JUNE 2019
NEWS
Five Life-Changing Benefits of Connectivity
Komatsu Selected in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
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AECOM secures AU$70 million lead designer role to deliver Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project
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EDITOR‘S NOTE
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here is no limit as to how much technology can evolve. In fact, the rate of improvement continues to snowball at breakneck speeds, giving us better technology faster than our expectations. Innovators and engineers are scrambling day after day to better today’s gadgets, that we may live easier lives. Air-conditioning systems are no stranger to speedy, steady improvements over the years, redefining the ways we see indoor comfort. A/C units are a staple in our ever-evolving society. Thus, it should come as no surprise why these machines are constantly being ameliorated with the latest advancements to not only give us cleaner, higher quality air, but also spend the least amount of energy. This entails upgrading air-conditioning technology with features found in different devices, creating a hybridized machine. These more advanced airconditioners improving the lives of people are airconditioners capable of detecting motion, saving time and energy by activating only when people are moving underneath it; air-conditioners that tap into the power of the sun and the earth; airconditioners that freeze water and cool facilities with the cold air from actual ice; ventilation systems that record data at 4
Six Ways Today’s Air-Conditioners Are Becoming Cooler and Cooler Watch out for these icy innovations so you can chill out in a chilled out room home, which consists of home temperature, air pressure, time spent open, among other factors; the growing possibility of printable A/C units, such that air-conditioning may be made even more accessible to the masses; and the introduction of smart airconditioners which can be controlled via mobile phones and apps, which allow remote activation, scheduling, and more fluid air control. Overall, air-conditioning and ventilation systems will undoubtedly advance further and further. In technology, engineers and innovators are
constantly hopping along the latest trends and making their own, creating amazing, hassle-alleviating inventions every day.
Regional Office: LG Electronics Gulf FZE, P.O Box 61445, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 279 9222, UAE, Mr. Amjad Abu Alika, Tel: +971 50 450 9808, email: amjad.abualika@lge.com; Fortune International Trading LLC, Mr. Wail Halbouni, Tel: +971 50 481 3570, email: fortintl@emirates.net.ae; Ghantoot Trading, Mr. Nour Haboush, Tel: +971 50 109 4109, email: nour.h@ghantootgroup.ae; District Cooling Company, Mr. Ahmed Henedi, Tel: +971 50 658 4832, email: ahmed@districtcoolingcompany.com; Al Yousuf Electronics, Mr. Moitra, Tel: +971 50 457 6170, email: pmoitra@alyousuf.com; Bahrain, AJM Kooheji and Sons, Mr. Jayachandran, Tel: +973 36888801, email: v.jayachandran@ajmkooheji.com: Al Babtain Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Co., Mr. Naji Kataya, Tel: +965 5 051 5771, email: nkataya@albabtaingroup.com,kw; BLK, Mr. Imad Rhayel, Tel: +965 5 157 1229, email: irhayel@blk.com.kw; Oman, Oman Gulf Enterprise, Mr. Narender Kumar, Tel: +968 9 747 4505, email: narenderk@otegroup.com; Aspire Projects and Service, Mr. Vivek Wagh, Tel: +968 99357694, email: vivekwagh@aspireoman.com; Azerbaijan, NBC LLC., Mr. Elkhan Sadikhov, Tel: +994 50 216 3363, email: elkhan.sadikhov@nbc.com; Al-Con Maxiwell Group, Mr. Vagif Alexperov, Tel: + 994 50 216 2092, email: maxiwellbaku@inbox.ru; Armenia/Georgia, ARAY Gulf, Mr. Vilson Melikjanyan, Tel: +374 9 307 7755, email: vilson@aray.am; Yemen, Modern House Exhibition, Mr. Khaled Jabr, Tel: +967 71 172 0202, email: mail@mhe-yemen.com; Pakistan, Iceberg Industries (Lucky Goldstar), Mr. Imran Jamil Khan, Tel: +923 21 277 6100, email: ceo@icebergindustries.net
CON TENTS
NEWS
14 Six Ways Today’s Air-Conditioners Are Becoming Cooler and Cooler
30 Carrier Transicold’s PIEK-compliant Supra® CNG Earns Another Award at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018
F E AT U R E S T O RY
38 Why undertaking an MBA at American University of Sharjah could be the best decision you make for your engineering career
42 Oscillating Axle is a Valuable Feature on Rough Terrain
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34
How to Conduct an Open House Day for Access Platforms Clients? Manlift Group Marketing Tips
LG’s Robust 2019 Line Of Smart HVAC Controls Driving The Future Of Connected Buildings
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36 Formulation of Fusion 20 Latter-Half Three-Year Plan
6
A President and Civil Engineering Board Exam Topnotcher
56 Senior Citizen Engineer? Nobody is Ever Too Old
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S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
This Might Be the Best Wall Mounted Aircon in the Philippines With the growing range of choices for split-type aircon in the market, here are a few justifiable reasons why this might be the best split type aircon yet.
