Construction Law

Construction Law
The module provides an understanding of the principles of construction laws and its applications. By understanding the basic principle of construction law, the importance of adhering to the specific procedures and notices are emphasized. The next phase is to develop an in-depth knowledge on the application of the law and the remedies available to the parties. Subsequently, students will be able to adopt a systematic approach to analyse disputes and the respective liabilities. Lastly, this module focus to enhance the students’ knowledge on matters involving contractual claims and its assessment. The only assessments for this module are presentations on the lectures and final examinations.


Reflection
From this module, I have learnt to identify the specific laws of construction based on a situation and the necessary procedures to apply such laws. Such laws consist of contract laws, case law, and PAM contracts 2006. Overall, my lecturer, Mr Wong, has been very informative on this module and have given the class plenty of scenarios to ensure that we understand the concept of each law.

    

Project Management

Project Management

In a group of maximum 6 students, you and your team need to locate a piece of vacant land beside Taylor’s University Lakeside campus. The land size should be around 800m2 to 1200m2. As the project manager of the client, decide the development / type of building on the chosen site. Hence prepare the project brief.

The report should include, but not limit to the following:
a. Project Background
b. Project Justification (Economic, social, politic, etc)
c. Project Objective
d. Project Merits / Benefits
e. Project Work Break Down Structure
f. Project Cost Estimation
g. Project Summary

Reflection
This module has taught me about the elements involved in managing a project. Elements such as creating a work breakdown structure, creating a work programme as well as understanding the benefits of project management. Really grateful for my lecturer, Mr Leong, who has made this module very interesting by giving real-world examples to give an idea of what to expect in the industry.

                    

Value Management

Value Management

Assignment

Title: Case Study Report on Project implementing Value Management in the Construction Industry. You are to prepare a case study report on a project of your choice where a Value Management study has been conducted by your value management team for presentation to your client. 

Reflection

This module as taught me how to make decisions based on their value or worth by comparing its function & quality to its cost. Its syllabus has also given me insight on the proceedings of a VM workshop and the specific requirements to conduct a workshop, as well as the various benefits and barriers of VM in the construction industry. Thank you to my lecturer, Sr. Loo, as he is very kind and forgiving which gives me a chance to learn from my mistakes.

                    

Development Economics

Development Economics

Assignment brief
You are a Multidisciplinary group of consultants (form your own company name) and a client would like to hear your proposal on a piece of land in Singapore. It is a mix development land. The client would like to hear what would be the construction cost, the total development cost of the land, the pay back and what design assumptions your team have put into the design. No drawings are needed but simply illustrations to show block models (using ppt) is sufficient to produce sectional illustrations.


Reflection
This module has given me insight on the standard procedures of how a development project is approved and implemented. From feasibility to legal requirements to bank borrowings, a development project has to fulfill these several condition precedence before work can begin. Overall this module has been really informative. Kudos to my lecturer, Ms Dianne Kok, for making this module fun and interesting by giving loads of examples and getting us students involved in the discussions.

                    

Dissertation

Dissertation
This module is the final year project and is a continuation of the module 'research methodology'. For this module, the remaining 3 chapters of the research paper is written, research methodology, data analysis, and summary. Basically, these 3 chapters will consist of the methodology used in the study as well as the results it yield.


Reflection
From this module, I have learnt to carry out a proper study by sending out questionnaires. I now have a holistic understanding of the components of a research paper. Whereby in order to commence on a study, a complete basis has to be formed from past studies.

            

Community Service Initiative

Assignment
This assignment basically revolves around running a community service event. The criteria given to us was it has to be an orphanage home. The reason is because this module wants to inspire the children who will inherit the future of Malaysia. Apart from running the event, we have to write a report on our accomplishments for the day so on and so forth. We also need to make a video presentation as well as a regular presentation to our lecturer.

Video




Report

Community Service Initiative from Jake Chyi Sern


Reflections
This module has been quite fun as I got to get out of the lecture hall and do something different for a change. This module also taught me to work together in a huge group and to communicate efficiently. On a more serious stand point, this experience has taught me to give back to the community and to bless others with what I have. Also I have learnt to sow into the next generation because they are the ones that will determine Malaysia's future.

             

Research Methodology

Assignment
This assignment is very different in nature compared to most other modules as it requires the element of research. I chose the topic 'CHALLENGES FACED BY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN IMPLEMENTING INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM'. Later I wrote a proposal on the chosen topic with the help of my supervisor, Ms. Dianne, whom I was assigned to. This would just require me to do 2 chapters, introduction and literature review, of the total 5 chapters of research which will be resumed in Semester 6. Basically, these 2 chapters will form a basis for my own study. It consists of writings from related journals and articles.


