QSB 4914 Research Dissertation

Research dissertation is a major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Ms. Theong. This module is non-examination but a research on any topic need to be submitted at the end of semester 6. This research was carry out continuously from semester 5.

  

Before having a topic for my research, I were assigned with a supervisor, Sr Dianne Kok. The topic for my research is the benefits and challenges of implementing green building: developers' perspective. During sem 5, I would need to submit proposal and literature review to my supervisor. Where else, during sem 6, I would need to submit the whole set of research to my supervisor and second reader.  

Throughout this module, it had help me strengthened my skill and knowledge. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thanks Ms Theong and Sr, Dianne Kok for their guidance throughout these 2 sem, Without them, I would have difficulties in submitting these research.

MGT 60603 Construction Quantity Surveyor

Construction Quantity Surveyor is an elective module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 3 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Simon Chee. This module is basically about the work and knowledge a construction quantity surveyor should have.  

Module Learning Outcomes

This module provides me an knowledge on the general value process, function analysis and team dynamics in the client’s value system. Besides that, this module help me to identify the solutions to undertake value studies at different stage of a project. In addition, it also recommend me a more collaborative effort towards the promotion and awareness of value management in Malaysian construction industry in an effort to achieve value for money invested.

Syllabus

C1-Project life cycle, QS role at various stages

C2-Overview of Malaysian construction industry

C3-Laws and regulations governing the Malaysian construction industry

C4-Construction industry payment and adjudication act 2012

C5-Project commencement 

C6-Running the project

C7-Project completion 

C8-Construction supply chain management

C9-Construction Procurement

QSB 4214 Cost Value Engineering

Cost Value Engineering is a major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Loo. This module is basically about the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the cost planning and control stage.

Module Learning Outcomes

This module provides me an knowledge on the general value process, function analysis and team dynamics in the client’s value system. Besides that, this module help me to identify the solutions to undertake value studies at different stage of a project. In addition, it also recommend me a more collaborative effort towards the promotion and awareness of value management in Malaysian construction industry in an effort to achieve value for money invested.

Syllabus

C1-Introduction to Value Management

C2-Definition of Value Management

C3-History and philosophy of Value Management

C4-Distinction between Value Engineering/Value Management/Value Analysis

C5-Concept of Value, Cost, Function and Worth

C6-Unnecessary Cost 

C7-Implementation of Value management 

C8-Value Management Tools and Techniques

C9-The Job Plan and Workshop 

C10-The Facilitator

C11-Benefits of Value Management-Financial and Non-Financial

C12-Problems and Constraints in Value Management 

QSB 4414 Construction Law

Construction Law is major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Eddie Lim. This module is basically about law in construction industry.

Module Learning Outcomes

This module help me to understand the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach. Besides that, understanding the roles and liabilities of architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals in relation to professional negligence and the use of collateral contract is taught in this module. In addition, laws relating to payments, contractual claims and interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents were also taught by Sr Eddie during lecture time. Through this module, it help me to understand more on the laws relating to land and construction industry with regards to National Land Code, Street, Drainage and Building Act, Uniform Building By-Law, Strata Title Act, etc. i would also appreciate the principles and procedures of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) stated by the Malaysian Government and Standard Form of Contract throughout this module.

Syllabus

C1-Building Contracts – General Principles & Formation of Contract

C2-The Standard Form of Building Contract

C3-Collateral Contracts

C4-Dispute Resolution – Litigation/Arbitration/Adjudication/Mediation

C5-Written Documents 

C6-Obligations of parties & QS consultancy agreement

C7- Breach of Contract – Remedies 

C8-Contractual Claims

C9- Tort – Negligence Claims

C10-Law relating to payments

C11- Laws relating to land – National Land Code

C12- Construction Statutes - UBBL

QSB 4223 Development Economic

Development Economic is minor module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 3 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Ho and Sr.Kok. This module is basically about development in economic study.

