Critical Reflection - Effective Communication

When I first knew that Effective Communication was one of the modules in the trimester, I felt dreadful as I am aware that it would definitely involve a lot of writing and presenting. Personally, I am the kind of person that gets nervous easily especially when it comes to presentation or having to talk big crowds.

However, after going through these 12 weeks of Effective Communication module, there were a lot of takeaway, from being able to write a proper technical report to presenting to the whole cohort of SIE. My language improved and when it comes to writing, it just comes naturally that I will check through thoroughly as compared to before. This had greatly helped me because in university, there will be more chances of us writing reports. With this skill, the errors in language can be minimized.

I also did not expect to be given the opportunity to stand in front of the cohort to present about our group’s project proposal. It was an amazing experience as this is something that does not happen that frequently. Even though my voice was not very loud during the presentation, I am glad that I was able to catch the audiences’ attention. This module had made me into a more out-going person as it requires students to communicate with each other and to step out of your comfort zone.

I had a very fun and fruitful journey but all good things must come to an end. I hope I will be able to meet a teacher like Brad that is dedicated to his students and put in his greatest effort in the things that he had done for us.

Commented on : Linfeng & Zainab 

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - Final Draft

Clarabelle Chui Jia Yan                                Effective Communication                                      16SSB012D

In the news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also included the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to assure the public on their safety and reliability. The webpage also mentioned the problems that were found on trains. These included a “battery housing” that flew open due to pressure. However, it was rectified immediately by the manufacturer. Other than that, cracks on five of the trains’ draughtscreens due to installation errors and hairline cracks on “car-body shell” were also found. Nonetheless, operation of train services was not affected as these trains were tested to be safe for use. As it was impossible to repair the hairline cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were returned back for replacement of components. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would send back trains in pairs at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which are still undergoing re-signalling so as to ensure there are sufficient trains for running. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they would work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA makes every effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have followed a more standardized procedure in informing the public.

First of all, LTA should have reported this matter in a timelier manner to the public in regards to the hairline cracks. Based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects were found in 2013 but were not reported immediately. Spykerman (2016) stated that a spokesman from the Ministry of Transport stated that the hairline cracks were not made public because the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters. In my opinion, since the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, there is no reason to why LTA had to hide this information from the public. It might have been worried about causing unnecessary commotion over such small matters. However, the public may have thought otherwise in such a way that LTA was trying to cover up their mistakes. Based on the article “Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA” (2016), train breakdowns are increasing in Singapore. With this being said, commuters were already losing faith in the train transport system. With the actions of LTA not reporting the hairline cracks on time, commuters would definitely feel deceived, especially when the public got to know the news through a Hong Kong news agency and not from LTA itself. This point can be further supported in the news release “Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains.” (2016).

Secondly, a more detailed report should have been published to explain about the replacing of the train body. It was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems. However, it does not fully justify why the trains needed to be replaced. In the article ‘China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found.” (2016), a retired Singaporean subway staff stated: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”. Through this statement, it is clear that the situation that had happened was considered grave. LTA should have published a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains were being sent back to China for replacements of car body. As the report was published, many commuters have felt betrayed by LTA. This is because they stated that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems yet it needs to be replaced.

Lastly, LTA should ensure in the future that the information regarding quality checks is conveyed clearly to the public. In the article “LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion.”, (2016), it was stated that former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO agreed that the quality control standard for Singapore trains was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems. With this being said, if LTA does not convey a clear message to the public regarding the quality checks, the public may easily be influenced by other reporting sources. With LTA being clear and concise in reporting about quality checks, commuters will have an ease of mind knowing about the conditions.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was insufficient due to the late and incomplete reporting. They should improve on their current standard and the way they convey the messages to the public.

References

China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. (2016). FactWire. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains. (2016). Todayonline. Retreived, October 17, 2016 from http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects

LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. (2016). TheIndependent. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Singapore Land Transport Authority. (2016). Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service.  Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Channelnewsasia.
Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html

Tan, C. (2016) Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta

Analytical Reflection - Oral Presentation

The purpose of this reflection journal is to review about my presentation on 14^th November, 2016. In that presentation, I presented about the Altered: Nozzle and the feasibility to be implemented in SIT in order to reduce water wastage and to create water conservation awareness.

I was feeling nervous as the slides consist mainly of pictures and not many words and at the same time, excited, as it was the first time presenting to my peers. Since my audiences were my classmates, even though I managed to pull off the presentation, I felt that I may not do as well if I were to present to people I do not know.

I felt that the sequence our group planned for the presentation was good as it explained the need in saving water to how a simple device will be able to achieve the objective. Our slides did not have many words so that the audiences can focus their attention on us. I liked that I was able to bring out the contents I have practiced prior to the presentation and also I was able to speak fluently. It shows that one is well prepared and it looks more professional to the audiences that one speaks properly.

