industry experts for guidance.
4. Direct Communication: Communicate with the Chief Minister about safety concerns.
5. Collaborate with Experts: Work with the inspecting team to explore alternative solutions that address the crack while minimizing delays.

B. Ethical Dilemmas Faced by the Project Manager

1. Professional Responsibility vs. Political Pressure: Balancing safety obligations with pressures from superiors and political timelines.
   • Fact: The minister wants the project completed before elections (Source: Project scenario).
2. Integrity in Decision-Making: Maintaining transparency despite external influences from the minister and contractor.
3. Public Safety vs. Authority Compliance: Prioritizing the safety of future users over compliance with the chief engineer’s orders.
4. Accountability: The potential legal and moral consequences of disregarding safety standards.
5. Short-term vs. Long-term Goals: Weighing immediate project completion against long-term safety implications.

C. Professional Challenges and Responses

1. Communicating Safety Importance: Effectively convey the risks associated with ignoring the crack to the chief engineer and relevant authorities.
   • Fact: Emphasizing the potential structural risks if the issue is not addressed (Source: General engineering principles).
2. Building a Technical Case: Gather evidence and expert opinions to support the need for reconstruction.
3. Negotiation Skills: Present alternatives to the minister and contractor that prioritize safety while attempting to meet deadlines.
4. Advocacy for Standards: Engage professional networks to reinforce adherence to quality and safety standards.
5. Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all communications and decisions made to protect against future liabilities.

D. Consequences of Overlooking the Observation

1. Structural Risks: Increased probability of structural failure, endangering lives.
   • Fact: Past incidents of infrastructure failure due to ignored warnings highlight this risk (Source: Historical case studies).
2. Reputation Damage: Harm to the project manager’s and organization’s credibility.
3. Legal Liabilities: Potential for legal action if accidents occur as a result of negligence.
4. Public Trust Erosion: Loss of confidence in the project and the authorities involved.
5. Financial Implications: Higher costs associated with retrofitting or repairing the structure after completion.

Conclusion

• Summarize the importance of prioritizing safety and integrity in project management.
• Stress that the right decision-making process is essential for the long-term success and safety of the project.