Module Learning Outcomes

This module provides me an experience of how to calculate the developer’s budget during the initial development process for an example total development cost and gross development value. Besides that, this module also teaches me on how to execute the Cost-benefit Analysis in the early stage of investment proposal and valuation system to help on decision making during the feasibility stage. Moreover, I was also taught on various source of finance available in the construction industry and the requirement in a quality market research.

Syllabus

C1-Introduction

C2-Property Development

C3-Property Investment Economics 

C4-Factors in Property Development

C5-Development Appraisal 

C6-Cost-benefit Analysis 

C7-Development Finance

C8-Market Research 

QSB 3414 Financial Management

Financial Management is minor module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 3 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Lee and Mr. Chang. This module is basically about financial study.

Module Learning Outcomes

This module provides me an experience of estimating how strong is a company finance based on what i had done on my group assignment. By using the knowledge that I had learnt from Sr. Lee and Mr. Chang, it enable me to broaden up my knowledge in finance and this could help me in future whether personally or for work. Even though this subject is just a minor subject, but it attract my attraction as it is strongly related to money during the past, present and future.

Syllabus

C1-Introduction to Financial Management

C2-Company Finance and Accounts

C3-Financial Information Systems

C4-Capital Investments

C5-Introduction to Organizational Management

C7-Firm Management

C8-Financial Investment Appraisal

QSB 3114 Measurement 5

Measurement 5 is major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr.Chee and Mr. Ramar. This module is basically about building services and engineering work.

Module Learning Outcomes

This module provides me an experience of preparing Tender Document for Services work as for the assignment given. Besides that, this module had given me an opportunity of learning how to do measurement for building services work and engineering work with SMM2 and MYCESSM. This is a new experience for me as I had not get to contact on this before during my internship or in University.  

Syllabus

C1- Electrical Installation

C2- Cold Water installation

C3-Introduction to MYCESSM

C4-Sanitary Installation

C5-Class D-Site Investigation

C6-Class B-Environmental Protection

C7-Class F- Earthwork

C8-Air Condition Installation

C9-Class G-Geotechnical Works

C10-Fire Protection Installation

C11-Class 1-Prestress Concrete

C12-Class S-Rail track 

QSB 3214 Building Economics

Building Economic is major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Ms. Dianne and Sr. Loo. This module is basically about construction economic

Module Synopsis

This module provides an overview of the Quantity Surveyor’s role during the pre-tender stage of a development. The students will be introduced to practical situations of the various methods of controlling the cost of buildings at the design stage. Students also will be introduced to the relationship between building morphology, design variables and life cycle costing of a building. Students are also given the opportunity to learn and apply information technology in the cost planning.

Module Teaching Objectives

Upon completion of this module, it enable me to:

1. To develop an awareness of the nature, content, and significance of cost control, cost planning and understand the roles of project teams towards fulfilling client needs.

1. To develop awareness of the effect of design variables in obtaining an economical design and to appreciate the role of the quantity surveyor in pre- and post-contract stages.

1. Identify the role and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors in the overall development process and to match the relationship between cost and design to a value outcome.

1. Explain various methods of pre-tender estimating.

1. Outline the importance of cost studies to enhance the role of Quantity Surveyor in the development process.

1. Produce an estimate at pre-tender stage, cost plan based on historical data and S-curve for financial planning to a proposed project. 

Module Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, is enable me to:

Syllabus

W1- Introduction to Building Economics Module

W2-The Concept of Cost Control

W3-Cost Modelling

W4-Building Morphology and Design Economics

W5-Cost Analysis, Indices and Data

W6-Detailed Cost Planning I

W7-Detailed Cost Planning II

W8-Cost Control

W9-Investment and Development Appraisals I

W10-Investment and Development Appraisals II

W11-Whole Life Costing I

W12-Whole Life Costing II

QSB 3614 Professional Practice 2

Professional Practice 2 is major module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr. Eddie. This module is basically about PAM 2006.

Module Synopsis

This module provides me an overview of professional and contractual responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor in the consultancy setup from the inception stage to the final account stage. It focus on the importance of a clear understanding of the organization and contract administration of quantity surveying practices and the legal and contractual procedures in relation to built environment.

