Last Post

Through this whole semester, effective communications have helped me write better reports for all my projects. In terms of english, citations to prevent plagiarism and even sentence structure. I have learnt to rephrase and restructure sentences to make our reports concise yet insightful. I have also learnt to work with people who have different opinions and how to value different opinions and to achieve a common goal. I have also seen the different types of leadership skills emerging in my classmates. Those who would go through any lengths to get the desired results and those who worked closely and values opinions. Besides learning about english language, I have also learn more about myself. Effective Communications presentations made me realised what is my strengths and weaknesses so that in the future, when I return back to service, I can write better reports to my higher up. I will also be able to present better to my commanders to seek their Approval Of my Plans (AOPs). I had a good time exploring problems and how to conduct interviews with strangers as well. The different ways to approach and the different types of question to ask. This whole experience did not come easy. I have a fair share of both ups and down through this module. The time crunch of doing all the assigned tasks on top of my other modules. But I am glad to say that I have managed to pull through and it has made me a stronger and more resilient person. I am happy to be given this chance to go through this experience so that I can further improve myself. Till then it's time for a much needed break :D Thank you Ms Lim for all the learning opportunities :)

12 weeks went by in a flash and Effective Communications module has come to an end. Through this journey, I did not just learn new things about report writing but also things about myself. Effective communication helped me understand the need to be aware of my own language use when contacting superiors or high ranking personnel. Oral Presentation was the part of this module where I learned most about myself. I realised that I was very confident about myself even when presenting in front of a crowd. I was very confident about the information in which I was presenting. My voice projection was loud and clear. I was particularly proud of my team for been able to pull through this tough time because of the time crunch between modules. Not only did we have to come up with presentation slides, we had to do research and conduct surveys and interviews to substantiate our points and our views. We worked well together and I feel that we were able to cover for each other's shortcomings.

However, not everything was smooth sailing. Through my presentation, I felt that I could have managed my emotions better and not be too stern. Smiles showed could go a long way in showing your friendliness. I could also be better in raising my enthusiasm in my presentation. I could have been more forthcoming in my presentation to my audience. I could have shown my presence more in my presentation by walking towards the audience and not just stand close to the table.

All in all, I think my group and I did a great job in this project and we managed to end this module on a high. Kudos to Andrew and Ji Yan for going through this time with me :) Thanks for both your contribution. It's time to hit the books.

This is Terence signing off. Goodbye!! :)

2nd Draft for reader response!! Enjoy :)

In the article (The Concrete advantage) written by Greenrooftops, the organisation put forth to us readers that with the high initial investment of the greenroofs, various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the greenroofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialities of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. Defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection repair to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevates the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

All in all, waterproof concrete is not only durable, but cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and having a shortened duration for construction.

I believe that waterproof concrete green-rooftops is a stepping stone to help society achieve their main goal through its advantages; in terms of efficiency construction, cost saving by the elimination of a root barrier and cost saving in terms of sustainability, in aiding to help save the earth.

With waterproof concrete, the installation of a membrane can be negated. There are several benefits of using concrete over using a membrane.

To begin with, contractors have an easier time constructing the greenroof as they don’t have to worry about damaging the membrane in the construction progress. This in turn benefits the consumer for the construction could be done with time to spare as contractors need not wait for the concrete to achieve the desired conditions before it is ready for usage. Should there be any leakages, we may identify the source of the damage quickly and rectify it by simply injecting a resin from below the structure, therefore eliminating the concern of disrupting the green roof ecosystem.

Next, with a green roof ecosystem, consumers have to be cautious about the roots of plants growing. If a membrane is used to construct the roof, owners have to do regular checks to ensure that the membrane is not punctured due to the roots that are seeking water within the membrane. It is stated in the article ‘Design, Construction and cost saving’ posted by the organization greenrooftops, by using ‘waterproof concrete also eliminates the need for a root barrier in greenroof construction.’ According to Wikipedia, a ‘Root barrier is a physical underground wall, placed so that structures and plants may cohabit happily together.’ By using waterproof concrete, the cost on erecting such a barrier can be saved. Which leads me to my last point on how cost efficient the concrete is.

Lastly, with the elimination of the membrane, waterproof concrete makes it more affordable for owners as they do not have to replace it thus lowering the ‘life-cycle cost’ for the structure don’t have to any components to wear off. According to the article ‘The concrete advantage’ posted by greenrooftops, it is stated that ‘Green roof decks do not require protection’ therefore we can infer that it can brave through all weather conditions. Thus, installing waterproof concrete have a higher sustainability as compared to a membrane. It also helps owners to save costs by reducing the design time and cost on such projects for ‘once a structural concrete roof is designed’, basic base construction action can be ensued.

Ultimately, these factors are all not only cost saving but also construction efficient as well. These benefits are the main advantage for consumers and it is beneficial to them in the long run.

