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Critical Reflection

SIE 2016: Effective Communication was my first experience with university life. When I was introduced with this module on my first day, the initial impression I had with this module was that it is similar to what I have gone through back in poly. I thought that it would be a waste of time and energy. However, this module made me unlearn and relearn the knowledge that I thought I knew. The class was interactive, which makes it more engaging and real. By speaking publicly, I am able to build my confidence, which allows me to express my thoughts on a deeper level. I find that this is important as an engineering student. In engineering, it is impossible for us to look at things on the surface level. This module improved my analytical thinking, and I have become more critical when learning new things. On top of that, I have learned the importance of communication and how it helps everyone in our day-to-day life. As I have said in my Formal Letter, listening to the people around you is cruci...

Technical Report Draft 1

1. Introduction People’s Party is inspired by the forefathers that built Singapore. We strive to help further improve on the current issues that Singapore is facing. This report discusses the issue of flash flooding that is seen to be a current recurring problem in Singapore. With the intention of being a (independent)/(high technology)/(keeping up to the advancement of technology) nation, this report also proposes sensors to be integrated in the drainage system to provide improvements. 1.1 Background  Climate change has affected every country all around the world. Droughts, rising sea levels and increased rainfall are the notable side effects of climate change. While Singapore is protected by its larger, neighbouring countries, it is not excluded from these side effects. According to Elangovan (2021), Singapore will not only face increased temperatures, but also intensified daily rainfalls as a result of climate change. Since 1980, Singapore has faced an increased annual total rat...

Summary Reader Response

  In the article, “Sustainability”, Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (2013) discusses the “green” effects of asphalt. The article states that asphalt is considered “green” because it is non-disposable and reusable regardless of its age, while also allowing other waste products to be involved in the process. The article also explains how the development of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is revolutionary in asphalt paving through the incorporation of old asphalt into new asphalt. This is due to the fact that lesser pristine resources are used, thus reduces spending and fuel usage, which benefits both contractors and the environment. The article also highlights innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and porous pavements that are beneficial to the environment. The article claims that WMA reduces carbon footprints. In addition, porous pavements allow rainwater drainage into recharge beds for soil absorption and replenishes aquifers rather than forcing water into sewers. ...

Summary Reader Response - Draft 2

In the article, “Sustainability”, Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (2013) discusses the “green” effects of asphalt. The article states that asphalt is considered “green” because it is non-disposable and reusable regardless of its age, while also allowing other waste products to be involved in the process. The article also explains how the development of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is revolutionary in asphalt paving through the incorporation of old asphalt into new asphalt. This is due to the fact that lesser pristine resources are used, thus reduces spending and fuel usage, which benefits both contractors and the environment. The article also highlights innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and porous pavements that are beneficial to the environment. The article claims that WMA reduces carbon footprints. In addition, porous pavements allow rainwater drainage into recharge beds for soil absorption and replenishes aquifers rather than forcing water into sewers. With all o...

Summary Reader Response - Draft 1

 In the article, “Sustainability”, Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (2013) discusses the “green” effects of asphalt. The article states that asphalt is considered “green” because it is non-disposable and reusable regardless of its age, while also allowing other waste products to be involved in the process. The article also explains how the development of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is revolutionary in asphalt paving through the incorporation of old asphalt into new asphalt. This is due to the fact that lesser pristine resources are used, thus reduces spending and fuel usage, which benefits both contractors and the environment. The article also highlights innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and porous pavements that are beneficial to the environment. The article claims that WMA reduces carbon footprints. In addition, porous pavements allow rainwater drainage into recharge beds for soil absorption and replenishes aquifers rather than forcing water into sewers. Altho...

Article Summary Draft 2 - Green Asphalt

In  the article, “Sustainability”, M issouri Asphalt Pavement Association (2013) discusses the “green” effects of asphalt. The article states that asphalt is considered “green” because it is non-disposable and reusable regardless of its age, while also allowing other waste products to be involved in the process. The article also explains how the development of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is revolutionary in asphalt paving through the incorporation of old asphalt into new asphalt. This is due to the fact that lesser pristine resources are used, thus reduces spending and fuel usage, which benefits both contractors and the environment. The article also highlights innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and porous pavements that are beneficial to the environment. The article claims that WMA reduces carbon footprints. In addition, porous pavements allow rainwater drainage into recharge beds for soil absorption and replenishes aquifers rather than forcing water into sewers. D...

Article Summary Draft 1 - Green Asphalt

In the article, “Sustainability”, Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (2013) discusses the “green” effects of asphalt. Not only is asphalt considered “green” for being non-disposable and reusable regardless of its age, but also because it allows other waste products to be involved in the process. The development of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is revolutionary in asphalt paving, as it uses cultivated old asphalt to be incorporated into new asphalt using heat. Lesser pristine resources are used, thus reduces spending and fuel usage. This benefits both contractors and the environment. Additionally, innovations such as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) and porous pavements are beneficial to the environment. Halved temperature emissions and reduced carbon footprints are resultant of WMA’s hybrid production. Porous pavements on the other hand allow rainwater drainage into recharge beds for soil absorption and replenishes aquifers rather than forcing water into sewers. Reference: Missouri Asphalt ...

Formal Letter (Descriptive Reflection)

Subject: Self Introduction Dear Professor Blackstone, My name is Ahmad Yusri, and I am a first-year student in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services). I am writing this email to introduce myself to you as one of your students from Effective Communications Tutorial Group 5. Back in 2018, I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Clean Energy Management (CEM). Throughout my course of study, I have learned how engineering contributes to the advancement of technology and the development of mankind. This sparked a flame in me to pursue engineering. My experience handling vehicles in the army also further elevated my interest in the subject. I am an open-minded person, and I dare say that I am also a good listener. These two aspects are my strengths when it comes to communication skills. I believe that there is as much wisdom in listening as there is in speaking. People tend to focus too much on what they have to say and often forget that understanding t...

Task 5.2 - Critical Thinking: The Soul of Communication

 From the excerpt, I can see critical thinking having a large impact on my role as a leader in the workplace. Given the loss of funds due to poor communication, companies will look into making sure that their employees are able to communicate effectively with each other. As a leader, I will be given the responsibility to ensure that the surrounding people have a clear understanding on the matter at hand. To be able to do so, I myself will be required to pursue critical thinking. With this skill, I will be able to better extend my knowledge to those around me. Through better understanding one another, I can build a better relationship with the other workers, which would make it easier for information to be relayed. When workers are able to understand the given situation and the reasoning behind certain issues, it would "eliminate ambiguity". They would have a clear idea of what they would be doing and why they are required to do so. With this understanding, not only will the l...

SIE 2016 - Quotation Assignment

  “ Without clear lines of communication, our ideas would stay within our own small development teams instead of becoming mature products. While this is obvious to those of us who have become experienced engineers, the real question is: Why is it lost to us when we are engineering students?” - Dr. Akbar R Khan In my opinion, students do not have enough experience to help them see what is required for them to further develop their ideas. On the other hand, experienced engineers have the knowledge on what is required when it comes to developing a product. They would have the insight on the "clear lines of communication" such as the creation of the idea, research & design, all the way to manufacturing and commercialization of the product. These "guidelines" would make the job more straightforward for the experienced engineer.