Module Objectives

Upon Completion of this module, it enable me to:

1. To have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the administration of construction contracts and the application of particular contract clauses relating to the roles and responsibilities of the parties to the contract especially the Quantity Surveyor.
2. To develop awareness of the provisions of the Standard Contract forms related to valuation and certificates, instructions and variations, dayworks and final accounts, extension of time and loss and expense. 
3. To interpret sub-contracts documents relating to roles and responsibility of the main contractor and sub-contractors including the limits and constraint of such procedures

Module Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, is enable me to:

1. Define the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in construction contracts in relation to particular clauses in the contract.
2. Explain the various construction contracts, its limitations and constraints and define issues in interpreting the contract clauses of construction contract
3. Describe team dynamics, power of teams and teamwork in construction contracts.

Syllabus

C1-Construction Disputes

C2-Construction Delays

C3-Construction Claims

C4-Rights of Setting Off

C5-Partial Possession by Employer

C6-Practical Completion and Penultimate Certificate

C7-Final Accounts

C8-Determination of Contractor’s Employment by Employer

C9-Determination of Contractor’s Employment by Contractor

C10-Building Insurances

C11-Dispute resolution through Mediation/Adjudication/Arbitration

C12-Comparison between PAM Form and JKR Form of Contract 

MPW 2153 Moral Education

Moral Education is compulsory module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 3 credit hours and it’s taught by Mr. Serit Banyan. This module is basically about how to be a moral people.

Module Synopsis

Moral Education enables me to gain knowledge on moral values that is developed through religions and socialization process base on Malaysian culture. The syllabus will introduce students to the moral theories, moral values, values of religion and moral issues.

Module Teaching Objectives

This subject serves to develop a moral being through a holistic approach by learning and practising good moral and ethical practices.

Module Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, is enable me to:

1.      Explain the basic concept of moral

2.      Explain the different ethical theories and criticism

3.      Explain moral values in religion

4.      Apply knowledge learned in daily life

5.      Demonstrate the ability to make ethical decision on moral issues and conflict

Syllabus

Chapter 1 : Introduction

Chapter 2: Basic Concepts of Ethics and Moral values

Chapter 3:  Ethical Theories and Its critique

Chapter 4: Basis of Moral from Religious Perspective

Chapter 5: Moral Agent

Chapter 6: Solving Moral Conflicts

QSB 2124 MEASUREMENT 4

Measurement 4 is the core module for students that take quantity surveying course. This module stands up of 4 credit hours and it’s taught by Sr. Chai Khong Thong. This module is basically more onto external works.

Upon successful completion of this module, we will be able to:

1. Explain and able to interpret clauses in the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) for the various trades in relation to bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works.
2. Adopt a systematic approach to take-off quantities from drawings for the preparation of Bills of Quantities for bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works.
3. Demonstrate a systematic and orderly mind and be able to visualize the drawings and details given for bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works.
4. Evaluate the relationship between Specifications, Drawings and Bill of Quantities in Tender Documents for bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works.
5. Produce measurement for bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works in accordance to the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM).
6. Generate a conceptual understanding of and the ability to competently carry out the preparation of the Bills of Quantities for bored piles, timber piles, steel piles, renovation and demolition works, and various external works.

There are altogether 6 topics. These are

1. Sewerage reticulation
2. Surface water drainage
3. Bored piles, timber piles and steel piles
4. Road pavement
5. Water reticulation
6. Demolition work

There are basically 3 coursework for this module. The first one would be a group assignment where we need to find a construction project and measure everything from building work to external work and make a tender document for tendering purpose and this assignment stand up 20% out of 100%. The second assignment would be the Elemental Cost Analysis (ECA) project where we will be given a week to complete our assignment in group and this assignment take up 10% from 100% of the total marks. The last assignment would be the mid-term test which test on our understanding on what had the lecturer taught.

Below shown some picture from ECA workshop.

I would like to conclude that tis module had make me more alert on what we need to measure and what we doesn’t need to measure on external work. And I would like to thanks Sr. Chang on guiding us throughout this module. 

