Reflection 1

Reflection on meeting

On 7^th March 2011 at 16:10 pm we had our first meeting and we discussed the biggest problem in Abu Dhabi and that was parking. Everyone in the group tried to do his best : the chair Abdulaziz , minute taker Jaber and participant Mr. Hedley our 3^rd member and he is our LSEC 101 teacher because we are missing one person in the group, so he joined and completed the group. I’m taciturn and hesitant because I think the word I will say is wrong and I would thank Mr. Hedley because he can understand me.

But at the end it was a great exercise.

Meeting Assessment

Date of meeting: 7^th March 2011

Time of meeting: 16:10

Venue: W007

Group members:

•       Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
•       Minute taker: Jaber.
•       Participants: Hedley.

Venue preparation:

Agenda:

•       Underground parking.
•       Paid parking/short term – long term.
•       Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
•       Public transport.
•       Increase age of driver. 

Objectives:

The chairman AbdulAziz opened the meeting at 16:32

1.     Underground parking.

Jaber said it is a good idea

Hedley worried about the price.

AbdulAziz said the cost of underground parking should be limited. Hedley asked if new buildings were required to have sufficient parking space. Were the regulations enforced? Jaber said no.

2.     Paid parking ( short term & long term )

This is now quite common in Abu Dhabi and it has reduced congestion.

Hedley pointed out that some residents who have bought 1 or 2 permits still can’t find space to park.  AbdulAziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested + Jaber + AbdulAziz agreed.

3.     Congestion charge /taxes/restrictions.

Hedley asked if a Salik-type system as in Dubai would work in Abu Dhabi. Jaber pointed out it would be more difficult as there is no metro for people to use instead of their cars. The extra workload on the police of enforcing extra restrictions, and the cost + delay of implementing such schemes was mentioned by Jaber + Abdul-Aziz.

4.      Public transport

AbdulAziz suggested a new metro. Hedley asked if there was enough space in the town for a metro.  Jaber said there is room if construction is carefully planned. He also suggested free parking 08:00-15:00 so all workers could leave their cars at home. AbdulAziz highlighted the need for a number of stations in all areas.

5.     Increased age of driver?

Jaber thought this is a bad idea- many younger drivers are needed in families where older members have died or cannot drive. AbdulAziz pointed out that 18 year olds need to get to college. If you live in Shahama a car is the only way.

•     In conclusion we thought that

1.     Underground parking is a good idea. Rules about new buildings having adequate parking must be strictly enforced.

2.     Paid parking has made the situation better but more thought is needed, e.g. on permits and designating special time +space.

3.     We were in favor of more restrictions like the Salik card.

4.     We liked the idea of building public transport especially a metro. 

How to Present

Tips for presenters

1.       Don’t memorize your presentation. If you need to, make brief notes, possibly on small cards, to guide you.

2.       Practice many times.

3.       At the start of your presentation, relax, take a deep breath and wait until the audience is quiet.

4.       Speak loudly and clearly, and use your voice for stress and emphasis.

5.       Use gestures to show meaning. Make them slowly and clearly.

6.       Use simple visual aids that everyone can see.

7.       Make eye contact with the audience as you speak.

8.       Don’t say “Finished.” or “That’s all.” Smile and say “Thanks you”.

9.       Think about how you can do better next time.

I think number 4 is the most important , speaking loudly and clearly is essential. Tip 2 is also important as practice should be done over and over again , to avoid any mistakes while presenting.