Kenneth's Effective Communication Blog: 2018

Critical Reflection

Module Learning

Coming to an end of the trimester also means the end of the effective communication module. Reflecting back to week one, where I had first begun to work on my goal for this module, I had my goals set to refine my skills in public speaking and to improve my technical writing skills. After attending the effective communication module, I believe that I have significantly improved in both my communication and writing skills. I was able to do so through the course resources provided to us. I was able to broaden my communication and writing skills through the projects assigned to us. Projects and report writing has allowed me to broaden my perspective through the discussion done with my team members. Through this, I was able to look at different problems through my team member’s perspective. I believe that learning this skill would greatly benefit me as I would be able to see problems from various angles when I face them in the future.

Project Learning

After attending the effective communication module, I learned that communication within a team and teamwork is essential in any group project. The groups that were allocated in this module ware at random, this brings people of different backgrounds together to work together towards a common goal. In this situation, there’s always advantages and disadvantages. The advantage towards randomized groups would be to meet new people and form strong friendships with them. The disadvantages towards randomized groups would be clashing of ideas from team members. Each member has their own visualization and thoughts towards the same problem. This has taught me to pause for a moment to analyse the perspective my team member is coming from. For instance, during my team’s research phase, we were discussing if we should use anaerobic digestion or pyrolysis for our team’s solution. We were given a few days to do research on the given topics by our team leader and were to debate about it in the next meeting. During the meeting, we mentioned about the advantage and disadvantage of both processes. I was supporting the use of pyrolysis and was trying to persuade my team members to use it. However, after hearing what my team members had to say about the processes, I realized that pyrolysis has too many factors and technical terms to consider within our 2000 words report. In the end, our team agreed on anaerobic digestion for our solution. I believe that learning the importance of communication and teamwork will benefit me greatly in the future. I will meet different people from different backgrounds in the future, I have to learn to work with them for future projects and I’m sure with skills I obtain from this module, I’ll be more prepared. In conclusion, I believe that communication is the key to every successful project. Without proper communication and the correct way to express my ideas, there would not even be a team, without a team, there would not be a successful team project.

Thank you, Professor Brad Blackstone, for guiding us through this fun and enriching journey. I’ve greatly benefited from this module and I’m sure my fellow course mates have done so too.

VodCast

Technical Report Draft 1

INTRODUCTION:

This proposal has been developed to implement best practice on the reduce food waste by converting it into a course of renewable energy and liquid fertilizers via anaerobic digestion process in SIT @Punggol.

Singapore has gained its reputation globally as a “clean and green” country over the years by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. However, methods for food waste management can still be further improved. According to the waste management and recycling statistics (NEA, 2017), the total food waste generated in Singapore is approximately 676,800 tonnes, but only a small percentage of 16% is being recycled. The amount of food waste generated is expected to increase in the future due to the growing population in Singapore.

Figure 1: Food waste generated over the past 10 years (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

There are other challenges towards food waste recycling such as odour and pests; lack of public awareness and high operational cost (Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2015). We believe that through the improvement of existing technology, we can create a feasible option for the upcoming SIT @Punggol campus to contribute towards Singapore being a Zero Waste Nation.

Figure 2: Food waste percentage (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

The implementation of the High-solids Organic-waste Recycling System with Electrical Output (HORSE) designed by Impact Bioenergy would allow SIT@Punngol to produce energy and liquid fertilizers through anaerobic digestion of food waste. This will result in the reduction of food wastage, energy consumption and an improvement in the biodiversity of the institute. This would help to minimize or ideally eliminate the cost and effort in disposing of food waste.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The new canteens in SIT @Punggol campus should be designed with considerations for the implementations of food waste recycling systems to help reduce overall food wastage and energy consumption. (Ideal)

With the new SIT @Punggol campus which is estimated to house up to 12,000 students, large amounts of food waste are expected to be generated. Without a proper way to recycle, the large amount of generated food waste would result in increase operational cost for disposal. (Gap)