QSB 2134 ESTIMATING

Estimating is a module that contains 4 credit hours. Our core lecturer for this module would be Mr Eddie Lim Sek Cheon and Dianne Kok Hui Wei. During this module, we will be able to learn on the principle of estimating and component prices such as material, plant, wastage, profit and labour.

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. List the various components of construction project attributing costs and explain the terminology related to the preparation of unit rates.
2. Adopt a systematic approach to pricing unit rates in the measured works section of Bills of Quantities.
3. Analyse various cost elements in building up the total cost of a building project.
4. Prioritize the importance of various factors affecting the level of costing to generate effective skills in tendering techniques.
5. Implement cost control procedures to consider alternatives and make well-reasoned recommendations promptly.  

There are altogether 16 main topics that we had learned during this 14 weeks. These are:

1. Introduction to principle of estimating 
2. Project cost estimating 
3. Component of build-up rate 
4. Introduction to various method of estimating 
5. Sub-contracting works
6. Excavation works
7. Concrete works
8. Brickwork
9. Roofing work 
10. Glazing 
11. Plastering and tiling work 
12. Carpentry and joinery 
13. Painting works
14. Plumbing works
15. External works
16. Preliminaries

During this module, we were been given 2 assignment to do. The first one would be the seminar where we work in group to calculate the rate and theory question. After that, we will be giving lecture to the whole class on how we calculate the question that were been given. For the second assignment, it would be a group assignment where we will be work in group and find out the rate for each element for tendering purpose.

Below are some of the notes for this module:

After this module, I would be able to calculate the build-up rate of certain element. And I would like to thanks Mr Eddie and Ms Dianne for guiding us throughout these 14 weeks.

QSB 2423 Project Management

Project Management is another subject that we need to take during semester 4. This module stands up of 3 credit hours and it’s taught by Mr Leong Boon Tik. During this module, we would be able to expose to principle, technique and managerial issues, which form the process of project management. This module is little bit different with other module as this module provide us lab session where we can learn on how to use Microsoft Project for construction project.

Upon completion of this module, we will be able to:

1. Define project characteristics, objectives, organizations and success.
2.  Explain and understanding of the strategies for the execution of the development process in response to the client’s objectives. 
3. Identify the possible risk that a project manager may face during the process of development.
4. Differentiate between required skill to perform project management and construction management in the development process.
5. List a broad knowledge of the professional roles, duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager.
6. Explain the range and the scope of activities of the Project Manager within the development process.
7. Describe a framework of personal qualities needed by the Project Manager in discharging his/her duties.

There are altogether topics for this module. These are:

1. Introduction to project management
2. Quantitative project selection
3. Project organization structure
4. Role of client
5. Role of project manager
6. Qualitative project selection
7. Project leadership
8. Project management process
9. Risk management
10. Evaluation of project success and failure
11. Quality management in construction project
12. Facilities management

During this module, Mr Leong had given us 2 assignment which is a group assignment and individual assignment. The group assignment is where we are assigned to act as a project manager and advise our client on what type of building we need to building on the site rented out by Taylor’s University. Where else, for the individual assignment, we are assigned to prepare a construction flow chart for constructing a guard house nearby Taylor’s University with Microsoft Project.

Below are the individual assignment that I had done

After this module, I would like conclude that, this module had teaches me a lot of knowledge regarding to principle, technique and managerial issues of a construction project. Not only that, I would also be able to use Microsoft Project to do the flow chart of certain activity. Therefore, I would like to thanks Mr Leong on guiding us throughout the module. 

QSB 2614 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES 1

Professional Practice 1 is one of the major modules that need to be taken by student of Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours). This subject contains 4 credit hours. For this subject our lecture is Sr. Chang Khong Thong.

