In my first post, with regards to the importance of effective communication, I conclude that our lives will definitively be more enriching if we can possess the ability to communicate effectively in every aspect of our lives.
My views on the value of effective communication remain unchanged after completion of the module, ES2007S. This is primarily because I already realized the value and importance of effective prior to taking the module, ES2007S. The desire to further improve my communication skills such as oral abilities, presentation skills, business writings, led me to enroll in this particular module.
I found one lesson, writing business correspondence using an indirect approach, to be of great value. As I am a straight forward people by nature, I always try to keep my message concise and precise especially when communicating with other people. Hence, indirect approach of business writing seems especially difficult to me. In that particular lesson, I was taught how to compose negative news with an indirect approach. First, begin with a buffer to prepare the recipient for the bad news. Second, state the negative news. Third, close with a positive courteous tone. That lesson proved to be of great value to me.
Overall, due to the continuous writing and corrections by our teacher, Mrs Richardson, my grammar and writing skills have improved as well. Having a good grasp of grammar is of paramount importance for effective communication. Thank Mrs Richardson for meticulously corrected all 57 pages (including appendixes) for our survey report. Only few teachers whom I know would read and correct the entire report including appendixes. Her teaching dedication has definitely enriched my overall learning experiences.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Biodata
I am Victor Chan, a 4th year student of NUS Bioengineering. I am a hard working person who loves challenges. This semester is particularly challenging to me as I am taking 6 modules (including my final year project). In addition, I am managing a club as I have accepted the appointment of being the club’s coordinator. And, I was previously coaching my tutee to prepare for his Cambridge Normal level examination.
I believe in hard work. You reap what you sow.
I believe in hard work. You reap what you sow.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Reflecting on the Research Project Experience
The survey report was finally completed. Thanks to my team mates, Huiping & Kendra, who had put in much effort and endured a few sleepless nights in order to complete the report. Their dedication to the report made the entire writing progress more enjoyable.Regarding communication within the team, I always try to adhere to the following principle. Whenever, you instruct a person to do a task, you have to tell him why the task is important and how it is going to affect him personally if the task is done badly. I believe this is the most important and basic principle of communication. To further explain my point, do you think a person will work as hard or put in his best if he does not even know the importance and significance of his task? The answer is obvious.
Why it is of paramount importance to tell a person how a badly completed task is going to affect him? Human is governed by incentives. By understanding the consequences of a badly done task and relating the dire consequences to himself personally, a person will foresee a great incentive to perform. Consider a situation where you need to convince your boss the importance of delivering the goods on time to the client.
Which of the following do you think is more effective in conveying the message across to your boss?
1) Our client needs the goods urgently. He has phoned us a couple of times to check on their arrival. I am sure he will never trust us again if we fail to deliver on time again.
2) Your reputation together with the firm’s is going to be damaged if the client does not receive his goods on time. By delaying our clients’ goods, you are doing yourself a great disservice.
Once again, you know the answer. Working with my fellow team mates testified the importance of the above communication principle. It is effective. And, I hope to always apply the above principle of communication to my future team project.
Why it is of paramount importance to tell a person how a badly completed task is going to affect him? Human is governed by incentives. By understanding the consequences of a badly done task and relating the dire consequences to himself personally, a person will foresee a great incentive to perform. Consider a situation where you need to convince your boss the importance of delivering the goods on time to the client.
Which of the following do you think is more effective in conveying the message across to your boss?
1) Our client needs the goods urgently. He has phoned us a couple of times to check on their arrival. I am sure he will never trust us again if we fail to deliver on time again.
2) Your reputation together with the firm’s is going to be damaged if the client does not receive his goods on time. By delaying our clients’ goods, you are doing yourself a great disservice.
Once again, you know the answer. Working with my fellow team mates testified the importance of the above communication principle. It is effective. And, I hope to always apply the above principle of communication to my future team project.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Evaluating Intercultural Behaviour
Witnessing the Ramadan in Malaysia (Johor Bahru)
In Singapore where there are 4 main races, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasians, racial harmony is of paramount importance. Effective communication allows us to better appreciate the differences between cultures and understand more in depth about the feelings and sensitivity of other races. Hence, effective communication among the 4 races is critical in order to achieve the desired racial harmony.
