The Boeing 737 Max Problems

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Kenyatta University School of Economics *

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Management

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Nov 24, 2024

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The Boeing 737 Max Problems 1 The Boeing 737 Max Problems Student’s Name Institution Date

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 2 Introduction The case of Boeing 737 MAX problem is a complex issue that needs to be studied carefully. Initially, the crash seemed to result from aircraft malfunctions or fuel shortages. However, deeper investigations reveal a complex network of stakeholders. The incident involves a range of individuals and entities, from technicians and engineers to various companies involved in the process, whether domestic or outsourced (Roberto, 2020). While technicians and engineers may appear to be primary stakeholders, a broader perspective emphasizes the substantial roles played by management, Boeing, and the government in this tragic event. The Technical Problems The Boeing 737 MAX encountered significant technical problems, primarily related to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). MCAS was designed to prevent stalling by automatically adjusting the aircraft's nose-down position in specific flight conditions (Laeequddin & Dikkatwar, 2021). However, a critical issue arose from its reliance on data from a single Angle of Attack (AoA) sensor. In cases where this sensor provided erroneous data, MCAS would repeatedly command nose-down movements, potentially putting the aircraft into a dangerous dive. These repetitive and uncommanded nose-down movements were at the heart of the technical problems. Pilots faced challenges in regaining control when confronted with MCAS malfunctions (Laeequddin & Dikkatwar, 2021). Compounding the issue, initial pilot training did not adequately cover the functioning and potential issues related to MCAS, and the documentation provided by Boeing was insufficient in explaining the system. This lack of understanding and preparation created a critical technical problem.

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 3 Addressing these technical problems required extensive changes to the MCAS system, including modifications to prevent excessive nose-down commands based on erroneous data. Furthermore, enhanced pilot training and clearer documentation were crucial to equip pilots with the knowledge and skills needed to manage MCAS-related issues effectively (Laeequddin & Dikkatwar, 2021). These measures were essential to rectify the technical problems and ensure the safe operation of the Boeing 737 MAX. The Stakeholders There were a number of parties involved in the Boeing 737 MAX case, each with specific interests and duties: i. Technicians and engineers: These people took the lead in resolving the aircraft's technical issues. Engineers were essential in developing and testing these solutions, while technicians worked on installing software updates and making adjustments to the aircraft. ii. Management (Boeing): Senior managers and executives at Boeing were important stakeholders. They were in charge of handling the technological issues, making sure regulations were followed, and managing the company's reputation and financial interests. iii. Boeing: As a major stakeholder, Boeing represented the interests of the entire organization. This applies to both its management and staff, who were jointly accountable for resolving the problems and restoring the 737 MAX's safety and image. iv. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and other international aviation authorities played a crucial role, among other government regulatory agencies. They were in charge of examining and certifying the technical fixes and safety

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The Boeing 737 Max Problems 4 precautions put forth by Boeing, confirming the plane's airworthiness, and enforcing regulatory compliance. The Ethical Issues in the Case The Boeing 737 MAX case was surrounded by a range of ethical issues. One of the most prominent ethical concern was prioritizing profitability over safety. Boeing prioritized financial gains over safety considerations by not fully disclosing the potential risks associated with the MCAS system (Herkert & Miller, 2020). The company felt that by communicating about the update will result for the need of training the pilots which will lead to then to incur costs, the company decided to not communicate about the update. This raised fundamental ethical questions about the balance between profit motives and the safety of passengers and crew. Lack of Transparency and accountability was also another ethical issue in this case. Boeing did not provide clear and comprehensive information about the MCAS system to airlines, pilots, and regulatory agencies. As a results pilots did not know how to respond to the emergency situations arise from the update. The lack of transparency raised concerns about corporate responsibility and accountability for ensuring safety. Ethical principles of honesty, integrity, and full disclosure came into question. Another key ethical issue was the adequacy of pilot training. The pilots received inadequate training on the MCAS system which left the pilots unprepared to deal with system malfunctions. This situation raised ethical questions about the responsibility of aircraft manufacturers to ensure that pilots have the knowledge and skills to operate their aircraft safely. The Boeing 737 MAX case highlighted the importance of ethical decision-making, transparency, and a commitment to safety within the aerospace industry.

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 5 A final ethical issue also revolves around the role of the government agency to regulate flights operation and to give license to manufacturers. In the case of Boeing the government failed to protect the consumers by allowing Boeing to proceed with the manufacturing of planes without training the pilots about the updated systems. Engineers Response to Ethical Problems The engineers' responses to the ethical problems in the Boeing 737 MAX case have been divided. Some engineers have come forward to criticize Boeing, asserting that the company prioritized profits over safety, particularly in the design and implementation of the MCAS system. They contend that Boeing's actions put the safety of the 737 MAX at risk. On the other hand, there are engineers who have defended Boeing, asserting that the company took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the aircraft. This division among engineers highlights the complex ethical landscape within the company, where individuals hold differing perspectives on the actions and decisions made. The Corporate’s Response to the Ethical Problems Critics have criticized corporate responses to the ethical challenges in the Boeing 737 MAX case for attempting to conceal and minimize these issues, notably in terms of design flaws and safety concerns. As a result of this policy, concerns about corporate responsibility, transparency, and accountability have been raised in the aviation industry. Another major concern has been the lack of effective government regulation, with the FAA's claimed reliance on Boeing for self-regulation causing criticism.

