Academic Research and Writing Assignment Sample

Academic Research and Writing Assignment 

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Part 1

Introduction

"The natural environment, as well as the health and happiness of people, are significantly impacted by buildings. They account for around 40% of the UK's carbon emissions and consume enormous quantities of resources, including water and energy." British Green Building Council

"Sustainability should be at the forefront of all new developments, and through design and innovation, we can help reduce our carbon footprint, create a healthier built environment and save money in the long term." — Sarah Cary, British Land's head of sustainable places.

The Importance of Sustainability in the Construction Industry

Sustainability has a significant impact on the economy, the environment, and public health and well-being, it is essential for the built environment in the UK construction industry. Over 40% of the UK's carbon emissions are attributable to the built environment, with the building sector playing a substantial role (Mellado and Lou, 2020). By lowering energy, water, and trash output, sustainable building techniques can lessen the environmental impact of buildings. Moreover, sustainable structures can help individuals live in a more comfortable and healthy environment, enhancing their quality of life. Finally, by lowering energy costs and generating new job possibilities, sustainable construction can help support the UK's economic expansion.

Discuss How Sustainability in the Construction Industry Impacts the Built Environment

Due to its substantial effects on the economy, the environment, and public health and well-being, sustainability in the UK's construction industry is crucial for the built environment.

First off, a sizable amount of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the built environment, with the building sector playing a big role in this. By increasing energy efficiency, utilising renewable energy sources, and minimising waste, sustainable construction techniques can help lower carbon emissions (Lima et al., 2021). The building sector may do this to lessen the effects of climate change on the environment.

Second, employing sustainable construction techniques can also help people live in environments that are more cosy and healthy. This can be accomplished by taking steps like enhancing indoor air quality, utilising products that don't produce dangerous chemicals, and constructing structures to encourage natural light and ventilation (Newman et al., 2021). These steps can encourage happiness and productivity while lowering the risk of health issues linked to poor indoor air quality.

Finally, sustainable construction practises can also contribute to the UK's economic growth. By reducing energy bills, sustainable buildings can save money for occupants and owners in the long term (Ma et al., 2020). Moreover, the shift towards sustainable construction practises can create new job opportunities, driving economic growth and innovation in the industry. Sustainability in the UK's construction sector is crucial for the built environment because it may lessen the effects of climate change, enhance public health and well-being, and spur economic growth.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: London's Crystal

The Crystal is a green building in London that acts as a centre for innovation and sustainable development. The structure has a BREEAM Excellent rating and is totally powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and ground source heat pumps. The structure also has cutting-edge energy-saving technologies including rainwater collection and smart building systems (Levett et al., 2020). The Crystal has held events and exhibitions centred on sustainable development and innovation and acts as a showcase for sustainable building techniques.

Case Study No. 2: One Brighton, Brighton

One Brighton is a green housing complex in Brighton that has garnered recognition for its cutting-edge green architecture. The complex includes 172 energy-efficient apartments with triple-glazed windows, solar thermal panels, and communal heating systems, among other features (Yalç?n and Foxon, 2021). A green roof, rainwater collection, and a biodiverse landscape design are additional features of the development. One Brighton has received accolades for its creative approach to sustainability and has served as a role model for sustainable housing developments both inside and outside of the UK (Gardner, 2022). A car-sharing programme and other environmental activities have been encouraged for residents as part of the development's efforts to support sustainable living.

Future Implications

Further developments in technology and a stronger emphasis on circular economy principles are expected in the UK construction industry's pursuit of sustainability. Many consequences and advancements are possible, as follows:

• Buildings that are both net-zero and carbon-negative - With the UK aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the construction sector is likely to concentrate on creating structures that are both energy-efficient and derive their energy from renewable sources (Nazir et al., 2021). The embodied carbon of buildings, or the carbon emissions linked to their structure and materials, will also receive more attention.
• Offsite construction - Offsite construction technologies are increasingly being used since they cut down on waste and promote building efficiency. For instance, using modular construction techniques can speed up construction while reducing the amount of waste generated on-site.
• Principles of the circular economy - The construction sector is also likely to put emphasis on adopting the principles of the circular economy, which emphasise minimising waste and reusing or recycling materials (Onat and Kucukvar, 2020). Creating structures that can be easily disassembled at the end of their useful lives will allow for the recovery and reuse of materials.
• Innovative materials - Research and development efforts will continue to be directed at creating sustainable, recyclable, and low-embodied carbon materials (Shurrab et al., 2019). For instance, there is increasing interest in building with mycelium-based materials, which are formed from the roots of mushrooms and can be shaped and sized to exact specifications.
• Smart building technologies - The usage of smart building technologies, which enable better control of energy use, heating and cooling, and lighting, is set to grow (Hossain et al., 2020). By doing this, you can increase building occupant comfort while using less energy.