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uying an air conditioning unit can be a very confusing task. Considering the handful of types and sizes of aircon available in the market, choosing which one is the most appropriate for your homes and establishments can be quite puzzling. Honestly, there are quite a few factors to keep in mind before purchasing an aircon, so to make the decision more of an ease and less of a hassle, here are a few reasons why TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter might be the perfect wall mounted air-conditioner for you.
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What is a Split-type Aircon? A split-type aircon is a type of central air-conditioning system. Split-type air-conditioning units are composed of two major peripherals: a relatively large compressor or condenser typically placed outside the home and an air-handling unit placed inside. The two units are linked via a conduit which keeps the suction tubing, refrigerant tubing, condensate drain, and power cable together. The compressor is ideally placed outdoors since it can be quite noisy and hot when operating.
General Benefits of Wall Mounted (Split-type)
•More Appealing
Compared to a window-type aircon, TOSOT wall mounted aircon is more pleasant to the eyes and adds to the aesthetics of the entire room.
•Well-Insulated Split-type aircons are also well-insulated than the regular window-type AC which has poor insulation. Better insulation means greater energy efficiency.
But among the multitude of aircon types one can see in the nearby appliance store, why choose a split-type?
• Permanent Cooling
While split-type AC requires some minor construction and professional installation that can somewhat be a hassle for the homeowners and the contractors, choosing this kind of air-conditioning unit is more of an advantage rather than a burden. The Philippines is sunny and humid most of the year and requires that homes and establishments are cool and comfortable almost every day. So having permanent cooling equipment available for use is such a great convenience during these times.
• Less Intrusion
The TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter aircon, built to be compact and stylish, is wall mounted and frees your windows. You don’t need to block any openings with window-type ACs so you can enjoy the warm summer sunlight filling your home. The floor area is also not covered with bulky portable air coolers. Furthermore, it produces more subtle sounds compared to the other types, making it a better choice for a home and establishment aircon.
Features to Look Out For in the Split-type (Wall Mounted) Aircon •Earth-friendly
•Remote and Wired Furnished with an all-new refrig- Control erant called R32, TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter aircon is both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
•Precise Temperature Control
In buying the perfect aircon for your home, one thing to consider is the capability of the unit to output precise temperature control just like the TOSOT LOMO A5 aircon.
Since the unit is basically installed a few feet up on the wall, it is convenient and flexible for the user to control the aircon from anywhere within the line of sight of the unit. There is also a wired control if ever your remote is out of batteries.
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S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
Features to Look Out For in the Split-type (Wall Mounted) Aircon Before buying a split-type aircon for your homes, it is best to determine the dimensions of the room where you want your aircon to be installed. Ideally, large rooms with more than 40 square meters will require a minimum output capacity of 10,000 BTU/hour, while for medium-sized rooms, about 9,000 BTU/hour is already enough. Good thing the TOSOT LOMO A5 Series aircons’ output capacity has a wide range from 9000 BTU/hour to 17000 BTU/ hour. The TWC09VRE which has a capacity of 9000 BTU/hour is best for rooms with floor areas from 32 to 37 square meters. The TWC12VRE, on the other hand, fits rooms up to 51 square meters. The biggest unit in the series, the TWC18VRE can cool rooms with floor areas about 90 square meters. Another factor to consider is buying an inverter-type aircon, like the TOSOT LOMO A5 Series. In regular ACs, the compressor turns on or off depending on the room’s temperature, but in inverter types, the compressor is always on but consumes varying amounts of power depending on the temperature. This is certain10
ly less energy-consuming since the compressor does not always operate at its maximum capacity. This also lengthens its life span as the load is lesser compared to the regular ones. The inverter-type may be a bit more expensive, but the investment is sure worth it in the long run. Inverter ACs reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent, cutting back on your monthly electricity bills. To find out the best wall mounted air conditioner for your home,
office or party event venue, visit TOSOT showroom located at 2162 FB Harrison St., San Jose, Pasay City, Philippines or call +632-8330000 to book an appointment. You may also visit their website (click here) to get more information about the best split type aircon in the Philippines.
