CONSTRUCTION LAW (QSB 4414)

Personal Information 

Name: Yvonne Lai Yee Vun
Student ID: 0304029
Date of Birth: 10th August 1992
Intake: July 2011
Semester: Semester 6, August 2014

General Content

The module provides an understanding of the principles of construction laws and its application. 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 analyze disputes and the respective liabilities. Lastly, this module focuses to enhance the students knowledge on matters involving contractual claims and its assessment.

Prerequisite: Construction Law
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Sr. Lim Sek Cheon

Reflects

This module gives me the opportunity to gain knowledge and better understanding of the administration of construction contracts and the application of particular contract clauses relating to the roles and liabilities of architects, quantity surveyors and other parties to the contract. Through this subject, I have a better understanding on the different types of construction contracts, the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach. In addition, I am able to understand the different forms of formal disputes resolution including litigation, mediation, arbitration , adjudication and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) stated by the Malaysian Government and Standard Form of Contract.

During this subject, we are assigned with a group assignment, with a group of 7 and together with the Seminar which is done weekly by students in a team of two. Each coursework carry 15% of final marks. For the coursework 1 which is the Seminar, each pair are required to give presentation on the topic that we have been taught a week earlier. Me and my teammate were presenting the topic 'Law relating to payment'. Seminars have given me a more understanding on the topics such as the payment to the Main Contractor and the Sub-contractor, Collateral Warranties, problems with the chain of liability and etc. However, on the group assignment, we are required to act as consultants assessing a contractor's application for loss and expense claim. We will assess the applications based on the conditions of contract and principles of laws relating to remedies and damages due to the breach of contract. This coursework has given me the opportunities to work like in real life which I need to apply all the knowledge i have learned throughout this few years of study. Other than that, through the group assignment, I am able to understand that each member have their own strength and abilities, and we are playing different roles within a team in the group assignment, it helps us to deal with the demands of the team environment and completed the work successfully as a team. 

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS (QSB 60303)

Personal Information 

Name: Yvonne Lai Yee Vun
Student ID: 0304029
Date of Birth: 10th August 1992
Intake: July 2011
Semester: Semester 6, August 2014

General Content 

The module provides an overview of the process in a property development and factors that influence the development process. It focus on the various techniques of development appraisal and source of finance available. Lastly, the module concluded with the important of market research to the overall development process and its impact of research to the development.

Prerequisite: Development Economics
Credit Hours:  3
Instructors: Ho June Khai & Dianne Kok Hui Wei

Reflects

After the 14 weeks on the learning of this subject, I am more understanding on the basic principles of economics and the whole process of property development which is related to the real world of construction. Besides, I am able to calculate the developer's budget such as the total development cost and gross development value during the initial development process. On the other hand, I am able to classified various source of finance available in the construction industry and to outline the requirement in a quality market research. 

During this subject, we are assigned with a group assignment, with a group of 7 and together with the individual assignment stands 30% out of the overall result. It is indeed an interesting assignment as we require to come out with an analysis of the number of units for each type of houses that can be built for the proposed development project, a financial appraisal of the project using the Residue Method of Valuation and lastly a cash flow for the project based on "Sell-then-Build' concept. Besides, we also required to comment on the cash flow and viability of the project if it is based on a 'Build-then-Sell' concept. This assignment provides me the capability of discipline specific knowledge, where I am able to apply theories into practice. Furthermore, I believe that this module will provide me a life long learning and advance me in my career in the future when i graduate.

This subject is very challenging because development appraisal is not easy as it sounds. I had a hard time in studying this subject because it requires a very clear understanding for both theory and calculation before i can attempt the questions in the assignment and also the exam. Fortunately, I am very thankful to have two very helpful lecturers, Mr Ho June Khai and Sr. Kok Hui Wei to guide me throughout this whole semester. 

COST VALUE ENGINEERING (QSB 4215)

Personal Information 

Name: Yvonne Lai Yee Vun
Student ID: 0304029
Date of Birth: 10th August 1992
Intake: July 2011
Semester: Semester 6, August 2014

General Content

The module provides the history, background, theories, concepts and principles of value engineering / value management in decision making process. Students also will be introduced to the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the cost planning and control stage. The module concludes with a series of discussion on the problem and constraint in the implementation stage based on some significant case studies.  