Continued technological advancements and a stronger emphasis on circular economy principles are likely to shape the sustainability of the UK construction industry in the future with a view to lowering waste and carbon emissions as well as enhancing the built environment's overall sustainability.

Conclude

In conclusion, sustainability is an important factor for the UK construction sector to take into account because it has effects on the economy, the environment, and public health. With cutting-edge structures like The Crystal and One Brighton serving as examples of sustainable architecture, the sector has made great progress towards sustainable practises. To accomplish the UK's objective of net-zero emissions by 2050, however, there is still more work to be done, and the industry will need to keep developing new technologies and using circular economy principles to do so. Future research may focus on creating new materials, enhancing the effectiveness of off-site construction techniques, and investigating the possibilities for energy-saving smart building technologies.

Part 2

Introduction

To consistently generate high-quality work, it is crucial for academic researchers and writers to hone their abilities and methods. This study attempts to investigate how reflection affects academic writing and research processes such as utilising PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, listening to lectures, and referencing. I hope to learn more about how reflection might improve our skills through this research and pinpoint areas that need work. In academic research and writing, the application of these tools and procedures is essential, and it's critical to comprehend how reflection may support the development of these talents.

The Gibbs reflective model will be used in the study to direct reflection and assess how well the continuous improvement process is working. The approach offers a well-organized framework for considering past events and pinpointing areas that need development (Navaratnam et al., 2022). Evaluation of our note-taking during lectures, usage of PowerPoint and Microsoft Word to create effective presentations and papers, and academic writing skills will all be part of the reflection process.

The research's conclusions will shed important light on how reflection affects the process of continual growth for utilising PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, listening to lectures, and citing sources in academic research and writing. This study will add to the body of knowledge on the value of reflection in academic growth and offer suggestions for students and researchers to improve their abilities and methods. The ultimate goal of this research is to raise the standard of academic writing and research, resulting in more effective dissemination of concepts and conclusions.

Reflection on the Learning and Development

Gibbs reflective model is considered to be an integral part of the academic reflective writing style as it enables the writers to discuss about their thoughts and feelings in details (Adeani et al., 2020). I have made use of this model to ensure that I get to cover all the aspects of my learning journey.

Description: I've encountered many tools and methods throughout my academic career that have improved my writing and research abilities. I've gained knowledge on how to properly use MS Word, PowerPoint, listen to lectures, and reference.

Feelings: At first, I had trouble navigating around PowerPoint and MS Word. Yet with regular practise and advice from my lecturers, I developed my confidence and skill with both tools. I also found listening to lectures to be a difficult effort, but I soon realised that by paying attention and taking notes, I could learn more.

Evaluation:

I've been able to make presentations that effectively communicate my study findings thanks to the use of PowerPoint. I've learned how to make my presentations more understandable and clear by incorporating graphics like graphs and tables. On the other side, MS Word has made it possible for me to produce documents that are well-structured and ordered. My views have been presented in a clear and succinct manner thanks to the usage of headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

I've come to the conclusion that attentive listening is crucial for learning when attending lectures. I've gotten better at highlighting important content and taking notes, which has helped me remember knowledge during tests and when writing research papers (Ogunsanya et al., 2022). In my academic career, citing has been a crucial component, and I have mastered the use of APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles, among others. I am aware of how crucial it is to give credit where credit is due and avoid plagiarising the work of other academics in my field.

Analysis: My academic research and writing have benefited greatly by the use of PowerPoint, MS Word, listening to lectures, and referencing. I can now effectively communicate my thoughts, write more clearly, remember more material, and acknowledge the contributions of other academics in my field thanks to these tools and practises.

Conclusion: In summary, the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, active listening, and referencing have been crucial to my academic career. My ability to use a variety of tools and procedures has improved, and this has helped my writing and research. I can effectively express my thoughts and make a contribution to my field of study by using these methods and tools.

Action plan: I intend to keep practising and getting advice from my lecturers to continue honing my academic research and writing abilities. In order to improve my research and writing skills, I also intend to investigate more tools and methods.