S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
AUS’ Fulbright Scholar conducts research in Tianjin, China Sharjah, UAE. May 13, 2019—Associate Professor of Architecture at American University of Sharjah (AUS) Marcus Farr is currently pursuing research in China as a Fulbright Scholar. One of the world’s most prestigious and competitive fellowship programs, the Fulbright Schol12
ar Program has provided funding for qualified recipients to study, conduct research, teach or exercise their talents abroad. Fulbright recipients have included scores of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners. As part of the program, Farr
is undertaking research and teaching at Tianjin University Graduate School of Architecture. Farr is studying ancient Chinese architectural and building traditions, examining how these historical methods could help today’s architects find solutions to China’s unprecedented urban
growth, and creation of what have been termed “mega cities.” Farr’s work is of much relevance in both China and globally, as new approaches to construction and urban planning are necessary for allowing large populations to live comfortably within geographically limited spaces. As environmental considerations become an increasing concern for governments around the world, Farr’s research into historical techniques could help to foster more environmentally sustainable practices in the present day. He is currently examining the buildings of foreign concessions in Tianjin dating from the 1600s, exploring how the architecture of these buildings could hold clues for modern buildings in the city, and further afield. Founded in 1946 by US Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright Program is part of the United States government’s public diplomacy agenda, helping to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Since his arrival in China, Farr has therefore been joining his Fulbright counterparts in gaining an in-depth understanding of Chinese
history and culture, travelling to the southwestern city of Dali to see relics of China’s history first-hand. The group of scholars has also spent time with the United States Ambassador to China, the United States Consul General to China, and other high-ranking diplomats, gaining an appreciation of their role as Fulbright scholars in representing the United States government.
population growth.” AUS is chronicling Farr’s Fulbright journey through regular posts on the AUS Blog. The latest installment in this series can be read here: www. aus.edu/fulbright-research.
Under the program, Farr has also begun teaching a group of graduate architecture students at Tianjin University. He says of the importance of this cross-cultural experience: “Successful architects need to understand their practice from a global perspective and consider how international influences can potentially benefit the form and function of their work. The Fulbright Program allows me to learn from the Chinese experience of urbanization and the solutions created as a result. It also allows my students to gain new perspectives from my background as an architect and academic in the United States, the Middle East and other parts of Asia. This cultural exchange is valuable in the professional development of architects, and is also hugely important in the creation of architectural solutions that meet current challenges, such as climate change and rapid 13
Watch out for these icy innovations so you can chill out in a chilled out room
Moore’s Law states that technological advancements are improving at an everincreasing rate, and the furtherance of our daily tools and gadgets will be an undying trend until the far future. Time after time, we create newer machines one would never have thought they needed, and improve upon the
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countless existing devices to lessen the hassles of daily life. “Working smarter, not harder”, therefore, is at the very essence of innovating. Most machines fall under two categories—the browraising, questionable types (such as the motorized ice-cream cone and umbrellas
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COVER STORY
for only your shoes) and the life-altering devices that have quite literally been the societal standard. Cars, radios, television, phones, and a myriad of historic tools and gadgets.
duction of the air-conditioner, human expectations about indoor comfort was reset. Like weather wizards, we can now expect to have the best climate, even in the comfort of our own homes.
One of the most revolutionary machines to have even been manufactured is the airconditioner. With it, one can defy the ambiguity of weather with a breeze of constantly cold, conditioned air. This invention revolutionized everything, from textile factories, to cinemas, and even the home. With the intro-
Yet technology continues to advance.
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If we stopped tinkering with and bettering machines simply because they have done their task and our comfort was achieved, we would be leagues behind where we are currently. Air-conditioners and cooling
systems are not exempt from the curious, perfectionist hands of human inventors. That said, here are six ways the air-conditioning systems we use every day have improved over the years, making us love them even more.
COVER STORY
1. Air-Conditioning Units are now also motion-detectors, because why not?
A new design for air conditioning by MIT Engineers makes proficient use of ceiling-stuck aluminium rods to track movement beneath them. Once these sensors are activated, the air-conditioner activates to bring cleaner air to the entire room.
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This motion-dependent system is ingenious in that it directly combats heat generated from a body in motion, thus helping to reduce both energy and utility costs.
COVER STORY
2. Air-Conditioners that cool the air with sun power
Australian company Chromasun recently created an alternative to traditional A/C units by utilizing the union of solar energy and natural gas. While this technology has yet to be shared globally, the double-chiller design of Chromasun air-conditioners have been proven to be effec20
tive at lowering temperatures whilst cutting costs on electricity usage.
3. Aircons that are literally ice-cold
Naming your air-conditioner the Ice Bear just because it cools the air is silly. Naming your air-conditioner the Ice Bear because it cools the air with the power if actual ice is beyond awesome! Made by a California-based company, the Ice Bear is essentially a freezer and air-conditioner
rolled into one: by freezing water in a tank overnight, this air-conditioner blasts the cold air to fill entire buildings with an arctic atmosphere the very next day.
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COVER STORY
4. Ventilation that takes more notes than an undergrad student
Like the Engineers from MIT, Ecovent hopped on the trigger-signal trend upon which technology is teetering. In the place of a home’s ceiling, wall, and floor vents are app-controlled vents that provide precise temperature control in every room. 22
Additionally, Ecovent’s system maximizes on sensors keep tabs on a home’s temperature, air pressure, and other indoor air quality factors.
