Strategic Management (MGT 60703)

Strategic Management (MGT 60703)

Lecturer: Mr. Leong Boon Tik

Expectations:

Study many real business situations 

• Practice the core planning tools 

• Struggle with figuring out what to do 

• Be prepared to participate in planning for your 

own firms 

• Be prepared to do the work to earn above 

average returns

About the Module:

Part 1: Strategic Planning 
– Strategic Management in the Design and 
Construction Value System 

• Part 2: E-Business Strategies 
– E-Commerce and the Internet in Real Estate and 
Construction

Case Method: Class Discussions

• Usually the instructor will have a structure to guide the discussion 
• Talk about the issues and choices 
• Discuss  with your classmates 
• Sometimes there is a consensus 
• Sometimes you can find out what happened, sometimes not. 

     What I have learnt by studying case methods is it is often messy due to the amount of information and there is often no right answer. However it is really helpful as it helps us deal with real life situations

Assignment (Individual)

The assignment contributes to 50% of the overall marks.  We had to come up with an article on how to produce a good vision and statement. And then based on this we were to evaluate a mission statement of a company and come u with improvements for this statement.

In Part B, students were to asses the competitive advantage of a developer company using the Porters 5 forces model. Next,market segmentation for a development next to KLCC had to be derived to find a development best suited for this piece of land.

Porters 5 Forces

Assignment (Group)

The assignment contributes to 50% of the overall marks. Each group had 4 students and we assumed we are directors of a QS consultancy which has 50 chartered surveyors.

    In Part A, we had to define BIM and discuss how BIM can give competitive advantage to our QS company.

  

    In Part B we had access our companies competitive advantage in the industry and derive strategies to gain a better competitive position in the industry. 

    

      Part C required us to define Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and discuss the advantages/ diadvantages of each towards Malaysia. We would then need to advice the government on what is the what is the precautionary steps needed before award a PPP / PFI project. 

Research Dissertation (QSB 4914)

Research Dissertation (QSB 4914)

Lecturer: Ms. Theong May Chuan

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 or the summary of published material on the 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.

Objectives:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

1. I am able to  use a depth of subject knowledge and apply analytical and research skills in closely defined topic areas.

2. I have the ability to collect data and information required and analyse data collected using appropriate techniques and tools

3. I have the knowledge to develop a comprehensive research conclusion and summary

4. I am able to  adopt executive keyboarding to produce project documentation and presentations

.

                                                       My topic for the dissertation paper

The title of my research is "The Quality of Work-Life Balance of Female Quantity Surveyors in Malaysia". My research had 2 main objectives which were

(i)        To raise awareness among organizations on the importance of women’s work-life balance

(ii)        To identify the working culture of female quantity surveyors in Malaysia

Each week there were workshops on how to conduct the research as well as the techniques involved. Many research papers and journals need to be read in order to have a better understanding of the subject title. Data collection was done using questionnaire survey method and responses were analyzed and concluded.

I wish to express my appreciation to my supervisor Sr. Ang Fuey Lin for her continuous encouragement, advice and support throughout this process. This subject has given me basic knowledge on how to conduct a good research and the knowledge gained will aid me when I am studying for my Masters

Cost Value Engineering (QSB 4214)

Cost Value Engineering (QSB 4214)

Lecturer: Sr Lee Wing Tey 
                  Sr Loo Seong King

The module provides the history, background, theories, concepts and principles of value engineering / 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 involve – the facilitator.  The module concluded with a series of discussion on the problem and constraint in the implementation stage based on some significant case studies.

Objectives:

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.

Learning Outcome:

After taking this subject,

1) I am able to identify the appropriate time to carry out Value Engineering throughout different construction phases.

2) I am able to recognize and recall the contribution of the value engineering /value management in the development process

3) I am able to apply the value management to a value outcome in the decision making process.

4) I am able to analyse the cost and value implications of project scope .and generate a Job-Plan for the implementation of Value Management workshop.

Assignment 

The assignment required us to come up with a case study report for a project which implements value management in the construction industry. The project for this report was conducted on toilet belonging to MAHB located at KLIA.

Test 

The mid term test  on topics from chapter 1-6 was administered to test the students on what they have learnt in the past few months. This is to test the ability of the students in identifying, analysing and applying the principles of cost value engineering in the test.

Development Economics (QSB 4223)

Development Economics (QSB 4223)

Lecturer:  Mr Ho June Khai 

                  Miss Dianne Kok Hui Wen

This subject will introduce students to the development, roles and contribution of construction industry to national economy. It is initiated with the introduction of the process in a property development and factors that influence the development process. The subject also covers various techniques of development appraisal and source of finance available. It is then concluded with the important of market research to the overall development process and its impact of research to the development.

Objectives:

1. To understand the basic principles of economics and its link to the real world of construction and to develop an understanding of the whole process of property development.

