In-class meeting: agenda, minutes & recommendations

Problem: traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi


Date of meeting: 7th March 2011
Time of meeting: 16:10
Venue: W007
Group members:
Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
Secretary: Jaber.
Participant: Hedley.
Venue preparation:

Grouping of chairs round tables



Agenda:
Underground parking.
Paid parking/short term – long term.
Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
Public transport.
Increase age of driver (i.e. licences only at a later age than the present system allows).




The chairman Abdul Aziz opened the meeting at 16:32

1. Underground parking.
Jaber said it is a good idea
Hedley worried about the price.
Abdul Aziz 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. Abdul Aziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested and Jaber and Abdul Aziz 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 and delay of implementing such schemes was mentioned by Jaber & Abdul Aziz.

4. Public transport
Abdul Aziz 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. Abdul Aziz 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. Abdul Aziz 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.

Interview report

The interview took place in Room C0001 of ADMC on Sunday 3^rd March, at 10.45 a.m. The interviewee was Sultan Ahmad Al Qubaisi, H00247456, who was applying for the post of business manager. As usual I acted as chairman of the interviewing panel, while detailed questions were asked by Ghanem Al Hassani, H00237051, and Hamad Alkhoori, H00251326.

I began by inviting Sultan to introduce himself. He did so fluently and confidently, with good eye contact and body language which suggested preparation and confidence. He said that he had graduated from the ADMC bachelor’s programme and then gone on to study for his MBA at Manchester University in England. He said his experience of studying overseas had been a thoroughly positive and rewarding one. He had been forced to fend for himself and had learnt how to become independent and self-reliant.

Hamad and Ghanem asked their questions in a rather quiet fashion. I think in future both need to speak up and to prepare what questions they are going to ask in advance. Sultan scored well in voice  and language, with good volume, grammar and vocabulary used throughout. No nervous habits were exhibited. Visual cues suggested high confidence.

Overall it was obvious that Sultan had prepared for the interview and as a result he performed well and attained a good grade.

220 words