COST VALUE ENGINEERING - QSB 4214

Introduction:

This subject aims to provide the history, background, theory, concepts and principles of value engineering/value management in everyday decision making process. The module also introduces the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the planning and control stage. It generally covers the area of implementation of value engineering and the key person involved e.g the facilitator. The module concludes some of the series of discussion on the problem and constrain in the implementation stages based on significant studies.

The objective of this module is to:

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 the Malaysian construction industry in an effort to achieve value for money invested.

Through the study of cost value engineering i am able to learn and master the concept of cost value engineering in terms of:

• Recognize and recall the evolution process of the value engineering practice in construction.
• Identify the appropriate time to carry out Value Engineering through different construction phases.
• Identify the importance role of a facilitator in Value Engineering process.
• Recognize and recall the contribution of the value engineering/value management in the development process.
• Differentiate the 'unnecessary cost' and 'cost cutting' exercise.
• Apply the value management to a value outcome in the decision making process.
• Analyse the cost and value implications of project scope
• Generate a Job-plan for the implementation of Value Management workshop.

Throughout the group assignment carried out, I have a better understanding and clearer picture on how value management and assessment is suitable to be implemented in order to have the best and most effective and efficient cost saving scheme available. 

Potential Savings in VE application

Cost and value analysis

RESEARCH DISSERTATION - QSB 4914

Objectives:

The objective of this subject is  to provide students with the knowledge and skills for students to undertake research works. In this subject it covers on aspects such as the process and techniques of research, research design, identification of research areas and the preparation of research proposal. At the end of this course, student will be able to identify issues, problems and areas of research, identify relevant data and information required in the research, develop data collection techniques, design the research process and prepare a research proposal. Students will also be able to seek information from a variety of sources, be open to new ideas and concept and also possesses the capacity for self learning, seeking alternative ideas and solutions, present information and express ideas clearly, effectively and confidently and act ethically with integrity and social responsibility.

Overall the research process has been divided into two parts spread over two semester during the final year which is 


Semester 5 - Research Proposal:

• Submission of research title
• Approval of research title 
• Finalization of research title
• Appointment of supervisor
• Research methodology workshop
• Submission of research proposal
• Submission of literature review and theoretical framework
• Assessment by supervisor

Semester 6 - Final Report:

• Appointment of 2nd reader
• Lectures and tutorials
• Finalization and submission of research method
• Data collection and analysis
• Submission of final report
• Assessment by supervisor
• Reviewed by 2nd reader
• Viva

Throughout this research dissertation I am able to gain much knowledge and insight regarding the proper ways and method to be adopted in conducting a research and it has helped to improve my written and speaking skills tremendously. The subject encourages critical thinking and also creative brain storming which helps me to look and view things from a different perspective and it also encourages me to read up various sources and information relating to the construction industry. Apart from this, I am also fortunate to be able to present my paper in the 5th RICS Conference held by Taylor's University.

Group Presentation & Photo

Paper Presentation

CONSTRUCTION LAW - QSB 4414

Objectives:

• To understand the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach.
• To understand the roles and liabilities of architects, quantity surveyors and other professionals in relation to professional negligence.
• To understand the contractual relationship of employer sub-contractors and suppliers and the use of collateral contract.
• To appreciate the laws relating to payments and contractual claims.
• To understand the laws relating to land and construction industry with regards to National Land Code, Street, Drainage and Building Act, Uniform Building By-Law, Strata Title Act, etc.
• To appreciate the principles and procedures of litigation, arbitration, adjudication, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) stated by the Malaysian Government and Standard Form of Contract.
• To understand the interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents. 

Through this subject, I am able to understand more regarding the principles of contract and what are the important factors and elements that need to be established when forming a contract. 

And through the lecturer's great explanation, I have understand more and able to differentiate between the litigation, arbitration, adjudication and various other method of alternative disputes.

The subject also covers the various land codes, and titles of land laws as well as various rules and regulation that need to be followed during the development of a property or building. In this I have gained a tremendous insight regarding the general rules and principles that need to be applied and followed in the industry. 

And throughout the whole semester, we also conducted seminar and presentation regarding each topic that the lecturer have taught. This has enabled me to understand more regarding each topic that has been covered.