Structure

Throughout the learning of structure, I found difficulties in solving the tutorial questions. The questions are seemed to be difficult and I almost gave up due to no idea on how to solve the questions. Until then, I am able to understand better when I do discussion in a group and keep on trying the tutorial questions. At the end of the day, I found that it’s actually not difficult to understand if I do it step by step by using the related formula. However, I think I need to practice more to improve and strengthen my structure skills.

Throughout the semester, we had one mid-term test and I did my best for it. We also did an assignment. I would like to thank Mr Chai in his teaching. He is a very good and knowledgeable lecturer who is always ready to help.

Software Applications

Cost X

This is the first software introduced to us which is related to a QS working in a Construction Company later. When I was first introduced to this software, it was fun because other than memorizing notes, we only have to memorize the steps in measuring elements.

Throughout the syllabus, we were given a task of comparing 3 computer software available in the market and choose the best software among them. We did this in a group of 4. The biggest challenge is that we were not familiar with the software available in the market and thus we did researches for in the internet in order to do comparison.

Besides, I find that the lecture and tutorial class is interesting as it is a new way of learning. We measure materials and elements through softcopy of plan drawing. Besides, we also create the bill of quantities by using Cost X. By developing the technical knowledge and practical computer skills, I believe that it will be useful for us in the working life later as this is an effective and efficient way of measurement.  

To prepare for final exam, I practice many times as I believe by practicing, it gives a better result. However, I managed to finish the exam question and submitted it on time.

Lastly, I would like to thank Sr Soon in his effort of teaching. The information is effectively and clearly delivered to the extent that we were able to understand him. He is also helpful in solving our queries.

Buildsoft

Initially, I was not used to Buildsoft due to the complexity in using it. I always confuse on the steps of typing a BQ in different sheets, and the building up rates for materials. After trying on exercises given in classes, I found that by using this software, it eases the build up of material rates rather than doing it manually. However, the biggest challenge to me using this software is when creating a price book for materials as I always confuse on the mark up rates and the conversion of units. Well, as I believe practice make perfect, so I keep on trying an error to improve my skill.

To prepare for final exam, I practice quite a lot of time and set time limit for myself so that I will be able to complete the exam question on time. After practicing over and over again, I was able to respond quickly and efficiently during the exam.

Besides, I also found difficulties in finding material rates for the elements I do which is sanitary fittings in the assignment assigned as there are a lot of brands in the market and the rates are different. 

Lastly, I would like to thank Ms Habizah for teaching and guide us during the class.

Professional Practice 1

I am grateful that Mr Ramar is my subject lecturer of Professional Practice 1. He is knowledgeable and he always shares his working life experience to us. Throughout the topics I have learnt in this subject, I have a better idea of my future job scope. I also found that the theory I’ve learnt is useful and can be applied in my internship period later. In addition, Mr Ramar introduces many new terms in his lecture series. The information he delivered are clear and easy to understand. He always makes sure that all of us understand what he has taught before proceeding to the next topic. As I am a slow learner, I think his method of teaching suit me very much. Besides, he made a good impression to me as he is always ready and willing to explain the same things over and over again without feeling angry.

The assignment assigned to us was totally a new thing to do as we have to shortlist a tenderer by scrutinizes the company background, financial capability etc of overall 6 tenderers. We also learn to tabulate data and amount in a correct manner. We checked for arithmetic errors as the contract amount is the main concern of employers to indicate the position of the tenderers. We also think of the recommendations and supportive reasons for the tenderer we choose. I think that team working is an important factor to complete this assignment on time.

Lastly, I would like to thank Mr Ramar on his passion of teaching. I have gained knowledge throughout this whole semester. I’m looking forward to the next semester as I believe there will be more knowledge yet to be discovered in professional practice 2.

                                                                                                                          

Completed PP1 Assignment

Professional Practice 1 Assignment

Measurement 4

In Measurement 4, we are introduced to external works. Different kind of external woks required different types of taking off that is why memorizing the description is the most challenging part.

