Hi all,
To start off, I personally think that English language is essential in a multi-racial country like Singapore. This is a reason why the education ministry decided to make English as a first language here in Singapore.
English language plays significant importance in an engineering student’s academic life and will continue to play a part in his/her future career. However, such importance is not limited to engineering students but also to students across all faculties.
The constant use of the language in our everyday dealings with school reports, assignments and thesis writing simply proves its importance. In addition, a good command of English is needed to enable us to communicate our doubts and ideas effectively to the lecturers and academic tutors. Such competency is also needed to help us understand lectures and tutorials.
In the working industry, a good command of English is needed in order for one to lead a group of workers and to ensure instructions given are well understood and not misinterpreted. In addition, in the working industry today, one must be able to do presentations in front of their supervisors and face clients to secure deals. Without competency in English, one will find it hard to get through the working life and this may ultimately affect his/her job progression. In fact, if one was able to speak English fluently during an interview with an employer, he/she may stand a better chance of securing the job.
In conclusion, English language competency is essential in an engineering student’s academic life and it will determine whether one secures his/her dream job.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar (U0904758) (",)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career
In our society, one cannot deny the importance of English in the contemporary world. Many readings and articles are written in English and English is one of the widely spoken languages. The younger generations have been exposed to English at a very young age to ensure that they are fluent in speaking and using the language. This is mainly due to the educational policies put in place by the government. The government saw the importance of English in order for Singapore to succeed. As an engineer, he or she will need access to information to all parts of the world and it is important that an engineer has a good command in English.
During my course of study, I have personally experienced countless times when a good command of English has helped me to express my opinion or ideas to my lecturer. Besides that, engineering students who are good in the English language are able to understand the modules which are being taught in that language.
In addition, an engineering student’s prospective career lies with their command of English language. It will play a major role in the type of jobs one can get. When one goes for interview, the interviewer will leave a better impression if you are one that is able to speak in English fluently. This will help you in securing a better job. After getting a job, when you are doing presentation to clients, the clients will feel more confident to hand the project to you if you are fluent in English.
In conclusion, English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career. It helps them succeed both academically and in their career.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
During my course of study, I have personally experienced countless times when a good command of English has helped me to express my opinion or ideas to my lecturer. Besides that, engineering students who are good in the English language are able to understand the modules which are being taught in that language.
In addition, an engineering student’s prospective career lies with their command of English language. It will play a major role in the type of jobs one can get. When one goes for interview, the interviewer will leave a better impression if you are one that is able to speak in English fluently. This will help you in securing a better job. After getting a job, when you are doing presentation to clients, the clients will feel more confident to hand the project to you if you are fluent in English.
In conclusion, English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career. It helps them succeed both academically and in their career.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
Friday, November 6, 2009
English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student's academic life and prospective career.
Hi all, in this globalized world, English language is essential in our daily life. For an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career, it is important for them to master it. This is because for students, they have to write reports and thesis which will require their English language competency. This is crucial because the grade that they get will depend on it.
When in career, it is even more important because you have to be able to communicate well with your supervisor, colleagues and subordinates. Not only that, you will be required to pass down clear instructions and lead a group of new engineers. In some occasion, you will be required to meet up with the people from others companies to discuss on co-operation. You will also be required to meet up with manufacturers to decide on the types of materials you will use.
In working, you will need to read piles of documents and the documents are normally in English. This has again shown the importance English language. When going for interview, you are required to be able to communicate fluently in English with the interviewer.
Lastly, engineering is not just about design, mathematics, physic and science; it will also require a medium for an engineer to transform these ideas into words when they need to do presentation in front of their supervisors. In order for them to accept it, you need to convince them. One of the ways is through speaking. The language used in this case is definitely English.
Done by:Ng jun jie
When in career, it is even more important because you have to be able to communicate well with your supervisor, colleagues and subordinates. Not only that, you will be required to pass down clear instructions and lead a group of new engineers. In some occasion, you will be required to meet up with the people from others companies to discuss on co-operation. You will also be required to meet up with manufacturers to decide on the types of materials you will use.
