Sunday, December 4, 2016

REFLECTION

Over the past 10 weeks, I tried my hand at different types of writing ranging from formal email writing to report writing. Through these writing assignments, I learnt how to properly reference and include citations in my report, what writing style I should use, how to paraphrase, what type of grammar I should use, and more. Besides writing, I also had the chance to improve my presentation skills.

I had a great time learning and enhancing my communication skills. Classes were fun and engaging. I also enjoyed that I got to work with more than one team. This allowed me to expand my social circle and get to know my classmates. I did face difficulties in this module, since a major part of it required independent learning, which I am quite new to. However, I am glad that the course was structured that way as it made me accustomed to independent learning in university. My learning would not have been as effective if it was not for my professor who guided me through this module with his constructive feedback and encouragement. The only aspect of this module that I feel could be improved on is the duration. Ten weeks does not seem sufficient to cover something as broad as ‘communication’. I feel that there is still so much more to learn and to improve on. What I have learnt are just the basics.

I managed to apply what I have learnt in technical communication into my other modules. Despite coming to the end of this module, I still plan on improving my communication skills through more independent learning.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In this report, the team will be addressing the issue of distracted driving and how the addition of certain safety features to the existing Garmin NUVI 4592LM can resolve this issue. The proposal reviews secondary research such as road traffic accidents data and statistics to understand the severity of the issue and how it negatively impacts road users. Through this research, the team decided on the key features to add to the existing Garmin Nuvi 4592LM which were deemed as necessary, to resolve the issue of distracted driving. More research was conducted on the chosen features to determine the pros and cons. The benefits and considerations were taken into account when conducting a feasibility study on the proposed modifications. The final proposed solution includes the implementation of eye tracking function, a rear-view function, and a behavioural recording device.

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

Mr Brad Blackstone
Senior Lecturer
Singapore Institute of Technology
SIT @ Dover
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138682

Dear Mr Blackstone,
Addition of safety functions to Garmin NUVI 4592LM
Enclosed is the design report on the proposed modifications to the existing Garmin Nuvi 4592LM. We would like to propose the modifications that will enhance the Garmin Nuvi 4592LM and transform it into a multi-functional, reliable, and state-of-the-art Global Positioning System (GPS).

Distracted driving is an ever-present danger and problem in today’s society. With technology right at our fingertips in the form of mobile phones, it is tempting to use them while driving. Unfortunately, this has become a norm and has affected over 10,000 pedestrians in Singapore alone from 2012-2015 (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2015). The proposed addition of safety functions to Garmin Nuvi is to enhance user safety. Its main purpose is to equip users with the necessary features and functionality to practice safe driving while improving their driving skills over time.

The main elements of the report are:
· Proposed modifications to Garmin Nuvi 4592LM.
· Benefits of proposed modifications.
· Evaluation of proposed modifications.
· Research conducted on the product and the current situation on road safety.

Diversity thanks you for the opportunity to carry out this project and your consideration of our proposed design modifications will be deeply appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
Team Diversity

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS DRAFT 3

The article “GPS Insight Can Meet ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Requirements” introduces the functionality, features, and benefits of GPS Insight, which primarily provides “asset and vehicle tracking solutions”. The main function of GPS Insight is to retrieve collected data from fleet activity and movement, and relay back data collected to a management for analysis, all while happening in real time. The article also stated that the features of GPS Insight are “configurable and customizable” according to the user’s requirements and preferences. To be able to meet user’s ever-changing demands and requests, GPS Insight introduces new features based on user’s response and feedback. Due to GPS Insight’s customizability, it is able to perform at different degrees of comprehensiveness. GPS Insight has the potential to be an asset to any company when and if it is utilized properly. The introduction of telematics in data analysis is able to boost efficiency and has made the process convenient and fuss-free.

GPS Insight is a customizable GPS fleet tracking software used for vehicle and asset tracking (“About GPS Insight,” n.d., para.1). It uses global positioning systems to track vehicles in real time. A large part of GPS Insight involves data analysis, which allows users to get detailed insights on fleet movement, driver behaviour, and fuel consumption (Staff GPSTrackIt, 2016). This data enables users to identify the key problem areas. Users will then be able to come up with solutions to tackle such problems.