In this article, we are going to explore the significance of the Malay festivals, particularly Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan. I had the fortune of witnessing the Ramadan in a Muslim majority country, Malaysia.
I spent my last weekend in Malaysia, Johor Bahru and was fortunate to witness a major fast-breaking event. As I was looking for dinner along the outdoor dining streets, I saw a large group of local Muslims waiting patiently for the sunset in order to break their fast. This is because the local Muslims are very particular about the actual time of breaking their fast, which is when the sun sets and which on that day was 7.15pm. At 7.00pm, there were almost no more seats available along the dining streets as local Muslims had already gathered at their respective tables. Various foods filled up the dining tables, waiting to be consumed. Right on the dot at 7.15pm, chanting prayers from the nearby mosque could be heard. The chanting signaled the starting of a prayer prior to the meal. Most Muslims obeyed and folded their hands for their short prayers. Within a minute, the chanting and prayers were completed and the long awaited rich meal began.
Background of Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan
Hari Raya Puasa is a very important occasion that is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is also known as the festival that marks the end of one month of fasting, known as Ramadan. The words ‘Hari Raya’ mean 'day of celebration.' Many mistake Hari Raya Puasa for the Muslim New Year but it is not.
Ramadan is the name of the one-month fasting period when Muslims fast for a period of almost 12 hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all Muslims of self-control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. It is a known fact that during the period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also forbidden from smoking and having sexual relations. Only the sick are excused from fasting during this month. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promise or cheating during the month of Ramadan.
In Singapore where there are 4 main races, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasians, racial harmony is of paramount importance. Effective communication allows us to better appreciate the differences between cultures and understand more in depth about the feelings and sensitivity of other races. Hence, effective communication among the 4 races is critical in order to achieve the desired racial harmony.
In this article, we are going to explore the significance of the Malay festivals, particularly Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan. I had the fortune of witnessing the Ramadan in a Muslim majority country, Malaysia.
I spent my last weekend in Malaysia, Johor Bahru and was fortunate to witness a major fast-breaking event. As I was looking for dinner along the outdoor dining streets, I saw a large group of local Muslims waiting patiently for the sunset in order to break their fast. This is because the local Muslims are very particular about the actual time of breaking their fast, which is when the sun sets and which on that day was 7.15pm. At 7.00pm, there were almost no more seats available along the dining streets as local Muslims had already gathered at their respective tables. Various foods filled up the dining tables, waiting to be consumed. Right on the dot at 7.15pm, chanting prayers from the nearby mosque could be heard. The chanting signaled the starting of a prayer prior to the meal. Most Muslims obeyed and folded their hands for their short prayers. Within a minute, the chanting and prayers were completed and the long awaited rich meal began.
Background of Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan
Hari Raya Puasa is a very important occasion that is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is also known as the festival that marks the end of one month of fasting, known as Ramadan. The words ‘Hari Raya’ mean 'day of celebration.' Many mistake Hari Raya Puasa for the Muslim New Year but it is not.
Ramadan is the name of the one-month fasting period when Muslims fast for a period of almost 12 hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all Muslims of self-control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. It is a known fact that during the period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also forbidden from smoking and having sexual relations. Only the sick are excused from fasting during this month. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promise or cheating during the month of Ramadan.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Potential Research Project Topics
What are the ethical issues behind the insurance industries? Are projected returns of insurance policies realistic?
Ethical issues embedded in the insurance industries are my potential research project topic. You may have come across the news regarding the recent bonus reduction carried by NTUC Income (Singapore’s largest life insurance company). Existing policyholders are given no choice but to accept the reduced allocation of bonus to their policies. It begs one to think about the fairness of such a corporate practice. That recent article triggered my interests towards the ethical issues of the insurance industries. Basically to narrow down the scope of my research, my approach would be to compare between 2 insurance products:
1) Life insurances – one of the most commonly sold products by insurance agents
2) Term insurances – an uncommon product
From the comparison of products, various ethical issues regarding selling, unrealistic projected returns, and unfair business practices within the insurance industry will be deeply explored.