Prerequisite: Cost Value Engineering
Credit Hours: 4/5
Instructor: Sr. Loo Seong King

Reflects

After the 14 weeks on the learning of this subject, I am more understanding the value process, function analysis and team dynamics in the Client's value system.  Besides, I am able to recognize the contribution of the Value Engineering/ Value Management in the development process. Other than that, through this module, I am also able to analyse the cost and value implications of project scope and generate a Job Plan for the implementation of Value Management workshop. 

• What is Value Management?

Value Management is known as a rigorous, systematic and innovative methodology with multi-disciplinary approach to achieve better value and cost optimization for projects, products, facilities, systems and services without forgoing the needed level of performance. 

• Value terminology 

The Value Terminology in the various stages of work plan and the application.

• Application of Value Management 

• Value Management Process

There are generally 3 stages in the Value Management Process and each stage indicates tasks to be carried out.

Value Management Workshop (Job Plan)

• Barriers to Value Management 

In Malaysia, there are few common barriers in the industry that hinder implementation of Value Management. 

                                

During this subject, we are assigned with a group assignment, with a group of 7 which stands 30% out of the overall result. It is indeed an interesting assignment as we require to prepare a case study of Value Management application in the Construction Industry. Besides, we are expected to explore outcome of the implication for case study in Malaysia Construction Industry both in public and private sector. Through this assignment, we are able to develop a deeper appreciation of the concepts learnt by applying them in the assignment. This assignment provides me the capability of discipline specific knowledge, where I am able to apply theories into practice. I believe that this module will provide me a life long learning and advance me in my career when i graduate. 

RESEARCH DISSERTATION (QSB4914)

Personal Information 

Name: Yvonne Lai Yee Vun
Student ID: 0304029
Date of Birth: 10th August 1992
Intake: July 2011
Semester: Semester 6, August 2014

General Content

The module intends to introduce students to academic research and provide some in-depth understanding of the research methodology. Students are required to undertake and submit a substantial piece of independent research work which consists of both recording and analysing of data of the summary of published material on he topic supplemented by opinion gathered through interviews or questionnaires. In exceptional cases original ideas and innovative applications may be developed. Students are to negotiate a project title and specification with their supervisor. After an initial period of background work, they carry out the necessary work to complete their dissertation. The dissertation should be a demonstration of effective research combined with clear and concise presentation of between 10,000 to 12,000 words.

Prerequisite: Research Dissertation
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Ms. Theong May Chuan

Reflects

Traffic congestion is often explained as a negative occasion that tends to slow or block the achievement of goals, such as driving at a certain speed or getting to a destination at a schedule time. In the past a family used to have only one car, but now every number of a family can have one car. If everyone drives, the congestion problem will not be solved no matter how hard the government to improve public transport or build new highways. According to MIROS director-general Professor Dr. Wong Shaw Voon during interview with Sin Chew Daily that more than five million cars fill up the roads and highways in Klang Valley during morning and evening peak hours, resulting in unendurable congestion. 
 
This research is aimed to study the traffic condition within Subang Jaya. The following are 3 main objectives of the research:

1)      To ascertain the factors of high traffic volume in Subang Jaya

2)      To investigate the impacts of congested traffic in Subang Jaya

3)      To identify the strategies in resolving the traffic congestion in Subang Jaya

The objectives of the study are achieved by two ways, which is the mean of literature review and survey questionnaire. The findings have proven that most of the students are agreed that the factor that affecting the most in the growth of traffic volume is the ineffective of public transportation.  The main reason students prefer private transport instead of public transportation is due to the security issues. Students are strongly agreed that the major impact of traffic congestion is the long time spent on road and it may lead to the opportunity cost of time. As the way forward, it is recommended to implement Transportation Demand Management (TDM) tool effectively to reduce congestion and can help mould the country‘s economic, social and environmental development towards more sustainable levels.

CONSTRUCTION QUANTITY SURVEYING

Personal Information 

Name: Yvonne Lai Yee Vun
Student ID: 0304029
Date of Birth: 10th August 1992
Intake: July 2011
Semester: Semester 6, August 2014

Reflects

Through this module, I have learned about project life cycle, QS role at various stages, overview of Malaysian Construction Industry, Laws and regulations governing the Malaysian Construction Industry, CIPAA 2012, project commencement, running the project, project completion, construction supply chain and construction procurement. Construction procurement is the process whereby the client chooses a specialized method to implement his project. It involves setting up a contractual network of designers, contractors, financiers and other agents to design, construct and manage a project. One of the important considerations in procurement selection is the allocation of risks among the various parties involved. Lastly,  this module provides me a very useful concept and knowledge for my future when I graduate and start working in the construction industry. 

