Summary of "Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic" - Draft 2

In the article from Urban Solutions “Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic”, Tay (2018) mentioned that although there are existing improvements of technological advancements, Singapore requires more advanced traffic management measures to counter with the increasing number of vehicles on the road and a more complicated road system in the 21st century. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduced Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) to ease the traffic congestion. However, Tay state that with the current implementation it is still inadequate to solve with the rising of vehicle population and road system. Hence, LTA introduced Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system which replaced ALS. It reduces the traffic volume and travel time for road users.To further enhance, LTA is introducing an upcoming satellite ERP system which will abolish the current gantries and charged based on the distance travelled on congested traffic. Tay conclude that Singapore will continue to push boundaries to improve the urban mobility.

I agree with the article where it states that Singapore needed more sophisticated traffic management measures to maximize traffic efficiency as Tay mentioned. Tay's article allows the reader to gain new approach on the major transport developments and how it aids to improve on traffic efficiency.

Source: Tay,Q.W.(2018).Tapping Tech for Smooth Traffic.Retrieved July,2018 https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-solutions/urb-sol-iss13-pdfs/11_case_study-singapore-intelligent-transport-systems.pdf

Summary of “Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic” - Draft 1

In Urban Solution case study “Tapping Tech for Smoother Traffic”, Tay (2018) explains how innovation have capitalised to ensure safe and smooth road traffic over the decades.With the growth of the economy and population, building more road and expressway and the implementation of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Train system is still unable to meet the needs of the growing populations. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) have introduced Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It aims to automate processes and provide real-time activity data for users. Tay expressed that with ITS, Singapore has moved forward both traffic safety and proficiency however it is still insufficient. Tay concluded that LTA will continue to innovate to empower Singapore to proceed pushing.

Assignment 1: Formal Letter

Subject : Self-Introduction 

Dear Professor Blackstone,

My name is Jocelyn Goh, and I am writing to introduce myself to you as a student in your effective communication class. I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a Diploma in Business Process and System Engineering. Currently, I am pursuing my degree in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) in Singapore Institute of Technology. During my internship, I was attached to communication department where I got to interact with seniors from this course and know more about the industry. This inspired me to further my study in this area.

My strength is having a strong interpersonal skill which has benefited me to be able to work with people from diversified culture. During the internship, I have been exposed to opportunities to meet people with different backgrounds from operators, engineers to management and there is no issue for me to communicate with them. 

My weakness is I am always lack confidence in the things I do, especially when it comes to public speaking. I tend to look at the screen and increase my pace when I am nervous.

My goals in this module are to be able to build up my confidence level and improve in my written and oral presentation skills. I look forward to learning from you for the upcoming class.

Best Regards, 

Jocelyn 

Edited on : [24/9/19]

Commented on: 
Jun Heng 
Zhi Qi 
Alicia 

            

Task 3: The Importance of communication skills for engineers

Hi, I am Jocelyn. Recently, I came across a quote as follows, 

“I contend that we (engineers) are undervalued because of our widespread

inability to explain what we do to the general public (and why it is so important).

It is one of the hardest goals to accomplish, to be able to boil down difficult

concepts into a short and easily understood presentation or elevator pitch.”

Personally i feel that it is important for engineers to be able to explain to general public. However, it might also be hard for engineers to find a common language to explain to general public.


Revised Version [9 Sep 2019]:

“I contend that we (engineers) are undervalued because of our widespread
inability to explain what we do to the general public (and why it is so important).
It is one of the hardest goals to accomplish, to be able to boil down difficult
concepts into a short and easily understood presentation or elevator pitch.”
Marybeth Miceli, President, Miceli Infrastructure Consulting, USA, (2011)

Personally, I feel that engineer’s presentation will involve a lot of technical terms, hence it is difficult for engineers to be able to explain the information to public and for them to understand. However, to allow the public to have a better understanding, engineers can replace the technical terms to layman terms or uses graphics to explain to the public.