Friday, 9 December 2016

Effective communication Reflection

Effective Communication, as the name implies, has taught me to communicate my ideas to others verbally and through writing.I feel that this module has brought students together through extensive team projects and assignments. Working well with people is one of the essential communication skills I had gained out of this module.

As part of this English module, students were tasked to do writing assignments. I have always enjoyed being able to craft my thoughts into writing. In this module, I gained valuable feedback from Ms. Lim and my peers on how to hone my writing skills – mainly on writing structure, transition paragraphs, and most importantly, writing concisely. During my years in Polytechnic, I was tasked to submit a handful of reports. However, I never had a chance to receive feedback from my lecturers to find out my strengths and areas for improvement. Through constructive feedback, and constant practice and application of basic communication principles, I was able to amend mistakes that I was making repetitively. I realised that I was more capable of crafting out diagrams and utilising tables to provide explanation in my technical report, rather than elaborating them with words with still delivering the message unambiguously.

Lastly, oral presentations allowed the transference of theoretical skills into applicable practice. Through the oral presentation, I learnt to equip myself with practical communication skills that will be beneficial in the future, such as professionalism in presentation, body posture, and tone of voice which I can improve on. Through the oral presentation, I feel that I can capture audience attention by lifting the atmosphere during the presentation.

I believe that this module will benefit me in my future career advancement through effectively getting my proposed idea, and message across to my client through professional writing and oral skills.

Saturday, 19 November 2016

Presentation

I had a major presentation on the 7 of November which takes up 20% of my overall Effective Communication module grade. As expected, I was extremely nervous regarding the presentation. Leading up to the day, my groupmates and I made ample preparation for the presentation - spending nights editing and vetting our slides, ensuring that we have applied what we had learnt in our Effective Communication class into our presentation. From my last presentation, I was told that I spoke too quickly as I was too anxious. Each of us were given 5 minutes to present, however, with the amount of content I was required to deliver, the time-limit was a challenge. On the day of the presentation, I controlled my pace but felt some tremble in the tone of my voice at the start of my presentation. I calmed myself down by taking a deep breath and got myself comfortable with the stage. During my internship stint at Walt Disney World, I had done spiels on boat rides to thousands of guests and thus, I feel that I should be more competent and have more confidence in speaking to the public. During the Question and Answer session, I felt more comfortable standing in front of my classmates and interacting with them. Through their intelligent questions and constructive criticisms, it got me thinking more about the solutions that could further improve my project solution. Overall, I feel that I could have done better by presenting the project professionally. In addition, in times of nervousness, I need to be able to use complete sentence and articulate proper sentence structure to be able to allow my audience to better get my message across to them. In conclusion, it was a wonderful and invaluable experience and I had fun working with my groupmates. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to share my project with my enthusiastic classmates.

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Final Reader Response

In the article, “India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric Bus Concept from TATA”, Stubbs (2016) shared that Tata Motor’s Ultra Electric Bus aims to align with India’s Smart City initiatives through revolutionising public transportation. Running fully on electric energy, and boasting of robust and progressive designs, the bus aims to be an emblem of India’s dynamic, modern, and interconnected cities. Stubbs (2016) also commented that on-the-go connectivity such as USB charging ports and Wi-Fi on board are enabled to establish meaningful relationships with commuters. Additionally, screen graphics symbolic of Indian architecture and various other aesthetic details aims to make the Ultra Electric Bus easily recognisable and provide commuters with a sense of reassurance and comfort.

Revolving around user-centric designs and technology, I am of the opinion that commuters will laud the concept of the electric bus as it improves their needs. As we all know, India is infamous for its traffic jams and poor road infrastructure. Many problems have arised due to the inefficiency of public transport, such as increased road congestions, as well as health issues as a consequence of air pollution. In an article by Mahpatra (2016), a solar enthusiast from India, it was mentioned that, “due to the increasing population pressure and lack of space to expand the city infrastructure, promoting public transport is the only option for many Indian cities”. Similarly, I believe that in order to entice commuters to use public transport regularly, it is essential to constantly seek to advance the transportation system in the country in terms of design and technology.

One of the key technological features of the Ultra Electric Bus is that it runs fully on electric energy. By switching to non-polluting electric buses, the problem of air pollution and environmental health risks can be greatly reduced. Chatterjee (2016) mentioned that in accordance to the World Health Organisation, in India, approximately 1.5 million people died from the consequences of air pollution in 2012. This environmentally friendly mode of transportation also helps India in its mission to develop its cities to be citizen friendly and sustainable, as part of the SMART City initiatives (Ministry of Urban Development, 2015).