In working, you will need to read piles of documents and the documents are normally in English. This has again shown the importance English language. When going for interview, you are required to be able to communicate fluently in English with the interviewer.
Lastly, engineering is not just about design, mathematics, physic and science; it will also require a medium for an engineer to transform these ideas into words when they need to do presentation in front of their supervisors. In order for them to accept it, you need to convince them. One of the ways is through speaking. The language used in this case is definitely English.
Done by:Ng jun jie
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
That English language competence is a significant aspect of an engineering student’s academic life and prospective career
English Language is very important to every student throughout not only his academic life but also throughout his entire life. I feel that having a strong foundation in English can help the student to better understand the subject and build a sense of confidence when conversing with professors and academic tutors.
English language is a global language and it’s one of the most common used language throughout the world and if every student masters or least is proficient in English. The student would not need to worry about where he works in the future, as he would still be able to communicate in English with the local people. It is also important to speak in proper English so that the information, the student who wants to bring across can be clearly understood by the other person. This helps in the speed up process of conveying the student’s questions to their lecturers.
When a student progresses into the working world, he or she may need to present his project or product to his company. If he or she does not speak in properly and clear English, even if the project is a magnificent one, but however when no one can understand how great it is, the project would still seems like a failure.
Therefore, I believe English language plays an important role in every student’s life and that it is one skill that can bring a student far as he progresses in life.
Written By:
Chen Yan Yu U0904762
English language is a global language and it’s one of the most common used language throughout the world and if every student masters or least is proficient in English. The student would not need to worry about where he works in the future, as he would still be able to communicate in English with the local people. It is also important to speak in proper English so that the information, the student who wants to bring across can be clearly understood by the other person. This helps in the speed up process of conveying the student’s questions to their lecturers.
When a student progresses into the working world, he or she may need to present his project or product to his company. If he or she does not speak in properly and clear English, even if the project is a magnificent one, but however when no one can understand how great it is, the project would still seems like a failure.
Therefore, I believe English language plays an important role in every student’s life and that it is one skill that can bring a student far as he progresses in life.
Written By:
Chen Yan Yu U0904762
A burning issue for roundtable discussion.
Hi all, regarding the roundtable discussion, I personally still think that Very high temperature reactors should be considered rather than Gas cooled reactors. In terms of performance, Gas cooled fast reactors are dependent on VHTR in terms of modification in design and characteristic, minimizing the effort required for GCFR. the waste material produced by GCFR is being recycled. As a result, there is a decrease in efficiency as it is being used many times and loses its capability to generate the same amount of energy. In addition, according to theory, we know that output efficiency is dependent on temperature. So a higher In terms For GCFR, there is a presence of safe accommodation of low thermal inertia and poor heat transfer properties of coolant. In VHTR, waste is not recycled but instead stored away.
In terms of safety or security, there is a temperature monitoring system in VHTR to ensure safety. It monitors the reactors to avoid any meltdown. Such system does not exist in gas cooled reactors that operates at lower temperature. VHTR has a better back-up system. In the event of sudden shutdown due to malfunction, VHTR still can produce energy. It is especially useful for country like France, which 80% of the electricity generated is dependent on nuclear energy. (Butler 2004).
operating temperature of VHTR would allow for more electricity to be produced as compared to gas cooled reactors. Not only that, the waste material being produced by gas cooled fast reactors is pure plutonium and this material is mainly used for weapon making. This is dangerous if it goes out of hand.
Done by:ng jun jie
In terms of safety or security, there is a temperature monitoring system in VHTR to ensure safety. It monitors the reactors to avoid any meltdown. Such system does not exist in gas cooled reactors that operates at lower temperature. VHTR has a better back-up system. In the event of sudden shutdown due to malfunction, VHTR still can produce energy. It is especially useful for country like France, which 80% of the electricity generated is dependent on nuclear energy. (Butler 2004).
operating temperature of VHTR would allow for more electricity to be produced as compared to gas cooled reactors. Not only that, the waste material being produced by gas cooled fast reactors is pure plutonium and this material is mainly used for weapon making. This is dangerous if it goes out of hand.