When compared to other tracking solutions on the market, such as Cartrack, GPS Insight should be a business’s primary choice. I will be comparing these two products based on their features, customizability, and accessibility. By comparing information provided on their websites, GPS Insight has 14 more features than Cartrack making it able to meet more user requirements and preferences (“Enterprise,” n.d., table 3) (“Fleet Pro,” n.d., table 3). GPS Insight allows users to customize features on the dashboard based on their requirements and focus (Lauren Fletcher and Grace Suizo, 2011). This gives users more flexibility as to how they want to utilize GPS Insight. While Cartrack offers additional features, it does not allow customizability of such features. Users only utilize features as provided. GPS Insight includes a mobile application, allowing users to manage their fleet on the go. Cartrack is not accessible as such as it only offers web-based management. The absence of a mobile application could make fleet tracking less efficient when compared to GPS Insight.

Reference:
About GPS Insight. (n.d). Retrieved October 19, 2016 from
http://www.fieldtechnologiesonline.com/ecommcenter/gpsinsight

Staff GPSTrackIt. (2016). 20 Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking for Transportation. Retrieved October 11, 2016 from http://gpstrackit.com/14-benefits-of-gps-fleet-tracking-for-transportation-industries/

Enterprise. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2016 from
https://www.gpsinsight.com/solutions/features/

Fleet Pro. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2016 from
https://www.cartrack.sg/fleet-management/

Lauren Fletcher and Grace Suizo (2011). The Evolution of Telematics. Retrieved October 11, 2016 from http://www.automotive-fleet.com/article/story/2011/02/the-evolution-of-telematics.aspx

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

PRODUCT ANALYSIS DRAFT 2

The article “GPS Insight Can Meet ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Requirements” introduces the functionality, features, and benefits of GPS Insight, which primarily provides “asset and vehicle tracking solutions”. The main function of GPS Insight is to retrieve and relay back data collected to a user for analysis, all while happening in real time. The article also stated that the features of GPS Insight are “configurable and customizable” according to the user’s requirements and preferences. To be able to meet user’s ever-changing demands and requests, GPS Insight introduces new features based on user’s response and feedback. Due to GPS Insight’s customizability, it is able to perform at different degrees of comprehensiveness. GPS Insight has the potential to be an asset to any company when and if it is utilized properly. The introduction of telematics in data analysis is able to boost efficiency and has made the process convenient and fuss-free.

There are benefits with implementing GPS Insight into a business, such as reducing expenses, optimizing resources, and improving safety. GPS Insight uses global positioning systems to track vehicles in real time. This system provides users with the shortest route for their vehicles. This helps in reducing fuel consumption, which over time, reduces overall operating expenses. A large part of GPS Insight involves data analysis. GPS Insight allows users to get detailed insights on fuel usage, driver behaviour, and engine idling in real time. With this data collected, it can help businesses pin-point problem areas and identify key money-saving areas. GPS Insight allows users to improve personnel safety by monitoring their fleet in real time. Since GPS Insight gives users the option to open a two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers, this ensures that the proper assistance and support is available to drivers when required.

Telematics industry has expanded over the years resulting in a rise of tracking solutions such as GPS Insight. GPS Insight is comparable to other GPS fleet tracking systems such as Cartrack. When compared to Cartrack, GPS Insight is the obvious choice to go with. GPS Insight has 14 more features than Cartrack making it able to meet more user requirements and preferences. GPS Insight is more accessible than Cartrack as GPS Insight has a mobile application version, while Cartrack only has a web application option. The absence of a mobile application could decrease efficiency and prevent Cartrack from reaching its true potential.