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COVER STORY
5. The possibility of 3-D printing A/C units
3-D printing technology, like air-conditioning systems, has snowballed at a rapid rate. Now, you can order 3-D printed homes, cast 3-D printed prosthetics and, in the field of medicine, you can now use cells to print foodstuffs and organic matter. But let’s dial it back. Products like 3-D printed 24
A/C units is not an impossibility, considering how far technology has come. Taking that step into 3-D printed air-conditioners is the company Emerging Objects. They have already printed “brick� that absorbs the moisture out of an area to cool it.
WE CREATE THE INNOVATORS, LEADERS & THINKERS OF TOMORROW
For over 20 years, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been at the helm of the region’s intellectual, cultural and scientific development. As we enter our third decade, we are renewing our commitment to providing outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, and embarking on a new era of pioneering research.
27 bachelor’s programs | 14 master’s programs | 4 research institutes | 3 research centers Executive Education | PhD in Engineering Systems Management
Learn more:
www.aus.edu/cen AUS has been ranked in the world's top 50 universities under 50 years of age.
AUS has the highest percentage of international students of any ranked university in the world.
COVER STORY
6. Smart Homes
We live in an era where everything is “smart”. Smart phones are in each person’s pocket and smart cars riddle the streets. And it’s a necessity––to live and be smart, especially when there’s so much room to fail. For a few years now, smart homes have been comfortably situated in most subdivisions. Interconnected systems that can be controlled by phone 26
apps now gift us with the ability to control the factors that make our homes hotter and colder, wherever in the house we may be. As easy as unlocking the phone and launching the app, you can come back to a “pre-cooled” room, turn the A/C off while deep asleep, and even schedule on-times and off-times for your home air-conditioning systems.
Summary Overall, HVACR units have become better and better, and will continue to advance in the coming years. While this list only shows a small handful of the current state of air-conditioning technology, as well as probable trends one can pre-
dict, there are countless other breakthroughs in this field. As we turn stones in order to discover the next big thing in the HVACR industry, we can only anticipate and watch in awe as these air-conditioners get cooler and cooler.
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NEWS
Carrier Transicold’s PIEK-compliant Supra® CNG Earns Another Award at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 The Supra CNG unit was honored with the Trailer Innovation Award in the environment category, the third award since its launch less than a year ago. The new unit is attracting attention for its PIEK- compliant, high-performance refrigeration solution, which significantly reduces emissions, while also increasing operator efficiency. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. 30
(NYSE: UTX). Developed for use with rigid trucks and drawbar trailers, the Supra CNG uses one source of CNG fuel, from a single refill point on the vehicle, which feeds independent tanks connected to the truck’s engine and the refrigeration unit. This configuration ensures the Supra unit can maintain cold chain integrity, allowing for full autonomy of the
refrigeration system even when the truck is idling – and making the refuelling process faster and more efficient for the operator. “Carrier Transicold is dedicated to developing sustainable refrigeration solutions for our customers to meet new challenges within their urban operations,” said Bertrand Gueguen, president, Truck / Trailer International, Carrier Transicold. “The Supra CNG has been designed to answer these challenges head on, combining improved sustainability with ultra-efficient new technologies.” The use of natural gas significantly reduces emissions, cutting particulate matter by up to 95 per cent, nitrogen oxide by up to 70 per cent and CO2 by up to 20 per cent, versus the emissions from current generation diesel technology.* The Supra CNG unit is available in single- and multi-temperature configurations, with the ability to heat or cool up to three different compartments. It is also PIEK compliant, meaning it operates at a sound level below 32
60 dB(A). Noise reduction is particularly important for truck deliveries in high density urban areas in the morning or late at night, as more municipalities across Europe enforce noise regulations and legislation. “As CNG-powered commercial vehicles grow in popularity across Europe for urban distribution, we are pleased to offer our customers a way to embrace this alternative fuel on their refrigeration units as well,” added Gueguen. The Supra CNG won this year’s Trailer Innovation Award in the environment category at IAA. Judged by a panel of industry experts, the Supra CNG was said to excel across the technical, engineering, safety compliance, environmental and performance criteria. The pioneering refrigeration unit also won the Solutrans 2017 Innovation Award (bronze) in the equipment category and the Sustainable Innovation Award from Stratégie Logistique.