The target audience for this research project will be the NUS undergraduates who are potential insurance buyers as they are about to enter the work force and will have purchasing power. Since buying life insurance is a long term investment, potential insurance buyers such as the NUS students should learn some basic insurance knowledge and hence equip themselves against rogue insurance agents.
Insurance agents like to sell endowment and whole life policies, including variations of these policies, to consumers as a way to plan for their future. This is simply because life insurance provides one of the highest commissions to the agents. Hence, life insurance is one of the most highly marketed products. These policies offer poor value to the consumer.
High costs of life insurance policy
a) Upfront marketing cost = 1%
b) Expense ratio and mortality = 1.5%
c) Guarantee penalty = 2%
Total = 4.5%
Potential surveys would be conducted on 2 distinct populations - current insurance policyholders and the insurance agents from various companies. From the policyholders, we would like to learn about their experiences with insurance companies. From the insurance agents, we would like to get their opinion on whether the life insurance policy offers a fair return to the policyholder.
Ethical issues embedded in the insurance industries are my potential research project topic. You may have come across the news regarding the recent bonus reduction carried by NTUC Income (Singapore’s largest life insurance company). Existing policyholders are given no choice but to accept the reduced allocation of bonus to their policies. It begs one to think about the fairness of such a corporate practice. That recent article triggered my interests towards the ethical issues of the insurance industries. Basically to narrow down the scope of my research, my approach would be to compare between 2 insurance products:
1) Life insurances – one of the most commonly sold products by insurance agents
2) Term insurances – an uncommon product
From the comparison of products, various ethical issues regarding selling, unrealistic projected returns, and unfair business practices within the insurance industry will be deeply explored.
The target audience for this research project will be the NUS undergraduates who are potential insurance buyers as they are about to enter the work force and will have purchasing power. Since buying life insurance is a long term investment, potential insurance buyers such as the NUS students should learn some basic insurance knowledge and hence equip themselves against rogue insurance agents.
Insurance agents like to sell endowment and whole life policies, including variations of these policies, to consumers as a way to plan for their future. This is simply because life insurance provides one of the highest commissions to the agents. Hence, life insurance is one of the most highly marketed products. These policies offer poor value to the consumer.
High costs of life insurance policy
a) Upfront marketing cost = 1%
b) Expense ratio and mortality = 1.5%
c) Guarantee penalty = 2%
Total = 4.5%
Potential surveys would be conducted on 2 distinct populations - current insurance policyholders and the insurance agents from various companies. From the policyholders, we would like to learn about their experiences with insurance companies. From the insurance agents, we would like to get their opinion on whether the life insurance policy offers a fair return to the policyholder.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
The story below is a true account of a failed business venture which happened within a family. The rivalry involved is definitely not one of the proudest moments in the entire human civilization.
John and Adrian were brothers who grew up together in a typical rich family. During a family gathering, John and Adrian conceived a business idea and invested $300k each. The business started off splendidly.
Times were good until Adrian’s wife, Alice, joined the business. Account irregularities were discovered and business soon took a dip. Strong physical evidence suggested that account irregularities may be the result of dishonesty from Alice - siphoning of money away from the business’s account. With evidence in hand, John confronted Adrian. The relationship between John and Adrian became strained and a business split soon ensued. The business was sold eventually due to operational losses.
John felt betrayed by Adrian and Alice. He deeply believed that Alice had siphoned a significant share of money, hence resulting in operation losses of the business. Even in the light of strong physical evidence, John was disappointed that Adrian still chose to side with his wife Alice. In retaliation, John decided not to return Adrian‘s shares after business’s liquidation. He justified that the remaining money should be rightfully his.