By using the method of anaerobic digestion, we can turn food waste gathered from canteens at SIT @Punggol campuses into liquid fertilizers and electricity. This will reduce the overall energy consumption, carbon footprint and food wastage generated in SIT. (Goal)

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

This report proposes to the planning committee of SIT @Punggol to implement a food waste recycling system that can convert food waste into renewable energy and organic liquid fertilizer. The energy produced from the recycling process can be used as an energy source to help power the amenities within SIT while the liquid fertilizers can be used to nurture the biodiversity within the campus. The implementation of the system will allow SIT @Punggol to adopt a green initiative and to achieve the vision towards a sustainable Singapore.

References:

Ng,B.,& Yu,M.,& Chen,C.L.,& Rajinikanth,R.,& Jing,Y.W. (2015). Municipal food waste management in Singapore: practices, challenges and recommendations. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management. doi: 10.1007/s10163-015-0405-8.

National Environment Agency. (2017).Food Waste Management. Retrieved from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 5

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, the article claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and do not degrade over time. The article states that the use of waterproof concrete has helped to overcome the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the elements found most speculative by users. In addition, the article mentioned that the builder’s jobs are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished more quickly as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost-effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as the growth of roots is eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

While the article underlined the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green roofs, it could include the benefits of having a green rooftop to enhance the article’s information.

One benefit of having a green roof would be the recovery of green space. With the uprising of population growth and urbanization, much of our barren lands are converted into impervious surfaces. In order to maintain our environmental quality, it is necessary for us to recover green space. According to Rowe (2011), installing green roofs is a viable option to reduce the negative impact of development while providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Advantages of having a green rooftop include improved water quality via stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of heat, reduction in air pollution and increment in biodiversity.

Another benefit of having a green rooftop would be the psychological benefits for humans. The natural characteristic of green roofs provides relief from concrete construction in urban areas and creates a vast change towards modern architecture. According to the article written by Miller (2009) entitled "Nature is Good", it mentions that nature has a positive impact on human conditions. Going for a simple walk in the park or looking at a picture of a landscape can induce psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and improvement in concentration.

Another benefit of having a green roof would be the creation of countless job openings. The construction and maintenance of green roofs create business opportunities for roofing contractors, plant producers, and contractors. It also helps other green industry members to address pressing issues of the environmental. In the article by America’s Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (2008) entitled “Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy through Investment in Green Water Infrastructure”, the research article claims that over 190,000 jobs opportunity would be created and provide billions in revenue for suppliers and manufacturers dealing with green roof related materials.

Overall, I believe that green roofs should be implemented all over the world. The implementation of green roofs would greatly benefit the environment and increase biodiversity within urban areas. It also paves opportunities for the future generation to learn and study about green rooftops.

References

Green Plants for Green Buildings (2014, April). Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Green-Roofs-White-Paper-April-2014-Edition.pdf

Green Rooftop. (n.d.). The Concrete Advantage. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

Greenroofs. (n.d.). About Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs/

Kaplan, J. S. (2009, March 11). Plants Make You Feel Better. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

Lowitt, P. C., Michael, K., Steven, P. (2008, March). Planning for rooftops: The benefits of green roof infrastructure. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289763701_Planning_for_rooftops_The_benefits_of_green_roof_infrastructure

Michigan State University. (n.d.). Benefits of Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenroof.hrt.msu.edu/benefits/index.html

Urban Scape. (n.d.). Social Benefits. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.green-urbanscape.com/en/content/social-benefits

Yanling, L., & Babcock, R. (2015, November 27). Green roofs against pollution and climate change. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01234839/document

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 4

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, the article claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and do not degrade over time. The article states that the use of waterproof concrete has helped to overcome the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by users. In addition, the article mentioned that the builder’s jobs are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished more quickly as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost-effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as the growth of roots is eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

First of all, with the uprising of population growth and urbanization, much of our barren lands are converted into impervious surfaces. In order to maintain our environmental quality, it is necessary for us to recover green space. According to Rowe, D.B. (2011), installing green roofs is a viable option to reduce the negative impact of development while providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Advantages of having a green rooftop include improved water quality via stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of heat, reduction in air pollution and increment in biodiversity.

