Building Economics

Reflective Journal

            In this module, the lecture has provided us an overview of the quantity surveyor’s role during the pre-tender stage of a development. The role of quantity surveyor is to manage all costs related to construction projects from initial design calculations to the final account, seeking to minimize costs and enhance value for money, while achieving the required standard and quality. We also needed to study the relationship between building morphology, design variables and life cycle costing of a building. We also can learn and apply information technology in the cost planning.

            Through this module, we can gain a high level of understanding of construction process, particularly in design, function, construction, and statutory requirements for buildings. We also can 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. Besides that we also gained the knowledge about 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.

               In order to increase the understanding on the related topic, a test and assignment were given to us. The assignment is about to prepare a revised preliminary cost plan according to the revised variation order and potential element to reduce the estimated cost. Other than that, we also need to prepare the tender report and compare the lowest tender with our pre- tender estimated. The test mostly is provided to train us in evaluating, analyzing and solving the practical problem question.   

Sustainable Housing Development

Reflective Journal

            Malaysia is a developing country which heading toward industrialization. A good and comfortable housing area is necessary for all Malaysians. Therefore, sustainable housing development is one of the issue that construction practitioners that should concern in the industry. It also an important module that should highlight in the academic.  

            In this module, I have learned that the concept of sustainable housing development should be promoted and heightened in the industry. There are few methods to achieve the sustainable building include the full use of the site design, passive solar design, natural light and ventilation. Green design is an important element of sustainable housing, yet it is not the exclusive dimension. We still need a sufficient definition of sustainable housing development.

           

            Besides that, I also learned that Malaysian government is actively promoting policies to ensure quality and affordable houses to all nations. However, there are many challenges and factors that have reduced the implementation of the sustainable concept in housing development. There are few challenges have been identified by researchers which are high cost of sustainable housing, lack of awareness and understanding, lack of expertise and technology, lack of enforcement, lack of training and education, lack commitment from organization and lack of requirement and demand from stakeholders.

            Furthermore, the module also taught me the solution to confront the sustainable issues in order to achieve sustainable housing development. For example, the organization should consider sustainable movement as top priority such as managing resources and formulating policies, rules and strategies are focused on achieving that goal. The government also can offer some incentives enhancing policies and regulation to enhance the implication of sustainable concept in housing development.

Professional Practice 2

Reflective Journal

           Professional Practice is a standard and guidance cover all areas of surveying practice and embody best practice. Most of professional institutions provide the professional practice guidance for their members. Therefore, they can monitor the practice that taken by the professionals. As a professional party, we need to have a basic idea and knowledge on professional and contractual responsibilities of a quantity surveyor from design stage to final account stage. Through this module, we can clearly define needs and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor.

            The role of quantity surveyor not only measure and estimate the cost of a building, yet it includes others responsibilities like payment issues and contractual issues. These module have covered the topic such as contraction dispute, construction delays, contractor claims, right of setting off, partial possession by employer, final account and etc. I have learned that there are various contract in the industry, its limitation and constraints. Furthermore, I have gained sufficient knowledge and understanding of the administration of construction contracts and the application of particular contract clauses.

            We have given a group assignment to prepare a final account based on the information provided and to justify some variation claims whether to compromise or not. In the assignment, I have learned to analysis and interpret each of issues according to the contract clauses of construction contract. 

Research Methodology

Reflective Journal

            In the research methodology module, we require to prepare a research topic related to construction industry. In this module, we have learned a depth understanding in research.  Research is a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a particular topic. Research is a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a particular topic. A research can lead to new contributions to the existing knowledge. Only through research is it possible to make progress in the industry.

            Research has to be an active, diligent and systematic process of inquiry in order to discover, interpret or revise facts, events, behaviours and theories. We know that research can be done through few resources like experience, human beings, books, journals, nature, etc. Research also can be done with the help of study, experiment, observation, analysis, comparison and reasoning.

            Through this module, we learned that the importance of research which is to identify the problems, implementable solutions and suggestions are required for tackling new problems that arise in construction industry. Through the research on the existing theories and concept, it helps us to identify the range and application of them. Besides that, we can develop a deeper knowledge and understanding in construction industry. These knowledges are very useful in the future to become a qualified quantity surveyor.  

Measurement 5

Reflective Journal

            As a quantity surveyor, we need to learn the measurement about the civil engineer and also electrical and mechanical engineer. Therefore, measurement 5 is a crucial module for us to gain the knowledge of this kind of measurement. Quantity surveyor may not necessary to do measurement on such topic, yet they are important when we communicate and consult with the engineers. This knowledge can help us to have a better communication between the consultants. 

            In the measurement 5 module, I has been taught the measurement related to civil engineer and electrical and mechanical engineer. In the electrical and mechanical measurement, it has covered electrical installation, cold water installation, sanitary installation, fire protection installation and air condition installation. In the other hand, civil measurement has covered the topics on general items, site investigation work, earthwork, concrete work and rail track.

            During the module, we have been tested on these topics through a test and an assignment. Through these methods, we can develop a deeper understanding in the engineering’s works. Quantity surveyors are not necessary employ by consultant’s firm or employer’s firm. We also can employer by an engineer’s firm once we gained the knowledge through the module.  

Financial Management

Reflective Journal

            Financial management is a module that provided us the knowledge about the principles and practices of financial management. As a cost consultant in construction industry, we have the obligation to learn this knowledge in our further development. Financial management is extremely crucial for a company to maximise the value of such company. The module has covered a few topics, including understanding financial reports, financial forecasting, capital structure and financing options, capital budgeting and managing working capital.

            Financial management concerns with the estimation of capital requirement, determination of capital composition, choice of sources of fund, investment of funds, disposal of surplus, management of cash and financial controls. Through these principles and practices, we can recognise and identity the problems in advance in the company. Therefore, we can make a preparation to resolve such problems. Besides that, this module also taught us the importance of ethical behaviour of person-in-charge and the inputs effort from all department in the firm to make the best decision.

            We also gave an assignment and test to ensure the ability to apply the theories and practices that have been taught in class. The assignment is a task that required us to prepare the pro forma financial statement for a company and evaluate these financial statements for the next year plan. It is a good practice for us to learn the ability to analysis and identify the problems in a company through using the financial principles.