Critical Reflection

Effective communication has become a part of our daily lives and it is essential that we understand the importance of it. In Singapore Institute of Technology, Effective Communication module has successfully equipped me with the essence of written and oral communication skill sets. I felt that it was beneficial for us to have this module from the start, as it requires us to deliver the technical content in reports and projects in a professional manner.

The module provided a platform where I can work on different writing skills such as technical report, reader response and blog posts. From the start, I knew I had problems with language, grammar and word choice. As such, I did proof-reading repeatedly that helped spotting mistakes on my work that were missed earlier on. In terms of oral skills, I have the tendency to give presentations in an overly friendly manner which caused an impression of not being professional. However, I was glad that the additional peer teaching opportunity allowed me to receive constructive feedbacks from Ms. Lim and classmates, allowing me to further improve before the actual oral presentation showcase.

Over the course of the module, it fortified my foundations on effective communications which allowed me to have confidence in future presentations and report writings. As I am still at the start of my university journey, I will constantly read up on newspapers and story books which will strengthen my language and grammar proficiency on writing. To aid my presentation skills, I will gain experience by watching other professionals presenting through various platforms, such as TED Talks and attending public speaking courses that will enhance my oral delivery in future.

Lastly, I would like to thank Ms. Lim and friends whom have helped me constantly throughout this module!

(294 words)

Background - Technical Report

To date, the Subway brand prides itself as one of the biggest sandwich chain located in more than 44,000 places all over the world (“The History of Subway,” n.d).

The current queue system of Subway outlets in Singapore focuses on a single- channel/single station queue system that can be further enhanced. A survey conducted by our team shows that out of 89 respondents, 53.93% of them are not willing to stand in line for more than six minutes. Customers are more likely to be deterred by long waiting lines, according to another survey in figure 1 (“Britons not willing to queue,” 2012). 59% of customers would rather choose the option of not queuing up at the store. Thus, these factors may cause Subway’s customers to look for food establishments nearby with shorter queue instead.

Figure 1. Survey of willingness to queue by (“Britons not willing to queue,” 2012)

One way to reduce the number of customers waiting in line is to adopt the use of mobile technology, and companies such as Starbucks and Pizza hut are successful examples of how using mobile technology can enhance the overall experience for their customers. Taylor (2016) states that Starbucks and Pizza hut are currently adopting the use of mobile technology to allow customers to make orders. She also states that in the current F&B context, many fast-food chains are looking in incorporating mobile ordering for customers. It is also stated in the article that Starbuck’s mobile application provides an ordering and reward program which attracts 12 million members up to date.

In addition, the number of F&B stores in Singapore that utilize digital technology such as self-ordering kiosks are on the rise which aids to tackle the issues for higher rise in cost for labour and low supply of manpower (Poh ,2015). She also states that Singapore McDonald’s self-service kiosks also aims to minimize long queues and to ensure the customers having a better dining experience. According to Poh (2015), Ms Carolyn Khui, director of e-commerce and customer relations of McDonald’s said “With the use of the digital technologies, the customers are now empowered to make their own orders, it improves accuracies for the customers, and at the same time, it actually cuts the queues you see at most of our counters.”

Therefore, it is clear that the number of fast food restaurants which implement the use of mobile application to order is constantly increasing. This further demonstrate that it is an effective approach which improves overall dining experience for customers. As such, it is beneficial for Subway to adopt the use of mobile application to stay competitive, and to leverage on the benefits of mobile technology to improve its customer’s overall dining experience at Subway.

Letter of Transmittal - Technical Report

Singapore Institute of Technology

20 Dover Drive

Singapore 138682

11^th November, 2016

Mr Raphael Chan

Country Director

Subway Singapore Development Pte Ltd

52A Club Street

Singapore 069429

Dear Mr. Chan

Proposal for an Implementation of a Mobile Application Ordering System at Subway

We are a group of three SIT students currently majoring in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Land). As part of a project for this course of study, we are submitting a proposal for an implementation of a mobile application ordering system at Subway.