Secondly, green rooftops can provide social benefits towards humans. Such benefits include educational opportunities, health, and beautification towards urban landscapes. The natural character of green roofs provides relief from concrete construction in urban areas and creates a vast change towards modern architecture. According to the article written by Miller.M (2009) entitled "Nature is Good", it mentions that nature has a positive impact on human conditions. Going for a simple walk in the park or looking at a picture of a landscape can induce psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and improvement in concentration. The demand for green rooftops is on the rise. This provides exponent opportunities towards students in the environmental and biological field. Educational facilities can give students and visitors access to green rooftop sites to learn more about biology, sustainable technology and the benefits of green rooftops.

Lastly, the introduction of green rooftops creates countless job openings. The construction and maintenance of green roofs create business opportunities for roofing contractors, plant producers, and contractors. It also helps other green industry members to address pressing issues of the environmental. Based on a recent study by America’s Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) (2008) entitled “Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy through Investment in Green Water Infrastructure”, it claims that if one percent of commercial buildings in America installed green roofs, it would create over 190,000 jobs opportunity and provide billions in revenue for suppliers and manufacturers dealing with green roof related materials.

Overall, I believe that green roofs should be implemented all over the world. The implementation of green roofs would greatly benefit the environment and increase biodiversity within urban areas. It also paves opportunities for the future generation to learn and study about green rooftops.

References

Culver, A. L., Mumford, J., Anderson, M., Fediw, K., & Lewis, M. (2014, April). Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Green-Roofs-White-Paper-April-2014-Edition.pdf

The Concrete Advantage. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

About Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs/

Kaplan, J. S. (2009, March 11). Plants Make You Feel Better. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

Lowitt, P. C. (2008, March). Planning for rooftops: The benefits of green roof infrastructure. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289763701_Planning_for_rooftops_The_benefits_of_green_roof_infrastructure

Benefits of Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenroof.hrt.msu.edu/benefits/index.html

Social Benefits. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.green-urbanscape.com/en/content/social-benefits

Yanling, L., & Babcock, R. (2015, November 27). Green roofs against pollution and climate change. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01234839/document

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 3

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftops claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. The article states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by handlers. Builders’ job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

The article explains the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green rooftops. However, the lack of a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test to validate the information from the article makes the article less than satisfactory to promote hydrophobic technology within rooftops.

Green Rooftops should have done a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test before publishing this article. The article mentioned that no test have been done to substantiate the benefit of eliminating a root barrier. In my opinion, I believe that the FLL test should have been done prior to the publishing of the article “The Concrete Advantage”. To justify their claims, Green Rooftops should have obtained a FLL test report from the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CRITT) Horticole and the Scientific and Technical Center for Building, European notified body for construction products (CSTB). The CRITT Horticole and the CSTB is a partnership program formed to perform root resistance tests on waterproofing membranes according to the EN 13948 norm (Determination of resistance to root penetration). The FLL testing techniques provides output which can be compared with preset reference values and this will provide more valid justification to why hydrophobic technology is better compared to the traditional roofing system. With this improvement done to the article,I feel that users of green rooftops would be convinced to upgrade their current rooftops to the use of hydrophobic technology.

References

Philippi, P. M. (2002). Introduction to the German FLL-Guidelines for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/IntroductiontotheGermanFLL2.pdf

Root resistance test EN 13948 - FLL. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.critt-horticole.com/activite/root-resistance-test-en-13948-fll/

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 2

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 1

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftop claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. Green Rooftop states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the biggest overthrow of green roofs by removing the part found most speculative by the handlers. Constructor’s job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. In the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards budding seedlings.

