Canama's BSChE e-Portfolio
Project Management
Along with the competency to socialize and form effective communication is the ability of an engineer to thoroughly organize and implement activities and events and produce quality results. A testament of a well-prepared outcomes is the process or journey in initiating ideas and collaborate with one another in the process.
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Showcased in this section the activities in and out of the curriculum that were made possible by possessing the competency of applying management skills throughout.
Project Planning
An activity would not be made possible if without the preparations and projections needed to pursue the target outcome desired. Planning is a stage where one conceptualize how the execution will be and the needed tools to perform such task. This is evident through the preparations and planning over the course of a laboratory experiment (Check out Investigations tab). Through an experiment plan and a solid ground on the operation and theoretical background of the work, the execution would be smooth and result would immediately show as expected (or maybe not).
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Aside from the experiment plan, another form of preparation executed during my BSChE journey are Gantt charts. This was first introduced by our class during our Technopreneurship and Engineering Management classes. This is a form of a table or diagram that shows the key outputs and tasks that needs to be done and the projected timeline of how these tasked needs to be accomplished. This tool is very useful so that one can keep track on what task is needed to be accomplished and if there are any backlogs that has to be paid close attention to.
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The Gantt chart was actually used first during our Equipment Design classes where we coordinated with our groupmates on the tasks and the needed activities to be made. The meetings also account of what tools are needed to further tick off the objectives upon completion. Here are the sample Gantt Charts made during our Chemical Reaction Design and Separation Design projects.
Click on the Excel icon to the Chemical Reactor Equipment Design Gantt chart
Click on the Excel icon to the Separation Equipment Design Gantt chart
Click on the picture to see Research Project Gantt chart
With these Gantt charts, I was able to clear my head on what steps are to be done and what tasks I am assigned to. This technique in planning ahead would minimize (at least) the tendency to cram project and result to half-baked outputs.
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Another way of preparing projects is to create concept maps. A concept map (or mind map) is a visual diagram which a general topic is trimmed down to details and specifications based on a set classification or cluster. This allows the one who makes or the one who uses to detect particular gaps of information and make possible connections between sets of data or idea. This was certainly useful during our research and CPD projects where we are able to find knowledge gaps to which we can work on with the project. This leads us to be a part of our contribution to science.
Click on the picture to see Research Project Mind Map
Industrial Product Simulations
One of the subjects that allowed us to conduct our management skills was through our Chemical Product Industries Laboratory Simulation. Through each of the experiment, groups were tasked to manufacture common industry products that are feasible at a laboratory scale. We were given the freedom to improve, manage, and finance each of the products that are to be made. With these activities, we were honed not only to be knowledgeable in making or manufacture these products but also plan, execute, and optimize the procedures that we make. In this manner, our management skills were put to test in each of the product.
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In my group, we decided to assign ourselves on roles for each experiment. Some of us were tasked to research possible procedures that can be done at home; another person is assigned on financial management and marketing; and one who will do the manufacturing process. These roles were shuffled in each experiment to give each one a chance to experience what if it is to research, budget, and produce the assigned item.
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In the laboratory class, there were five products that were made at the comforts of our home (since it was in the middle of the pandemic). Here are the plans, execution, and reports made by our group in compliance of the requirement set by the subject.
Events and Webinars
Being a part of a student organization has taught me skills that are learned beyond the four corners of the classroom. The experiences of sharing thoughts and ideas, perform tasks and assignments, to handling members and honing my leadership skills were tested while being a member of the USC Chemical Engineering Society (USCChES)
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One of the highlights of the many events that I was part of is the Students' Chemical Engineering Summit (SChES) 2021, a revival of the province-wide invitation of students in exploring more of the chemical engineering field. In the advantage of a virtual setup, we have invited participants all across the Philippines (making it now a nationwide event) to listen and engage to several events. In the 3-day event, we conducted webinars, professional-student linkages, and competitions which enhances the holistic development of participants as they become the next budding chemical engineers. As part of the organizing team, I was assigned to head the "ChORUM" segment of the event which entails an interlinkage of professionals to students and bridge the gap between these two by presenting topics relative to the event's theme. I proposed the idea of having break-out rooms with a set of students and professionals to convene and openly discuss the topic given to them.
Throughout the experience, there were definitely ups and downs over the course of preparations. From rejections to successful partnerships, loss of internet connection to a wholesome quorum discussion. The uncertainty of the participants were tied upon the anxiousness to pull off a great event. Upon reaching the actual day, all efforts were worth it. Here are some snippets of the said summit.
Another event that I was part of is the ChES Bowl which is an annual event where the Society welcomes the freshmen of the Department of Chemical Engineering of USC through a fun, unconventional quiz bowl. In this event, we prepared categories of any kind from meeting the people of the department, simple mathematics, general knowledge, movies, and so much more. This is our way of making the participant know of USCChES and a way to market the organization for new recruits. As part of the organizers, I was able to hold the event on virtual settings and made it happen even at the comfort of their homes.
Aside from student organizations, one of the activities done in the classroom setting is to conduct an early-career webinar where each groups is to look for a particular industry of interest, determine a speaker whose experience fall unto an early career setting who is willing to share his or her experiences and lessons that the students needs to know once he/she enters the workforce. My groupmates and I are fortunate to invite Engr. Joan Jet Gempero, an brewing associate in San Miguel Brewery, Inc. to share her experiences despite limitations in confidentiality. Specifically, I was assigned to make the documentations and evaluation of the event by creating forms and dispatch these to the participants as exit ticket to the event. Here is a screenshot of the webinar organized by our group.
