PROJECT MANAGEMENT

MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2016

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Reflective

This module introduced the principle, techniques and managerial issues throughout process of project management. The module mainly focuses on project management in construction industry with additional reference to the activity in other fields of commercial and business activity to emphasize the broad applicability of the principle.

Throughout this module, we learned to develop thinking and problem solving skills. We also developed interpersonal skills in allocating the tasks equally and communicate between group members. In addition, we also learn to prepare the critical path and Gantt chart of construction activity for a particular project by using Microsoft Project and enhanced our digital literacy skills.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

The group assignment for PM include maximum 6 members per group, each member is responsible for each part of the report consist of:

• Proposed background
• Project justification
• Project objective
• Project merit/ benefits
• Project work breakdown structure
• Project cost estimation
• Project summary

The students are required to prepare a proposal to build a building near to the Taylor University. The client is required to pay Taylor’s University RM 15,000 monthly and the building is required to return to the client free of charge after 20 years of running the business. For the report, I was assigned to write a report on the justification of the project and the cost estimation to shows that this project is workable. 

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

This assignment help us to have a better understanding on the job scope of PM by using a Microsoft Project to complete the activity precedence and duration for a particular project.

We also have to solve the network corresponding to these activities using Microsoft Project.

a. List out all your assumption.

b. The critical path for these activities.

c. Gantt of these activities.

After completing the individual assignment, we can have a clear view on how an activity precedence is done, and what kind of scope of work is included in the profession of Project ManageR

CONSTRUCTION LAW

MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2016

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Reflective

The module provides an understanding of the principles of construction laws and its applications. By learning basic principle of construction law, developed an in-depth knowledge on application of the law and the remedies available to the parties. Subsequently, we able to adopt a systematic approach to analyze disputes and the respective liabilities. Moreover, this module focuses to enhance the students’ knowledge on matters involving contractual claims and its assessment.

Mr. Wong gave explanation very well in his every lecture and distinguish the various laws related to the construction industry including land law and construction statutes by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles in law, conditions of contract and the applicable statutes. For coursework we enable to analyze, interpret and apply this knowledge on the principles of law in administration of contracts and contractual claims including providing evidence of reasoned advice in relation to contractual claims and interpretation of any discrepancies of various contract documents. At the end of the lecture, we also able to know how to apply appropriate methods of dispute resolution for different situations arising from construction contract.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

We are required to prepare the solution for the 12 scenario as stated in the question in the FIDIC workshop which organized by Sr.Dianne.

DISSERTATION

MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2016

DISSERTATION

Reflective

This module is continuous module of Research Methodology. We are required to complete the 3 next chapters of our research together with a research paper. As mentioned earlier in the Research Methodology module, my research topic is to study about the preferred type of procurement system by private developers in Klang valley construction industry. Special thanks to my supervisor, Mr. Wong Chong Wei for his guidance and patience in aiding me to complete the dissertation as. I sincerely hope that my research can act as a guideline for parties in construction industry in Malaysia.

As for the final year and final semester student, we have to prepare a final dissertation report including Chapter 1 to 5. Chapter 1 and 2 were done during semesrer 5, while the remaining chapter will be finish during this semester, which are:

• Chapter 3 - Research Methodology
• Chapter 4 - Data Analysis
• Chapter 5 - ConclusioN

For Chapter 3 , we have to list down the method used in collecting the data needed in the report, which is using the Questionnaire method, other than that, a research design is prepared in order to give a clearer views for the reader to understand how the objectives will be solved. Chapter 4, data analysis, conclude the data collected from the Questionnaires that are distributed to the registered developers that situated in Klang Valley, whereas Chapter 5 conclude the whole report and each of the findings from the studies.

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2016

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS

Reflective

Development Economics will have 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.

Sr Dianne taught us the developer’s budget by some method of calculation such as total development cost and gross development value during the initial development process. then, execute the Cost-benefit Analysis in the early stage of investment proposal and valuation system to help on decision making during the feasibility stage. We also enable to learn about various source of finance available in the construction industry and to outline the requirement in a quality market research. This module gave group assignment is to help students develop a deeper appreciation of the concepts learnt in the module by applying them in the problems given in the assignment. 

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

We need to prepare a report on preparing the GDV, Cash Inflow and outflows, NPV and comments on the 'Sell- then-Build' concepts as well as give a comment on the concept of 'Build-then-Sell'. The report help us to understand how the calculation works, as well as have a better understanding on the formulas and how the calculation comes.

COST VALUE ENGINEERING

MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2016

COST VALUE ENGINEERING

Reflection

In this last semester, Cost Value Engineering module teaches us Definition of Value Engineering, history and Philosophy of Value Engineering, distinction between Value Engineering/Value Management/ Value Analysis, Concept of Value, Cost, Function and Worth, Unnecessary Cost, Implementation of Value Management, VM tools and techniques and the Facilitator, Job Plan and Workshop, Benefits of Value Engineering/Management – financial and non-financial, Problems and Constraints of Value Engineering/Management.