My self introduction

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone,

My name is Kenneth Sin and I am using this opportunity to introduce myself as a student in your effective communication class, T6. I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a diploma in clean energy management, having a keen interest in sustainable energy and infrastructure, I am currently pursuing a degree in sustainable infrastructure engineering (building services) program offered by Singapore Institute of Technology.

Aside from academic matters, I volunteer as a mentor for the Youth program in my church. I am attending Bethel Presbyterian Church in Serangoon. I take great pride in nurturing the youths of tomorrow, believing that one day they will use their talents and gifts to bring people towards Christianity.

One of my strengths in communication would be having confidence in public speaking. As a volunteer, I interact with Christians from different walks of life, allowing me to socialize with people of different ages and backgrounds. I take this mentor-ship program as a platform to polish my communication and interaction skills.

One of my weakness in communication would be the pacing of speech. Even though I have plenty of exposure in public speaking, I would unintentionally increase the pace of my speech as I will get nervous speaking to people. Resulting in people not being able to clearly understand what I am talking about, requiring me to repeat the same sentence multiple times.

My goal in studying this module is to broaden my communication and writing skills. I hope to refine my skills in public speaking and to improve my technical writing skills. I intend to make full use of the given resources within this module to work towards my goal. I believe that having you as our professor would greatly increase my chances of success. I hope to work closely with you throughout the semester.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth Sin

Evaluation/analysis of letters 3d and 3e

Evaluation/analysis of letters 3d and 3e
3d. Letter of application
What is a Job Application Letter

known as a cover letter
a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about skills and experience
provide detailed information on why you are are a qualified candidate
explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization
identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

What to include in your letter

The introduction → include why the applicant is writing
The body → discusses relevant qualifications
Close → thanks the reader
→provides contact information and follow-up details

list your name and the job title you are applying for in the subject line
include your contact information in your email signature
don't list the employer's contact information

Get off to a direct start:

explain why you are writing
mention the job title and company name
mention where you came across the job listing
briefly mention why you are a strong candidate
short and to-the-point
Offer something different than what's in your resume:
don’t mention similar things in your resume
more personal than in your resume
narrate about your work experience and career

Make a good case:

offer details about your experience and background
show why you are a good candidate
show how have other jobs prepared you for the position
what can you bring to the position and to the company
Emphasize your strengths

Close with important details:

include a thank you at the end
share your contact information
mention how you will follow up

Score for 3d writing
Content: 8/10 Organisation: 8/10 Language Use: 8/10
Total: 24/30

Improvements:

Content:

The writer shouldn’t be sharing information that can be found in his resume.
The writer should have included what he can contribute to this company he is applying for.
Did not list his name and job title he was applying for in the subject line.(company might be hiring more then one position)
Did not thank the reader.

Language Used:

The writer was too casual.

The writer sentences weren’t constructed properly. Use of “of course, starting with because, they are need”

"Look at my resume attached" sound informal

He "scheduled" his own interview instead of hoping that the company will contact him for a follow up(not passive approach)

3e. Letter of transmittal
What is a transmittal

transmittal or cover letter accompanies a larger item, document for example a
proposal, job application.
It is a short and clear letter that contain the purpose and brief introduction
about the attach document
Include summarize the key points and useful information about the attach
document
Language use should be passive and formal
Ensure both parties have a permanent record of the document
Title, sender position and address and receiver position and address should be
clearly indicate to avoid confusion.

Format of writing a transmittal:

Sender company name and address
Date
Receiver name, position in the company, company name and address
Address the receiver eg: Dear Prof Blackstone,
Title of the transmittal

Introduction

Brief introduction about the attachment

Body

Purpose and reason for submission of this document

Thank the reader
End with formal closing eg: Yours sincerely

Score for 3e writing
Content: 8/10 Organisation: 8/10 Language Use: 7/10 Total: 23/30
Improvement:

Key points and useful information should be elaborated and summarized more about the attach document.
Input some data to support the project.
Reduce the description of the project as too long winded.

