Technical Report Writing

Prof. Dr. Magdi El-Saadawi

For First Grade EE Students

Prof. Dr. Magdi El-Saadawi

www.saadawi1.netsaadawi1@gmail.com

2014-2015

Ethical Considerations

Chapter 2

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Ethics Definition in Technical Writing

2.3. Plagiarism

2.1 Introduction pp. 16

This chapter will provide an awareness of the ethical dimensions توعیة باألبعاد األخالقیة of technical writing and some sensitivity to the real issues that exist within these dimensions,

Two key areas of ethics in technical writing have Two key areas of ethics in technical writing have to be discussed: plagiarism (take and use else’s ideas) and image alteration -where the power of modern digital technology has heightened ethical concerns.

2.2 Ethics Definition in Technical Writing pp. 17

• Ethics is a set of rules and standards for using

communication skills and resources with the

intention غرض of doing good:

• Ethical behavior for technical writers:• Ethical behavior for technical writers:

to apply the power of technical communications

to the purpose of doing worthy things.

2.2 Ethics Definition in Technical Writing

The global technical writing community, especially

with the advent of electronic publishing and the

World Wide Web, is composed of different

disparate cultures. To some extent, concepts of disparate cultures. To some extent, concepts of

good and bad, and ethical and unethical, are

culturally relative.

Ethical Rules

We need to look briefly at the kinds of ethical

constructs (rules) that are traditionally used in

technical writing and the implications اآلثار المترتبة

of these constructs for technical writers:of these constructs for technical writers:

Ethical Rules

Technical writers must be accurate in their work

… must be honest in their work

… always honor their obligations. احترام التزاماتھم

… must not substitute speculation تكھنات for fact

… not hide truth with ambiguity ال تخفي الحقیقة بااللتباس

Ethical Rules

… must not use the ideas of others without giving

proper credit.

… must not violate copyright laws.

… must not lie with statistics

… must not inject personal bias تحیز into their

reports.

Ethical Rules

2.2 Ethics Definition in Technical WritingIn Summery

If you use technical communications to deceive your reader with the goal of doing bad things (defining -bad by the standards of your society and perhaps by the standards of civilization as a whole) you are unethical. whole) you are unethical.

If you use technical communications with the intention of doing good things (defining good in the same manner), you are ethical.

2.3 Plagiarism

• "stealing and publication" of another author's "language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions" and the representation of them as one's own original work.

• Within academia, plagiarism by students, professors, or researchers is considered academic dishonesty or academic fraud غش and offenders are subject to academic censure up to and لومincluding expulsion الطرد .

2.3 Plagiarism

• the development of the Internet, where articles

appear as electronic text, has made the physical

act of copying the work of others much easier.

2.3.1 Academic plagiarism

• Academic plagiarism is defined as: “The use of

ideas, concepts, words, or structures without

appropriately acknowledging the source to

benefit in a setting where originality is expected”.benefit in a setting where originality is expected”.

• Forms of plagiarism that students commit: pp. 23

2.3.2 Sanctions for student plagiarism

• In the academic world, plagiarism by students is usually considered a very serious offense that can result in punishments such as a failing grade on the particular assignment, the entire course, or even being expelled from the institution.

• Generally, the punishment increases as a person enters higher institutions of learning.

• For cases of repeated plagiarism, suspension or expulsion is likely.

2.3.3 Plagiarism and the Internet

• In the past plagiarism actually cost more in time and money than it was worth (How?)

• In recent years the Internet has extraordinary search capabilities that provide a plagiarist with quick access to literally thousands of sources and documents. documents.

• Nowadays, many institutions use plagiarism detection software to uncover potential plagiarism and to deter ردع students from plagiarizing.

2.3.4 How to avoid Plagiarism pp. 25-26

2.3.5 Final word

• Don't plagiarize under ANY circumstances. (no copying from other sources without citing)

• If you decide to paraphrase another author, even a little, REFERENCE the WORK!!

• Plagiarism could END your academic or • Plagiarism could END your academic or professional career in some circumstances.

• As ENGINEERS, you must maintain the highest ethical standards. Breach انتھاك of this trust may place public lives in danger, hence there is NO LENIENCY.