Done by:ng jun jie
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Burning issue from the roundtable discussion
From the debate, we talk about the new generation reactors. I want to highlight the disadvantages of the nuclear reactors. The disadvantages of building nuclear reactor like the incident of Russia's Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In this incident, a large amount of radiation escaped from the reactor. Hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to the radiation. After the incident, less nuclear power plant is build.
Nuclear reactors can be particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The construction cost of a nuclear reactor is high. It takes a significantly long time to construct nuclear plants. At present, the reserves of uranium, a critical nuclear fuel, are limited in the world. Because of the large capital costs for nuclear power, and the relatively long construction period before revenue is returned, servicing the capital costs of a nuclear power plant is the most important factor determining the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy. One of the most feared disadvantages of nuclear energy is the potential for weapons. Each year, every nuclear reactor is capable of making enough plutonium to build over thirty nuclear bombs. Nuclear plants must be secured well enough to prevent this material from falling into the wrong hands.
In addition, nuclear plant workers may be exposed to high levels of radiation, which can cause cancer and other ailments. The radiation form the reactor harms the cells of the body which can make humans sick or even cause them death. Illness can appear or strike people years after they were exposed to nuclear radiation.
Although, nuclear waste is now contained in state of the art sealed containers and does not otherwise harm anyone. Radioactive waste that needs to be disposed from the plant isn't a good thing, there is no safe place to put it all (this waste will remain radioactive for an unacceptable amount of time The questionable assumptions about the economics of nuclear power plants and the impacts of waste storage, safety, and nuclear proliferation.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
Nuclear reactors can be particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The construction cost of a nuclear reactor is high. It takes a significantly long time to construct nuclear plants. At present, the reserves of uranium, a critical nuclear fuel, are limited in the world. Because of the large capital costs for nuclear power, and the relatively long construction period before revenue is returned, servicing the capital costs of a nuclear power plant is the most important factor determining the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy. One of the most feared disadvantages of nuclear energy is the potential for weapons. Each year, every nuclear reactor is capable of making enough plutonium to build over thirty nuclear bombs. Nuclear plants must be secured well enough to prevent this material from falling into the wrong hands.
In addition, nuclear plant workers may be exposed to high levels of radiation, which can cause cancer and other ailments. The radiation form the reactor harms the cells of the body which can make humans sick or even cause them death. Illness can appear or strike people years after they were exposed to nuclear radiation.
Although, nuclear waste is now contained in state of the art sealed containers and does not otherwise harm anyone. Radioactive waste that needs to be disposed from the plant isn't a good thing, there is no safe place to put it all (this waste will remain radioactive for an unacceptable amount of time The questionable assumptions about the economics of nuclear power plants and the impacts of waste storage, safety, and nuclear proliferation.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
Friday, October 30, 2009
Burning Issue from Roundtable Discussion
Hi all,
Nuclear energy has been a hot topic of debate. In Writing Assignment 2, the roundtable discussion mainly focuses on Generation 4 nuclear reactors and we have to argue for one of the reactors that should receive funding for further research and development. However, I personally think that nuclear reactors should not even be in operation because it is potentially dangerous. We saw that the Chernobyl accident had devastating effects on the society. The aftermath is felt even years after the accident with side effects that include deformities in newborn babies. I am sure that almost everyone would agree that the operation of nuclear reactors should stop.
Nuclear energy is efficient in terms of producing high energy output compared to other forms of energy. However, it produces a lot of waste that need to be stored away and this may lead to leakage problems in nuclear waste storage buildings. In cases where waste is being recycled, waste recycling produces plutonium and uranium in its pure form and such chemical waste can be used in the making of nuclear weapons. In addition, we cannot guarantee the safety and security of the reactors. Such buildings can be targeted by terrorists.
Instead, I think that the funding should be used for further research and development on alternative renewable energy such as solar and hydropower energy. Such alternatives are not only safe but also much greener.
