Construction Law (QSB 4414)

Construction Law has been taught by Mr Wong Chong Wei, a part time lecturer. This module covers Contracts Act, FIDIC Contract, and PAM Contract. Throughout the lecture series, several topics were being highlighted in class such as Formation of Construction Contracts as a basic knowledge, CIPAA 2012 and FIDIC Contract which can be used internationally.

Every students are given chance to conduct a seminar during the tutorials session. The seminars were carried out after the lectures have been conducted where selected students have to present their understanding towards the topic discussed in the previous lecture. The seminar is conducted by two students in a group where the students are assessed based on RICS Professional Practice competency test which comprised of 3 Levels:

Level 1: tests on our knowledge towards the topic discussed

Level 2: tests on the ability to apply knowledge into application

Level 3: test on the ability to give advice

During my time of being a seminar leader on Week 3, I found out that I hasn’t fully grasp the skills of answering the questions asked and giving appropriate advise. Thus, I shall read more and practice on my analysis and speaking skills in order to improve Level 2 and 3. However, I was able to figure out the solutions to the questions under the guidance of Mr Wong. Throughout the seminar, I gained experience on the type of answer expected for the RICS Professional Practice competency test. By understanding the entire process, I am able to focus on my weaker parts.

On the other hand, an overnight FIDIC workshop has been carried out on 20-21 October 2016 where the workshop was hosted by Ms Eugenie Lip, Executive Director of Davis Langdon KPK based in Singapore. Before the workshop was conducted, we were assigned into a group of 14 people, combination of Sem 5 juniors and us. We were given a case study assignment which comes along with 16 questions to be solved by using clauses in PAM and FIDIC Form. Of course, we distributed works fairly and work as a team with juniors. On the presentation day, few members from the group were selected to present on the stage. I believe that every member have contributed the best efforts towards this workshop. From the workshop conducted, I realised that team building and well communication among the group members are very important in completing a task.

Although this subject is said to be similar to Professional Practice 2 that I have learnt in Semester 5. However, it was found to be more difficult as this subject require a more in-depth understanding towards case laws and other contract form other than PAM Form. By taking this module, I believed that I have gained knowledge about the different types of construction contract used in the industry. 

Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr Wong towards his knowledge sharing and advises given throughout the classes.

 Group Photo taken after FIDIC Workshop.

Photo taken with the lecturer, Mr Wong.

Dissertation (QSB4914)

Dissertation is the second part of thesis which is also an independent research work based on our topic of interest. This module is the continual part of Research Methodology Module in previous semester.

The topic of my dissertation is ‘Sustainable Aspects of Industrialised Building System and the Most Affecting Challenges faced by Contractors in Pursuing Sustainable Development through IBS’. In this module, Research Methodology (Chapter 3), Data Analysis (Chapter 4), Conclusion and Recommendation (Chapter 5) have been developed. In completing the thesis, questionnaire survey has been constructed and being sent to the selected scope to conduct data analysis. Throughout the entire research process, I found that time management is very important to keep every step and task on track. Also, systematic and orderly mind is needed to increase the quality and effectiveness of the research. By developing the thesis, writing skills are improved by referring to literature review and other reading sources. Furthermore, knowledge in the particular research area is as well gained.

We had Quiz (treasure hunt) after thesis submission. To conduct the game, we were to set 4 questions and solve the questions set by other group. Without team spirit, the questions couldn’t be solved by the end of the Quiz session as contribution by every members count.

A week after Quiz, VIVA has been conducted where five students were being selected to present their entire thesis. In fact, it took quite an effort to present their entire thesis in front of panels and students.

Looking back on the first day of choosing the thesis topic, I gained better understanding about Industrialised Building System now. Besides establishing relationship between the research objectives with adoption among the contractors, a new relationship has been found at the end of this research.

Thus, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to my supervisor, Sr Lam Soon Tatt for his continuous guidance towards accomplishing this dissertation. Also, I would like to thank Dr Kam Khen Jhun for his patient consultation and advice throughout the research process.

Submission of Final Thesis and Research Paper.

Group photo taken after VIVA Session.