Our team realized that the queue management system of single pipeline/single channel of Subway can be further improve. As the single pipeline system is highly dependent on the customers pace of ordering, it may cause unnecessary long queues from time to time. This is a concern for most customers as not all of them are willing to join the long queue which results in customer seeking alternative food chains with shorter queues.

Our team is determined to propose a proposal which implements a mobile application ordering system. The mobile application aims to provide an alternative ordering system which incorporate the whole process of queuing, ordering and paying into a single handheld mobile device. Through our proposed solution, we hope to provide the customers with an alternative way of queueing and to enhance their overall dining experience at Subway.      

The team would like to thank you for taking the time to read through our proposal. We hope that you will consider our proposed implementation of the mobile application and allow us to take a step closer towards providing every customers a positive and enjoyable experience at Subway. If you have any further enquires on our proposal, you can contact through email at support@wonderapp.com.

Yours Sincerely,

Tan Jian Kuang Alfred
Team Leader, Wonder Application

Reflection on Oral Presentation

On 10th November 2016, my team and I had our very first formal oral presentation. This presentation provides the  proper platform to formally present a business proposal to Subway,  which is something that I have never done before.

Before the actual day of our presentation, my team and I went through great heights to prepare our presentation through countless of rehearsals. In order for our team to achieve high standards, every one of us decided to take turns and acted the role of "CEO" for Subway, just to ensure that all of our speeches were well executed. I still remember the first time when I became the "CEO", it provided me with a different viewing perspective that gave me the opportunities to spot areas for improvement which our team had never thought of. From the experiment,  I was able to constantly fine tune my speeches which increased my confidence during subsequent deliveries.

Although my presentation lasted no longer than five minutes, I can vividly remember the adrenaline rush that followed me throughout the showcase. Even though I was fully prepared, mistakes were still unavoidable as I am not experienced in pitching a business proposal. This resulted in me of not being able to form proper sentence structures using the right languages. In addition, I also felt that my slides design could further enhance by utilizing images that can provide visual impact rather than words to elaborate my key points.

In conclusion, I am grateful for this presentation showcase as it allows me to bring back many valuable reflections to improve on. Therefore, in future, it serves as a constant reminder for myself that ample preparation is the key to delivering an effective presentation.

                         
                                                                      (282 words)

Final Draft - Reader response

In the article “This Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans for a Car-Free, Algae-Powered City”, Peters (2016). Peters states that Liberland will be built on a basis of being able to minimize pollution through a genetically engineered version of algae and other forms of renewable energy to power the city. In addition, Peters mention that Ani, the designer, propose that the city will be a car-free zone with main transportation only through the bike, train, and pedestrian path. Peters indicates that the city will be developed in multiple layers of compact buildings to utilize the land space. The city buildings will be designed to counter the effects of heat wave by integrating green walls and roofs to reduce the temperature. Peters also mentions that Vit Jedlicka, the president, keeping the city as green as possible. The president says "The first-place design ensures we can minimize pollution while using renewable energy to keep the land intact." Therefore, I agree with the article that Ani’s design is feasible to build an algae-powered city.

I believe that genetically engineered algae can be utilized to power up the city as a form of renewable energy.

Firstly, Peters (2016) mentions that the design team will pile the city up in numerous levels of platforms and overlay the underneath of each platform with genetically engineered algae. The design concept of overlaying algae on all layers of the city can supply a sustainable amount of algae that can constantly power up the city. Peters (2016) explains that the genetically engineered algae are able to grow without the need of sunlight. Therefore, the article is convincing that the city's designs concept is able to harvest a large amount of algae to power up the city.