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NEWS
LG’s Robust 2019 Line Of Smart HVAC Controls Driving The Future Of Connected Buildings Industry-Leading Controls Deliver Simplified, Convenient and Future-Ready Connected Experience
LG is empowering building owners and homeowners alike to optimize operations, improve flexibility, boost efficiency and enhance performance. “LG’s tremendous inroads in controls reflects our vision for bringing state-of-the-art products to market – from 34
our building management solutions and controls, to our residential IoT products,” said Kevin McNamara, senior vice president and general manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies. “LG’s platform agnostic strategy delivers seamless connectivity with other Building Management
Systems. With a broad range of connectivity solutions available today across our vast portfolio, we continue to deliver technological innovation and strong partner relationships, as we continually evolve the current technologies and launch future-ready products.” For light commercial and residential controls, LG’s “Open Partnership, Open Platform, Open Connectivity” strategy, represents a major step toward creating a smart home ecosystem with connected products for every room that are easily controlled at home or on-the-go. Wi-Fi is built into virtually all of LG’s 2019 appliances and the expanded Wi-Fi and LG SmartThinQ™ app capabilities for its line of VRF indoor units makes it easier for consumers to connect and interact with these devices. Setup is simple and convenient with the free LG SmartThinQ app, available for Android and iOS. With just one app, users can control the entire lineup of LG smart appliances in their home. Whether it’s turning on the air conditioner, preheating the oven on the way home from work, or checking the remaining laundry cycle time while at the gym, LG SmartThinQ brings consumers a new level of convenience. Additionally, LG’s Wi-Fi enabled indoor units are compatible with voice commands from the popular Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant. For commercial applications, LG is debuting its latest controller, the AC Smart 5. With its new HTML5-based graphical
user interface, the AC Smart 5 provides an intuitive way to monitor and control LG air conditioning units and LG RT DOAS whether on the integrated 10.2-inch LCD touchscreen or via the user’s preferred web browser. As a BACnet™ Gateway, the AC Smart 5 combines its user interface with the open BACnet protocol for native integration of LG systems to a number of building automation platforms for cohesive building management. Additionally, the AC Smart 5 now comes with a host of standard capabilities and reports including greater visibility into energy usage trends and planned usage to further simplify and improve operational efficiency. Other highlights include LG’s suite of advanced controls,
composed of the LG MultiSITE™ Remote Controller, Communications Manager and VM3 building management solution – all of which allow operators to take control of their buildings in ways that were not previously possible.
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NEWS
Formulation of Fusion 20 Latter-Half Three-Year Plan Co-create New Value in the Air and Environment Fields with Wisdom and Passion
Daikin Industries, Ltd. has formulated the latter-half three-year plan (from FY2018 to 2020) for its strategic management plan Fusion 20 with fiscal year 2020 as the final year. This year marks the mid-year of Fusion 20, which started in fiscal year 2016. Despite changes in the external business environment, such as currency fluctuations and sharp price increases for raw materials, Daikin has been expanding business until now while improving its management constitution through initiatives that include strengthening of sales capabilities and promotion
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of total cost reductions. Consequently, Daikin expects to achieve an operating income of 270 billion yen for this term as set forth in the original budget. Based on first-half results and business environment changes, Daikin set quantitative targets of 2,900 billion yen for net sales and 348 billion yen for operating income for fiscal year 2020 in the Fusion 20 Latter-Half Three-Year Plan. In addition to fortifying existing businesses centering on the United States and Asia, the plan serves to further expand business through aggressive investments and specific policies in line with
the changing times. These include expansion of the Air Conditioning Solutions business, which capitalizes on the widespread use of AI and IoT technologies, and the strengthening of environmental technologies. Looking to fiscal year 2020, Daikin aims to become a truly global and excellent company based on the newly established business foundation.
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MIDDLE EAST NEWS
Why undertaking an MBA at American University of Sharjah could be the best decision you make for your engineering career
Are you an engineer with aspirations to secure a management position, or start your own business? Have you considered how a Master of Business Administration (MBA) might help you realize these goals? An undergraduate engineering degree provides essential technical knowledge for entry-level engineering positions, and for the first few years in an engineer’s career. However, as engineers ascend in their orga38
nization, their time is often less focused on technical problems, and more toward solving business challenges. As engineers are promoted, they often encounter the challenge of managing people and teams, and are required to oversee budgets and timelines. For many engineers, undertaking an MBA allows them to navigate these challenges with confidence, and prove to their peers and leaders that they have not only excellent technical skills, but also
the capacity to strategically evaluate business problems and lead change. The MBA offered by the School of Business Administration (SBA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has long been a popular choice for ambitious engineers in the region, helping them to scale the heights of their profession, and, in some cases, successfully launch their own businesses and achieve financial success. The AUS MBA is one of the region’s most highly regarded. SBA has been ranked by U.S. News as being the region’s number one business school. It is also one of the region’s few
business schools to have achieved accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Of the 15,000 business schools worldwide, only 760 have been accredited by AACSB, demonstrating the standard of learning provided at SBA. Such accolades give engineers undertaking an MBA through AUS confidence that their degree will be recognized and respected throughout their future careers, whether in the Middle East or further afield. The structure and flexibility of AUS’ MBA allows engineers to 39
MIDDLE EAST NEWS
undertake the program while also successfully meeting the demands of their employers. The program has been designed to permit professionals who are busy with their career and family obligations to balance their commitments. The program’s courses are taught during weekday evenings, and students can take as little as 15 months or as long as five years to complete the MBA. A wide selection of course electives also allows MBA students to tailor the program to their career or industry needs. For many of AUS’ MBA students, 40
it is the experience and real-world understanding of SBA’s faculty that makes their experience so valuable. They represent 34 countries of origin, and have earned PhDs in their respective business disciplines from AACSB-accredited, predominantly North American, universities. Their understanding of the regional and global business environment offers SBA students precious insight, and prepares them well for the challenges and opportunities that await them as they advance through their careers.