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 6 Professional codes or standards that were implicated 1. Prioritizing Public Safety a. Engineers should prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public above all else. b. If engineers' professional judgment is overridden in circumstances that could jeopardize life or property, they must notify their employer or client and relevant authorities (Davis, 2021). 2. Honest and Truthful Communication a. Engineers must issue public statements in an objective and truthful manner. b. Professional reports, statements, or testimony should be objective and truthful, containing all pertinent information, and dated to indicate their current status. c. Engineers are allowed to publicly express technical opinions based on their knowledge of facts and competence in the subject matter (Davis, 2021). 3. Avoiding Deception a. Engineers should refrain from engaging in deceptive acts, ensuring their actions and communications are honest and transparent (Davis, 2021). The Role of Government Oversight or Regulation The function of government monitoring or regulation has been scrutinized in the case of the Boeing 737 MAX. The safety regulations that were the subject of the professional norms and standards in issue were set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the regulatory authority in charge of ensuring aviation safety in the United States (Qin & Wittmann, 2019). Allegations that the FAA relied mostly on Boeing to self-regulate and that government oversight

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The Boeing 737 Max Problems 7 was insufficient to ensure that safety regulations were strictly enforced have cast doubt on the effectiveness of this monitoring. My Recommendations My recommendations for addressing the Boeing 737 MAX case are as follows: First and foremost, there's a critical need to enhance government regulation in the aerospace sector. This entails strengthening the oversight provided by agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Regulators should have the necessary resources, independence, and expertise to rigorously evaluate and enforce safety standards. Reducing the influence of industry players in self-regulation is essential to prioritize public safety above all else. Transparency and accountability must be core principles. Aerospace companies, such as Boeing, should be compelled to provide regulators, airlines, and the public with open and accurate information about aircraft systems and safety features. It is crucial to establish mechanisms that hold companies accountable for adhering to established safety codes and standards. This can help rebuild trust in the industry (Qin & Wittmann, 2019). Whistleblower protections should be strengthened to encourage engineers and technicians to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. These individuals play a pivotal role in identifying and rectifying issues early, which is crucial for preventing potentially catastrophic incidents. The aerospace industry must invest in robust ethical training programs to emphasize the ethical responsibilities of professionals in prioritizing safety above all other considerations. Accountability for negligence resulting in fatalities is essential. Holding companies responsible for their actions in such cases can serve as a powerful deterrent against prioritizing profit over safety. Comprehensive safety assessments and testing during aircraft development

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 8 should become standard practice. Safety features and systems must undergo rigorous evaluation to prevent design flaws and ensure public safety. These recommendations aim to create a more robust, ethical, and safety-oriented framework in the aerospace industry, ultimately prioritizing the well-being of passengers and the public. How Could it Have Been Prevented Preventing the issues in the Boeing 737 MAX case could have been achieved through the following approaches. Firstly, comprehensive testing and evaluation of the MCAS system during the aircraft's development phase could have identified design flaws. Robust safety assessments and extensive simulations can help unveil potential issues early, ensuring that critical systems are thoroughly examined and rectified before entering service. Secondly, a fundamental shift towards transparency is essential. Aerospace companies like Boeing must prioritize open and accurate reporting of safety concerns and design issues. Transparency ensures that regulators, airlines, and the public have access to all pertinent information regarding aircraft systems and safety features. It rebuilds trust in the industry and safeguards public safety (Qin & Wittmann, 2019). Effective government regulation is a important in ensuring safety. Government oversight, embodied by agencies such as the FAA, must be strengthened to provide independent and impartial regulation. Reducing industry influence in self-regulation and allocating the necessary resources and expertise to regulatory bodies is critical. These collective measures form a comprehensive strategy for preventing incidents like those in the Boeing 737 MAX case and underscore the industry's unwavering commitment to safety and the well-being of passengers and the public.

The Boeing 737 Max Problems 9 References Davis, M. (2021). Engineering as a global profession: Technical and ethical standards . Rowman & Littlefield. Herkert J. Borenstein J. & Miller K. (2020). The boeing 737 max: lessons for engineering ethics. Science and Engineering Ethics 2957–2974. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-020- 00252-y Roberto M. A. (2020). Boeing 737 max: company culture and product failure . WDI Publishing. Laeequddin M. & Dikkatwar R. (2021). Boeing 737 max-8 : design choices and their consequences . NeilsonJournals Publishing. Retrieved October 13 2023 from https://sk.sagepub.com/cases/boeing-737-max-8-design-choices-and-their-consequences . Qin Y. & Wittmann X. (2019). Boeing : the 737 max crisis . University of Zurich. Retrieved October 13 2023 from https://sk.sagepub.com/cases/boeing-the-737-max-crisis .

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