In conclusion, I do not agree with nuclear energy as an alternative form of energy. Even though the world’s natural resources are depleting rapidly, we can still rely on renewable energy through intensive research.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar U094758U (",)
Nuclear energy has been a hot topic of debate. In Writing Assignment 2, the roundtable discussion mainly focuses on Generation 4 nuclear reactors and we have to argue for one of the reactors that should receive funding for further research and development. However, I personally think that nuclear reactors should not even be in operation because it is potentially dangerous. We saw that the Chernobyl accident had devastating effects on the society. The aftermath is felt even years after the accident with side effects that include deformities in newborn babies. I am sure that almost everyone would agree that the operation of nuclear reactors should stop.
Nuclear energy is efficient in terms of producing high energy output compared to other forms of energy. However, it produces a lot of waste that need to be stored away and this may lead to leakage problems in nuclear waste storage buildings. In cases where waste is being recycled, waste recycling produces plutonium and uranium in its pure form and such chemical waste can be used in the making of nuclear weapons. In addition, we cannot guarantee the safety and security of the reactors. Such buildings can be targeted by terrorists.
Instead, I think that the funding should be used for further research and development on alternative renewable energy such as solar and hydropower energy. Such alternatives are not only safe but also much greener.
In conclusion, I do not agree with nuclear energy as an alternative form of energy. Even though the world’s natural resources are depleting rapidly, we can still rely on renewable energy through intensive research.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar U094758U (",)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A burning issue from your roundtable discussion
From my round table discussion, I feel that I have a few issues that I want to raise. I feel that even though from the preparations of the round table discussion. We know a lot about the advantage and benefits that the nuclear reactor can provide but I still feel that we should not be using nuclear power due to the disastrous consequences and aftermath that It can create.
Nuclear power is a clean form of energy and it is very efficient in producing and meeting the needs of the future electricity consumption. However the nuclear waste that It produces are too dangerous and hazardous as it is often buried away or used for nuclear weapon making. This makes it possible for leakage to happen in nuclear waste storage buildings or nuclear reactor accident or bombing of the nuclear plant, it would not only damage the world’s environment and also the survival of human race.
Therefore I would suggest that the world would look into and invest their time in search of other forms of producing the same electricity we needed. If billions of dollars are invested in the research of nuclear reactor safety, the money would have been better spend at researching in improving hydro or solar powered generators. Being green is important as the decisions we make today will definitely affect the environment our future generation live in.
In conclusion, i would hope that the world would choose clean and green way instead of a dangerous and hazardous nuclear method to obtain the same required electrical energy.
Written By: Chen Yan Yu U094762W
Nuclear power is a clean form of energy and it is very efficient in producing and meeting the needs of the future electricity consumption. However the nuclear waste that It produces are too dangerous and hazardous as it is often buried away or used for nuclear weapon making. This makes it possible for leakage to happen in nuclear waste storage buildings or nuclear reactor accident or bombing of the nuclear plant, it would not only damage the world’s environment and also the survival of human race.
Therefore I would suggest that the world would look into and invest their time in search of other forms of producing the same electricity we needed. If billions of dollars are invested in the research of nuclear reactor safety, the money would have been better spend at researching in improving hydro or solar powered generators. Being green is important as the decisions we make today will definitely affect the environment our future generation live in.
In conclusion, i would hope that the world would choose clean and green way instead of a dangerous and hazardous nuclear method to obtain the same required electrical energy.
Written By: Chen Yan Yu U094762W
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Should homosexual sex be criminalized?
I agree that homosexual sex should be criminalized. We all know that homosexuality is a sensitive issue among our society. Some may find it rather disgusting to even talk about it. It brings about negative effects on our society, particularly on the younger generations.
Firstly, such acts are against the order of nature. God created humans to be of two different genders for a simple reason. Also, such acts should be criminalized in order to protect our younger generations. This is particularly important since the younger ones are going to mould the country’s future. It will be a disaster if our younger generations will to see homosexual sex as an act that is acceptable. Furthermore, if such acts are seen in public, there are higher chances that the younger ones will learn from it. They will have the perception that such acts are normal in the society, which we all know it is not right.
In addition, imagine the difficulties parents have to face in explaining the issue to their children if they happen to come across such an act in public. As a parent, we do not want our children to grow up and be someone that they are not supposed to be.