In addition, the learning and sharing of ideas and experiences among the MBA student body is invaluable. Our students come from a wide range of academic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as industry experiences, providing valuable insights and connections within the AUS MBA student and alumni network. Kevin Rose Dias, who completed a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at AUS and who is now undertaking his MBA at AUS, says:
“During my time as a candidate for the Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the American University of Sharjah, I have been involved in extensive academic and research work contributing to the program and my profession. My professional journey as a data analyst in business intelligence and marketing analytics is complemented by my MBA studies and academic research paths I have undertaken. The leadership, decision-making and innovation attitude fostered through the MBA program has also enabled me to contribute
back to the community, reflected by my being a guest speaker at various university/public events and my various published research work. The MBA studies have definitely complemented my engineering undergraduate degree, building on my design-thinking mentality and giving me considerably more scope for accelerated growth in my chosen career path.� To learn more about the AUS MBA, visit: www.aus.edu/sba.
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MIDDLE EAST NEWS
Oscillating Axle is a Valuable Feature on Rough Terrain Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) often integrated into scissor lifts and boom lifts
When using an oscillating axle system, the two sides of the axle can pivot in response to flooring surface on which they operate so that all wheels remain on the ground when the equipment is on the move, but lock into place when the boom is elevated, to ensure stability. This means greater safety when operating the boom, and a smoother ride
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and greater operator control (and confidence) when moving the equipment. The system also reduces the risk that the AWP will get stuck, because the wheels are always in contact with the ground so they can always be used to propel the equipment over the terrain.
MIDDLE EAST NEWS
Not all AWPs are fitted with the feature, as it requires a more complex mechanical system with more hydraulics and more electronics. Nonetheless over the years, oscillating axles have been offered as a standard feature on more and more AWPs produced by most of the leading manufacturers. Normally, if the platform is in the air, the oscillating axle feature is disabled. The reason is that the stability is reduced. Indeed, if ever there is any sort of equipment malfunction, one of the checks that we at Manlift run is to ensure that the oscillating axle system does automatically lock during operation and is only functional when the platform is in transport position. However, an interesting variation is the active oscillating axle offer by Genie. This system has the additional benefit of being able to drive the AWP even when the boom is elevated and while the axle is oscillating. This brings with it improved maneuverability over slightly uneven ground even when the access platform is elevated. The various usages and benefits of oscillating axle were discussed during IPAF trainings to give operators a full understanding of how this important feature works and how to use it to best advantage.
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A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S
How to Conduct an Open House Day for Access Platforms Clients? Manlift Group Marketing Tips The key focus of Manlift’s open house day is the demonstration of the Manlift Way Having an open house day will allow us to build a foundation of trust with new and existing customers who are working in any industry that utilizes aerial work platforms. This delivery of the best customer experience is an important part of our mission and vision at Manlift as well as give our customers the chance to learn about our new value solutions that help them achieve the highest level of safety and efficiency. The key focus of Manlift’s open house day is the demonstration of the Manlift Way. As the heartbeat of our company, the Manlift Way aims to showcase the latest improvements and advancements in our processes and services 46
while giving added values to our (potential) customers. Additionally, such an event is a great reason for everyone to have look around, chat with our key account managers, or other stakeholders and experience the culture of Manlift. 360 degree Task Force Team Preparation is the key! As with any event, organizing an open house day requires COOPERATION. It works only if everyone is willingly giving time and effort to the project and bringing their differing skills to the table. Being systematic and having a proper agenda and action reg-
ister will help to not only gain an overview on all the steps that need to be taken, but also to not forget any important aspects: Defining next the project owner who drives and leads the project, coordinates with different team members and supports the team when needed is crucial. Defining next the project owner who drives and leads the project, coordinates with different team members and supports the team when needed is crucial. At Manlift, “The Manlift Way champion” makes sure to grant the best yard layout, promoting great visual experience, and an excellent flow to facilitate a “walk
A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S through� the depot rental cycle, incl. the explanation of our depot bays. In fact, for each depot cell, we allocate a team member to share key criterias of the respective bay station. Prior to the event, the workshop manager, yard controller and safety representative conduct the 6S internally and externally. They prepare the visual signages, re-paint mark cell boundaries if necessary and carry out a depot risk assessment. We also suggest barricading off the area of the tour. On a final note, the safety measures also need to be checked and made available such as PPE, high visibility vest and workshop layout displays. From the communication point of view, the marketing team is responsible for sending out the invitations and promoting the Manlift Open House Day. This will be conducted through landing pages,press releases, and across all social media channels with a special attraction to come to the event with something that’s new and beneficial for customers. Furthermore, the marketing team is responsible for creating a professional ambiance with proper, consistent branding in the yard. Manlift’s value propositions will be displayed through banners or pop ups and marketing materials such as leaflets and brochures. We will also create a nice give away for our customers, to make an impact on how we are perceived by them in return. 48
The Commercial Team will be responsible for the tour guides, carrying out personal tours, and sending personal invites to customers across all industries. Our Stores Controller ensures proper parts Kanban (signboard in Japanese).