Reflections
This module has really honed my researching skills especially when it comes to citations and references. Since I focused mainly on finding my research based off of journal articles, I can better see the flow of how a journal is to be written. Overall, this module has been beneficial. These sets of skills will definitely be useful if I ever plan on taking a Masters course in the future or any job that requires research for that matter.

            

Measurement 5

Measurement 5

This is a continuation in the measurement series where this time it focuses on the area of services such as cold water supply, electrical distribution and etc.


Assignments
The assignment was quite simple as it resembles a test. There were 2 parts to this test the first being a group test where we have to complete an earthwork filling in 2 hours. The next part is an individual test which focuses on the usage of the Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (MYCESMM) in order to answer the questions.


Reflections
This time round the measurements have been relatively easier compared to the previous measurement module in this course because a lot of items is just measured just in number. This measurement is beneficial to my understanding on how the building functions as it introduces the electrical supply and cold water supply. Overall, I imagine how this module has given me a more wholesome view of how a building properly function and how it ties all the elements together into one finish finish product which is usable.

                           

Professional Practice 2

Assignment
This assignment is actually International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) workshop carried out in the span of 2 days. The whole of the first day would be a lecture on what we studied in Professional Practice 1 in the previous semester. From the evening on wards we need to need to answer a list of questions as a group together with seniors. We will should refer from the PAM Form 2006 while answering the questions.


Report

A Case Study based on FIDIC and PAM Form 2006 from Melvin Lim


Reflections
This module has taught me mainly to use and read the PAM Form of contracts 2006 with quantities which will definitely help me in the future as a Quantity Surveyor with facing different sorts of arguments and conflict within the industry. Also Sr. Eddie has been very engaging in his lectures by giving very practical explanations on the various topics. From the assignment, I have learnt to communicate effective with group members especially when we only allowed 1 night to complete the exercise in the workshop. Overall, this module is a good eye opener to what I can expect in the industry.

                       

Building Economics

Final Assignment
This assignment requires us design and give a proposal on materials to use for a plot of land in Kuala Lumpur. The proposal has to include a benchmark project as a reference point for our main design of the proposed building as well as rates obtained from JKR, JUBM or other reliable websites. We must compile our progress into a report as well as present our findings in the form of PowerPoint Slides.


PowerPoint Slides

Building Economics Group Presentation Slides from Melvin Lim


Reflections
Throughout this module we have to prepare powerpoint slides for every tutorial session based on the tutorial questions which has proven beneficial in the process of understanding each topic. This method is not only advantageous to my understanding but also encourages me to be present in the discussions. The assignment has taught me that getting into good terms with group mates is crucial for the success of a group and that communication is important as well.

                    

Financial Management

Final Assignment
This module as only one assignment. The assignment requires us, in a group of 5 members, to write a report on the analysis of the annual reports of Sycal Ventures Bhd. We also have to present our findings at the end of the semester. This assignment is designed to enable us to hone our analytical and interpretation skills. It also trains us to read and understand annual reports.


Report

Financial Analysis Report for Sycal Ventures Berhad from Melvin Lim


PowerPoint Slides

Financial Management Group Presentation Slides from Melvin Lim



Reflections

Overall this module has been very informative on the handling of finances which will be undeniably useful in the close future. The assignment has trained me to communicate information effectively with group mates not excluding non-cooperative members. The module has taught me to read and financial statements, balance sheets, etc. and better understand their uses. Another additional skill that have been developed are information organisation so that the reader can extract information easily.

                               

Structures

Assignment
This assignment requires us to calculate and draw the shear force and bending moment diagram of the beam in a graph paper. Together with the help of my friends, I am able to understand how to calculate and the method.

Reflection
From this module I am able to identify solve the various problems in structures. I would like to thank my lecturer, Mr. Chai for taking the time to explain any question that I had. I am now able to apply the integration of structural functions and interpret it to the overall design. I hope this subject will benefit me in the future.

Software Application for Quantity Surveying

Assignment
For this assignment, it is related to the Measurement 4 assignment. We are required to prepare the Bill of Quantity of an element including the rates by using Buildsoft. Hence, we have to find the material costs and labour costs from suppliers or online sources in order to find the rates of the element. We then need to send a soft copy as submission via email.

Reflection
From this module, I have learned very practical things that may be used in the work place, things such as using Buildsoft and CostX and its various functions. I also learned how using software is much more beneficial than using the traditional pen and paper to do taking-off and Bill of Quantities. Overall, I really enjoy this module and I am sure it will be useful for my future career as a QS.

Measurement 4

Assignment
As a group of 7 people, we are required to obtain drawings from a QS consultancy. Upon receiving the drawings, we need to come up with a complete tender document, from taking-off to Bill of Quantities all the way to compiling the actual tender documents. We then need to prepare a Powerpoint presentation our results and findings.