Some may say that homosexual sex should not be criminalized since people have the freedom to do what they want. I agree so but to an extent that such acts are controlled and should be done out of the public’s view. They should not have any influence on others.
In conclusion, homosexual sex should be done away from the public to protect our younger generations. Even if such an act is criminalized, we have to understand that the government cannot totally control the issue given the privacy of our homes. Homosexual sex and displaying of affection between adults of the same sexes should only be criminalized if the act was found to have offended someone.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar =)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Do u think homosexual sex should be criminalised?
In our life, we may encounter different kinds of people, whose work, whose appearance is almost same as other folks, but have led a different life. In other people's eyes, these people conduct their life in a weird way. Homosexuality is a sensitive topic in the society up to now. These homosexuals had even thirst for happiness more than anyone.
In today’s world, homosexual sex is also challenging traditional views, changing what society considers an unacceptable lifestyle in the past. It is still unacceptable in certain countries as the leaders think that it may corrupt the mind of its people.
A social opinion on homosexual sex, generally, views it as an action that is against the order of nature. It is not easily acceptable by most public and is seemed to link to Aids, anomalism and something bad. Some people may even think it is immoral to raise the topic to their child as they think it is a taboo.
Now a day, younger people are more open minded and they have view on their own. They know what is right and wrong for them. Generally, they are more able to accept on others people’s views. They are given more freedom to speak either in school or public.
In conclusion, I feel that homosexual sex should be not be criminalized. Everyone should have their freedom of life as long as it does not cause harm or inconvenience to others. Moreover, homosexual sex is an act of individual and thus these people should be responsible for their own actions.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
In today’s world, homosexual sex is also challenging traditional views, changing what society considers an unacceptable lifestyle in the past. It is still unacceptable in certain countries as the leaders think that it may corrupt the mind of its people.
A social opinion on homosexual sex, generally, views it as an action that is against the order of nature. It is not easily acceptable by most public and is seemed to link to Aids, anomalism and something bad. Some people may even think it is immoral to raise the topic to their child as they think it is a taboo.
Now a day, younger people are more open minded and they have view on their own. They know what is right and wrong for them. Generally, they are more able to accept on others people’s views. They are given more freedom to speak either in school or public.
In conclusion, I feel that homosexual sex should be not be criminalized. Everyone should have their freedom of life as long as it does not cause harm or inconvenience to others. Moreover, homosexual sex is an act of individual and thus these people should be responsible for their own actions.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
Friday, September 25, 2009
Do you think that homosexual sex should be criminalized?
I strongly feel that homosexual sex should be criminalized. This is because it is quite immoral to the way God create humans. The reasons why God creates both man and woman can be explained in two ways. Firstly, man or woman is destined to find their true love through experiences in their life’s and live together to start a blissful family. Secondly, man and woman are being made to ensure that humans are always around.
Birth rate is also low in many first world countries nowadays. By allowing homosexual sex to happen, it is actually allowing birth rate to decline further. It is also affecting our future generations. We should always imparted correct values to the children. Homosexual sex is not an act that should be taught to children. Children learn from the parents and surroundings. By allowing homosexual sex to happen, we are actually affecting the way children look towards sex. Government should actually step in to resolve the issue. This is no longer a personal problem, but a problem that is affecting the sociology of this society.
However, we cannot decline that some things cannot be helped. The gays and lesbians are also victims. They cannot control their feelings towards people from their same sex. We must be able to sympathize with them. The movie directed by Ang Lee, “Broke Back Mountain” has shown how two guys expressed their love and affection towards each other.
In conclusion, by criminalizing homosexual sex, we are actually forcing the gays and lesbians to stop their wrong act and maybe “turned over a new leaf.”
Done by: Ng jun jie
Birth rate is also low in many first world countries nowadays. By allowing homosexual sex to happen, it is actually allowing birth rate to decline further. It is also affecting our future generations. We should always imparted correct values to the children. Homosexual sex is not an act that should be taught to children. Children learn from the parents and surroundings. By allowing homosexual sex to happen, we are actually affecting the way children look towards sex. Government should actually step in to resolve the issue. This is no longer a personal problem, but a problem that is affecting the sociology of this society.
However, we cannot decline that some things cannot be helped. The gays and lesbians are also victims. They cannot control their feelings towards people from their same sex. We must be able to sympathize with them. The movie directed by Ang Lee, “Broke Back Mountain” has shown how two guys expressed their love and affection towards each other.
In conclusion, by criminalizing homosexual sex, we are actually forcing the gays and lesbians to stop their wrong act and maybe “turned over a new leaf.”
Done by: Ng jun jie
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Do u think homosexual sex should be criminalised?
I feel that homosexual sex should be criminalized as I would suggest that homosexual sex is a bad influence for our society.
One of the problems is that it can create this confusion in our kids when they see homosexual couples display their affection in the public. Parents may find it difficult to explain to their child because it is a different side of nature’s course.
This may also arise when homosexual parents adopt orphans, these orphans might grow up with the thinking that homosexual sex is normal to them. When these kids attend school, they might not fit in well with the school environment as it is different between school and home. They might influence their classmates with an incorrect intention and line of thought.
The other problem is that more and more countries are facing the problem of ageing population. Therefore if we are promoting or allowing homosexual sex, this may also have a certain impact to the problem of ageing population. Some of the bisexual may turn homosexual when the government approves this law that was previously against homosexual sex. This may cause a decline in normal marriages, which may lead to lesser babies born every year.
The last reason is that the general public may not be comfortable working or interacting with them. For example when they are being nice to the homosexual person, they do not want to send the wrong message to the homosexual person.
In conclusion, I feel that homosexual sex should remain criminalized and controlled by the government.
Written By: Chen Yan Yu U094762W
One of the problems is that it can create this confusion in our kids when they see homosexual couples display their affection in the public. Parents may find it difficult to explain to their child because it is a different side of nature’s course.
This may also arise when homosexual parents adopt orphans, these orphans might grow up with the thinking that homosexual sex is normal to them. When these kids attend school, they might not fit in well with the school environment as it is different between school and home. They might influence their classmates with an incorrect intention and line of thought.
The other problem is that more and more countries are facing the problem of ageing population. Therefore if we are promoting or allowing homosexual sex, this may also have a certain impact to the problem of ageing population. Some of the bisexual may turn homosexual when the government approves this law that was previously against homosexual sex. This may cause a decline in normal marriages, which may lead to lesser babies born every year.
The last reason is that the general public may not be comfortable working or interacting with them. For example when they are being nice to the homosexual person, they do not want to send the wrong message to the homosexual person.
In conclusion, I feel that homosexual sex should remain criminalized and controlled by the government.
Written By: Chen Yan Yu U094762W
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Lecture of EG1471 on Economic and Social aspect of Technology
Traditional analysis of technology has been looking at the past to analyze the present. The social science system approach challenges the way we look at technology. It suggests that acceptance of a new technology depends not only on the technical factors but also on the economic, political and social ones. We have to understand the system as a whole and not looking only at one aspect of the system to try to understand it. The non-adoption of electric vehicles can be similarly explained by these socio-technical factor.
In the past, the electric vehicle is not readily accepted because of its technical challenges such as, weight of the vehicles, expensive batteries, lack of electricity, shortage of charging stations and inconvenient travel terrain. However, it is quieter, safer, cleaner and considered more luxurious to operate.
However, with the cheaper oil prices, discovery of new technologies, insurance coverage and loan financing being made available to conventional car, these economic challenges had move the shift from electric vehicles to conventional vehicles.
Later, political challenges, like the outbreak of world war 1, which has resulted in a shortage of coal, has resulted in gasoline vehicles being made a preferred form of war transport. Politically, regulations and incentives favoured conventional automobiles. The massive campaign of building roads has also made it easier for gasoline vehicles as no special arrangements were made for building of stations for electric vehicles. Economically, large automobile manufacturers have tended to promote gasoline vehicles to retain their market share. They suppressed new technologies and only started on research and development on alternatives under government pressure.
