Mudz's Blog for Critical Thinking and Communication

 Reader Response summary The guidebook titled, “Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction” released by (BCA, 2017) explains about the features of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) – a construction method that heavily involves off-site construction. Construction modules that consist of several units, are manufactured in factories complete with interior finishes such as wall or toilet fixtures. The modules are then transported to the site and installed onto the building in a “Lego-like” (BCA, 2017) manner. In accordance to (Hwang, Ming & Looi, 2018), PPVC is unique as compared to other construction methods as construction is done parallel saving cost and time. PPVC has gained popularity worldwide due to this and universities campuses in the United States have adopt PPVC as a way to build dormitories or classrooms efficiently (Hwang et al., 2018). In Singapore, PPVC is main approach for construction. The Build

Initial research pathway Description of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Contruction (PPVC) Mudz and Nabil went through a module back in polytechnic that gave them an introduction on Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Contruction (PPVC).  The pair then went on a learning journey to Greyform, a factory that specialises in PPVC. This learning journey sparked an interest in the pair and led them to choosing PPVC as their research topic.  The team employed gAI (ChatGPT) to obtain a organised, brief description of PPVC including the construction methods, benefits, challenges as well as companies that specialises in PPVC.  Using the prompt, "In simple point form, explain what is Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Contruction (PPVC)". The team then summarised the provided information from ChatGPT and selected a few key points on the construction method. These points will then be used as their main points for their research paper. Using google scholar, the team went further i

  Dear Professor Blackstone, Have you run a half-marathon before? Let me tell you about my experience. I ran a half-marathon back in July of 2023. It was my life goal for the longest time, and I was determined to complete it. Achieving this dream was challenging and only I could lift the bedsheets at 7am and step out of bed to train. I had to be the one taking the effort, building the foundations of running. Similar to communication skills, only I am responsible for a step out of my comfort zone and building the foundations of good communication which is something I hope to achieve through this module. Having entered Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) in 2023, I am majoring in civil engineering. Like other students in SIT, I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Civil Engineering. My interest in engineering developed back in secondary school. Observing workers carry out road works on the way home made me intrigued and sparked an interest in construction. My int

  “Communication skills are an essential component in the education of engineering students to facilitate not just students’ education but also to prepare them for their future careers.” I fully agree with this statement. In my opinion, one of the sole purposes of learning and education is to prepare us for the outside world. While studying hard and getting good grades are important, we should also strive to acquire other skills in school. Take, for instance, communication skills. School provides ample opportunities for us to learn and improve on our communication skills. Simple actions such as stepping out of our comfort zone by answering a question or striking up a conversation with a fellow classmate could go a long way in building the foundations of good communication.  The engineering industry is a place where teamwork is essential and is unavoidable. Building strong communication skills can greatly benefit students as they enter the workforce. It enables them to be able to discus