| 1. |
How long has this program been operational?
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The Endowment Fund began in 1994. |
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| 2. |
What are the major purposes of this program? What problem(s) or
issue(s) was it designed to address?
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The EERI Endowment Fund was created to underwrite programs that
support
EERI’s goals of improving the science and practice of earthquake engineering
and of reducing the impacts of earthquakes. Programs supported by the fund reflect the
multidisciplinary challenge of earthquake risk reduction and the
broad geographic and
professional composition of EERI’s membership. |
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| 3. |
Describe the specific activities and operations of the program.
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The Endowment Fund’s Seismic Ethics Committee embarked on a
project to address many of the ethical issues in the earthquake field. The White Paper
which
resulted is meant to serve as a resource, to assist EERI members and others
to
recognize, understand and apply ethical principles in earthquake related
work. |
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| 4. |
Does this program take a new and creative approach or method? If yes,
please describe. |
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The Endowment Fund’s Seismic Ethics Committee embarked on a
project to address many of the ethical issues in the earthquake field. The White Paper
which
resulted is meant to serve as a resource, to assist EERI members and others to
recognize, understand and apply ethical principles in earthquake related work. |
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One of the primary sources of input to this project was a unique
workshop that incorporated role-play and case studies to stimulate exchange between
engineers, earth scientists, social scientists, and government officials. The resulting
White Paper has been well received by engineers and other
earthquake professionals. It
offers a new tool to better understand and apply ethical principles as they face difficult
decisions dealing with seismic safety. |
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| 5. |
What were the program’s
start-up costs and source(s) of
funding? |
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$28,900 White Paper Budget Source: EERI Endowment Fund |
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What are the program’s annual operational costs and source(s)
of funding? |
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$100,000 Endowment Fund Operating Source: Earnings on Member
Contributions |
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| 7. |
How many employees
(full-time equivalent) work(ed) with this
program?
.25 FTE |
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This was primarily a volunteer Endowment Committee activity |
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| 8. |
To the best of your
knowledge, did this program originate in your state? N/A |
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Are you aware of similar programs in other states? N/A |
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| 9. |
Has the program
been fully implemented? Yes and No |
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If No, what actions remain to be taken? |
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The Seismic Ethics Committee is considering establishing an ongoing
dialogue
with EERI members and others via the EERI web site or EERI Newsletter
concerning
ethical situations that arise in various professional activities
dealing the earthquake
safety. |
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| 10. |
Is there evidence that the program has been effective in achieving
its stated purpose(s)? Briefly summarize evaluations (pro and con) of how well the
program
has addressed the defined problem(s) or issue(s).
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Circulation of the White Paper within our construction company
management
has heightened awareness of the ethical implications of decisions we make and
of advice we are asked to give. Thanks to the paper, the responsibilities of constructors
and of the professionals in the field have been, for the first time, defined clearly and
forcefully. |
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| 11. |
How has the program changed since its inception? What limitations or
obstacles might other states expect to encounter if they attempt to adopt this program? |
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N/A |
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| 12. |
Additional comments: |
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I have forwarded a copy of the White Paper to the University of
Notre Dame Center of Ethics and Religious Values in Business, a part of the College of
Business Administration. I believe the paper could open new avenues of
interest for the
Center. The Director at Notre Dame has responded, and has it under consideration. |