I was taught in class that it is important to give ample eye contacts and to interact with audiences. Therefore, through the presentation, I tried to look to them equally. Even though I maintained my eye contacts, I could have engaged more with them by asking more questions so they will feel a connection with me. Also, the presentation slides should be improved by removing the numbering.

Lastly, even though I am satisfied with the presentation, I believe there is still room for improvements such as slowing down my speed when presenting. This allows people to fully comprehend what I am saying. 

Technical Report - Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Recently, news of Linggui Reservoir in Johor, Malaysia suffering from severe loss of water mainly due to high levels of evaporation and low levels of rainfall have surfaced. As 60% of water needs can be extracted from that reservoir, it is important for Singapore to reduce unnecessary water wastage. In this proposal, a background on Singapore’s water needs and sources, the purpose of highlighting the problem in SIT will be discussed. Methods of analysis including surveys and research in regards to water conservation will be analysed and evaluated to present the mentality of the users and the pros and cons of the current implementations. The final proposed solution will then be determined by taking into consideration the cost, needs of the user and its feasibility.

Technical Report - Emails

Letter of Transmittal

Mr Brad Blackstone

Senior Lecturer

Singapore Institute of Technology

SIT@ Dover

10 Dover Drive

Singapore 138868

Dear Mr. Blackstone

Proposal for reducing water usage for Future SIT campus in Punggol

This letter is to inform you of our acknowledgement and response to your letter of authorization. We present to you, as attached, our proposal to help address the lack of water saving technology for taps in SIT and to create awareness about the lack of water conservation among SIT’s students and staff.

Recently, there has been news of the Linggui Reservoir in Johor, Malaysia suffering from severe loss of water mainly due to high levels of evaporation and low levels of rainfall. The reservoir allows Singapore to extract up to 60% of Singapore’s water needs. Although there is no worry over Singapore’s water security with the help of the desalination and NEWater plants, it is important for Singaporeans to do more to reduce unnecessary water wastage.

With a view to reduce those water wastage in SIT’s future Campus in Punggol which is going to be the size of 2 times of all current campuses, our team is proposing a solution to install a water saving nozzle on all water taps in toilets. As the nozzle can be installed on any new or existing taps, our solution will work in a way to reduce the water wastage. Through this solution, we hope to help SIT play an important part in reducing unnecessary water wastage and at the same time SIT can reduce costly water bills resulted from those wastage.

The team would like to thank you for taking your time to read our proposal. We hope that you will consider our proposed solution for SIT and us to close the gap in the lack of water conservation and taking a part in helping Singapore to save water.

Yours sincerely,

Clarabelle Chui

Team Leader

On behalf of Team Misty Trio

Email to Facilities & Estate Management

To: dawn.ho@singaporetech.edu.sg

Subject: Request for Advice - Water Conservation

Dear Ms Ho,

I am Clarabelle Chui (16SSB012D), a first year student studying in SIT Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (SIE) (Building Services). I’m currently attending Effective Communication class under Brad Blackstone. The purpose of writing this email is to seek advice from you in regards to the issue we have on hand after a discussion with Mr. Blackstone. In a team of three, we were tasked with a project to identify a problem and propose a solution to solve it. The problem that our group decided to tackle is the lack of water conservation among the users in the school.

From our understanding, the students and staff in the school tend to think water conservation is not important and would take the water we have for granted. One major issue is the use of the water taps in the toilet. Even though the taps are automated to conserve water, users tend to abuse this system to allow continuous water flow. This defeats the purpose of the automated water tap sensor system.

To solve this problem, we are planning to suggest the use of a more standardized system for taps which include the use of the Altered: Nozzle in the campus.  An Altered: Nozzle is a simple device that can be fitted to the existing tap nozzles so that water can be turned into mist. This can conserve water up to 98%.

Our group would like to consult you and obtain more information in regards to water consumption so as to have a better understanding before we prepare our proposal. The main questions that we require clarifications are as follow:

Is the school implementing any water conservation ideas/methods? If so what is/are they?

How much is the water usage and amount paid every month for the past 1 year?

The reason for using different types of tap. Eg. Lever, push and sensor for tap.

The type of tap selected for the new campus in Punggol.

How big would the new campus be?

We would appreciate if you could share your knowledge with us regarding the above questions. Alternatively, if needed, kindly assist us to direct these questions to the relevant people.

Thank you.

Best Regards,

Clarabelle Chui

Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering

(Building Services) 

Email to Altered Company

Assignment #2 (Trains for NSEW Lines Safe For Service - Summary + Thesis + Reader Response) - Third Draft

In the news release, “Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service”, Land Transport Authority (LTA) (2016) addressed the problems that it faced in regards to the North-South and East-West lines trains. It has also included the actions taken to resolve the problems and how trains were subjected to tests to assure the public on their safeness and reliability. The webpage also mentioned the problems that were found on trains. These included “battery housing” flew open due to pressure. However, it was rectified immediately by the manufacturer. Other than that, cracks on five of the trains’ draughtscreens due to installation errors and hairline cracks on “car-body shell” were also found. Nonetheless, operation of train services was not affected as these trains were tested to be safe for use. As it was impossible to repair the hairline cracks, affected trains that were under warranty were returned back for replacement of components. With a view to complete the rectification programme, LTA expressed that they would sent back trains in pairs at a time for servicing. Nevertheless, this is dependent on the arrival of new trains along with the current ones which are still undergoing re-signalling so as to ensure there are sufficient trains for running. In order to ensure the safety and efficiency of the services, LTA has concluded that they would work closely with the contractors and SMRT. Based on the points elaborated, although LTA makes every effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trains, they could have followed a more standardized procedure in informing the public.

