CONSTRUCTION LAW (QSB 4414)

In this module, I have understood the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach. I have also understand the roles and liabilities of architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals in relation to professional negligence and the use of collateral contract. As a Quantity Surveyor,  they must possess good knowledge of laws relating to payments, contractual claims and interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents. They also need to understand the laws relating to land and construction industry.

We were assigned 2 course works assignments in this module by Mr Eddie Lim. Coursework 1 is seminar presentation with 2 person in a group. Each group have to present each chapter of the week. My partner was Lee Jing Loon and we were presenting Chapter 10 which is law relating to payment. We found alot of case law in this chapter. This provided me a deep understanding for applying law in different kind of situation in case of payment. While coursework 2 is form by 10 person in a group. This assignment is more dealing with contractual claims. This gives me a hint on what it would be like working in the industry in the future and I think it is very well useful for me.

COST VALUE ENGINEERING (QSB4214)

Value Engineering is a function oriented, systematic team approach and study to provide value in a product, system or service. Often, this improvement is focused on cost reduction; however other important areas such as customer perceived quality and performance are also of paramount importance in the value equation.

The module introduces the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the cost planning and control stage. It covers area of implementation of value engineering and the key person involve – the facilitator. The module concluded with a series of discussion on the problem and constraint in the implementation stage based on some significant case studies.

We were assigned into group assignments in this subject whereby we need to conduct a case study on implementing Value Management in the construction industry. After group discussion, we decided to use a factory plan in this project. All members have various different ideas on ways to minimize the cost and maximize the usage of the space. By this, we've learn how to increase the function and quality of building with cost saving by applying VM. VM enhances the customers' satisfaction and sales by determining the exact need and expectation of customers.

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS (QSB 4223)

This module introduce students to the development, roles and contribution of construction industry to national economy. It is initiated with the introduction of the process in a property development and factors that influence the development process. The subject also covers various techniques of development appraisal and source of finance available. It is then concluded with the important of market research to the overall development process and its impact of research to the development.

This course give me an understanding of key issues in economic development and provide me with rigorous economic theory and statistical tools to be able to analyse policies and assess their impact on economic and human development.

In this subject, it is taught by 2 lecturers namely Mr Ho June Khai and Mrs Dianne Kok Hui Wei who with expertise in both theoretical and applied development economics.

In the group assignment, I have learnt how to calculate the development cost and produce cash flow table through analysis and group discussions. In this group assignment, we were also graded individually in Question 2 whereby we were to analyze the cash flow table and the viability of the project with our opinions and calculations of NPV.

RESEARCH DISSERTATION (QSB 4914)

This subject is lectured by Ms Theong May Chuan to guide us to complete our title or dissertation in a correct matter. This lecture was actually conducted in the last semester as we have to come out with our own title, prepare the proposal and the literature review in semester 5 while the rest must be completed in semester 6. Title of my thesis is “The impact of building in residential buildings in Bandar Sunway".

The dissertation is consisting of:

1. Research Proposal
2. Literature Review
3. Research Methodology
4. Data Analysis
5. Conclusion and Recommendation

I was indebted to the supervisor Mr Kam Kenn Jhun, who in acting as consultant editor, has contributed invaluable advice.Researching, finding a lot of journals are very important throughout the whole dissertation. To carry out an in-depth research, i must have access to both online and offline resources that will enable me to collect ample material for my dissertation. I must collect as much information as possible. I also talk to my seniors about my assignment and stay in touch with my supervisor. This enable me to collect ample matter for my dissertation. I am very glad that I've met Mr Kam who helps me alot in this dissertation. 

Interview questions Questionnaire has been set and distributed in residential buildings to the maintenance manager and occupants staying in Bandar Sunway.I would like to appreciate the responded occupants  and four maintenance managers from different condominium at Bandar Sunway, who helped to complete the questionnaires and interviews for this project dissertation. After that, conclusion and recommendation must be made to complete the dissertation. 

Building Economics (QSB3214)

Building Economics is concerned with all economic aspects of construction projects – from planning, design and implementation to the completion. It concerned with the study of man's needs in connection with shelter and the suitable and appropriate conditions in which to live. 

Building Economics is hugely relevant with cost such as whole life-cycle costs, running costs, cost analysis, cost planning etc. Through this module, I have learn the concept of cost control with how to provide the client a value-for-money project. I found the calculation part in lecture 7 difficult as there are many types of formula and the question is complicated. I should put more effort on the calculation part.

We are assigned a coursework which divided in group assignment and individual assignment. The group assignment is form by 6 students. The task is to update the cost plan and provide comments based on the pricing of the elements in tender submission. While the individual assignment is to give recommendation to award the tender in tender report. Through this assignment, I have learn to consider the tender to be selected by observing their position, paid up capital, working experience and current job. 

Financial Mangement (QSB3413)

This module aims to cover the basic building blocks of financial that are of primary concern to corporate managers, and all the considerations needed to make financial decisions both inside and outside firms. This course also builds on the concept of net present value and addresses capital budgeting aspects of investment decisions. This course also introduces the theory and practice of financing and dividend decisions, cash and working capital management and risk management.

By the end of this course, I came out with some learning outcome which is able to describe how different financial markets function and estimate the value of different financial instruments (including stocks and bonds).I also learn to make capital budgeting decisions under both certainty and uncertainty. Furthermore, we also begin with a revision of investment appraisal techniques. The main focus of this chapter is to examine the advantages of using the discounted cash flow technique and its application in complex investment scenarios.

Studying this course provide me with an overview of the problems facing a financial manager in the commercial world.

Measurement 5 (QSB3114)

This module lecture by 2 lecturers who are Mr Simon Chee and Mr Ramar. Mr Ramar will cover the measurement of electrical installation, cold water installation, sanitary installation, fire protection installation, and air condition installation. While Mr Chee will lecture the measurement of soil investigation, demolition and earthwork, geotechnical works.

The measurement module of this sem is different with previous sem as it will more focus on M&E works. The purpose of M&E measurement are to determine element and components that involved to the M & E works, to measure according to the latest standard method of measurement SMM2, to protect the interest of the client and the contractor, the information derived from a priced BQ to aid the construction planning networks and a tool for cost control in mechanical and electrical services.

Traditionally, much of M&E Works was included in BQs as prime cost sums. This is because the M&E Engineers often failed to provide the appropriate details in time for quantification purposes. Contractors often preferred to offer lump sum quotations on the basis of drawing and specification only. This make the clients realised that this approach was not very satisfactory in determining where the actual costs for this work are being expended. Thus, QS is needed to provide an accurate cost control function for only part of building project is unsatisfactory. The M&E Works is more extensive and expensive and its costs, value and cost control must be as accurate as the methods applied on the remainder of the construction project. Mr Ramar always tell us that QS must be more familiar with building services in their science, technology, terminology, in order to quantify engineering drawing correctly. 

The subject makes me familiar with how a QS working with building services.