RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology is a module which enables us to do research individually and prepare a dissertation. It is introduced in the final year where this semester we are required to do Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. Chapter 1 is known as the Research Proposal while Chapter 2 is the Literature Review. This module is taught by Dr. Myzatul Aishah. She was the main lecturer of the module for the first 7 weeks which gave us lectures and to help us choose our area of research. However, each of the students is assigned to different supervisors according to their proposed topic. My research topic is to Investigate Potential Improvements in Public Transportation in Klang Valley.

Moreover, we have also learnt the way to do the referencing as we had a session with the librarian brief on the how to use Mendeley to do referencing. By participating in this briefing, we will then know where and how to search for more journals, books and articles. This helped us to have an in-depth knowledge on our research topic.

My supervisor for my research dissertation is Mr Chee Wai Meng which is also one of my lecturer for Measurment 5. He is an experienced lecturer and has fully guided me as well as giving me good advices during the meetings weekly on how to complete my research and make my dissertation looks more interesting. Besides, he is also very dedicated and have much patience in checking our progress and had always replied us as soon as possible on our drafts through email. I can say that I am very lucky to have a good supervisor which leads us and guide us all the way in this module.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

This module basically introduce us to accounting. We are also able to identify the practices of financial management and systems for different projects. We also learnt on implementing the accountancy principals for company's finance and accounts by understanding the practices of financial management in construction industry.

For the assignment fo this module, we are divided and each groups consists of six people. The task given was to analyze financial ratios for Mah Sing Group. It was quite tough for me because I have not learnt much about accounting and the information needed to complete the financial ratios was not provided in the annual reports. However, through the help and discussion with my group mates and the guidance of my lecturer, Ms Tay Shir Men, I was able to accomplish the task in the given period. She was a good and patient lecturer which taught us on every details and problems we faced.

From this module, we have learnt to analyze the financial annual report of the company and able to understand the overall performance of the business or projects through assignments and lectures provided. 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 of accounting which is quite an advantage for me as Quantity Surveyor in future.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2

This module is the continuity of professional practice 1 in Semester 4. It covers all other clauses in PAM contract 2006 without quantities that has not taught in professional practice 1. We have developed the knowledge and understanding of the construction contracts and the role and rights of the relevant parties to claim their rights in different situation especially Quantity Surveyor.

Mid-term test was held with total marks of 20%. Besides, coursework was assigned to us with two diff assignments which are Seminars and group assignment. Seminars is done weekly by a group of two or three on the topics taught a week earlier and present in the class what we had understand about it. This can be considered a good way to revise the topics. During the seminar, each of us was required to ask two questions and encourage to communicate with the class for the answers through discussions.

The other assignment was a group assignment. In this assignment, we were required to prepare final account based on the questions such as assessing a contractor’s application. Final account with adjustments and how to finalize the variations was basically the task given in this assignment. We are given the opportunity to study the format and how a final account is to be prepared. After the assignment, there would be a final exam.

Moreover, we are exposed on how to solve with the dispute in construction in the future and also able to interpret the construction contracts. I would also like to appreciate for having a great lecturer, Sr Eddie. The way he lectures is interesting and he usually shares his experience during lecture by giving some examples which gave us an image of how the real life working environment and situation will be. Overall, I had not only learnt the syllabus of the module, but also the experience of a Quantity Surveyor in the industry.