Continuous Improvement

Description: I understand the necessity for ongoing progress in my use of PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, attending lectures, and referencing as I continue my academic journey. These methods and resources have grown to be essential to my academic research and writing, and I work to hone my use of them.

Feelings: I have a strong desire to keep developing my ability to use these tools and strategies. I understand that every time I utilise them, I pick up fresh information that can improve my writing and academic research skills.

Evaluation: I have improved with time in using MS Word and PowerPoint. I've picked up new skills like using sophisticated formatting tools in Microsoft Word to make documents look more polished and adding animations and transitions to my PowerPoint presentations. I've learnt to pay greater attention to non-verbal indicators when I'm listening to lectures because they can give more contexts to the course subject, such voice tone and body language. I also make it a point to go over my notes after each class to ensure that I fully comprehend the subject. In terms of referencing, I've learnt to be more detailed when crediting my sources and to precisely follow the unique style requirements set forth for each project. I also often ask my lecturers for input to make sure my referencing is precise and up to their standards.

Analysis: My academic success depends on continuous development. I can improve my research and writing skills and keep up with the most recent trends and practises in my industry by continuously analysing my abilities and looking for new strategies and tools. The constant improvement process, in my opinion, is a crucial part of my academic study and writing. My ability to use PowerPoint, MS Word, listens to lectures, and reference effectively can be improved by constantly assessing my capabilities in these areas. I can continue to learn and advance as a researcher and writer through this approach.

Action Plan: In order to continue the process of continuous improvement, I intend to look for new resources like webinars, seminars, and online tutorials to increase my abilities to use PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, pay attention to lectures, and reference. I also intend to establish clear objectives for each tool and approach and review my progress towards reaching those objectives on a regular basis. I may continue to hone my academic research and writing skills by putting these into practise.

Reflection of Presentation

Description: My academic research and writing have relied heavily on the process of reflecting on my use of PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, listening to lectures, and referencing. I've been able to pinpoint my areas for development through introspection and make changes to better my abilities.

Feelings: Reflecting on my employment of these tools and strategies, I have a sense of accomplishment. I can identify my strengths and places for improvement by analysing my performance, which keeps me inspired and committed to my objectives.

Evaluation: Throughout the reflection process, I was able to assess how well I used MS Word and PowerPoint to produce persuasive and interesting presentations. In order to effectively communicate my thoughts, I need to use more inventive images in my presentations and organise my writing. These are two areas where I need to make improvements.

Analysis: Regarding listening to lectures, I've reviewed my note-taking techniques and made improvements to strengthen my memory. In order to make sure that my citations are correct and fulfil the assignment's requirements, I have also analysed how I use references and made changes. Understanding my skills and shortcomings in utilising PowerPoint, MS Word, paying attention to lectures, and referencing has improved as a result of the reflection process. I can pinpoint areas where I need to concentrate my efforts to advance my research and writing abilities by reviewing my performance.

Conclusion: Reflection is a crucial part of my academic writing and research process. I can find areas for growth and make changes to improve my skills by periodically reflecting on how I use PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, listen to lectures, and reference. I can constantly develop my skills and become a better writer and researcher through reflection.

Action Plan: I intend to schedule specific time to routinely assess how well I'm using these tools and strategies in order to continue the reflective process. To learn more about how I can do better, I also intend to ask my teachers and peers for their input. I can continue to improve as a researcher and writer by doing these steps.