Slides

Meas 4-presentation from Jäkê Čhŷį Śêrñ


Reflection
From this module, I have learned to measure external works, things like surface water drain, sumps, manhole and roadworks. I have studied measurement since semester 1 but all in different areas of the building and it all seems to come together now after doing the tender document. Also the assignment really helped refresh my memory on stuff that was taught in pass semesters. Overall I think this is one of the heavy subjects for this semester and have learned quite a lot from it.

     

Estimating

Assignment
In this assignment we need to prepare a tender document. A copy of the Bill of Quantities will be provided but without the rates. Our job is to obtain quotations from suppliers or from online sources and calculate the rates. We then need to organize the tender document accordingly for submission.


Reflection
From this module, I have learned to calculate the cost estimates for a building project by calculating the material cost and labour cost as well as the techniques of calculating using Excel. This module as gives me insight on what is needed in a tender document which will be useful for when I am working in this field.

    

Professional Practice 1

Assignment
We were given a situation where Taylor's University is considering to build a multi-storey car park within the campus. My group consists of Voon Sze Lun and myself, we are required to prepare a report to Taylor's University recommending the procurement system and the tendering method to be adopted. Based on the recommendations we are then required to prepare a simple schedule in a bar chart to show the various activities from procurement system until completion. I did the tendering method while my Sze Lun did procurement system.


My Part

Tender from Jäkê Čhŷį Śêrñ


Sze Lun's part

Purpose from Jäkê Čhŷį Śêrñ

Reflection
From this module, I have the chance to have a glimpse of the working life. I am grateful to my lecturer, Mr Ramar, for providing us a very detailed lesson on the subject with a bit of his own personal working experience. From his lectures, I have learned about the roles of a QS as well as the general flow of the construction industry ranging from the start of a project all the way to the completion. He also includes lessons  on claims and liquidated damages. Overall, I feel this module will benefit me the most in my future career in the industry.

    

Sustainable Housing Development

Assignment 1
In this assignment, we are given a list of topics on the subject of sustainable housing development and we need to choose 1 topic on a first-come-first-served basis and then proceed to write a report on the topic. The topic which I chose was lack of education in the industry.

Report



Reflection
From this assignment, I have learned that the construction industry lacks education on the sustainable factor when during construction. I have also to do some research concerning some specific matters and also sharpen my writing skills.

                                       


Assignment 2
In this assignment, as a group of 4, we are needed to choose an empty land in Setia Alam as our site. Upon choosing the site we need to come up with a master plan of the possible housing concept that can be done at the site. We have to write a report on the facilities that are already present surrounding the site, the master plan of the housing, potential buyers and the renewable material which makes that housing area special. We also need to make a video on this that shows the interesting points of the report.

Report




Reflection
From this module, I have learned a lot concerning the sustainability of an establishment. I have also had a lot of fun in this module as I got the chance as a group to explore Setia Alam and obverse the different facilities and buildings there. From the assignments given, I have learned to enhance my video making skills together with my group mates and also communicate better with my them.

                                       

Building Services 2

Assignment
For this assignment we have to produce a report and come up with a power point presentation on the topics of this module as groups of 7, Kellyann Hiew, Goh Jeng Jhieh, Abang Azrin, Chua Jia Cheng, Muhammad Aiman, Rachel Ernesta and myself. We have to find a building for our case study and write the report accordingly and present our findings. We chose Tesco Extra in Mutiara Damansara as our case study.

Report

Building Service 2 Report on Tesco Extra from Kellyann Hiew

Slides

Building Service 2 Presentation from Kellyann Hiew

Reflection
From this module, I have learned a lot about the services in a building which enhances the atmosphere. I also learn to work as a group to produce a report and presentation as well as do in depth research on various topics. Overall, I enjoy this module as it gives me a chance to see what services goes on behind the scenes of malls.

                                             

Management Science

Assignment
In this assignment, we are to come up with our own vision and mission statement, our short-term, mid-term and long-term goals, 2 activities when interviewing people for managerial position and competitive advantages of information technology and information management and write it as a report.

Report


Reflection
For this module, I have learned a lot of new topics which haven not been covered before since semester 1. The topic that are covered are to do with the manager role and less of technical work. The topics include strategic management, decision making, work motivation, HR management, information management and etcetera.

                                   

Construction technology 3

Individual assignment 
In this assignment, we are given 20 drawings all related to the topics in this module that hopefully gives us the visual insight on the topics that were taught.

Here are some of the sketches that I was required to draw:

 

Group assignment
In this assignment, we are required to form a group of 5 members and come up with a video of any topic we have learned in this module. Initially we were required to record our own video. However, due to safety reasons we were allowed to take several raw videos from YouTube and edit them into a complete informational video.

Reflection
In this module, I have learned about the different methods and technologies that the construction industry uses on site. It also gives me a bit more insight to what goes on in the site and the process involved. Other than that, I really enjoy doing this module because the of the way the lectures are taught.