Estimating

Reflective Journal 
As quantity surveyor, we also responsible for preparing and pricing tender packages to obtain construction contracts to our companies to keep them in business and keep them profitable. Estimating is a module which provides an understanding of the construction on the principle of estimating and components price such as material, plant, wastage, profit and labour. Estimating gave us the essential skills necessary to work after graduated to meet the growing demand for skilled construction estimators.

In this 14 weeks, we have learnt to identify, explain and distinguish the various terminology related to estimating, measurement and unit rates including the objectives and various components of estimating, measurement and unit rates at different stages of construction procurement. We also have been taught a systematic approach to estimate the unit rates by considering and evaluating other factors influencing the cost of the construction components and elements.

Our lecturer also gave our a group assignment which want us to tender a project and compete with others groups. This project aims to have us to find our own rates by applying the theories that have taught in class. We used a few weeks on doing the research on the rate of the construction materials, labours and plants. We also need to do our own adjustments to the price rate used in tender document such as wastage, profit and overheads to ensure the companies have a certain of profits. The price that we have priced in tender document was decided by weighting many others factors which might influence the final result of the tender awards. Afterwards, we also need to do a presentation which need to analysis and justify the errors have been made in the assignment for continuous improvement. This is a precious experience for us to pursue this career in the future.    

We also have a group presentation for a chosen topic to present and teach our classmate. This is a good way to shorten the distance between classmate to have a better relationship. It also can increase the understanding of theories that were taught. This is because we need to have a clear understanding before having a presentation. Thus, there were many research had been done to ensure the informations were correct.