Upon successful completion of the module, we will be able to:

1. Define the qualifications (academic and professional) required of a Quantity Surveyor, its professional Institution and Board.
2. Describe the duties of a Quantity Surveyor.
3. Identify the roles of various parties involved in the building team and their construction contracts and contractual obligations.
4. Define and prepare progress payment, variation order, final accounts on completion of the contract works and contract administration related to Prime Cost and Provisional Sum.
5. Evaluate the array of construction contracts between the client and the main contractor.

There are 10 topics all together for this module. Below is the topic that had been taught by Sr Chang:

1. Introduction to the role of Quantity Surveyors.
2. Procurement
3. Contractual arrangements
4. Tendering methods and procedure
5. Tender and contract documentation 
6. Variation, PC and Provisional Sums
7. Claims and interim valuation 
8. Final account and cost control 
9. Delay, extension of time, damages, guarantee and bond
10. Alternative dispute resolution

During this module, there are 2 coursework giving out. These are, mid-term test and individual assignment. The purpose of having coursework is to test our understanding on what the lecturer had taught us. for individual assignment, we are given few week times to write a proposal to our client on which is the best procurement approach, tendering method and contractual arrangement based on the given question.

Below are some of the notes that had been distributed by Sr Chang:

Before I come to a conclusion, I would like to say that this module had teaches me a lot of knowledge regarding to contract law base. This module is also a module that makes me understand more on the roles of consultant quantity surveyors and contractor quantity surveyors. And I would like to thanks Sr. Chang on guiding us throughout this module. 

QSB 1523 STRUCTURES

Structure is a module which contains 3 credit hours. This module is basically more to engineering course. However, as a future quantity surveyor, we still need to take this subject so that we can cope well with the engineer and architect when there is site meeting going on. Our lecturer for this module is Ir. Chai Voon Chiet.   

Upon completion of this module, we will be able to:

1. Able to analysis, identify and calculate the forces apply to any structure.
2. Able to identify whether a particular force is compression or tension.
3. Able to identify how a force applies to the 3 types of beam: cantilever beam, overhanging beam and suspended beam.
4. Able to calculate the shear force and bending moment of any structure.
5. Able to draw the free body diagram by resolving horizontal and vertical component of a structure.
6. Able to use different method, that is by method of joints, method of section and graphical method, to find out all the forces of any structure.

There is basically 8 main topics that had been taught by Ir. Chai Voon Chiet during this 14 week. These are:

1. Engineering principle
2. Beams
3. Forces
4. Shear forces and bending moments
5. Structure of analysis
6. Stress and strain
7. Load path in building
8. Columns, Axial forces and buckling

During this module, there are 2 coursework being given out. These course works are, the mid-term test and assignment regarding to shear forces and bending moment. The purpose of these course works are to test our understanding on what had the lecturer been taught to us. Not only have that, the coursework being distribute also prepared us for final exam.

Below are the question that were given for our individual assignment:

After undergoes this module, I would like to conclude that this module had broaden our knowledge on what exactly engineer do for a construction project. And I would like to thanks Ir. Chai on guiding us throughout this module. 

QSB 2513 INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM

Basically, this module is an elective module for us to replace National Language module. This means that we have a list of module to choose on which module we would like to replace. Industrialized Building System is a module that contains 3 credit hours. This module provide us an overview of IBS in the construction industry and its implication towards the nation’ economic growth in aspect of business involvement and costing. Ms Theong May Chuan would be the lecturer for this module.    

Upon completion of this module, we will be able to:

1. Define and understand the implications of adopting new technology in the construction industry.
2. Develop a framework of the flow of elements, information and players for IBS projects.
3. Transform theories into practice in real life cases.
4. Enhance lifelong learning process that will enable a development of critical analysing capabilities.

This module is basically a full coursework module. Therefore, we will have 4 assignments to be distributed. These would be the individual assignment regarding to writing up an essay on IBS, factory report regarding to Bluescope Lysaght, group assignment on IBS product at Archidex fair and last but not least class participation.

Below are some of the slides that we had prepare for presentation on IBS product at Archidex fair:

After this module, I would like to say that I have gain more knowledge regarding to IBS in construction industry. And I would like to thanks Ms Theong on guiding us throughout this module.