Another important feature of the Ultra Electric Bus is the availability of WiFi and USB charging ports. As a rapidly developing country, ranked number 2 globally in Internet usage, this feature proves to be extremely relevant and important (Taylor, 2016). Interestingly, however, Mohan (2016) pointed out that due to poor mobile connectivity infrastructure, Internet penetration in India stood at only 22%, leaving much room for improvement. I believe that the Ultra Electric Bus could be a game changer in this aspect. By providing Internet coverage and charging ports, more users can access the Internet on-the-go. This aid in establishing a meaningful relationship with commuters.

Lastly, another distinguishing feature of the electric bus lies in its improved interior and exterior design. A striking graphic distinctiveness is featured, boasting with high-impact highlights and bold graphics. However, in the pursuit of modernisation and improving connectivity, it is crucial to retain and preserve the rich Indian culture. This is done through utilising patterns, symbolic of Indian architecture. Just as how the yellow and black cabs are iconic in New York, I believe that with time, the electric bus can be an emblem of India’s thriving public transportation system.

In conclusion, the vivid concept of the Ultra Electric Bus concurrently embodies pursuit of advanced technology. I believe that these factors play a pivotal role through encouraging commuters to take the public transport, whilst helping India align itself with its SMART city initiatives and alleviating India’s transportation woes.



References

Chatterjee, P. (2016). India takes steps to curb air pollution. Bulletin of the World Health
Organisation, 94, 487-488. http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.16.020716

Mahpatra, S. (2016, April, 25). Mumbai To Get Electric Buses Soon. Retrieved

Ministry of Urban Development. (2015, June). Smart Cities - Mission Statement & Guidelines.

Mohan, V. (2016, June 2). India Pips US in Number of Internet Users. Retrieved from:

Pucher, J., Korattyswaroopam, N., & Ittyerah, N. (2004). The Crisis of Public Transport
in India: Overwhelming Needs but Limited Resources. Journal of Public
Transport, 7(4), 71-113.

Stubbs, E. (2016, May 11). India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric
Bus Concept from TATA. Retrieved from:

Taylor, H. (2016, June 1). Mary Meeker: India now has more Internet users than US.


Summarized Article’s Main Idea + Thesis Statement: (Level I Controlling Idea)

I.                    First Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

Tata Motor’s Ultra Electric Bus aims to align with India’s Smart City initiatives through revolutionising public transportation. Running fully on electric energy, and boasting of robust and progressive designs, the bus aims to be an emblem of India’s dynamic, modern, and interconnected cities

II.                  Second Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

On the go connectivity such as USB charging ports and Wi-Fi on board are enabled in order to establish meaningful relationships with commuters

III.        Third Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

Screen graphics symbolic of Indian architecture and various other aesthetic details such as a protective technical exoskeleton aims to make the Ultra Electric Bus easily recognisable and provide commuters with a sense of reassurance and comfort.

+ Your Main Idea/Thesis Statement: (Level I Controlling Idea)

Revolving around user-centric designs and technology, I am of the opinion that commuters will laud the concept of the electric bus as it improves their needs.

III.                First Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

Running fully on electric energy, and boasting of robust and progressive designs, the bus aims to be an emblem of India’s dynamic, modern, and interconnected cities

a.      Explanation of the supporting idea

As we all know, India is infamous for its traffic jams and poor road infrastructure. Many problems have arised due to the inefficiency of public transport, such as increased road congestions as passengers turn to cheaper motorcycles, as well as health issues as a consequence of air pollution.

b.      Example or citation which supports your assertion
In an article by Mahpatra (2016), a solar enthusiast from India, it was mentioned that, “due to the increasing population pressure and lack of space to expand the city infrastructure, promoting public transport is the only option for many Indian cities”.

c.       Other statements which help support your assertion

I believe that in order to entice commuters to use public transport regularly, it is essential to constantly seek to advance the transportation system in the country in terms of design and technology.

