The Direct Technical Cause of the Challenger Disaster in 1986

question 18

Multiple Choice

The direct technical cause of the Challenger disaster in 1986 was

• A) a leaking O-ring in a fuel tank, which could not cope with the unusually low temperature at the day of the take-off.
• B) a lack of respect for the NSPE code of ethics, which stipulates that engineers shall hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public.
• C) foam-shedding, which was caused by the unusually low temperature at the day of the take-off.
• D) normalization of deviance.

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Definitions:

Conversion Costs

The combined costs of direct labor and manufacturing overheads, representing the expenses to convert raw materials into finished goods.

Weighted-Average Method

The weighted-average method is an inventory costing approach that calculates the cost of ending inventory and the cost of goods sold based on the weighted average of all costs of items available for sale during the period.

Fitting Department

A dedicated section in a manufacturing or production facility where parts are assembled, adjusted, or finished to meet specific requirements or specifications.

Conversion Costs

The sum of labor and overhead costs that are incurred to convert raw materials into finished products.