Secondly, Ani’s design concept of the Algae-powered building is similar to a green building in Hamburg named BIQ (“BIQ”, n.d.). As such, the concept closely relates to Ani’s design concept of utilizing algae to power up the city. An article on (“Microalgae prove ideal for green facades”, 2013) states that the company, ARUP, has built the world’s first ever bio-adaptive facade building that generates biomass from algae which can be collected and utilize as a form of renewable green energy to power up the building. The existence of this building in Hamburg proves that it is possible to utilize algae as a form of energy source on a smaller scale which indicates that even though Ani’s concept is much larger, it is practical that algae can power up the city.

Lastly, Peters (2016) mentions that Liberland is an Algae-Powered city. As such, it is important that the amount of algae must be able to constantly provide sufficient quantities of biomass in order to power up the entire city. According to (“Algae Curtain” n.d.), it explains that algae are one of the biological matter that grows rapidly on earth, it is capable of increasing twice of their amount every six hours. The article also mentions that the biomass from algae contains over 50 percent of oil which can be processed to obtain feasible biofuels, that yields renewable electricity to power urban facilities (“Algae Curtain” n.d.). Therefore, it is evident the production rate of algae in Liberland is adequate to power up the entire city.

In conclusion, I strongly feel that algae are a viable source of renewable energy that can power up Liberland. In addition, I believe that Liberland serves as an excellent role model for the world whereby algae are a form of renewable energy.

(580 words)

Online references

Peters, A. (2016, June 14). This Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans For A Car-Free, Algae-Powered City. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3060800/this-self-proclaimed-micronation-has-plans-for-a-car-free-algae-powered-city/3

BIQ. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2016, from http://www.iba-hamburg.de/en/themes-projects/the-building-exhibition-within-the-building-exhibition/smart-material-houses/biq/projekt/biq.html

Microalgae prove ideal for green facades. (2013, April 25). Retrieved October 13, 2016, from 

http//www.arup.com/news/2012_09_september/14_sep_micro_algae_prove_ideal_for_making_green_facade

Algae Curtain. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2016, from http://loop.ph/portfolio/algae-curtain/

Third Draft - Reader Response

In the article “This Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans for a Car-Free, Algae-Powered City”, Peters (2016) shared that Liberland will be built on a basis of being able to minimize pollution while using a genetically engineered version of algae and other forms of renewable energy to power the city. In addition, the designer proposed that the city will be a car-free zone with main transportation only through the usage of bike, train, and pedestrian path. The city will be developed in multiple layers of compact buildings to utilise the land space. The city buildings will be designed to counter the effects of heat wave by integrating green walls and roofs to reduce the temperature. The Economists were also part of the design team that proposed the three economic hubs in the area of sustainability, media, and technology to facilitates the economic growth of the city. All these designs are in accordance with the main vision of Vit Jedlicka, the president, to keep Liberland as green as possible through renewable energy.

I believe that Ani’s design concept of genetically engineered Algae could be utilised to power up the city using renewable energy.

Firstly, Ani’s design concept of the Algae-powered building is very similar to a green building in Hamburg. According to Whitlock (2013), an article on “IBA Hamburg opens the first algae biomass building”, he stated that Germany company, International Building Exhibition (IBE) Hamburg has built the world’s first ever algae powered building that runs on biomass. This building was named as Algae Building and was launched for residential purposes with 15 units available. Whitlock also stated that the microalgae are well maintained in the glass container filled with water that is able to generate the required biomass and heat required for producing energy sources to supply the building.

Secondly, according to sources from Hay (2014), an article named “Hamburg Now Has An Algae-Powered building”, he stated that the Algae absorb in CO2 gases which allowed them to produce gases which can be further cultivated in a process that creates renewable green energy sources. In addition, he also states that algae could be collected and made into biofuel, which can be processed in a generator to produce electricity power. He further elaborated that the Algae powered building was able to reduce pollution and provide an alternative source of renewable energy in areas such as heat and electricity. 