First of all, LTA should have reported this matter in a timelier manner to the public in regards to the hairline cracks. Based on LTA’s webpage, the news was released on Jul 2016. However, the train defects were found in 2013 but were not reported immediately. Spykerman (2016) stated that a spokesman from the Ministry of Transport quoted that the hairline cracks were not made public because it did not pose any safety risks to commuters. In my opinion, since the cracks did not pose any safety risks to commuters, there is no reason to why LTA hid this information from the public. It might have been worried about causing unnecessary commotion over such small matters. However, the public may think otherwise in such a way that LTA was trying to cover up their mistakes. Based on the article “Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA” (2016), train breakdowns are increasing in Singapore. With this being said, commuters were already losing faith in the train transport system. With the actions of LTA not reporting the hairline cracks on time, commuters would definitely feel deceived, especially when the public got to know the news through a Hong Kong news agency and not from LTA itself. This is supported in the news release “Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains.” (2016).

Secondly, a more detailed report should have been published to explain about the replacing of the train body. It was mentioned that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems. However, it does not fully justify why the trains are needed to be replaced. Based on the article ‘China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found.” (2016), a retired Singaporean subway staff stated: “I’ve never encountered a situation like this in all my decades of working in railway construction. Replacing the whole frame [of the train] - you can tell how serious [the problem] is.”, through this statement, it is clear that the situation had happened was considered grave. LTA should have published a more detailed report stating the reasons the trains were being sent back to China for replacements of car body. Otherwise, the commuters would feel the reporting is incomplete as LTA seems to be contradicting themselves. This is because they stated that the hairline cracks did not pose any safety problems yet it needs to be replaced.

Lastly, LTA should ensure in the future that the information regarding quality checks is conveyed clearly to the public. In the article “LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion.” The Independent (2016), stated that former Hong Kong’s Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation acting CEO agreed that the quality control standard for Singapore trains was mediocre thus resulting in cracks and battery problems. With this being said, if LTA did not convey a clear message to the public regarding the quality checks, the public may easily be influenced by other reporting sources. With LTA being clear and concise in reporting about quality checks, commuters will have an ease of mind knowing about the conditions.

Although LTA did execute various actions to correct the problems, it was insufficient and they should improve on their current standard and the way they convey the messages to the public.

References

China manufacturer for MTR secretly recalls 35 SMRT subway train after cracks found. (2016). FactWire. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from https://www.factwire.news/en/MTR-securetly-recall.html

Hairline cracks found on 11 Sengkang-Punggol LRT Trains. (2016). Todayonline. Retreived, October 17, 2016 from http://www.todayonline.com/chinaindia/china/factwire-defends-reporting-takes-issue-khaws-comments-smrt-train-defects

LTA says train defects “not safety-critical” but ex-HK CEO says QC of entire manufacturing process under suspicion. (2016). TheIndependent. Retrieved, September 24, 2016 from http://theindependent.sg/lta-says-train-defects-not-safety-critical-but-ex-hk-ceo-says-qc-of-entire-manufacturing-process-under-suspicion/

Singapore Land Transport Authority. (2016). Trains on the North-South and East West Lines Safe for Service.  Retrieved, September 20, 2016, from https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=0f8b1220-0289-4bef-99c9-b2455f17a66c#_ftn1

Spykerman, K. (2016). Lessons to be learnt from defective SMRT trains incident: Khaw. Channelnewsasia.
Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/lessons-to-be-learnt-from/3048928.html

Tan, C. (2016) Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA. The Straits Times. Retrieved, September 25, 2016 from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/rise-in-major-breakdowns-but-mrt-gets-more-reliable-lta

Problem Statement & Purpose Statement

Problem statement:

Water conservation is difficult in schools whereby there are many students and staff that uses the washroom, water cooler, cleaning and many more on a daily basis. The problem is that students and staff do not deem water conservation as important for reasons such as they are not paying the bills and Singapore will always have sufficient water for all. With the upcoming new campus in Punggol, there will be more buildings that will be able to house more students and staff. This would in turn require more washrooms and water points leading to a higher water consumption. If students and staff do not change their actions and mindsets regarding the importance of water conservation, it will incur higher water wastage and higher water bills.

Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this proposal is to instill a concept on the SITizens about water conservation and help to reduce water consumption in SIT compounds. By doing this, the school will be able to save cost and also show that they are doing their part as there is limited water supply in Singapore.