Laws and Regulations

Major laws and regulations affecting the industry:

1. Contracts Acts 1950
2. Factories and Machinery Act 1967
3. Real Property Gains Tax Act 1967
4. Workmen's Compensation Act 1952
5. Strata Titles Act 1985
6. Employer Social Security Act 
7. Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994
8. Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 
9. Construction Industry Payment & Adjudication Act 1994
10. CIPAA 2012
11. Housing Development (Control and Licensing Act 1966)
12. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA)

Procurement methods 

There are four common procurement methods currently practiced in Malaysia: 

1. Traditional procurement
2. Design and build
3. Construction management
4. Management contractor 
5. Public Private Partnership (PPP)

Financial Management [QSB 3413/3414]

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE • BUILDING • DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)

Portfolio

(Semester 5 April 2014)

YVONNE LAI YEE VUN

(0304029)

Financial Management 

[QSB 3413/3414]

Personal Information..

Name : Yvonne Lai Yee Vun

Student ID : 0304029

Date of Birth : 10th August 1992

Intake: July 2011

Semester : Semester 5, April 2014

Objective.. 

• To understand the management of corporate and how the financial status of a corporate is
• To be able to give better decision in management or company for finance
• To understand the importance of the time and risk in affecting the finance of a certain management 

Learning outcomes..

Financial Management enable me to define the suitable expense control structure and engineering in guaranteeing the quality administration and aggregate quality administration (TQM) of the whole development execution. Besides, this module allow me to understand the way to apply capital financing procedures in investing the expense and profit for specific development ventures. This module also enable me to organise the association, administration and worker's organization to upgrade inspiration and execution towards profession movement. In conclusion, this module provide the skills and knowledge that I need for my future career. 

Lessons Learned.. 

Financial management was taught by Sr Lee Wing Tey and Mr Chang Jau Ho. For this module, I was given a group assignment, I was divided into a group of seven people to complete the assignment.In the assignment, me and my group mates have to do a report about a corporation that we have chosen. This module gives me extra knowledge and also the ability to understand more the stock market.

Group Assignment

Nestle Malaysia Sdn Bhd is chosen for this assignment.Nestle Malaysia has one head office located in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor with a total 9 factories which includes the manufacturing factory and distribution factory located across Malaysia and sales offices with more than 5800 employees nationwide. Nestle manufactures its own products in 7 factories and markets over 300 Halal products across the nation. Nestle is specialized in foods and beverages industry and has many well-known brands such as Maggi, Nescafe, Milo etc. Nestle also has other products such as health care nutrition food, junior food and coffee maker. Last year (2013), the turnover of the Nestle group is RM4.8 billion.

Measurement 5 [QSB 3114]

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE • BUILDING • DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)

Portfolio

(Semester 5 April 2014)

YVONNE LAI YEE VUN

(0304029)

Measurement 5

[QSB 3114]

Personal Information..

Name : Yvonne Lai Yee Vun

Student ID : 0304029

Date of Birth : 10th August 1992

Intake: July 2011

Semester : Semester 5, April 2014

Objective.. 

• To understand the clauses in the Malaysian Civil Engineering (MyCESMM)
• To understand the data from multiple sources including drawn information and be able to locate, extract and analyse it
• To develop an understanding of the principles of measurement in preparing the Bills of Quantities and Specification writing
• To extend and refine skills relating to the measurement and description of building works 
• To understand the Standard Method of Measurement in taking - off quantities 

Learning outcomes..

• To be able to interpret the clauses in the Standard Method of Measurement 2 (SMM2) for Electrical Installation, Cold Water Installation, Sanitary Installation, Fire Protection and Air Condition Installation 
• To be able to interpret the clauses in Malaysian Civil Engineering (MyCESMM)
• To be able to evaluate the relationship between Specification, Drawings and Bills of Quantities

Lessons Learned..

Measurement 5 was taught by Mr Simon Chee Wai Meng and Mr Ramar Subramaniam. I was taught by Mr Simon on how to use the Malaysian Civil Engineering (MyCESMM) book as a substitute to the Standard Method of Measurement 2 (SMM2) for some new elements such as Geo technical work and Rails. I was also taught by Mr Ramar about the installation parts that exist in the building such as cold water installation and electrical installation. For this module, I had a group assignment from Mr Ramar where me and my group mates had to measure the cold water system of a house. 

1. Measurement for cold water installation includes incoming pipe, fittings and ancillaries from the water meter up to the water tank and kitchen tap. 
2. Measurement of water tank inclusive of overflow and scour pipes, fittings and ancillaries. 
3. Measurement of distribution pipe, dropper, fittings and ancillaries to the Master Bath and Refuse Compartment.
4. Measurement of distribution pipe, dropper fittings and ancillaries to the Bath 1 and Bath 2. 

A test was given by Mr Simon regarding the Principle of MyCESMM and the first chapter which is Earthwork. Overall, the lessons learned throughout this module Measurement 5 was intriguing and it has giving me a wider view and knowledge regarding the new elements. 

Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

Earthworks:

• Discovering the needs and effects of earthworks
• Understand its method of construction and its rules of measurement at different cut-section areas
• Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

Environmental Protection & Enhancement:

• Discovering the functions and purposes of sediment basin & silt trap
• Understanding the measurement procedures for various sizes of sediment basins and silt traps
• Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

Soil Investigation:

• Discovering the purpose of soil investigation and its mechanism
• Purpose of soil investigation works: To obtain and understand the geotechnical information on the subsoil condition for the foundation and structure design of the project.
• Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

RE Wall (Geotechnical Work):

• Investigating the use and purpose of Reinforced Earth Wall
• To discover its method of construction and rules of measurement
• Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

Railtrack:

• Investigating the various components available in a series of rail track
• Understand the functions of single and double-tracking, together with its method of construction
• Measurement Rule: MyCESMM

  

 

Measurement rule : SMM2 

M&E (Electrical Installation):

• Investigating the electrical supply and its associated components
• Understand the process of electric supply and distribution within a building
• Measurement Rule: SMM2

Cold and Hot Water Plumbing Works:

• Discovering the cold water supply and its components
• Investigate the type of components utilized in the supply and distribution of cold water
• Measurement Rule: SMM2

Sanitary Piping and Appliances:

• Discovering the various components of sanitary piping and their method of installation
• Understand the functionality of each components and its procedures of measurement
• Measurement Rule: SMM2

Fire protection installation:

• Identify the various fire-protection equipments and components
• Understand the fire-protection system and each component’s functions
• Measurement Rule: SMM2

Air-conditioning installation:

• Investigate the various ducting components and its associated accessories
• Understand the process of air-conditioning
• Measurement Rule: SMM2

Building Economics [QSB 3214]

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE • BUILDING • DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)

Portfolio

(Semester 5 April 2014)

YVONNE LAI YEE VUN

(0304029)

Building Economics

[QSB 3214]

Personal Information..

Name : Yvonne Lai Yee Vun

Student ID : 0304029

Date of Birth : 10th August 1992

Intake: July 2011

Semester : Semester 5, April 2014

Objective.. 

• To develop an awareness of the impact of design variables in acquiring an economical design and the importance of quantity surveyor in pre-and post contract stages. 
• To create an awareness of the nature, content, and significance of cost control, cost planning and understand the roles of venture groups towards satisfying customer needs.  

Learning outcomes..

Building Economics enable me to understand the role and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors in the overall development process and to match the relationship between cost and design to a value outcome.  Besides, this module allow me to explain the various methods of pre-tender estimating and to understand the importance of building economics to the construction world. This module also enable me to produce estimation and cost plan for financial planning to proposed project. In conclusion, this module provide the skills and knowledge that I need for my future career. 

Lessons Learned.. 

Building Economics was taught by Miss Dianne Kok Hui Wei and Sr Loo Seong King. For this module, I was given an individual assignment and a group assignment. For the individual assignment, I have to analyse whether the request by the client is reasonable and to explain what is the consequences based on time, cost and quality of awarding the tender based on the discounted percentage. 

For the second assignment, which is a group assignment, I was divided into a group of 6 people to complete the assignment. Our group assignment have been divided into two parts. The first part was where me and my group mates have to study an estimated cost plan in order to understand whether the price given is reasonable or not. We were ask to update and revise the attached cost plan to meet the marketing department requirement and the latest design requirement provided by the ARCHITECT. Then, the second part was where we have to produce a tender report for recommendation to the client and to provide reasons and supporting points for our recommendation  to convince the client. This subject was challenging and interesting at the same time because this subject enable me to understand the importance and the relationship of the building economics to the construction and how design and the construction plays an important role in ensuring the economics of the country is stable. As a Quantity Surveyor, we play an important role to give advises to the client on a better financial status.  

Tender report