and time at the beginning of your team meeting.
Training Department conducts a live IPAF training during the Open House Day.
At least two weeks prior to the event, set a deadline for registration once the date of the Open House Day is confirmed and announced accordingly.
Rental Desk Team / Hire Desk Team prepares KPI visual display, KPI explanation, hire process, sales app, etc.
In any case, the best way to learn is to visit us and experience Manlift for yourself!
At least one representative from all departments should be involved. Make sure to agree on a proper budget to avoid facing any financial burdens in the end. Also, make sure to define the day
A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S Filipinos recognize Fidel V. Ramos, or FVR, as the 12th President of the Philippine Republic who served from 1992 to 1998. The non-Roman Catholic leader was confronted with key national issues like the communist insurgencies and the Islamic separatist movement in Mindanao, but managed to forward the rapid economic growth early in his term. This fell apart later when a financial crisis hit Asia in 1997.
A President and Civil Engineering Board Exam Topnotcher FVR may not be a lawyer like many of the Philippine Presidents, but he is a licensed civil engineer who was a topnotcher.
Before he became the country’s commander-in-chief prior to Corazon Aquino, he was head of the Philippine Constabulary during Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. He was a key implementer of the martial law, but later defected from the government during the 1986 People Power Revolution. FVR led civilian demonstrations putting Marcos into exile. That is what is mostly written in history books about him. But there is also one thing that people should know about FVR which makes him unique among the Philippine presidents: FVR may not be a lawyer, but he is a licensed civil engineer who was a topnotcher. Prior to this achievement, FVR joined the Philippine Military Academy as a cadet but didn’t finish as the 18-year-old won a government scholarship to the United States Military Academy in West Point. This was after he passed a series of qualifying examinations which he aced. 50
A year after graduating in 1950, he grabbed the opportunity to take an engineering course in the US and applied for a government scholarship. He was accepted. FVR received a one-and-a-halfyear grant for his Masters of Civil Engineering degree in one of the leading science and technology universities in the US, the University of Illinois. FVR came back home with his master’s degree and reported to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He was assigned
to the southern military area in Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna where the Hukbalahap movement was active. It wasn’t long that the Korean War intervened and his battalion combat team was sent to the war zone in Korea in 1952. His tour of duty was successful, so he came to the country only to be assigned to a star position in General Headquarters, AFP. Realizing that he wants to be board-certified about his being a
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civil engineer, FVR reviewed for the board examination. At the time, he was working at Camp Aguinaldo (then Camp Murphy) and had to find all the means to rush to school.
felt the need to help in rebuilding the structures of his beloved country.
He revealed in a Business Mirror interview that his decision to become an engineer came a little late at 17 years old.
“I saw the massive damage when we came back to Manila after liberation sometime in February 1945,” FVR recalls. “And when I was crossing the Pasig River on a pontoon bridge, put up by the American liberation forces because the old Nagtahan Bridge had been blown up, I decided right then and there to become an engineer, in order to help in the reconstruction of the Philippines.”
That was after World War II, where many of the Philippines’ buildings were destroyed including the Post Office Building, the Manila Metropolitan Theater, and the Manila City Hall. FVR saw the wreckage and
After he topped the board exam and just as he felt the need to settle down and get married, FVR met a former schoolmate named Amelita Martinez. They got married after six months of courtship.
The 25-year-old FVR took the 1953 Civil Engineering Board Examination at the National University in Sampaloc, Manila, only to place 8th overall.