Reflection in real life

Task 2: Reflection in real life

This task deals with reflection on action in real life.

Take into consideration the steps in Dewey’s Model of Reflective Thought and Action, then imagine how such a model might represent a real situation in your life. Next, take notes on a scenario from your past in which a habitual behaviour such as spending money on cigarettes, eating compulsively, or sleeping the instant you sit down to study -- something that you had regularly practiced -- no longer seemed effective, creating a problem for you.

Reflect on this “problem.” What is the ideal behaviour that you could not achieve? What sort of conditions existed that provided the problem context? What were the consequences? Looking back, can you identify a primary or direct root cause for that problem?

As of today, ask yourself this question: Has the problem been solved? If you can answer “yes,” try to remember your past “reasoning” as you deliberated on the problem’s causes, and then reflect on the possible adaptations or changes that were required of you for generating a solution.

What action did you take to make real change? What steps/missteps occurred in the process? What takeaways might you have developed from this experience?

If your problem has not yet been solved, reflect on why that is the case. What conditions existed that you were not able to change? Why did you ‘become stuck’?

Once you have finished taking notes on this scenario, share all the details with a partner. Are there any common points, or principles, in your set of reflections?
Be prepared to summarize your discussion with the class.

Rodgers (2002) has concisely summarized Dewey’s extensive writing on reflection into four main points:

1. Reflection is a meaning-making process that moves a learner from one experience into the next with deeper understanding of its relationships with and connections to other experiences and ideas, making continuity of learning possible.
2. Reflection is a systematic, rigorous, disciplined way of thinking, with its roots in scientific inquiry.
3. Reflection needs to happen in a community, in interaction with others.
4. Reflection requires attitudes that value the personal and intellectual growth of oneself and of others.

My Story

I used to think I was very good at math. Being in the normal academic stream, I frequently obtained top 5% within the cohort. This led me to become arrogant. I didn’t listen to my peer’s and families’ advice when they told me I had to study more. I continued having this delusion until I was in secondary 3. It was only then I realized that my math was horrible. During my common test 2, I attempted the math paper without any prior revision on the topics coming out. To my horror, I could only solve the questions on the first page. I left the rest of the paper blank as I didn’t have a clue on how to solve any of the questions.

Upon receiving my math paper back, I felt that the whole world has gone against me. Seeing the single digit result on my paper, I felt like bursting into tears. I could only blame myself for being such an arrogant person.

I still managed to get 4th position amongst the cohort that year. It hit me the most during this point as the top 3 position of the cohort was promoted to the express stream. Trying my luck, I appealed for the express stream, only to get turned down because of my math results.

After this incident, I told myself that I had to have regular revision especially on my math. I took up math tuition on a weekly basis. Joining the math class, it was only then I truly knew how far back I was lacking behind my peers. Once bitten and twice shy, I told myself that I wouldn’t want the make the same mistake ever in my life. I worked extremely hard for math. 2 years flew by in a blink of an eye and O levels came. Having prior revision for it, I took the math paper. I scored a B3 which was a vast improvement from the C6s or D7s I used to get for math. Seeing the exponential improvement, I decided to challenge myself and applied for an engineering course in the polytechnic. That led me to join my current course in Singapore Institute of Technology. I have high hopes for myself and I wish to achieve my lifelong dream, graduating from a university in Singapore.

Edited on 120918

Welcome to Kenneth's Blog

Hello !!! My name is Kenneth Sin Sheng Yong. Currently testing the new blogger layout and theme settings. Hopefully you'll enjoy this blog. Thanks !!

Just a random video of me playing the guitar. Please like and support !!! Do mind my mistakes also hahaha. 😃