Development Economics (QSB4223)

Development Economics introduces the development, roles and contribution of construction industry to the national economy. Besides theory, various calculations techniques have been taught to derived development appraisal in consideration of time value for money, which is Net Present Value which has been taught in Building Economics in previous semester. The knowledge learnt in Building Economics and Development Economics are interrelated.

Throughout the entire module, we had a group assignment where we were required to prepare a development plan by establishing a development appraisal according to assignment brief. We had been work as a team throughout the assignment development process where brainstorming ideas were contributed by every member during the discussion. Besides solving the question being distributed to each of us, we as well work out on other questions to understand the flow and the method used to solve a particular question. On the presentation day, my group was being selected to report on the assignment which has been done. Discussion was being conducted along with the presentation. We were also corrected by Ms Dianne on several mistakes done on the calculations. Throughout the presentation, we have learnt from the mistakes. Also, team work has been established as everyone work as a team.

Furthermore, we had weekly presentation during the tutorial sessions on the lecture which has been discussed.  Besides training on our presentation skills, it as well revises and further discuss on the topic by solving the tutorial questions. By constantly having presentation every week, I believed that it will ease the memorisation process as we are able understand the topics better. At the end of this module, I am able to understand the basic principles to economy and the process of property development.

Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ms Dianne towards her knowledge sharing and passion in teaching.

De Assignment (FINAL) by ChungHuiPing on Scribd

Cost Value Engineering (QSB 4214)

Cost Value Engineering has been introduced by Sr. Loo in this semester. In the beginning, I had no idea on the content of this module. Despite that, by attending the lecture and tutorial classes, I got the concept of Value Engineering and its application.

My understanding towards Value Engineering and its application becomes better by taking part in the group assignment. By applying VM tools and function analysis to a proposed unit, we then develop the VM study by undertaking value study and further explain on how VM is being done in different phases. From my opinion, a task becomes efficient when every member contributed ideas to the assignment before the development process. Besides, communication and leadership skills in a team are essential to enhance the discussions. Furthermore, we had a presentation on the assignment due date. The presentation was conducted smoothly where every member contributed efforts by reporting our assignment. After the presentation, we get useful advice and recommendation from Sr. Loo regarding our presentation. 

At the end of this module, I have gained better understanding towards this module and able to apply VM knowledge into a real life scenario. I found that team work is relatively important in completing a task. Also leadership is important to enhance the group discussion and manage the group. Presentation skills could also be improved when we practice more as practice makes perfect.

Lastly, Sr. Loo is being helpful when we have queries for the assignment. He also gives useful recommendation for our presentation and assignment. Hence, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sr. Loo towards his patience and passion in teaching.

Photo taken after CVE Group Presentation.

Photo taken during the last tutorial.

Complete VM Study by ChungHuiPing on Scribd

Project Management (QSB 4424)

Project Management has been a new subject for me which it was introduced by Mr Leong. This module is about projecting and scheduling work programme where I found it useful for my future career in the construction industry.

This module consists of two assignments where individual assignment requires us to construct a deterministic schedule of a water pump station. It was unexpectedly easy to catch up with the scheduling technique by using Microsoft Project which was guided by Mr Leong. It was interesting when we allow to assume and inserted own ideas into the project itself.

For the group assignment, we were assigned to construct a building or development on a piece of land and determining the Project Break Down Structure, cost estimation of project and others. Hence, each of us has been given a task and team spirit has been established throughout the discussion. Also, ideas were contributed and well conveyed among the team as communication is one of the important aspects in enhancing a discussion process.

Furthermore, tutorials were also conducted in a different way where we had games and brainstorming sessions in group. It makes the tutorial livelier and tutorials are more effectively carried out.

In conclusion, I have gained knowledge at the end of this module by attending the lecture and tutorial sessions where I personally found that the knowledge learnt is beneficial for my future career. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mr Leong towards the sharing of knowledge and his real life experience. 


