DISSERTATION

The module intends to introduce students to academic research and provide some in-depth understanding of the research methodology. We are required to submit an independent research work which consists of recording and analysing of data or summary of published material on the topic supplemented by opinion gathered through interviews or questionnaires. In this module, we are required to negotiate a project title and specification with our supervisor. This dissertation should be a demonstration of effective research combined with clear presentation of between 10,000 to 12,000 words.

The objectives of this module are:

1. To develop awareness of the current local and global issues in the construction industry.
2. To explore the approaches to research.
3. To demonstrate a systematic and orderly mind to produce a viable academic research

This dissertation consists of Chapter 1 and 2 which was completed in Semester 5. In this Semester 6, we are required to do Chapter 3 to 5. In this module, there are two assessments which needs to be done. The first assessment would be the research paper which divides us into a group of two. This research paper should be done based on one of our research topic and prepared according to the format, guidelines and requirements of the selected journal publisher. For the second assessment would be individual assignment known as the Viva presentation. Each of us is required to present our thesis findings in 15 minutes of presentation. The remaining five minutes would be allocated for question and answer session with judging panels. Last but not least, the final report of our thesis findings. In a nutshell, I have learnt a lot in this module, it has taught me on how to use a depth of subject knowledge and apply analytical and research skills in closely defined topic area, collect data and information and also analysing the data collected to produce documentation and presentations.

VALUE MANAGEMENT

The module provides the history, background, theories, concepts and principles of value management in decision making process. The module also introduces the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the cost planning and control stage. It is then generally covers area of implementation of value engineering and the key person involved – the facilitator. The module concludes with a series of discussion on the problem and constraint in the implementation stage based on some significant case studies.

The objectives of the module are:

1. To create an understanding in general the value process, function analysis and team dynamics in the client’s value system.
2. To identify solutions to undertake value studies at different stage of a project.
3. To recommend a more collaborative effort towards the promotion and awareness of value management in Malaysian construction industry in an effort to achieve value for money invested.

Firstly, there would be a mid term test which is a test on the first five topics of the module. Furthermore, for the assignment of this module, we are divided into groups. We are required to prepare a case study of Value Management application in the Construction Industry .The main aim of this group assignment is to help us develop a deeper appreciation of the concepts learnt in this module by applying them in the assignment. Last but not least, the final examination which is 50% to provide better understanding for us regarding the principles, history, application and technical issues related to Cost Value Engineering in the construction industry. 

From this module, we have learnt to analyze the cost and value implications of project scope and apply the value management to a value outcome in the decision making process. We have developed some problem solving skill as a team as well as individually as we need to try to solve the problems that we encounter in the midst of doing the assignment. In conclusion, I have gained more knowledge and understand more on the principles and contribution of value engineering in the development process which is quite an advantage for me as Quantity Surveyor in future.

CONSTRUCTION LAW

This module provides understanding of 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 emphasised. Moreover, to develop an in-depth knowledge on the application of law the remedies available to the parties in the next phase. This module provides the knowledge on matters regarding contractual claims and analysing disputes and the respective liabilities.

The objectives of this module are to:

1. To understand the general principles of contract law and formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach with reference to relevant case laws including to appreciate and awareness of CIDB Construction Law Report which will be updated and published by CIDB annually.

2. To understand the roles and liabilities of architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals in relation to professional negligence and the use of collateral contract and collateral warranties.

3. To appreciate the laws relating to suspension and determination, payments, contractual claims as applied to construction projects with specific reference to common construction contract clauses and interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents.

4. To understand the laws relating to construction industry with regards to Limitation Act 1953, Arbitration Act 2005, Mediation Act 2012, Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA) 2012, and etc.

5. To appreciate and evaluate the principles and processes used for avoidance and resolving disputes that arise during construction projects; litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) stated by the Malaysian Government Legislation and Standard Forms of Contract.

In this module, there are two assignments. The first coursework was in the form of seminar which consists of 20% of the final assessment. During week 2 to 13, a seminar will be carried out during tutorial session and a group of two or three would be nominated. Each of the group will be given a construction law topic a week before the presentation. We will be given about 10 minutes to present our topic during tutorial. Each of us in the group would have to ask two questions for discussion in class and to answer the questions asked by the lecturer or course mates. 

Besides, the second coursework was assigned to us which is group assignment. In this assignment, we were required to act as consultants assessing a contractor's application for construction claims. We will then have to assess the application based on the conditions of contract and principles of laws relating to remedies and damages due to breach of contract or other contractual issues. After the assignment, there would be a final exam consisting of 50%.

Moreover, we are exposed on how to identify, explain and distinguish the various laws related to the construction industry. Hopefully, this helps us to analzye, interpret and apply this knowledge on the principles of law in administration of contracts and contractual claims. Overall, I had learnt more about the roles of the architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals in relation to professional negligence and use of collateral contract.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This module involves principle, techniques and managerial issues, which form the process of project management. The area of study will focus in particular on project management in a construction context but will also make considerable reference to the activity in other fields of commercial and business activity to emphasize the broad applicability of the principle.

The objectives by learning this module would be:

1. To appreciate the roles and functions of construction project participants and the organizational structures where they occur.
2. To develop understanding of the form and influence of leadership in the construction project process and the relationships of players to a project’s success.
3. To understand the application of management techniques in the control and direction of construction project resources.
4. To evaluate the dynamic changes which occur during a construction project’s life cycle and the nature of a project’s success.

This module involves an assignment, a group assignment and also a final exam which consists of 50%. The group assignment carries 30% of total marks. The assignment requires students to work as a team and to carry out a case study on a project of improving an existing resort into a green resort. A presentation and report write up is used to present our finding and our suggestion of this study. 

This is a very good opportunity for students to try and learn more about project management. Throughout this module we further understood more on our roles as quantity surveyors in the project team in the future.