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