AP

Anindya PandeyAIR 158· 2025

GS4GS2

a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager? b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh? c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?

Open scan (p.29)

Main Body

(A) Options available to Ramesh are:

(I) Leave the matter as it is - implications:

1Completion of the project on time
2Reduce traffic congestion
3Help in Promotion

(II) Expose the corruption through Media - implications:

1Help in getting public attention
2Not good for the department image
3Lead to misutilization of public funds
4May also lead to collapse of the bridge

(III) Whistleblower through proper channel - implications:

1Issue will be addressed
2Code of conduct is not violated
3Ramesh might face personal consequences
4Against him in vengence

(B) Ethical Dilemmas faced by Ramesh:

(I) Short term gain vs Long term harm

(II) Ethical competence vs Personal consequences

(III) Exposing corruption nexus vs facing personal consequences

(B) Ethical Dilemmas faced by Ramesh:

(I) Cognitive dissonance -> as he knows that the design is flawed

(II) Moral muteness -> it is against his moral fabric

(III) Professional challenges faced by Ramesh maybe:

(I) He maybe transferred

(II) His promotion maybe delayed

(III) He might be ostracised in the department

(IV) An enquiring may be ordered against him in vengence

His response:

(I) Show emotional intelligence & impress upon seniors as to why it was important to stop the construction of bridge.

(II) Show fortitude and face the challenge

(III) Inspired by Socratic ideal nam [not clear]

224 words5 paragraphs
This is a continuation from previous page
  • Clear enumeration of options
  • Listed implications for each option
  • Identified multiple ethical dilemmas
  • Proposed response framework

Topper

Anindya Pandey

AIR 1582025

Subject & Paper

GS4GS2

Topic

Ethics

Professional Ethics and Integrity

Options and Dilemmas

Writing Stats

224

Total words

5

Paragraphs

structured

Tone

Linked PYQ

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 the next two years by 30 June 2021, since the 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 the 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 a minimum of 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 the inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack that will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of the inspecting team and continue working with the 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 a far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you a hint that your further promotion as an additional chief engineer is under consideration by the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier in 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 and his response to overcome such challenges? (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?

20M2021Explain