I learnt that VM study is not the traditional cost cutting tool like omission of an element in the construction as it is a systematic process to optimize the original project cost through the best option. Evolution of Value Management not only in Projects, Systems and Facilities but also evolved into the scope of services of Quantity Surveying Consultancy Practice.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

This group assignment consists of 9 members, and we need to consult a Cost Value Engineer and request a completed project to evaluate and prepare a report regarding on the completed building. Other than that, we have to prepare a presentation slide regarding on the report to give a clearer view of the report.

In this report, I was assigned to write on the VM tools used by the project which is the technical data supporting the alternative design. Through this assignment, I was able to understand how to eliminate the unnecessary cost by reducing the excessive floor area and substitute cheaper construction material with cheaper life cycles cost.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Mr. Leong Boon Tik for lecturing us in this interesting subject. This subject basically lecture us on the method to develop a building that a green and sustainable. The word green and sustainable is actually different because sometimes a green building may not be sustainable while a sustainable building may be environmental friendly or not. 

Throughout the module, I have achieved the following:-

1. Being able to recognize the different types of rating tools and their function.
2. Distinguishing the differences between the government policies and initiatives and their objectives.

ASSIGNMENT 1

1. List at least FIVE (5) different green rating tools 

2. Compare the green rating tools in term of

a. Hosting organization (government/NGO)

b. History of green rating tools

c. Type of certifications (residential, commercial, neighborhood, etc.) 

d. Categories of certification (certified, silver, gold, etc.)

e. Area of rating (energy efficiency, materials, water, etc.)

f. Countries using this green rating tools

g. Assessment process

h. Fees involved

i. How to be facilitator/ assessor

3. From your finding, explain which TWO (2) green rating tools best fit in Malaysia context.

ASSIGNMENT 2

Assuming you are the business development manager of an established listed Property Company that has RM 1 billion sales for 2015. Your company has vision to be the lead sustainable property developer in Malaysia in year 2020. 

Part A List out government initiatives/policies that encourage sustainable in construction industry. You can refer to 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 or any other government ministries. Part B (not related to Part A) Write a 10 pages proposal to the Managing Director how your company can utilize the government initiatives/policies to achieve the company vision and gain a better competitive position in the industry.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Mr. Kam Kenn Jhun for lecturing us in this interesting subject. In this module, we are required to come up with a proposal as well as a literature review regarding a title which we have chosen and selected for our thesis dissertation.

We were asked to come up with a topic and a title, before we were assigned to different lecturers who were going to be our supervisor. After getting our titles and topics approved, the list of lecturers were given to us. I was assigned to Mr. Wong Chong Wei, and my topic was Preferred Type of Procurement System By Developers In Malaysia

We were required to make appointments and meet up with our supervisors once every week to discuss on our progress. The proposal took up 60% of our overall marks. For the first part of the research, we had to come up with a proposal which consisted of the background, statement of research problem, objectives, scope and limitations, importance of research findings as well as structure of the thesis. 

In preparation of the proposal, We needed to know the structure and ways to write in a proper manner, which was guided by our Research Methodology lecturer, Mr. Wong Chong Wei.

After the submisison of our proposal, we were taught the theories and basics to produce a literature review. Following that, we had to start producing our literature review by doing lots of research and readings to get findings. The preparation of literature review took us longer compared to the proposal, because we needed to source for other materials and research from other accredited researchers within the same study. The literature review took up 40% of our total marks.

I personally find this module very interesting although it requires a lot of time spent on doing researches and collecting data. I developed an awareness towards the current local and global issues in the industry, especially in terms of crane safety, which affects the infrastructure development in our country. The preparation of research has opened me to different approaches of various kinds of studies and has helped me in a systematic academic research. I look forward to the Dissertation module in Semester 6 where we would continue where we left off and complete our entire thesis dissertation.

MEASUREMENT 5

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

MEASUREMENT 5

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Mr. Chee Wai Meng and Mr. Ramar A/L Subramaniamfor lecturing us in this interesting subject. This subject basically covered the measurements of two main topics which are the Mechanical and Engineering Works, as well as the Civil Engineering works. Besides utilizing SMM2, we also had a new reference added to our syllabus - The MYCESM, also known as the Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard of Measurement.

Throughout the module, I have achieved the following:-

1. Being able to recognize the items measurable for cold water and sanitary plumbing , electrical installation and M&E works and civil engineering works .
2. Distinguishing the differences in writing up descriptions in accordance to design changes of cold water and sanitary plumbing, electrical installation and M & E works and civil engineering works . 
3. Evaluating the relationship between specifications, drawings and Bill of Quantities in Tender Documents for cold water and sanitary plumbing, electrical installation and  M & E works and civil engineering works . 
4. Doing the measurement for cold water and sanitary plumbing, electrical installation and  M & E works and civil engineering works in accordance to Standard Method of Measurement (SMM2) and Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement  (MYCESMM)
5. Developing an understanding of and the ability to competently carry out the preparation of the Bills of Quantities for cold water and sanitary plumbing , electrical installation and  M & E works and civil engineering works.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

We had a group assignment which covered the Cold water system topic. The assignment was 25% of our total marks for the module. We had a total of 6 members in our group. The group assignment helped us a lot in further understanding the Cold water system topic and it gave us a lot of practice in doing the questions, in measurement of Cold water system

Overall, the course is an enjoyable one because it is different as compared to our previous Measurement subjects. For Measurement 5, we no longer concentrate on Building works but more towards external infrastructure, and M&E works which are mostly done by Sub-contractors. It is a new experience for me and as I learn more about the subject, I develop an interest towards Sub-contractors' scope of work. 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Mr. Lai Chee Kin for lecturing us in this interesting subject. It is a complicated subject as it was difficult to understand certain financial topics without a finance background. Some financial information and topics were very in-depth and I found it a little difficult to relate to why we needed such deep financial knowledge as quantity surveyors.