Socially, we have been conditioned to believe that the gasoline powered vehicle is the inevitable product of market competition and engineering advancement, not a product of compromise and negotiation. The need for individualism and own privacy also promotes the need to own a car.
Technology is the product of negotiation and compromise. Social and political decisions play a part in determining the technology. Most of the technology failure is not because of technical problems, but because it is not accepted by the consumers.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
In the past, the electric vehicle is not readily accepted because of its technical challenges such as, weight of the vehicles, expensive batteries, lack of electricity, shortage of charging stations and inconvenient travel terrain. However, it is quieter, safer, cleaner and considered more luxurious to operate.
However, with the cheaper oil prices, discovery of new technologies, insurance coverage and loan financing being made available to conventional car, these economic challenges had move the shift from electric vehicles to conventional vehicles.
Later, political challenges, like the outbreak of world war 1, which has resulted in a shortage of coal, has resulted in gasoline vehicles being made a preferred form of war transport. Politically, regulations and incentives favoured conventional automobiles. The massive campaign of building roads has also made it easier for gasoline vehicles as no special arrangements were made for building of stations for electric vehicles. Economically, large automobile manufacturers have tended to promote gasoline vehicles to retain their market share. They suppressed new technologies and only started on research and development on alternatives under government pressure.
Socially, we have been conditioned to believe that the gasoline powered vehicle is the inevitable product of market competition and engineering advancement, not a product of compromise and negotiation. The need for individualism and own privacy also promotes the need to own a car.
Technology is the product of negotiation and compromise. Social and political decisions play a part in determining the technology. Most of the technology failure is not because of technical problems, but because it is not accepted by the consumers.
Done by: Lau Yu Zhong
My views...
Hi fellow classmates,
On the evening of 28 August 2009, I attended the EG1471 mass lecture at LT7. There were three guest speakers who gave interesting talks that covered various topics. The second speaker from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy delivered a talk that was particularly interesting. The talk was about the non-adoption of electric vehicles and how it was greatly influenced by the society. I thought it was very interesting since it was something that everyone can relate to.
The speaker explored the area of social dimensions in technology and what makes a technology acceptable. We assume that new technologies are not accepted because they simply do not work. In this case, he explained that technologies can succeed technically but fail socially.
He quoted the example of the picture phone that I thought was a perfect way of explaining why such a technology that was available back then was not accepted. He mentioned that people do not want their faces to be shown when they talk on the phone because it evaded their privacy. Even with today’s technological advancements, where you can make video calls with your mobile phone, we do not commonly see people using the service. We still prefer the conventional way of making calls. Another example he quoted was the nuclear bomb that I thought was an act of showcasing power. Such technology was developed not because it was needed but because of political and economic reasons.
As for electric vehicles, the technology had already existed back then. It was supposed to be a greener alternative. Electric vehicles are already available today and often cheaper. However, I personally thought that it was not well accepted by the society probably because the availability of charging stations were limited. Consumers need vehicles that can last longer and travel greater distances. Electric vehicles cannot satisfy this requirement as compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Here we see that such a technology had been socially determined.
Overall, the talk was very educational and interesting. From it, I have learnt that it is how well the technology is accepted and not how good it is.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar
On the evening of 28 August 2009, I attended the EG1471 mass lecture at LT7. There were three guest speakers who gave interesting talks that covered various topics. The second speaker from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy delivered a talk that was particularly interesting. The talk was about the non-adoption of electric vehicles and how it was greatly influenced by the society. I thought it was very interesting since it was something that everyone can relate to.
The speaker explored the area of social dimensions in technology and what makes a technology acceptable. We assume that new technologies are not accepted because they simply do not work. In this case, he explained that technologies can succeed technically but fail socially.
He quoted the example of the picture phone that I thought was a perfect way of explaining why such a technology that was available back then was not accepted. He mentioned that people do not want their faces to be shown when they talk on the phone because it evaded their privacy. Even with today’s technological advancements, where you can make video calls with your mobile phone, we do not commonly see people using the service. We still prefer the conventional way of making calls. Another example he quoted was the nuclear bomb that I thought was an act of showcasing power. Such technology was developed not because it was needed but because of political and economic reasons.