Personal Development Plan

Academic Skills to Develop:	Plan to Develop Skills	Future Implementation
Communication Skill	It might be beneficial to practise speaking and writing clearly and effectively, using the right vocabulary and tone for various audiences and objectives, in order to improve communication skills. Also, you might practise taking notes, actively listening, and clearly and succinctly summarising facts. Finding chances to practise giving presentations or facilitating group conversations can also help you become more confident and effective at communicating.	It might be beneficial to practise active listening, effective writing, and self-assured public speaking to improve communication skills. You can take part in group conversations, practise information summarization, and offer helpful criticism to others. Becoming involved in groups or organisations might provide you more chances to practise speaking in various settings. Finally, getting input from mentors and peers can aid in identifying your areas of growth and helping you to improve your communication abilities.
Critical Thinking Skill	You might concentrate on asking questions, examining arguments, and assessing evidence in a deliberate and reflective manner to build critical thinking skills. By participating in group discussions, reading and evaluating academic articles, and actively looking for other viewpoints on a subject, you can develop your critical thinking skills.	It's crucial to practise studying and assessing various arguments and perspectives if you want to improve your critical thinking abilities. You might start by questioning your own presumptions and biases and raising issues to better understand various subjects. You can develop your critical thinking abilities by reading academic publications and participating in discussions with lecturers and peers. Debating other viewpoints and taking part in group projects can both help you develop your critical thinking skills.
Research Skills	It can be beneficial to practise conducting research in a methodical and effective way in order to enhance research skills. This could entail locating pertinent sources, making good use of databases and search engines, and assessing the quality and relevancy of information. You can also ask your professors or classmates for feedback to help you develop your research abilities over time.	Finding the resources you have at your disposal, such as academic databases, libraries, and research tools, is a good place to start if you want to improve your research abilities. Use a variety of search methods and approaches to locate sources that are pertinent and trustworthy. It's crucial to develop the skills necessary to evaluate the reliability and value of sources and correctly reference them in your writing. You can improve your research abilities by taking part in research projects, going to workshops, and working with instructors and colleagues.

Conclusion

I've learned the value of always honing my PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, lecture-listening, and reference skills for academic research and writing throughout my academic career. My development as a researcher and writer has depended heavily on my ability to reflect on the tools and methods I've used.

Through evaluation, I was able to pinpoint my areas for growth and make changes to strengthen my skills. I've picked up new skills and methods, such how to use Microsoft Word's extensive formatting options and nonverbal clues to better comprehend class material. In order to ensure correctness and conformity to specified style rules, I have also honed my referencing abilities. I now have a better awareness of my advantages and disadvantages while employing these tools and strategies thanks to analysis. I may concentrate my efforts on constantly improving my research and writing skills by identifying my areas for development. Thus, the concept of constant development is essential to my success in school. I can pinpoint areas for development and make changes to strengthen my skills by periodically reflecting on how I use PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, listen to lectures, and reference. I may continue to improve as a writer and researcher through this method, finally accomplishing my academic objectives.

References

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Gardner, J., 2022. A Contemporary Archaeology of London’s Mega Events: From the Great Exhibition to London 2012. UCL Press.

Hossain, M.U., Ng, S.T., Antwi-Afari, P. and Amor, B., 2020. Circular economy and the construction industry: Existing trends, challenges and prospective framework for sustainable construction. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 130, p.109948.

Levett, T., Alford, K., Roberts, J., Adler, Z., Wright, J. and Vera, J.H., 2020. Evaluation of a combined HIV and geriatrics clinic for older people living with HIV: The Silver Clinic in Brighton, UK. Geriatrics, 5(4), p.81.

Lima, L., Trindade, E., Alencar, L., Alencar, M. and Silva, L., 2021. Sustainability in the construction industry: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cleaner Production, 289, p.125730.

Ma, H., Liu, Z., Zeng, S., Lin, H. and Tam, V.W., 2020. Does megaproject social responsibility improve the sustainability of the construction industry?. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(4), pp.975-996.

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Navaratnam, S., Satheeskumar, A., Zhang, G., Nguyen, K., Venkatesan, S. and Poologanathan, K., 2022. The challenges confronting the growth of sustainable prefabricated building construction in Australia: Construction industry views. Journal of Building Engineering, 48, p.103935.

Nazir, F.A., Edwards, D.J., Shelbourn, M., Martek, I., Thwala, W.D.D. and El-Gohary, H., 2021. Comparison of modular and traditional UK housing construction: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 19(1), pp.164-186.

Newman, C., Edwards, D., Martek, I., Lai, J., Thwala, W.D. and Rillie, I., 2021. Industry 4.0 deployment in the construction industry: a bibliometric literature review and UK-based case study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), pp.557-580.

Ogunsanya, O.A., Aigbavboa, C.O., Thwala, D.W. and Edwards, D.J., 2022. Barriers to sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry: an exploratory factor analysis. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(5), pp.861-872.

Onat, N.C. and Kucukvar, M., 2020. Carbon footprint of construction industry: A global review and supply chain analysis. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 124, p.109783.

Shurrab, J., Hussain, M. and Khan, M., 2019. Green and sustainable practices in the construction industry: a confirmatory factor analysis approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(6), pp.1063-1086.

Yalç?n, N.G. and Foxon, T.J., 2021. A systemic approach to transitions towards circular economy: The case of Brighton and Hove. Cleaner Environmental Systems, 3, p.100038.