For measurement assignment, I’ve measured Work Below Lowest Floor Finishes, Sanitary Fittings, Sewerage Works, preparing Form of Contract and other documents like Prime Cost Sum and Builder’s Work in Connection. By doing those parts, I was exposed to different types of work and definitely gained knowledge as I became familiar with those parts I did. At the end of the day, we compile everyone’s work into a complete tender document. It wasn’t an easy job without the help of my group mates. The presentation was done smoothly and I appreciate the comments from the lecturer.

For instance, I was selected to be the leader of the Elemental Cost Analysis (ECA) group. It was shock as I knew ECA is not an easy job at all. Expectedly, we face a lot of queries throughout the whole weeks. There are few times we almost give up as we couldn’t tally the contract sums after we tried on any possible methods. Luckily, my teammates are helpful and work as a team. Some of us even stayed up late in the campus to continue the works.  However, during the presentation, we were told that we made a big mistake in our report and we are required to submit a revised ECA 3 days after. We were quite down when we know that what we did for the whole week was wrong but we did not give up. Instead, we discussed on the solutions together and recalculated everything to revise our mistake. I truly appreciate all the hard works of my group members as we did our best to produce the revised ECA report. Throughout the ECA weeks, we had the sleepless nights, the happy moments and also the hard time. The most important thing is that we all have gained knowledge from the mistakes made and I believe this knowledge will be useful for practice during my internship period. In addition, it was really a great experience working in a team with different people.

I never know this semester will be so busy until I experience the sleepless nights to complete the ECA reports and assignments. I would like to thank our subject lecturer Sr Loo for guiding us throughout the ECA workshop and assignment. He is a very good and knowledgeable lecturer as he is ready to help all the time.

4 sets of Contract Documents for us to carry out Elemental Cost Analysis (ECA)

Our group presenting the ECA report and slides

Picture taken after the ECA presentation, with Sr Loo

After the ECA presentation, all of us stayed back to revise our ECA report 

ECA Form - Group A

Elemental Cost Analysis of proposed building

ECA Presentation - Group A

ECA Group A presentation slides

Me, presenting for M4 Assignment

M4 Presentation

Presentation slides of Measurement 4 Assignment

Estimating

This is a very challenging subject for me where we are introduced to do build up rates for building materials. At first, I found it difficult to understand the syllabus as it is totally a new subject for me. The first challenge we face is that we were assigned in a group of 4 and are required to prepare and present a seminar based on the topic given and work on the build up rates for ‘Concrete Work’. We are also required to tutor our course mates on how to build up the rates. From the process of preparing our script, data, and building up the rates, I develop my understanding of this subject.

After that, we were given an assignment to prepare a complete tender document of a single storey show house. The most challenging part of this job is getting the quotation from the suppliers. We tried many methods of getting quotations such as emailing, through phone call and also visit to shops. We found out that most suppliers are not aware of the emails we sent and hence we made phone calls. Some of the suppliers are very efficient and we got the quotations in few days, but some of them were not really concern about it. Hence, we made visits to hardware shops, doors suppliers etc in Puchong, Old Klang Roads, SS15 and PJS7. I realised that walk in method is the most efficient way of getting quotations as most of the suppliers are willing to share their quotations to us. Somehow, we got rejected by few suppliers.  After getting all the quotations, the leader distributed the works to each of us to do the build up rates for the materials mentioned in the quotation. We also refer to Spon’s books and CIDB websites to get the labour output and labour rates. Besides, we prepared the whole documents and compile it to become a tender document.  As we were not shortlisted for the tender, we were requested to prepare a director evaluation report regarding on the reason why  we were not shortlisted for the job. From the overall process, I get the idea on what a QS consultant does and this is what I am going to do in the near future.

I have developed new knowledge and more expose to the construction society. I also learnt the manner of communication with suppliers in getting quotations, how to work well with groupmates, and time management. I believe that in the working life after I graduate, these will be the things that build up my knowledge and personality.

Lastly, I would like to thank my subject lecturer, Sr Dianne of her effort in developing the skills of build up rates in us, and as well help us in solving our queries throughout the whole semester. 

Final-Corrected Calculation (Concrete)

The build up rates for Concrete Work

Estimating Seminar Q5 Theory Complete (1)

Presentation slides of Estimating Seminar

Picture of my group mates and subject lecturer, Sr Dianne