First Supporting Idea – (Part b) (Level II Controlling Idea)

One of the key technological features of the Ultra Electric Bus is that it runs fully on electric energy.

a.      Explanation of the supporting idea

By switching to non-polluting electric buses, the problem of air pollution and environmental health risks can be greatly reduced.

b.      Example or citation which supports your assertion

Chatterjee (2016) mentioned that in accordance to the World Health Organisation, in India, approximately 1.5 million people died from the consequences of air pollution in 2012. By switching to non-polluting electric buses, the problem of air pollution and environmental health risks can be greatly reduced.

c.       Other statements which help support your assertion

This environmentally friendly mode of transportation also helps India in its mission to develop its cities to be citizen friendly and sustainable, as part of the SMART City initiatives (Ministry of Urban Development, 2015).


IV.               Second Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

Another important feature of the Ultra Electric Bus is the availability of WiFi and USB charging ports

a.      Explanation of the supporting idea

As a rapidly developing country, ranked number 2 globally in Internet usage, this feature proves to be extremely relevant and important (Taylor, 2016),

b.      Example or citation which supports your assertion

Mohan (2016) pointed out that due to poor mobile connectivity infrastructure, Internet penetration in India stood at only 22%, leaving much room for improvement.

c.       Other statements which help support your assertion

By providing Internet coverage and charging ports, more users can access the Internet on-the-go. This will aid in establishing a meaningful relationship with commuters.

V.                 Third Supporting Idea - (Level II Controlling Idea)

Another distinguishing feature of the electric bus lies in its improved interior and exterior design. Just as how the yellow and black cabs are iconic in New York, I believe that with time, the electric bus can be an emblem of India’s thriving public transportation system.

a.      Explanation of the supporting idea

A striking graphic identity is featured, boasting with high-impact highlights and bold graphics. However, in the pursuit of modernisation and improving connectivity, it is crucial to retain and preserve the rich Indian culture. This is done through utilising patterns, symbolic of Indian architecture.

b.      Example or citation which supports your assertion

The yellow and black cabs are iconic in New York.

c.       Other statements which help support your assertion

The concept of electric bus can be an emblem of India’s thriving public transportation system

VI.               Conclusion – Review of Main Idea (Tying Yours and That of the Summarized Article’s)


In conclusion, the vivid concept of the Ultra Electric Bus concurrently embodies pursuit of advanced technology and safety to passengers during their travels. I believe that these factors play a pivotal role through encouraging commuters to take the public transport, whilst helping India align itself with its SMART city initiatives and alleviating India’s transportation woes. 

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Reader Response 
(India's Smart City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric Bus Concept)

In the article, “India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric Bus Concept from TATA”, Stubbs (2016) shared that Tata Motor’s Ultra Electric Bus aims to align with India’s Smart City initiatives in India through revolutionising public transportation. Running fully on electric energy, and boasting of robust and progressive designs, the bus aims to be a symbol of India’s dynamic, modern, and interconnected cities. Stubbs (2016) also pointed out that on the go connectivity such as USB charging ports and Wi-Fi on board are enabled in order to establish interdependent relationships with commuters. Additionally, screen graphics and various other aesthetic details such as a protective technical exoskeleton serve to make the Ultra Electric Bus easily recognisable and provide commuters with a sense of reassurance and comfort.

Revolving around user-centric designs and technology, I trust that the concept of the Electric Bus will gain recognition by commuters as the bus concept improves the needs of travellers. As we all know, India is infamous for its traffic jams and poor road infrastructure. Many problems have arised due to the inefficiency of public transport, such as increased road congestions as passengers choose to turn to relatively cheaper motorcycles, reduced travel speed, and major safety issues.

Mahpatra (2016) mentioned that, “due to the increasing population pressure and lack of space to expand the city infrastructure, promoting public transport is the only option for many Indian cities”. Similarly, I believe that in order to entice commuters to use public transport regularly, it is essential to constantly seek to advance the transportation system in the country.

One of the key features of the Ultra Electric Bus is that it runs fully on electric energy. According to the World Health Organisation, in India, approximately 1.5 million people died from the effects of air pollution in 2012 (Chatterjee, 2016). This environmental health risk pose a real threat as prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can be fatal, especially to young children and the elderly (Chatterjee, 2016). By switching to non-polluting electric buses, the problem of air pollution can be greatly reduced and consequently, an increase in the health of the Indian population.

The existing public transport system in India has been overwhelmed by the unprecedented increase in demand, resulting in dangerously overcrowded buses and train carriages. Pucher, Korattyswaroopam, and Ittyerah (2004) cited inhuman travelling conditions with vehicles carrying more than twice their maximum design capacity. This poses as a safety risk for passengers on board. The Ultra Electric Bus features a revamped layout which addresses the flawed transportation layout in which more passengers to be on board the bus as compared to regular buses. Furthermore, the revamped layout also allows more storage space for commuters to travel with greater comfort. This would help reduce overcrowding in buses and provide a safer and more comfortable means of transportation for passengers.