References:

(http://gpstrackit.com/14-benefits-of-gps-fleet-tracking-for-transportation-industries/) provides comprehensive information about the benefits of fleet tracking.
(http://www.cartrack.sg/fleet-management/) provides information on the features of Cartrack.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

PRODUCT ANALYSIS DRAFT 1

The article “GPS Insight Can Meet ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Requirements” introduces the functionality, features, and benefits of GPS Insight, which primarily provides “asset and vehicle tracking solutions”. The main function of GPS Insight is to retrieve and relay back data collected to a user for analysis, all while happening in real time. The article also stated that the features of GPS Insight are “configurable and customizable” according to the user’s requirements and preferences. To be able to meet user’s ever-changing demands and requests, GPS Insight introduces new features based on user’s response and feedback. Due to GPS Insight’s customizability, it is able to perform at different degrees of comprehensiveness. GPS Insight has the potential to be an asset to any company when and if it is utilized properly. The introduction of telematics in data analysis is able to boost efficiency and has made the process convenient and fuss-free.

There are benefits with implementing GPS Insight into a business, such as reducing expenses, optimizing resources, and improving safety. GPS Insight uses global positioning systems to track vehicles in real time. This system provides users with the shortest route for their vehicles. This helps in reducing fuel consumption, which over time, reduces overall operating expenses. A large part of GPS Insight involves data analysis. GPS Insight allows users to get detailed insights on fuel usage, driver behaviour, and engine idling in real time. With this data collected, it can help businesses pin-point problem areas and identify key money-saving areas. GPS Insight allows users to improve personnel safety by monitoring their fleet in real time. Since GPS Insight gives users the option to open a two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers, this ensures that the proper assistance and support is available to drivers when required.

Telematics industry has expanded over the years resulting in a rise of tracking solutions such as GPS Insight. GPS Insight is comparable to other GPS fleet tracking systems such as Cartrack. When compared to Cartrack, GPS Insight is the obvious choice to go with. GPS Insight has 14 more features than Cartrack making it able to meet more users’ requirements and preferences. GPS Insight is more accessible than Cartrack as GPS Insight has a mobile application version, while Cartrack only has a web application option. The absence of a mobile application could decrease efficiency and prevent Cartrack from reaching its true potential.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Product Summary Draft 1

In the article “GPS Insight Can Meet ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Requirements”, it introduces the functionality, features, and benefits of GPS Insight, which primarily provides “asset and vehicle tracking solutions”. The main function of GPS Insight is to retrieve and relay back data collected to the user for analysis, all while happening in real time. The article also stated that the features of GPS Insight are “configurable and customizable” according to the user’s requirements and preferences. To be able to meet user’s ever-changing demands and requests, GPS Insight introduces new features based on user’s response and feedback. Due to GPS Insight’s customizability, it is able to perform at different degrees of comprehensiveness, making it a versatile product. GPS Insight has the potential to be an asset to any company when and if it is utilized properly. The introduction of telematics in data analysis was able to boost efficiency and has made the process convenient and fuss-free.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Formal E-mail Writing

To: Brad Blackstone

From: Zakirah Zulkipli

Date: 21 September 2016

Subject: Introduction

Dear Brad,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Zakirah and I'm currently studying Telematics at Singapore Institute of Technology. I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic earlier this year with a diploma in Integrated Facility Management. Since my diploma primarily focuses on management, I do not have a solid background in engineering. However, this did not discourage me from wanting to pursue a degree in Telematics.

During my time in polytechnic, I learnt building modelling, real estate business, engineering economics, and other modules that focuses on the development, operation, and management of integrated facilities. In this diploma, students in their second year have a choice to either take the hospitality or aviation elective. I opted for the aviation elective as I was interested in the aviation industry at the time.

My favourite pastime is watching movies. I am a huge film buff, and especially enjoy watching movies from the 80s since its's my favorite decade of cinema. I also like to spend my time listening to my favourite bands and discovering new music.

My ultimate goal for studying in SIT is to become a skillful engineer who is competent in both soft and hard skills. I also hope to expand my knowledge in telematics and in other engineering fields, if the opportunity presents itself to do so. By the time I graduate, I hope to be industry-ready and prepared to start my career. My aim for the future is to have a successful career in the field and industry that I am interested in. As of now, I am still trying to figure where my interests are at exactly.

I look forward to learning new things and broadening my horizons in university.

Sincerely,

Zakirah


Commented on Syafiq's and Karthig's blog post.

Edited on 30/09/16.