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In the early days of their marriage, FVR decided to enroll at the University of the Philippines College of Law to follow the footsteps of his father, former Ambassador Narciso Ramos, who was a successful lawyer and diplomat. However, this became difficult for the couple that his wife had made him choose. “But it turned out that going to UP Law in the Ermita district was too much of my newly married status, and so my wife gave me an ultimatum: It’s either me or that law degree that you want so badly,” he says. “So I said, ‘of course I want you,’ and I gave up the law degree.” Note that six of the Philippine Presidents were bar topnotchers. FVR is one of the non-lawyers,
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and the only one to receive a distinction of being a board topnotcher. FVR went on to take two more master’s degree: one in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines in 1969, and the other is in Business Administration at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1980. He holds five degrees as doctor of laws honoris causa. To add to that is the books he wrote counting close to 30 while in retirement. Politics didn’t end for FVR after his term as President, as he was still involved in several 54
influential political organizations. A little less than two years before the 2010 national elections, he urged voters to elect an engineer for President, if there were any. He hinted during a keynote speech in a Cebu conference that an engineer can better lead the Philippines compared to an economist. He said this without naming names. “Let’s just say that we need someone who can visualize the whole picture, start and actualize,” FVR shares, referring to the skills inherent to an engineer.
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Senior Citizen Engineer? Nobody is Ever Too Old Age is just a number in Engineering! I browse engineers’ forums regularly. In Quora and in Reddit, I always come across posts about users, sometimes in late 20s and more often in mid-30s, asking for public opinion whether or not they should pursue an engineering course at that age. And the answers, which come from the younger ones to people of their batch, unanimously express one thing: age is just a number. It must be taboo for them that once you are no longer in the ideal age to be a college student, you are less likely to succeed or not at all. Last time I checked, there is no standard age to enroll in engineering. Hence, nobody is ever too old to become an engineer, or to become any professional for that matter. From the forums, I have gathered that many brave – and old – souls have made the jump; however, they are not too many to be common. A lot of them come from different industries, regardless if related to engineering, but realized that they want to become an engineer later in life. Which is completely all right. I agree with the answers because age is just a number indeed – it is immaterial to reach one’s dreams. ‘Age doesn’t matter’ is usually 56
applied in other contexts but it fits so well in this situation. One cannot rule out though that there may be to varying circumstances that affect the decision of the elderly to be involved in engineering. But I can say that they can only be ruled out as excuses – unless they are planning to take engineering half-heartedly – once they know the story of Colonel Sanders who went through an awful lot in life before he became an icon of Finger Lickin’ Good.
Long before he was known to be the founder of the famous fastfood chain KFC, Colonel Sanders had worked different odd jobs like a farmer, streetcar conductor, soldier, railroad fireman, lawyer, insurance salesman, steamboat operator, secretary, and lighting manufacturer, among others. This was after he quit school in seventh grade realizing that he would rather work all day than go to school. In the first half of his life, he also had a stint in Cuba with the Army. Until in 1930, he acquired a ser-
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vice station in Corbin, Kentucky and served Southern dishes to travelers. Over time, his little restaurant became famous which forced him to get rid of the service station’s gas pump. It took him 9 years to discover the signature “11 herbs and spices” that KFC is well-known for, a recipe that was developed in a pressure cooker now considered obsolete. It had the ideal consistency that Sanders had been looking for. Undoubtedly, his chicken gained 58
wide popularity. Later, he was conferred by the governor of Kentucky in 1950 with a title of colonel, the highest honor the state can give. From then on, Colonel Sanders dressed in white suit and Kentucky colonel tie which is now used as the KFC icon. But a new interstate had bypassed Sanders’ restaurant, forcing him to sell the location in 1956. He was left with a $105 Social Security check for income, but the 65-yearold did not leave the business and went door to door
with his chicken. Together with his wife and a car, Colonel Sanders entered restaurants, offered to cook his chicken, and made a deal with the owners in case they liked the recipe. By 1963, he already had 600 restaurants across the US and Canada selling the signature Kentucky Fried Chicken. In October of the same year, Colonel Sanders met lawyer John Y. Brown Jr. and venture capitalist Jack C. Massey who wanted to buy the franchise rights. In 1965 and at 73 years
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old, he finally agreed to sell the rights for $2 million (valued at $15.1 million in 2015), but under certain conditions: KFC keeps the chicken recipe, and Colonel Sanders gets a lifetime salary of $40,000 (which became $75,000 later) and remains as the brand ambassador, among others. In October of the same year, Colonel Sanders met lawyer John Y. Brown Jr. and venture capitalist Jack C. Massey who wanted to buy the franchise rights. In 1965 and at 73 years old, he finally agreed to sell the rights for $2 million (valued at $15.1 million in 2015), but under certain conditions: KFC keeps the chicken recipe, and Colonel Sanders gets a lifetime salary of 60
$40,000 (which became $75,000 later) and remains as the brand ambassador, among others. Colonel Sanders may not be an engineer, but there are valuable lessons to learn about his journey that should be picked up by those who think that it’s too late to achieve success in life. Nobody is ever too old to become an engineer. It doesn’t matter if you are 36 or 43, one only needs hardwork, patience and determination to succeed in life because again, age is just a number.