Individual Assignment

PM Assumption List by ChungHuiPing on Scribd

PM Individual Assignment by ChungHuiPing on Scribd

Group Assignment

PM Group Assignment-Complete by ChungHuiPing on Scribd

Building Economics

This module is about learning of Quantity’s Surveyor’s role during construction pre-tender stage. Throughout the semester, I have been introduced to the concept of cost control, cost modeling, cost analysis and the effect of cost in forming an economical building. Besides, whole life costing and value engineering are as well emphasized in this subject. 

Along the way, we had a midterm test and in-class discussions on every tutorial sessions. Instead of carrying out discussion in traditional way, we were assigned into groups to present the tutorial answers through power point slides. The in-class discussions enhance learning effectiveness where discussions are now become more interesting and open discussion are allowed. Apart from that, we had a 2 days’ workshop led by Mr Eugene Seah, the group Managing Director of Langdon & Seah Singapore which is now named as Arcadis. Mr Eugene Seah is experienced in construction sector where he emphasized green approach in his projects. 

These two days’ workshop tests the level of knowledge we have towards Building Economics. Generally, the workshop started with presentation by Mr Eugene Seah. He is first introducing about the triple bottom line of sustainability and how it affects the total building performance. He also briefs us about the method of estimating. At the end of the presentation, we are assigned to produce a preliminary cost appraisal for an existing project based in Singapore. Basically, we have to price the building elements accordingly by integrating green elements in it to achieve the expectation of a sustainable building.

Right after the workshop, tasks have been assigned among the group members. As it was our first approach in preparing a cost appraisal, we had totally no idea on how to start initially. Despite this, I am glad that every member was willing to contribute ideas and work as a team for solutions. Besides discussed among ourselves, we as well exchanged opinions with other group members. In fact, we stayed up late in the campus to complete the task and prepare for presentation on the next day. From there, I see the importance of team working and the 100% effort everyone has put into this workshop.

During the presentation, we proposed our findings in front of Mr Eugene Seah, Dean from our school, lecturers as well as two experienced external panels. We were extremely nervous as we are the first group presenting. During the presentation, few questions were being asked and mistakes were found in our preliminaries costing. However, the mistakes have been corrected right after the presentation. After the presentation, every panel contributed their ideas and advises for our future guidelines and self-improvement.  

Throughout the activities carried out in this module, I am able to identify my role as a Quantity Surveyor in real working life and developed a clearer concept about the significance of cost in pre and post contract stages. The knowledge gained is somehow useful in my future career. Last but not least, I would want to thank Ms Dianne for knowledge sharing and her constant guides throughout the semester.

We spent our weekend to do research on the requirement of assignment before the workshop is carried out.

Discussion in progress. 

Discussion among group has been carried out in classroom.

Everyone was preparing for the presentation.

Presentation in progress.

 During the presentation.

Group photo with all the panels after the presentation.

Financial Management

For future QS profession like us, it is important to understand the basic of financial management. The knowledge learnt in this module is somehow related to the construction sector in both financial and organizational aspects. This subject taught about the terms of finance and cost management practices in the construction industry to ensure a proper operation and financial control over the building initial stage until the building completion.

Throughout the semester, we had a midterm test which tests on our understanding towards the financial concepts. After the test, we were then assigned in a group of 6 to determine the financial performance of a construction company, Hua Yang Berhad. As normal practice, tasks have been distributed among the group and we were to analyse the company annual report and work out the solutions. Among the questions given, we determined the cash flow, major investment activities of the company and others. Besides, we evaluated the company performance by using financial ratio. We also forecast the revenue, gross profit and profit before tax of the company based on industry forecasts from the internet. On 29 June 2016, we had a presentation to present our findings about the assignments. It is a good opportunity as we learnt to speak in front of people. Also, it is a platform where we train our presentation skills of eye contacting, speak with confidence and of course dress professionally to get good impression.

Throughout the module, I realized the importance of practicing financing in QS industry and I believed that it will be beneficial  to me in my future career. Lastly, I would want to thank Mr Lai Chee Kin for knowledge sharing and his constant guidance throughout the semester as this subject is not only focus on theoretical part but practicing is as well needed. His passion in teaching is much appreciated.

Ng Wei Lins Group FM Assignment