Q. 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 20 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 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.
o Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?
o What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?
o What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?
o What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?
Question from UPSC Mains 2021 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
Options Available to the Project Manager:
- Follow the Chief Engineer’s Orders: The project manager could choose to follow the chief engineer’s orders and continue with the construction of the elevated corridor without addressing the minor crack issue. This option may result in the completion of the project within the given deadline, but it would compromise on the safety and durability of the bridge.
- Refuse to Comply: The project manager could choose to refuse to comply with the chief engineer’s orders and insist on repairing the minor crack issue before resuming the construction of the elevated corridor. This option would uphold the safety and durability of the bridge, but it could result in delay and possible consequences for the project manager’s career.
- Seek External Help: The project manager could seek external help, such as an independent engineering consultant, to assess the minor crack issue and provide recommendations for addressing it. This option would ensure impartiality and transparency in the decision-making process, but it could result in delay and additional costs for the project.
Ethical Dilemmas Faced by the Project Manager:
- Balancing Safety and Speed: The project manager faces a dilemma of balancing safety and speed in the construction of the elevated corridor. Following the chief engineer’s orders would compromise on safety, while insisting on repairing the minor crack issue would result in delay.
- Professional Integrity vs. Career Advancement: The project manager faces a dilemma of maintaining professional integrity by upholding safety and durability standards vs. compromising on these standards to advance their career.
Professional Challenges Likely to be Faced by the Project Manager and Response to Overcome Such Challenges:
- Resistance from the Chief Engineer and Contractor: The project manager may face resistance from the chief engineer and contractor who have personal and political interests in the completion of the project. The project manager should communicate the importance of safety and durability standards to them and emphasize the long-term consequences of compromising on these standards.
- Pressure from the Ministry and Politicians: The project manager may face pressure from the ministry and politicians to prioritize speed over safety. The project manager should communicate the risks and consequences of compromising on safety standards and seek the support of external agencies and independent consultants to assess the situation objectively.
Consequences of Overlooking the Observation Raised by the Inspecting Team:
Overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team and continuing with the construction of the elevated corridor without addressing the minor crack issue could have serious consequences, such as:
- Compromising the safety and durability of the bridge, leading to potential accidents and loss of life.
- Legal and financial liabilities for the project manager, contractor, and government in case of any accidents or failures.
- Public backlash and loss of public trust in the government and the construction industry.
- Damage to the project manager’s professional reputation and career prospects in the long run.