However, finance is equally important to us as surveyors needed to evaluate costing and financial management when we take up projects and calculate profit or payback returns. It is essential to understand finance in case we decide to open up our own firm in the future. 

Throughout the subject, I have learned to:-

1. Identify the appropriateness of financial management systems for different construction projects and implement the accountancy principles and practices in examining the construction company’s finances and accounts.
2. Define the appropriate cost control structure and technology in ensuring the quality management and total quality management (TQM) of the entire construction performance.
3. Apply capital investment techniques in analyzing the cost & benefit for particular construction projects.
4. Manipulate the sound knowledge of financial management in managing the financial aspects of the particular construction project.
5. Outline the business of construction project through proper strategic management theory and techniques.
6. Organize the staff’s tasks, organization as well as teamwork in group assignment

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

This group assignment consisted of 8 of our members. This assignment required us to get the financial reports of Hua Yang Sdn Bhd. Following that, we needed to draw up financial analysis as well as forecasts for the company. We also needed to calculate financial ratios for the company for two years, to compare their financial standing.

Based on our calculations, we had to evaluate on how the company was performing throughout the 2011 to 2015 and what are the challenges the company is most likely to be facing in the future. The write up and submission of the written report took up 25% of the total marks for this assignment.

For the remaining 5%, we had to do a presentation based on what we have researched and found from the company's financial reports. We were evaluated and graded based on a few aspects which are the quality of our contents, language, clarity, dressing as well as composure.

BUILDING ECONOMICS

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

BUILDING ECONOMICS

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Ms. Dianne Kok Hui Wei for lecturing us in this interesting subject. This subject was quite related to our Financial Management module, especially in terms of the costing topics where calculations were needed, like calculating the Internal Rate of Return and Present Values. Hence it helped in my understanding after going through some similar calculations twice, in two different modules. 

I have managed to learn so much more throughout the course, mainly:-

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.
2. Explain various methods of pre-tender estimating.
3. Outline the importance of cost studies to enhance the role of Quantity Surveyor in the development process.
4. Produce an estimate at pre-tender stage, cost plan based on historical data and S-curve for financial planning to a proposed project.

This module has helped me in understanding the concepts of cost control and also whole life costing. To me, I personally find that the topics are very important and useful for us as potential quantity surveyors because costing is what we do. With these taught to us, we now understand costing calculation methods and how costing would fluctuate taking into account the time value of money.

For this subject, the topic for the individual assignment is based on the topic given at the lecture. For this subject, the topic for the individual assignment is based on the topic given at the lecture. We are require to present the particular topic taught in the lecture in order to understand more about the particular topic and ensure students do their revision after the lecture. I have learnt to think creatively and critically for this assignment. It is true that it required me to think and analysis problem in order to get the most effective solution. After understanding the question, the next significant step was to find sufficient resources. Reading all the resources then extract all information effectively is what I have gained through this assignment as well. I believe that the extra knowledge which I have gained through this assignment is going to be useful for my future.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

You are part of an established Project Management and Cost Consulting Company in Malaysia. The client is a developer from Singapore and he wants to invest in a piece of land in KL. He has paid for your services to come up with a Cost Appraisal for him.

Your take is to

1. Work out a cost appraise for him based on the information provided .

2. Presentations shall be by power point and a soft copy.

3. You shall illustrate your cost calculations in a 15 minutes presentation plus a 15 min Q&A. As this will be a presentation to the client.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2

TUESDAY, 05 JULY 2016

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2

Reflective Essay

Special thanks goes to Mr. Lim Sek Cheon for lecturing us in this interesting subject. As far as I know, this subject has taught us on the knowledge and reality of what a Quantity Surveyor is going to be like in the near future. Basically, the role as a Quantity Surveyor can be summarized as preparing tendering document which must include proof reading before sending out for tender bidding process, advising client on procurement, tendering process and contract arrangement, cost control during construction, cost budget planning prior the start of project, checking on variation and interim progress claim as well as advising of final account.

For this subject, the topic for the individual assignment is based on the topic given at the lecture. We are require to present the particular topic taught in the lecture in order to understand more about the particular topic and ensure students do their revision after the lecture. I have learnt to think creatively and critically for this assignment. It is true that it required me to think and analysis problem in order to get the most effective solution. After understanding the question, the next significant step was to find sufficient resources. Reading all the resources then extract all information effectively is what I have gained through this assignment as well. I believe that the extra knowledge which I have gained through this assignment is going to be useful for my future.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT