Professional Practices 2

The module teaches about the agreement and conditions of PAM Contract 2006 with Quantities.Under this subject I have learned how to prepare the final account, have better knowledge on differentiating penultimate certificate and final certificate. In addition, i also understand better on construction claim and its entitlement to such claims, explaining the causes and contractual effects of construction delays, termination by contractor, determination of contractor’s employment, problems and disputes with interim certificates, partial possession, contractual dispute, setting off by employer and insurances. I also have been taught to differentiate PAM Contract 2006 with other form of contract such as PWD 203A, JRK form and etc that is available in Malaysia. 

Assignment 1 of this module is to prepare a seminar based on the topic we're assigned in a group of 2. I find this practice useful, as during the process of preparing the seminar, we get to study and understand the topic better. A very good way to encourage the student to study not prior to the exam period. The assignment 2 of this module is to prepare a Final Account in a group has somehow helped me to practice my skills in preparing a Final Account. Preparing a Final Account is a 'must do' for a QS and somehow making it a necessary skills that a qualified QS must equipped with. QS is a part of the design team, therefore working in a group is unavoidable. This assignment enable us to work in a group and allowed each of the group members to contribute in every part of the work in preparing a quality Final Account. 

Thanks to the lecturer of this module, this is the first time I find contract knowledge can be so interesting over my life as a QS student. The contract knowledge is indeed very useful especially for those who are planning to work in a consultant firm. It is necessary to prepare ourselves with contract knowledge in order to provide professional advises to the clients. 

Building Economics

This module is to develop and awareness of the nature, content, and significance of cost control and cost planning. Also teach about the awareness of the effect of design variables in obtaining an economical design. I have learned the important role and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors in the overall development process. The purpose and important of cost control in a project during pre-construction and post construction stage. I also learned to be able to explain various methods of pre-tender estimating. Learning how cost of buildings can be influence and the important for design economic. 

The assignment of this module is to prepare a cost planning based on the information given. I find this assignment quite challenging especially when the information given is very limited, and we have to fully understand the tricky part of the question in order to generate a quality cost plan as required by our lecturer. 

This module is the hardest one for me in this semester. I find it very it difficult to understand both the theory and the calculation part. Especially all those formula or the methods of calculation in cash flow, discounted cash flow, internal rate of return, investment method of valuation, residual method of valuation and whole life costing. 

Sustainable Housing Development

In this module, I learned how to apply the implications of sustainability principles in the construction project serving the objective of sustainable in which to emphasize the use of environmental friendly materials into the construction project in order to preserve the beauty of the mother nature. We paid a visit to Langkawi for our group assignment, and my task of the assignment is to propose a sustainable housing development in Langkawi. While doing the assignment for this module, I have also studied the existing successful sustainable housing project in Malaysia and generate those sustainable ideas into my proposed development in Langkawi. The process is indeed important where I have learned to be aware about the environment and the importance of sustainable development in the country. 

 Although Sustainable Housing Development is still at its immaturity stage in Malaysia, but the government is starting to implement the development in the country in order to raise the awareness in public and there is an increase development of such housing in the country nowadays. Therefore, it is important for me to be equipped with sustainable development knowledge so that I will be able to give the right advice and consultation if I was engaged in green building projects in my future career.

Financial Management

This module is the management practices which covers both financial and organizational aspects in relation to construction project.  I have been exposed to various terms of finance, which cover the financial information systems and capital investment.  

From this module, I find it easy to understand how financial management systems is used in different construction projects and implement the accountancy principles and practices in examining the construction company’s finances and accounts. The part that I find it very useful is the capital investment technique. This is because it is basically calculation based. The other parts of this module are more on theory which I find it difficult to understand as everything is quite new to me. The assignment is about the forecasting of  a company's finance by comparing with the recent 2 years financial report. In addition, we also get to understand the company's background, vision and mission, financial objectives, company core business, marketing objectives and overview in operation of the company.

Overall, this subject is quite challenging for me as financing is quite new and my interest on finance is low. 

Measurement 5

This module is concerning about the measurement skills and descriptions of the civil engineering works, mechanical and electrical engineering works, plumbing system, HAVC and fire fighting system and sanitary installation in accordance to the rules of measurement in SMM2 and MYCESM. I have learned the skill to do measurement for civil engineering works for basement excavation, rail tracks, retaining walls, deep boring, prestressed concrete, earthworks. The part that i find difficult are retaining walls and earthworks which require me to put more effort in order to understand better. The assignment of this subject is on the earthwork excavation where it allowed me to understand better on the topic and strengthen my skills in measuring for the earthworks after completing the assignment. 

Overall, i'm able to grasp hold the skill and knowledge to do measurement and write the description for for all the chapters covered. Although, I might not be involving much in measuring the external works, mechanical and electrical works and plumbing system. However, with all these skills and knowledge, I'm sure it will be able to help me to deal easily with the specialist consultants if necessary in my future career.