Another important feature of the Ultra Electric Bus is that it is Wifi enabled on board and USB charging ports will be made available. As a rapidly developing country, ranked number 2 globally in Internet usage, this feature proves to be extremely relevant and of great importance (Taylor, 2016). Mohan (2016) pointed out that Internet penetration in India stood at only 22% and attributed this to poor infrastructure. I believe that the Ultra Electric Bus could be a game changer in this aspect. By providing Internet coverage and charging ports, more users can access the Internet on-the-go. This will aid in establishing a meaningful and interdependent relationship with commuters.

In conclusion, the vivid concept of the Ultra Electric Bus concurrently embodies pursuit of advanced technology, safety, and hospitality to commuters during their travels. I believe that these factors would add as a plus factor to encourage commuters to take the public transport despite the poor transportation system - a problem the government has yet to rectify.

References

Chatterjee, P. (2016). India takes steps to curb air pollution. Bulletin of the World Health
Organisation, 94, 487-488. http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.16.020716

Mahpatra, S. (2016, April, 25). Mumbai To Get Electric Buses Soon. Retrieved from:                                                     https://cleantechnica.com/2016/04/25/mumbai-get-electric-buses-soon/

Mohan, V. (2016, June 2). India Pips US in Number of Internet Users. Retrieved from:

Pucher, J., Korattyswaroopam, N., & Ittyerah, N. (2004). The Crisis of Public Transport
in India: Overwhelming Needs but Limited Resources. Journal of Public
Transport, 7(4), 71-113.

Stubbs, E. (2016, May 11). India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric
Bus Concept from TATA. Retrieved from:

Taylor, H. (2016, June 1). Mary Meeker: India now has more Internet users than US.
Retrieved from:


   



Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Tata Motor's Ultra Electric Bus Summary

Tata Motor's Ultra Electric Bus aims to revolutionise public transportation in India. The first of its kind, the Ultra Electric Bus, which will run fully on electric energy, boasts of robust and progressive designs, as aligned with India's Smart City initiatives.

Drawing parallels to the iconic New York cab and London's Routemasters bus, the Ultra Electric Bus aims to be symbol of India's dynamic, vibrant, modern and interconnected cities. In order to do so, user-centric features such as USB charging ports and Wi-Fi on board are enabled in order to establish meaningful and interdependent relationships with commuters.

More importantly however, alongside inspiration from iconography of mobile phones and laptops, the Ultra Electric Bus also incorporates elements of Indian architecture such as screen graphics to achieve its aim. Various other aesthetic details such as protective technical exoskeleton serve to make the Ultra Electric Bus easily recognisable and provide commuters with a sense of reassurance and comfort.

Revolving around user-centric designs and technology, I trust that the concept of the Electric Bus will gain recognition by commuters as the bus concept improves the needs of travellers.

Saturday, 10 September 2016

Importance of English Language

Personally, the importance of English language can never be measured through text alone.  I was once told – since the beginning of time, the use of language as a form of communication between and/or among individuals has played a pivotal role in the evolution of human existence. Various settlements and civilizations created means of communications within themselves, and it is through these methods that emotions and messages can be expressed and delivered.

Having that said, the significance of English language is evident through globalization and internationalization as it is the main medium of instruction and governance in various nations across the globe till today.

As a student and future professional in Singapore, it is all the more essential for me to grasp the fine language as it is the preferred lingua franca across the nation – from schools to industries and even at home. I vividly remember the days where students like me were taught to infer from pictorial information and had to translate them into text, and that formed in me an important and practical skill in comprehending the language. It was then I learnt that English writing requires patience and continual practice.

There are various examples of English language writing that I would do in my university education, one of them being this exercise. I am convinced that this coursework which aims to improve communication effectively, the usage of English language would be essential for me to forge better relationships with my course mates. It is also a vital skill to effectively work as a team if the need arises.

As such, I strongly believe that an individual’s grasp of the English language is important as it is used to convey ideas and beliefs – regardless in a personal capacity or in a professional setting – especially so since I am pursuing a career in Engineering.

In the near future, I am certain that developing concrete writing skills will benefit me in my workplace through positive impressions and carrying my message with clarity and ease to any audience. It will also greatly increase the opportunities for a well-paid and interesting career – international and regional markets.