← All questionsGS4 · 2021 · Case Studies — Private Sector ·Cracked Pier and Election Deadline (Case)
QUESTION 9
GS4
20 marks

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 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 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 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 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.1) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?2) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?3) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?4) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

WRITE IN
14 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

A cracked pier needs reconstruction and delay, but your chief engineer wants it ignored for a pre-election inauguration. Decide.

Case studyName the stakeholders and the issues, weigh the options, and say what you would do and why.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1(a) Options: ignore the crack; quietly patch; report in writing and insist on reconstruction; seek independent expert review≈50 words
  2. 2(b) Dilemmas: public safety vs political pressure; career vs integrity; loyalty to superiors vs duty to citizens≈50 words
  3. 3(c) Challenges: hostility, transfer, delay blame. Response: written record, independent test, escalate, propose faster safe options, act against substandard supply≈50 words
  4. 4(d) Consequences of overlooking: collapse, deaths, legal liability, loss of trust≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Facts(a) options(b) dilemmas(c) challenges and response(d) consequencesConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Allowing a patch-up to meet the deadline
  • Skipping sub-part (d)

Draw this

  • Risk table: option | safety risk | career risk

Value addition

  • ExampleThe Majerhat bridge collapse (Kolkata, 2018) and Morbi bridge collapse (Gujarat, 2022, 135 deaths) followed poor maintenance and oversight.Inquiry reports / media
  • CodeIRC and BIS codes require load testing and rejection of structures with structural cracks beyond limits.Indian Roads Congress

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