Why Mobility Matters in the Philippines

Mobility is a challenge in the Philippines, whether due to heavy congestion in metropolitan areas or a lack of connections in suburbs and provinces. Commuters' daily experiences, on the other hand, can vary greatly.

With a newly appointed leader in the country, the stakes are high in accommodating one of our country’s biggest weaknesses - access to mobility.

For more than a half-century, the country's progress has been hampered by a lack of safe and functional transportation system for everything from mass transit to the efficient transportation of goods, the use of personal automobiles, and even systems for safe cycling and walking.

According to research, when roadways provide a high level of mobility, there is a marked increase in prosperity and social inclusion. Mobility does not simply imply the construction of more roads, trains, subways, bike paths, and walkways. It entails designing them so that the greatest number of people can travel comfortably and conveniently, in accordance with their personal preferences and taking into account any personal conditions that may limit them.

Here are 4 key principles we need to optimize our mobility capability in the country:

1. Prioritize social inclusion in transportation design.

System adaptations should be made to assist people with physical or intellectual disabilities, non-native speakers of the region's language, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultural outsiders. This does not always necessitate new infrastructure improvements; it can be accomplished through more frequent schedules, personal assistance for the elderly and people with disabilities, and applications that make it easier to coordinate rides.

2. Create new cross alternative options to private car commuting and public transit.

Private cars cause traffic congestion, and many people would rather save money. Traditional public transportation frequently involves inconvenient procedures and multiple transfers. A rapidly increasing number of cities are looking for novel solutions. For example, Beijing established a metro pass reservation system through which people could pre-book their train seats and avoid long lines at the station. Other cities have established on-demand local shuttle systems, with rides summoned via smartphone, as well as bicycle kiosks. These types of innovations have a significant impact on mobility because they enable citizens to get around without having to own their own vehicles.

3. Encourage community participation to ensure that economic policies are human-centered

This underscores the importance of participation: when city officials and local citizens are engaged, system design improves. Consider how tedious, confusing, and frustrating it is to use a poorly designed app or remote control device. That's how many people feel when they're forced to use public transportation.

Several practices can assist developers in becoming more aware of local community needs. We deserve the best government service as taxpayers. Many transportation and mobility projects now only have bare-bones standards. Safety and convenience appear to be afterthoughts in the various programs that have been implemented thus far.

We need better dialogues with our leaders to take care to dispel our own skepticism from previous ventures. Perhaps an administration that incentivizes rather than punishes is someone we should consider this time?

4. Carry out mobility pilots

Before scaling up, start small, collect data, and ensure that the impact is positive. This is known as a "minimal viable product" in the technology industry: an update that allows you to see how people use the offering in the real world. Without major investment, you can produce winning results with minimal viable infrastructure. Chicago, for example, accomplished this through its bicycle-sharing platforms, as well as other minor improvements such as marked bike lanes. Between 2000 and 2020, the percentage of trips taken by bicycle in the city increased by 53%.

We already know the troubles our country has with mobility as we get to experience them everyday. Now, it is time to know and actively engage with our appointed leaders with regard to their plans and what solutions they have for them. We are now at a crossroads for the future of our country.

Ultimately, this approach to transportation is not limited to urban areas. Suburban commuters and the elderly in rural areas both require assistance getting around. Our country’s leaders should learn from what the few proactive individuals have always known. When you look out for the least mobile people – the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with less disposable income – you improve life for everyone.

Are you an advocate for our country’s future?

Sources: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/05/when-it-comes-to-social-inclusion-mobility-matters/

What is the process framework of project management?

Project management is an approach to planning and controlling the work of a team to accomplish a specific goal. It focuses on establishing a plan, identifying the resources needed to achieve that plan, and taking action to meet established milestones while monitoring and controlling the work. While JCVA tailors the services we provide to each client, there is a framework we do use:

1. Initiate

At the beginning of the project, the project brief is defined and clarified. This means leveling off with the client and everyone involved about what exactly it is we are trying to achieve. This stage is where context is studied and sets out what happens in the proceeding ones.

2. Plan

Once the vision and goal of the project have been set, the planning stage happens. In this stage, everything is planned and mapped out well. Contracts and services are awarded and the design is also decided at this stage. As the saying goes: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. For a highly technical project with lots of moving parts, planning is everything.

3. Execute

At this stage, the plan is set in motion and contracts are administered. A lot of this stage depends on the previous stage. However, this is where lots of hiccups can happen. Leadership is important in steering the wheel of the project to make sure that every part of it is moving forward in compliance with plans and specifications.

4.Monitor & Control

This phase is one of the more tedious parts of project management. Even with a seemingly simple project, a lot has to be monitored, adjusted and controlled. This is the stage where one ensures that the project is moving exactly as planned.

5. Close

Closing is as important as the beginning of the project and any project manager wants to finish strong. Essentially, this stage is about close-out, proper turnover, and ultimately delivering what the client originally envisioned his project to be.

Having a framework sets the roadmap of a project so it is important that it exists and is applied. This road, however, becomes more valuable with the people involved and applying it. While skills are learned from books and classrooms, great project management skills are acquired through experience.

Our team has the breadth and depth of experience to handle any kind of project. Email us at info@jcvassociates.ph and visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our consultancy offerings.

A Look Into The Office Of The Future

As more Millennials complete their studies and start a career, commercial properties are adapting to the three generations' various work styles and preferences.

A row of cubicles and a drip coffee machine are no longer sufficient equipment for an integrative workspace for companies and established brands. An increasing number of companies are turning to architects and engineers to create bespoke offices that promote productivity, innovation, and creativity to remain ahead of modern development.

Because you're probably wondering how to keep Millennials engaged, here are four office design tips that will make them happier and more productive:

Matter of mobility

While you're up and about, inspiration is more likely to strike. The act of walking itself stimulates creativity. According to the book Fidget to Focus, it was mentioned that moving a little increases concentration. Some companies have already integrated standing desks or even a treadmill seat to accommodate (literally) thinking on your feet.

Arrange for chance encounters

Cafés are a great place for new ideas because of their relaxed atmosphere. Cafes encourage casual conversation, and breakthroughs happen in impromptu settings, not meetings. Instead of waiting for the next coffee run, open spaces at work can help employees generate new ideas and boost productivity.

Comfortable comes in many forms

Better posture involves more than just keeping your back straight. There’s a significant number of people who find themselves more productive when they are in a variety of positions other than seated down. Some companies go far and beyond for their employees by opting for bespoke solutions and have furniture created for their preferred work environment.

However, tread lightly, informal work environments may not be suitable for everyone. Accounting firms, for example, may be hesitant to transition to these workplace settings.

Create areas that can be more communicative

Because Millennials and Gen-Yers want continuous coaching, the concept of a closed office does not work. When used correctly, office furniture can promote collaboration.

Some companies have turned to creating a multi-functional space that not only accommodates their employees but also aids their community.

We have done the same at our HQ through Caucus. Caucus is co-located in JCVA's headquarters at Avire Tower in Project 4, Quezon City, and has served as a new workspace away from home.

Every workplace has unique requirements, and a wonderfully brilliant office incorporates a design inspired by its employees while also helping to stimulate them. Have you already thought about yours?

Need our help to address this changing view of the workplace? Partner with us today! Email us at info@jcvassociates.phand visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our consultancy offerings.

SOURCES:

https://www.inc.com/edward-cox/why-the-office-of-the-future-looks-like-a-home.html

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-7-innovative-office-spaces-designed-spark-creativity