Lastly, due to the fact that fossil fuels will eventually run out in future, it is essential for the world to find alternative sources of energy. According to sources from the Invigorate website, it states that algae were able to generate electricity itself. The process of it dividing the water into hydrogen and oxygen allows the hydrogen to be obtained. By using the ‘hydrogen fuel cells’ to generate electricity, it does not produce unnecessary greenhouse gases that harm the environment. In addition, algae give out hydrocarbons which are molecules that can be found in fossil fuels. This allows the usage of algae as a source of biofuel to supply power. The benefits of algae were the abilities to grow quickly and to get replenish easily whenever required. 

In conclusion, the examples provided above about algae were evident in showing the effectiveness of producing an alternative source of renewable energy. With the rise of technology, it is possible that we can continue to harvest energy sources from algae and explore other forms of renewable energy that can eventually power the world in future.

References

Whitlock, R. (2013, May 14). Biomass - IBA Hamburg opens the first algae biomass building - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/article/iba-hamburg-opens-the-first-algae-biomass-20130514

Hay, M. (2014, September 23). Hamburg Now Has an Algae-Powered Building. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from https://www.good.is/articles/algae-powered-building

Why is this important? (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://invigorate.royalsociety.org/ks4/meet-the-algae-diversity,-biology-and-energy/why-is-this-important.aspx

Second Draft - Reader Response

In the article “This Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans for a Car-Free, Algae-Powered City”, Peters (2016) shared that Liberland will be built on a basis of being able to minimize pollution while using a genetically engineered version of algae and other forms of renewable energy to power the city. In addition, the designer proposed that the city will be a car-free zone with main transportation only through the usage of bike, train, and pedestrian path. The city will be developed in multiple layers of compact buildings to utilise the land space. The city buildings will be designed to counter the effects of heat wave by integrating green walls and roofs to reduce the temperature. The Economists were also part of the design team that proposed the three economic hubs in the area of sustainability, media, and technology to facilitates the economic growth of the city. All these designs are in accordance with the main vision of Vit Jedlicka, the president, to keep Liberland as green as possible through renewable energy.

I believe that Ani’s design concept of genetically engineered Algae could be utilised to power up the city using renewable energy.

Firstly, Ani’s design concept of the Algae-powered building is very similar to a green building in Hamburg. According to Whitlock (2013), an article on “IBA Hamburg opens the first algae biomass building”, he stated that Germany company, International Building Exhibition (IBE) Hamburg has built the world’s first ever algae powered building that runs on biomass. This building was named as Algae Building and was launched for residential purposes with 15 units available. Whitlock also stated that the microalgae are well maintained in the glass container filled with water that is able to generate the required biomass and heat required for producing energy sources to supply the building.

Secondly, according to sources from Hay (2014), an article named “Hamburg Now Has An Algae-Powered building”, he stated that the Algae absorb in CO2 gases which allowed them to produce gases which can be further cultivated in a process that creates renewable green energy sources. In addition, he also states that algae could be collected and made into biofuel, which can be processed in a generator to produce electricity power. He further elaborated that the Algae powered building was able to reduce pollution and provide an alternative source of renewable energy in areas such as heat and electricity. 

Lastly, due to the fact that fossil fuels will eventually run out in future, it is essential for the world to find alternative sources of energy. According to sources from the Invigorate website [3], it states that algae were able to generate electricity itself. The process of it dividing the water into hydrogen and oxygen allows the hydrogen to be obtained. By using the ‘hydrogen fuel cells’ to generate electricity, it does not produce unnecessary greenhouse gases that harm the environment. In addition, algae give out hydrocarbons which are molecules that can be found in fossil fuels. This allows the usage of algae as a source of biofuel to supply power. The benefits of algae were the abilities to grow quickly and to get replenish easily whenever required. 

In conclusion, the examples provided above about algae were evident in showing the effectiveness of producing an alternative source of renewable energy. With the rise of technology, it is possible that we can continue to harvest energy sources from algae and explore other forms of renewable energy that can eventually power the world in future.

