Estimating QSB 2134

Estimating QSB 2134 is lead by Ms Azrina Md Yaakob, who believes that practice makes perfect job. This said, the way of she teaching is slightly different because we used students are given the chance to give lecture in class as well. This actually aligned with one of the TGC value,discipline specific knowledge.We applied what we understand during our presentation or we known it as seminar. Through understanding of the theories, we are able to apply it out and spread the knowledge to others. By doing this activities, it actually enchance our communciation skills as well. We are able to communicate well with the classmates and lecturer for the Q&A session during the seminar.  I truely appreciate this kind of classes as it enhance the interactive time among all. 

This subject is mainly focusing on things which a Quantity Surveyor (QS) will do during pre-contract stage, which is during the estimating stage. Through the assignment, I get to know more on the role as contractor QS in which the team is asked to get quotations from suppliers and complete the tender document for bidding competition. This assignment required our interpersonal skills in understanding the team dynamics and empowering besides mobilizing the power of the team members. Throughout the process, I learnt to lead a team, with the little knowledge that I have and learnt to be a team player in providing the full coroperation to the team. To reflect back, this is a very important key where all of us should learn ( to lead and to follow), especially in construction field. 

To handle this assignment,what I have learnt is thinking and problem solving skills. For our group, we had few brainstorming sessions, in order for us to present the best part out of the assignment to the lecturer. Whenever there is crisis, what we did is to solve the problem to minimize the risk. It would be sad to say that we did not manage to win the tender by the end of the day, however, I believe that the process of us coming as a team who is eager and willing to take in new knowledge and opportunities is far more important than thus far.

In short, in my opinion, Estimating is not a theory based subject. The more we practice, the more knowledge we gained.

Professional Practice QSB 2615

Special thanks goes to Sr. Chang for lecturing us in this interesting subject. As far as I know, this subject has taught us on the knowledge and reality of what a Quantity Surveyor is going to be like in the near future. Basically, the role as a Quantity Surveryor can be summarized as preparing tendering document which must include proof reading before sending out for tender bidding process, advising client on procurement, tendering process and contract arrangement, cost control during construction, cost budget planning prior the start of project, checking on variation and interim progress claim as well as advising of final account.

For this subject,  the topic for the individual assignment is related to procurement, tendering process and contract arrangement. I have learnt to think creatively and critically for this assignment. It is true that it required me to think and analysis problem in order to get the most effective solution. After understanding the question, the next significant step was to find sufficient resources. Reading all the resources then extract all information effectively is what I have gained through this assignment as well. I believe that the extra knowledge which I have gained through this assignment is going to be useful for my future.

One more to be shared about this subject is the relevance of us to have studied this subject. To me, it actually add value to my study line as I planned to futher my study in contract management. Through this subject, I get to know a bit about the contract form used in Malaysia which is PAM 2006 with quantities. This subject helped in assuring myself that I am interested in gaining more knowledge about contract.

Software Application for Quantity Surveyor QSB 2813

We have studied two types of software from this subject. Mr Soon was lecturing on CosX where as Puan Habizah was lecturing about Buildsoft. We have a total of 7 weeks for each module. This is the subject where it stresses on digital literacy in which it provides student a platform to adapt new techology. I personally think that my technical knowledge and skills have improved a lot. Furthermore, I have realised the importance of having Software to help us in tabulating data in a more effective and efficient way.

In this subject, we were given two assignment. We start of with the group assignment first, in which we need to do some market research on the types of software being used in Malaysia. We were asked to compare and analyze all the information before proceed to report writing. From this assignment, the team gain extra knowledge in understanding the functions and limitations  of other types of software.

The second assignment is no longer a group assignment. The task for this assignment is to come up with the build up rate of every elements from  Measurement 4 and generate all the rates to Bills of Quantities. This assignment provides me a chance to talk to supplier in order for me to take the verbal quotations. 

In overall. this subject is beneficial to all student and I believe that Employer is more than happy if the employee has certain software knowledge.

Measurement 4 QSB2125

Measurement 4 is lectured by Sr. Chang. This lessons covered more on external works such as sewerage pipe, drainage system, bored piling and road. Through the lesson, I have a greater understanding of constructing the external elements like culvert, drain and sump. Now, I am able to put theories we have learnt from Construction Technology to the taking off practice.

One of the highlight for this semester is ECA Workshop. All students are divided into specific groups and attended a week of ECA Workshop. It wasn't an easy for all of us at first because we weren't familiar with this new knowledge. I am glad that the we received help from seniors as well as lecturers and make this workshop presentation a success.

Team for ECA workshop for a week.

For this subject, the second assignment given is pretty challenging. This assignment is where we need to come out with actual quantification while preparing a full set of tender document and it tested on our problem solving skills as well as teamwork and leadership. Despite leading the team, my task was to quantify the items such as piling works, internal finishes and fencing and compiling the tender document. I would say it is not an easy task especially in the preparation of tender document. As we all know, preparing tender document is the role for a consultant Quantitu Surveyor. One has to be very detailed and careful during the preparation stage in order to prevent any discrepancy. Besides tender document, there was also time when I faced problem in doing the taking off list for fencing. I am thankful that I have the corporate team who is there with me towards completing the entire assignment.

In short, this subject is where we can maximize our strength and contribute fully to the team, io order to cover our own weakness. Team ultilization and empowerment is so much important in this assignment and I am glad that we all have done a good job. 

Structures QSB 2523

Structure is lectured by a passionate lecturer, IR Chai who has experience in handling structural elements. His working experience has added advantage to his teaching. Basically, the subject covered the way of finding the force and load involved in the structural elements like beam, column, slab and truss. Although this subject seems to be not relevant to a QS student, I think it is a good exposure for us as we can have a better understanding on structural elememts even before the start of work.

This subject is not a theory based subject. It required us to understand the theories and apply in different cases. Therefore, for our group assignment, we do not required to do any research work, but to apply the theories we learnt and find out the solution to solve the problems. We have completed this assignment with the help of Microsoft Excel and it certainly save a lot of our time and presented our data in a more neat method.

In short, after this subject, I am aware that all forces are equilibrium and each force is affecting one and another. The role of a Civil Engineer is really important as they are the main person to ensure the stability of the building. A QS should work closely with Civil Engineer to enchance the quality and fuction of the building.