Adrian could not believe that his own brother, John, refused to return his remainder shares after the business’s liquidation. He insisted that Alice was wrongfully accused. There was no basis for the evidence. Adrian was shocked and disgusted by his own brother, John’s behaviour.
Both John and Adrian avoided filing for lawsuits out of respect for their aging father.
Do you think it was justified for John to swallow Adrian’s share after the business is liquidated? On the other hand, how should Adrian react when confronted by John? If you were either John or Adrian, what will you do to resolve this conflict?
John and Adrian were brothers who grew up together in a typical rich family. During a family gathering, John and Adrian conceived a business idea and invested $300k each. The business started off splendidly.
Times were good until Adrian’s wife, Alice, joined the business. Account irregularities were discovered and business soon took a dip. Strong physical evidence suggested that account irregularities may be the result of dishonesty from Alice - siphoning of money away from the business’s account. With evidence in hand, John confronted Adrian. The relationship between John and Adrian became strained and a business split soon ensued. The business was sold eventually due to operational losses.
John felt betrayed by Adrian and Alice. He deeply believed that Alice had siphoned a significant share of money, hence resulting in operation losses of the business. Even in the light of strong physical evidence, John was disappointed that Adrian still chose to side with his wife Alice. In retaliation, John decided not to return Adrian‘s shares after business’s liquidation. He justified that the remaining money should be rightfully his.
Adrian could not believe that his own brother, John, refused to return his remainder shares after the business’s liquidation. He insisted that Alice was wrongfully accused. There was no basis for the evidence. Adrian was shocked and disgusted by his own brother, John’s behaviour.
Both John and Adrian avoided filing for lawsuits out of respect for their aging father.
Do you think it was justified for John to swallow Adrian’s share after the business is liquidated? On the other hand, how should Adrian react when confronted by John? If you were either John or Adrian, what will you do to resolve this conflict?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Effective Communication Skills
During a Destuche Bank networking session, I happened to have a conversation with Andrew, vice-President of corporate finance. Andrew summarized the importance of developing excellent communication skills within his organisation, “You need to communicate vertically (up to your boss & down to your subordinates) & horizontally (across to your peers).You cannot survive without it.”
Besides career, effective communication is equally important in the university. As undergrads, we often need to present our ideas, lab reports, marketing findings to our lecturers. In addition, we are often assessed during a formal presentation. Achieving good grades partly depends on how well you can deliver your messages across to your lecturers.
Developing effective communication will enhance your personal relationships with your families & friends. After all, we are constantly communicating our extended love to our families. Effective communication is especially important to me as I am committed to a long-distance relationship. Slight miscommunications between people tend to get complicated especially over great distances. Hence, effective communication is absolutely essential in rectifying miscommunications and most importantly in preventing the occurrences of miscommunications.
To conclude, the importance of developing effective communication is clearly evident. However, developing effective communication takes time and effort. Enrolling in ES2007S, seems to be a good start in developing my personal communication skills. With enough hard work & determination, I believe we can possess the ability to communicate effectively in every aspect of our lives. Our lives will definitively be more enriching with it.
Besides career, effective communication is equally important in the university. As undergrads, we often need to present our ideas, lab reports, marketing findings to our lecturers. In addition, we are often assessed during a formal presentation. Achieving good grades partly depends on how well you can deliver your messages across to your lecturers.
Developing effective communication will enhance your personal relationships with your families & friends. After all, we are constantly communicating our extended love to our families. Effective communication is especially important to me as I am committed to a long-distance relationship. Slight miscommunications between people tend to get complicated especially over great distances. Hence, effective communication is absolutely essential in rectifying miscommunications and most importantly in preventing the occurrences of miscommunications.
To conclude, the importance of developing effective communication is clearly evident. However, developing effective communication takes time and effort. Enrolling in ES2007S, seems to be a good start in developing my personal communication skills. With enough hard work & determination, I believe we can possess the ability to communicate effectively in every aspect of our lives. Our lives will definitively be more enriching with it.
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