References:

[1] Whitlock, R. (2013, May 14). Biomass - IBA Hamburg opens the first algae biomass building - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/article/iba-hamburg-opens-the-first-algae-biomass-20130514

[2] Hay, M. (2014, September 23). Hamburg Now Has an Algae-Powered Building. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from https://www.good.is/articles/algae-powered-building

[3] Why is this important? (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://invigorate.royalsociety.org/ks4/meet-the-algae-diversity,-biology-and-energy/why-is-this-important.aspx

Summary of the Micro-nation (Article 6)

The competed land between Croatia and Serbia known as Liberland will be built on a basis of being environment-friendly and self- sustainable. The overall main design by Raya Ani, director of RAW-NYC, was to minimize pollution through renewable energy and to save space in Liberland. In addition to the overall development of the land, the design team also included non-designers, such as economists.

In order to save space, Ani states that the land will be developed by piling up in multiple layers, comprising of smaller and compact arranged buildings allowing sunlight to reach the street. Therefore, fully maximizing the usage of land in a limited space.

To address the issues of pollution, Ani’s design included the use of platforms integrated with a genetically engineered version of algae by planting them on a horizontal surface layer. The algae do not need sunlight to grow, and can produce energy that can be converted into power for the land. In addition, the design also comprises of addressing solar power, which utilize a waste-to-energy system that transforms organic waste to biogas for cooking. It also includes burning thrown waste to produce electricity.

The land is  designed to provide accessibilities for ease of transportation around the neighborhoods. The neighborhoods are gathered around transit,with recreation areas which require no more than 10-minute walk from public transit. The land focuses on being car-free which only comprise of bike and pedestrian paths.

The integration of green walls and roofs on the buildings will aid in reducing rainwater runoff and to reduce temperature during heat waves. To address the issues of a floodplain, parks are designed along the edges of the city.

Economists were also introduced by the design team to facilitate the function of the city. The Economists proposed that the land would have three economic hubs-sustainability,media, and technology and promote entrepreneurship through a national crowdfunding site. In an economic sense, Ani proposed that the Liberland must be able to self-sustain and to prove its capabilities to neighboring countries.

According to Ani, the urban planning design might not be built according to what she foresees in the future. In order for this urban planning to work, it requires a long time to be accepted by individuals and this affects the development of the micronation. However, it could happen on a smaller scale, for example, with a single building powered by algae.

These designs that are proposed by Ani are in accordance with the president, Vit Jedlicka’s main vision that says “It was always our plan to keep Liberland as green as possible.”

(426 words)

Task B1: The Importance Of English To You

I was a regular serving as a technical supervisor in the Singapore Armed Forces. I remembered vividly that there was once I had to instruct my team to carry out a maintenance task. However, due to a mistake in my form of writing, my team carried out a different task and targeted another system and caused problems in the equipment instead. As a result, my team had a poor impression of my instructions and this particular incident caused them to lose the trust they had previously perceived of me. At that point of time, I believe that it was due to my negative attitude towards writing and thus, I did not ensure that my instructions were clear and concise. This incident greatly impacted me on the effects of proper English writing.

As a current student in SIT, my classmates and I will be tasked to write technical reports, thesis, and essays as part of my learning journey to prepare us for the industry. The correct usage of English writing in sending our messages across will greatly aid users in understanding of reports. However, I will also need to constantly ensure the readability and user-friendliness in my content.

Furthermore, my classmates and I will be graduating as future engineers and the level of command in our English writing determines the credibility of us in the industry. Technical manuals and incident reports are some of the examples why it is important for us to write in proper English language.  

To conclude, the proper usage of English is essential in delivering the correct information and I believe that only through practice comes perfection. Thus, I will strive hard to improve my English proficiency by cultivating the habit of reading, writing daily journals and listening to the news.

(294 words)