ESTIMATING

This is a new module of Semester 4 where there is no similar module in previous semesters. Basically, this subject introduces us the principle of estimating and components prices such as material, labour, plant, profit and wastage and also topic like sub-contracting works, preliminaries and etc. At first, I thought that this subject was as simple as I thought because it only involves simple mathematics but after I get in touch with it, I find that there are many more matters which needs to be considered during the calculation and factors which can affect the cost of construction such as wastage. For example, you are required to have basic construction knowledge to proceed in the calculation of cost like the procedures of laying bricks.

The topics in estimating consists of many chapters including the introduction and theories while the rest are all about the estimating of different components such as excavation, concrete work, brickwork, finishes and etc. The component of assessment consists of a group assignment, ECA workshop as well as a final exam. Moreover, we were also given tasks in a form of seminar and also presentations during tutorial classes. One of the seminar was to present a topic we were given while the other seminar was to understand one of the estimating topic and be as a tutor to teach few coursemates on the calculation during tutorials. For the group assignment, a group of 9 students compete and bid for the tender of a project given by the lecturer, Ms Azrina. We are required to contact the suppliers to get the price rates and quotations in order to calculate and estimate for the project as well as preparing tender documents for presentation held to the client on our tender.

Throughout this new module, I have gained a new knowledge on estimating which could help us in preliminary cost estimates, preparing cost budgets, to advise clients on matters about cost in the early stages of construction. This module not only involves simple calculation, I learnt to get used to the calculation as one of the common problem we meet in this module is the converting of unit to another required unit involves clear understanding. Besides, it has also improved my presentation skills through seminar during tutorial classes.

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

There will be 2 software covered in this module which are CostX and Buildsoft. The purpose of this subject is to develop our technical knowledge and computer skills as the construction industry is moving towards the use of BIM software. As a future Quantity Surveyor, these skills will be useful to us when we work in construction firms as well as during internship.

For the assessment part, there are 2 assignments. The first assignment was a group project in which we are required to compare different BIM software prepare a report on the functions and limitations. The second individual assignment was to prepare a set of bill of quantities by using Buildsoft followed by a final examination.

In conclusion, I learned how to create a price book and Bills of Quantities with Rates in Buildsoft, and also learnt how to calculate measurements on different construction components in CostX, such as work below lowest floor finish, frame, wall finishes & reinforcement, along with learning how to create a workbook with it. Under the guidance of our lecturer, Ms Lim, we managed to learn as fast as we could and improve our digital literacy skills. After gaining knowledge on the preparation bills of quantities which is Buildsoft, I can make use of this computer software to prepare BQ for another module known as Measurement 4 at the end of semester. As we can see, by using these software, we could really save up a lot of time compared to manual measurement.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1

As a quantity surveyor in construction field, it is very important that we understand our roles and responsibilities for all different stages such as design stages, construction stages and many more. In this semester, we were given this module known as professional practice. This module is to expose us to the practices of a professional Quantity Surveyor, further roles and responsibilities of our career, the importance of QS in contractual relationships, rectifying disputes and advising clients on the matter of cost. The topics covered are role of quantity surveyor, procurement, tendering methods and procedure, tender and contract documentation and so on.

The module’s assessment consists of a mid-term test, seminar, group assignment and also a final examination. In the first project, we are required to carry out a presentation during tutorial session regarding on the topic we were given a week before the seminar. There will be a group of 3 students and each of us will have to do a deep research and present approximately 15 minutes followed by preparing two questions for discussion in class. The next project was to prepare a project report as proposal for procurement arrangements and present to a client which is our lecturer.

For this module, at the beginning I felt it was very challenging for me as I am not very familiar with the basic construction knowledge like procurement methods, tender documents and has no interest in it. This module also requires much presentations in which I am not a person who can present very well. However, under the guidance of Sr Wong, I find that I am slowly catching up with the topics and gained some basic knowledge about it. Although the test or tutorial classes were challenging where we have to answer the questions not only in a simple point but in few levels, I have gained a lot of knowledge like soft skills that can be useful to us in our career other than the topics covered in this module.

I have improved my presentation skills and learnt how to communicate and lead a discussion in class as well as think and answer critically.

In a nutshell, our lecturer had guide and lectured us in an interesting way and shared us his experience such as giving examples of several situations in the construction field  and how to solve the problems. Throughout this subject, we have learnt about the basic construction knowledge as well as qualifications required of a Quantity Surveyor which provides us a life long learning and it will be very useful to us in our working field in the future.