As for electric vehicles, the technology had already existed back then. It was supposed to be a greener alternative. Electric vehicles are already available today and often cheaper. However, I personally thought that it was not well accepted by the society probably because the availability of charging stations were limited. Consumers need vehicles that can last longer and travel greater distances. Electric vehicles cannot satisfy this requirement as compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Here we see that such a technology had been socially determined.
Overall, the talk was very educational and interesting. From it, I have learnt that it is how well the technology is accepted and not how good it is.
Entry by: Izzul Azhar
Sunday, August 30, 2009
EG 1471 Lecture
Hi fellow EG1471 classmates,
On this Friday, I had attended the EG 1471 Lecture held in LT 7 from 6pm to 8pm. I was informed that there will be three speakers for the lecture and that I had to choose one of the three topics that interests me.
The topic on using the Using the Social Science System approach to explain the non technical adoption of electric vehicles had caught my attention as it was presented by a non engineering speaker. The topic shows me the considerations that I have to take into account during the process of designing a new product. The subtopics that were more elaborated by the speaker were on technical, economic, social and political challenges for the electric vehicles.
Firstly on the technical challenges, the electric vehicles were fitted with wooden tires and to drive on rough terrain suggests to me that travelling on electrical vehicles could be an unpleasant and uncomfortable one.
Secondly on the economic challenges, as the consumers at that time have other cheaper alternative modes of transportation available. The reason was that electric vehicles were expensive to own and most families would share cost to buy one. This reason is related to the next point on social challenges, where it is important to have one’s piracy when owning a car, this is not only applicable in the past but also in the present world.
Lastly on the Political Challenges, during World War I, there was shortage of coals which leads to lack of electricity supply. The supply vehicles had to be rugged and be driven for far distances this proves that the electric vehicle was not a good option for aiding in the war.
In conclusion, the social science system is especially useful during brainstorming. This example of electric vehicle tells me to take a big step back and look at the present world with a bigger perspective and shown me the importance to set out specific guidelines for new design ideas, so that it can be accepted in every way.
Written By: Chen Yan Yu
view on the lecture.
I will like to express my thoughts towards the second presentation in last Friday EG1471 lecture. The lecturer has shown lots of interesting points in how engineers can contribute to economic sectors. It is interesting and precise. The best part is showing how electric cars were being rejected by many people in the past due to it cost of running it and building it.
I think it is very important for an engineer to know the needs of the consumer. This is because when there is demand, there will be supply. Engineers must also dare to dream about the products that they want to have. Beside that, engineers must also act as a role as a designer, a business man and a scientist.
As a designer, engineers need to consider whether the architect design can be done. This is because there may be some safety regulations to look out for and whether the possibility of carrying out. As a result, we will need to modify the design.
Engineers will also need to be business-orientated. This is because they need to consider whether the cost of the projects is bearable for their company. They also need to calculate the profits it brings to the company.
Engineers will be required to act like a scientist. This is because we are the ones who make products based on their theory and research they carry out. We will need to know the theory behind it. We also carry out the experiments like them to ensure safety. In conclusion, there is a range of profession to be in as an engineer.
Done by:Ng jun jie
I think it is very important for an engineer to know the needs of the consumer. This is because when there is demand, there will be supply. Engineers must also dare to dream about the products that they want to have. Beside that, engineers must also act as a role as a designer, a business man and a scientist.
As a designer, engineers need to consider whether the architect design can be done. This is because there may be some safety regulations to look out for and whether the possibility of carrying out. As a result, we will need to modify the design.
Engineers will also need to be business-orientated. This is because they need to consider whether the cost of the projects is bearable for their company. They also need to calculate the profits it brings to the company.
Engineers will be required to act like a scientist. This is because we are the ones who make products based on their theory and research they carry out. We will need to know the theory behind it. We also carry out the experiments like them to ensure safety. In conclusion, there is a range of profession to be in as an engineer.
Done by:Ng jun jie
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