PIE Question Bank

There are three sections in your final examination paper. Answer a total of four
questions.
Section A, B and C.
Select ONE question from each section and another ONE from section B or C.
All questions carry a total of 25 marks each.
A few typical questions for each section, are given below.

Section A- Engineer & Society

Q
IESL code of conduct states that, Engineers shall continue their professional development
throughout their careers and shall actively assist and encourage engineers under their
direction to advance their knowledge and experience.
Giving adequate examples, explain how professional engineers can contribute towards the
development of young engineers.

(25 marks)

Q
(a) The pattern of relationships among the basic components in a social system is an
essential factor. Describe the social structure of a society and the components which
provide the framework for all societies.

(12 marks)

(b) Specific codes are laid out that concern ones Conduct of behaviour and practice when
carrying out professional work. Outline five issues which may be of concern in a code of
ethics for engineers.

(13 marks)

Q
The impact of technology on engineering during the last few decades is immense. State three
examples of how the technology has impacted on the industry and society, clearly explaining the
pros and cons.
Describe the Impact of technology on construction; civil engineering and on the building
industry in particular.

(25 marks)

Q
Clause 5 of the IESL Code of Ethics states that Engineers shall not apply their skills and
knowledge in the interest of their employer or client for whom they shall act, in professional
matters, as faithful agents or trustees, so far as they do not conflict with the other
requirements listed here and the general public interest.
This requirement is to ensure that engineers shall act in the best interest of their employer or
client as long as it does not conflict with the public interest. Describe ways in which Clause 5 is
to be observed, and explain each to demonstrate how the Code of Ethics may be violated and
what steps must be taken to avoid such violations.
(25 marks)
Q.
Engineer A works for ABC Engineering and is retained by Client to prepare an feasibility study of
Clients block of land (block 1) for an engineering project. The Client requests that the study be
prepared in a specific manner because the company intends to purchase the adjoining block 2
in approximately five years for a development that requires both blocks of land. Based on the
information revealed to Engineer A by Client, and without notifying Client, Engineer A thereafter
purchases block 2 for Engineer As commercial benefit.
Was it ethical for Engineer A to purchase block 2 for Engineer As own commercial benefit under
these circumstances?
Identify the relevant references to the IESL code of ethics and explain the violations. (25 marks)

Q
(a) You have been asked to prepare a presentation for final year college students, on how
technology has changed society over the recent past with special reference to Sri Lanka.
Describe the topics you would cover.
(15 marks)
(b) Discuss the role the engineer can play in changing life styles of the Sri Lankan society
in moving towards a green economy.
(10 marks)
Q
You have been asked to give a presentation for final year engineering students entitled How
engineering is tackling global warming. Explain the topics you would cover in your slide
presentation of 10 slides.
(25 marks)
Q
(a) Explain why many engineers feel that meetings are not productive and a good use of
their time?
(10 marks)
(b) What aspects of good practice need to be utilized to ensure a meeting is both fruitful and
conducive to take decisions for all those involved?
(15 marks)

Q
ICE Rules of Professional Conduct state that All members shall discharge their professional
duties with integrity and shall behave with integrity in relation to all conduct bearing upon the
standing, reputation and dignity of the Institution and of the profession of civil engineering.
Explain the rule citing suitable examples and state the relevant rules in the IESL Code of Ethics,
bearing the same meaning.
(25 marks)
Q
The IESL clause Engineers shall build their reputation on merit and shall not compete
unfairly is important in the present day context. Explain the different ways in which an
engineer can fail to adhere to the rules of this clause giving your views on the expected
behavior of the engineer.

(25 marks)
1

2
3

Section B- Sustainability, Health & Safety and IT

Q
Engineers shall be committed to the need for sustainable management of the planets
resources and seek to minimize adverse environmental impacts of their engineering works
or applications of technology so as to protect both present and future generations.
To this end explain the duties of the professional engineer as stated in IESL codes of
conduct.

(25 marks)

Q
All engineers shall show due regard for the environment and for the sustainable management
of natural resources. This is a statement in the ICE rules of professional Conduct. IESL Code of
Ethics has expanded this statement to include many rules. State the rules explaining the role a
civil engineer in Sri Lanka is expected to play in this regard.
(25 marks)
0

Q
(a) Since the Construction Summit held in 2001, a number of initiatives have been introduced to
help the industry meet the targets that were set at the summit. Comment on the three
initiatives and assess the impact they have had on health and safety. (10 marks)
1 (b) To what extent do you think the culture regarding health and safety in the construction
industry has changed in recent years?
(15 marks)
Q
The Brundtland Commission made the following statement on sustainable development:

Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable- to ensure that it meets the
needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
Discuss how this can be achieved within construction, using examples to illustrate your
arguments.
(25 marks)
Q
Engineers are required to design and manage infrastructure development with sustainability in
mind. Describe the related issues when considering the Structural transformation of an existing
village into a planned modern township.
(25 marks)
Q
(a) Sustainable Development relates to the use of natural capital in such a way as to minimize
the loss to future generations. The supply of raw materials/resources is one major area of
concern. Describe the problems created through using natural resources for manufacture of
concrete and discuss the efforts being taken to circumvent the issues through governmental
action and research.
(13 marks)
(b) Discuss the main challenges related to each of the following, which need to be
considered to achieve sustainable construction while also preventing the failure of
structures.
(i)
Procurement
(ii)
Design
(iii)
Production
(iv)
Commissioning
(12 marks)
Q
Health & Safety is paramount in the profession of a civil engineer. All engineers shall have full
regard for the public interest, particularly in relation to matters of health and safety, and in
relation to the well-being of future generations.
(a) State the relevant rules in the IESL Code of Ethics and give three examples from the
industry for engineers having full regard for the public interest
(15 marks)
(i) Describe two instances where failure to do so in the area of health & safety have lead to
unfavourable situations.
(10 marks)
Q
(a)It has been found that it is possible to foresee and remove health and safety issues related
to construction, at the design stage of the project. Discuss.
(10 marks)
(b) Clause 1 of the IESL (Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka) Code of Ethics states that
Engineers shall hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public and the proper
utilization of the funds and other resources in the performance of their professional duties. It
shall take precedence over their responsibility to the profession, sectoral or private interests,
employers or to other engineers

The first requirement places the community above all others.

What areas of work in factories and manufacturing process are addressed by the Factories
Ordnance? Explain the steps engineers are required to take with regard to health, safety
and welfare based on Clause1
(15 marks)
Q
Describe the impact of Information Technology (IT) on the construction industry. Discuss the
skills needed by professional engineers in the IT field and the advantages/disadvantages of
the advanced IT techniques employed by the industry.
Explain why the construction industry is slow to take up the challenges of IT.
(25 marks)
Q
We live in an age of information technology where the computer and the internet reign
supreme.
(a) Discuss this statement in relation to the way in which the current information explosion
can both help and possibly hinder the work of the professional engineer. Illustrate your
answer with specific examples.
(15 marks)
(b) to what extent has the widespread use of information technology altered the design
process undertaken by the professional engineer?
(10 marks)
Q
(a) Dispute resolution is an important aspect in the construction industry. Outline the areas
in which the impact of technology has made changes in the legal proceedings leading to
settlement of disputes.
(10 marks)
(b) Describe how technology has made changes in the building industry through the
following improvements.
(i)
Storage of large amounts of information electronically
(ii)
Introduction of tablets and
(iii)
Virtual meetings
(15 marks)
Q
There have been significant improvements in the industrys health & safety performance with
reductions in accidents and fatalities. However the construction industry still has one of the
worst health & safety records.

(a) Explain what factors have contributed to this reduction in accidents and fatalities by
creating a more safety aware workforce.

(13 marks)

(b) Discuss what factors you believe still pose particular problems regarding health & safety
within the construction industry

(12 marks)

Q
The concept of sustainable development requires construction solutions that do not result in
conflict between rising living standards and environmental protection
(a) Discuss the main challenges the concept of sustainability poses to construction (10
marks)
(b) What issues of procurement, design, production and commissioning need to be
considered to achieve sustainable construction?
(15 marks)
Q
Explain in what ways the developments in information technology have helped and possibly
hindered the work of the professional engineer. Illustrate your answer with specific examples.
To what extent has the wide spread use of information technology altered the skills needed by a
professional engineer?
(25 marks)

Section C Human Relations Management

Q
Explain with examples how organizations came to being.
Describe two different types of organization structures that can be adopted by construction
companies and explain the effective teamwork in the two types.
(15 marks)
Explain possible actions that a newly appointed manager needs to take to create an effective
team
(10 marks)
Q
ICE Rules of Professional Conduct spell out that All members shall develop their professional
knowledge, skills and competence on a continuing basis and shall give all reasonable
assistance to further the education, training and continuing professional development of others.
(a) What does IESL say in this regard?
(b) Explain the steps being taken in this regard by ICE and IESL

(10 marks)
(15 marks)

Q
The word leadership is sometimes used as if it were a trait of personality, sometimes as if it
were a characteristic of certain positions of authority within an organisation, and sometimes as if
were an aspect of behaviour.
Discuss the concept of leadership in light of this statement and explain which approach you
think is likely to give the best definition of leadership.
(25 marks)
Q
It is easy to motivate individuals in the short term with financial incentives, but it is more difficult
for managers to keep all members of their team motivated in times of recession when resources
are more limited. Discuss how motivational theories can help managers motivate people when
financial rewards are no longer available.
(25 marks)

Q
Discuss the evidence to suggest that in order to be effective, a manager should be flexible in
the choice of his managerial style.
(10 marks)
Explain how the principal factors of leadership, team building, group cohesiveness and roles
within the group influence effective teamwork.
(15 marks)
Q
(a) Engineers need to influence others and develop ideas that increase productivity and hence
profitability. They are required to harvest the ideas of other employees and produce
innovative techniques in carrying out construction projects. Discuss the choice of managerial
style to be adopted in order to be an effective manager.
(13 marks)
(b) Outline the basic principles related to Scientific Management.
(12 marks)
Q
(a) The lower level needs of Maslows Motivation Theory are associated with the context of
work and the higher order needs with the content of work. Explain what is meant by this
statement illustrating using an example from the construction industry.
(12 marks)
(b) Explain the implications of the Hertzbergs Motivation Theory for employers.
(13 marks)
Q
Engineering relates to work which requires team effort when it comes to successful completion
of projects. An engineer has to be Leader. The word leadership is sometimes used as if it were
a trait of personality, sometimes as if it were a characteristic of certain positions of authority
within an organisation, and sometimes as if it were an aspect of behaviour.
Discuss the concept of leadership in the light of this statement, in relation to engineers working
on a construction project.
(25 marks)