Cited from:

‘The Concrete Advantage’ written by green rooftops organization http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

‘What is a root barrier’ explanation by Wikipedia                                                                                                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_barrier

‘Design, Construction and Cost Saving’ written by green rooftops organization                      http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

First Draft of reader's response!! Enjoy :)

In the article (The Concrete advantage) written by Greenrooftops, the organisation put forth to us readers that with the high initial investment of the greenroofs, various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the greenroofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialities of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. Defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection repair to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevates the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

All in all, waterproof concrete is not only durable, but cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and having a shortened duration for construction.

I believe that waterproof concrete green-rooftops is a stepping stone to help society achieve their main goal through its advantages; in terms of efficiency construction and cost saving, in aiding to help save the earth.

With waterproof concrete, the installation of a membrane can be negated. There are several benefits of using concrete over using a membrane.

To begin with, contractors have an easier time constructing the greenroof as they don’t have to worry about damaging the membrane in the construction progress. This in turn benefits the consumer for the construction could be done with time to spare as contractors need not wait for the concrete to achieve the desired conditions before it is ready for usage. Should there be any leakages, we may identify the source of the damage quickly and rectify it by simply injecting a resin from below the structure, therefore eliminating the concern of disrupting the green roof ecosystem.

Next, with the elimination of the membrane, waterproof concrete makes it more affordable for owners as they do not have to replace it thus lowering the ‘life-cycle cost’ for the structure don’t have to any components to wear off. Thus, installing waterproof concrete have a higher sustainability as compared to a membrane. It also helps owners to save costs by reducing the design time and cost on such projects for ‘once a structural concrete roof is designed’, basic base construction action can be ensued.

Ultimately, these factors are all not only cost saving but also construction efficient as well. These benefits are the main advantage for consumers and it is beneficial to them in the long run.

Waterproof Concrete (Summary)

With the high initial investment of the green-roofs, various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the green-roofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialties of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. Defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection repair to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevate the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

All in all, waterproof concrete is not only durable, but cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and having a shortened duration for construction

The importance of english for me

English plays a big part in my everyday life. From understanding lessons in class, sending a text out to holding a conversation with my family and friends. English has become the epitome of understanding and bond of relationships. Therefore I strongly feel that the question to be asked here would be how important it is to have a good command of english?

We are all guilty of passing on lousy english language in our everyday lives. Such actions consist of mispronunciation, wrong spelling, misinterpretation and even to the worse case scenario of having to resort to vulgarities in our sentences. Gone were the days where people would put large emphasis on being profound in their english. People then would actually stop, listen, think, reflect if their words would hurt others  and construct the sentences in their head before replying. Now in this modern society, we would just blurt out whatever that is on our mind. There isn't a need to stop and think if our words could have hurt the other party. I guess we could just say that the respect for others and the respect for good english has gone down the drains as our society progresses. 

Upon touching on the subject of respect for english language, the famous language that is so unique to us Singaporeans comes to mind. The so infamous 'Singlish' language that we Singaporeans use comprises of 'Lah', 'Loh', 'Leh', 'Hor' and other idioms that are so unique to our culture. It sets me thinking if we are actually respecting the very language that we all hold such high importance. Some may say that it is just another way of communication and there is no need to make such a big fuss over it. To me, it's just embarrassing to see that because of our so called culture in Singapore, the society here does not hold high regard for good english. This in turn will affect our performance at work as we will deem that our standard of english is good enough but in actual fact, it is not up to scratch.

In example, I have got my friend in trouble before because of the way i use my words. My friend was suppose to submit his part of the project to my teacher during my polytechnic days. However, he has tasked me to help him send because he had some urgent family matters to attend to. Following which, my teacher interpreted it as i did his part of the work and my friend got a 'C-' grade for that particular module. My friend was shocked at his result and decided to find my teacher and clarify the situation. It was only after both of us have given our account of our story did the teacher decided to change my friend's grade.

In another example, I was fulfilling my national duties as a Naval Officer onboard my ship. At times, I had to charge of the situation onboard and i had to ask permission from my superior before releasing the ship crew once they are done with their jobs for the day. However, I was busy at that point of time and I gave my instructions to them in a rushed manner. They were suppose to clean the ship before leaving whilst I ask for permission to dismiss them. It resulted in distorted information and my ship crew left the ship for home. To my horror, the ship was in a really bad state with rubbish lying round and bed sheets were not folded properly. What made matters worse was there was an unintended spot check on my ship and I had to take responsibility for my mistake. I was confined for a week in camp without any privileges.

These two incidences made me realised the importance of having a good command of english. No matter how rushed one may be, we should always speak clearly so as to relay the message that we want to put across to our audience.

Not only have I bare witness to different scenarios whereby due to bad english, the situation got from bad to worse. Just as the saying goes: 'we practice what we preach.' The more that we fail to recognise the importance of good english, the way we want to put forth our thoughts will continue to deteriorate with time.

When will we begin to see the importance of having a good command of english? When will we acknowledge that by having a good command of english is the way to bring improvement to the table in the new society? I truly believe that when that day comes, it will be the time where society will improve itself.