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