2. To enhance the understanding of the contribution of feasibility study in property development.

3. To understand the overall mechanism of the finance system in the construction industry

Learning Outcome:

Through the study of this subject,

1) I am able to calculate the developer’s budget (i.e. total development cost and gross development value) during the initial development process.

2) I am able to execute the Cost-benefit Analysis in the early stage of investment proposal and valuation system to help on decision making during the feasibility stage.

3) I am able to classify various source of finance available in the construction industry and to outline the requirement in a quality market research.

Test 

The mid term test contributes to 20% of the overall marks. This 2 hour test consisted mainly of subjective questions as well as practical problem questions (where recall, analysis,valuation and application of concepts learnt are necessary to answer the questions competently).

Assignment

This assignment was to be completed in a group of 6 students and will contribute 30% of the overall marks.  

Group assignment was 65% and students had to perform an analysis on the number of units for each type of house and shoplot which can be built for a proposed development. Financial appraisal of the project was done using the Residue Method of Valuation, Cash flow based on the "Sell-then-Build" concept was done performed.

Individual assignment was 35% and students had to prepare a NPV and comment on the viability of the project based with a 12% cost of capital and "Build then Sell" concept..

                                         NPV of the project

Construction Law (QSB 4414)

Construction Law (QSB 4414)

Lecturer: Sr Eddie Lim Sek Cheon

The subject provides an understanding of the 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 emphasized. 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. This subject focuses on enhancing the students’ knowledge on matters involving contractual claims and its assessment.

Objectives:

1. To understand the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach.

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.

3. To appreciate the laws relating to payments, contractual claims and interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Learning Outcomes:

1. I am able to clearly identify, explain and distinguish the various laws related to the construction industry including land law and construction statutes by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles in law, conditions of contract and the applicable statutes.

2. I have the ability to analyze, interpret and apply this knowledge on the principles of law in administration of contracts and contractual claims including providing evidence of reasoned advice in relation to contractual claims and interpretation of any discrepancies of various contract documents.

3. I have the knowledge to take appropriate methods of dispute resolution for different situations arising from construction contract.

Seminar

The seminar contributes to 15% of the overall marks. Groups of 2 students are required to give presentation of the weeks lecture in their respective tutorial classes. Each group is also required to ask 2 questions to the class at the end of the presentation. This method has increased my understanding of each weeks lecture as we are being refreshed each time there is a seminar. Moreover, the questions discussed in the tutorial groups help us implement our knowledge into creating a question.

Test 

The mid term test contributes to 20% of the overall marks. This test was conducted on week 8 before the semester break. The test challenged us on what we have learnt up to week 8 and and subjective questions had to be answered.

Assignment

The assignment contributes to 15% of the overall marks. Students are required to form groups of 10 people where the students will form a group to act as consultants assessing a contractor’s claim for loss and expense. The group will assess the claims are to be approved based on factors such as PAM Form 2006 and Contracts.This assignment has provided me with a glimpse of the knowledge and principles of claims in the real working industry.

Moral Education (MPW 2153)

Moral Education (MPW 2153)

Lecturer:  Mr Serit Banyan

Enables students to gain knowledge on moral values that are developed through religions and socialization process based on Malaysian culture.

Objectives:

1. To develop students moral through a holistic approach by learning and practising good moral and ethical practices in developing an ethical, caring and just community.

Learning Outcome:

Through the study of this subject,

1) I am able to explain the basic concept of moral

2) I am able to explain the different ethical theories and criticism 

3) I am able to explain moral values in religion. 

4) I am able to apply knowledge learned in daily life

5) I am able to demonstrate the ability to make ethical decision on moral issues and conflict. 

Test 

The mid term test contributes to 30% of the overall marks. This test is an online test which consists of objective questions which aims to asses our knowledge and understanding to the subject.

Assignment

This assignment was to be completed in a group of 8 students and will contribute 30% of the overall marks. The assignment was separated into group (20%) and individual (10%).

Our group assignment was practical in nature and aimed at helping us apply the things we learnt in a real life scenario. We were tasked with performing community service at a home or centre of our choice for a minimum of 5 hours. The home we chose was Ti-Ratana on the 5th of October 2013.

Our activities consisted of cleaning at the two old folks home( Male & Female). We all did our part in making sure everything was cleaned. Next we moved to the Teaching and Learning session at the Orphanage. We conducted tuition for the children there as well as playing games with them.

      Once the visit was done, we had to prepare a report detailing our activities, feelings, opinions and also attaching photographs

       The individual assignment was where we had to keep a journal or diary which notes down the students discussion and activities from the day the group was formed till the day the report is submitted.

Pictures of visit to Ti-Ratana:

Building Economics (QSB 3214)

Building Economics (QSB 3214)

Lecturer:  Mr Ho June Khai 

                  Miss Dianne Kok Hui Wen

This module provides an overview of the Quantity Surveyor’s role during the pre-tender stage of a development. The students will be introduced to practical situations of the various methods of controlling the cost of buildings at the design stage. Students also will be introduced to the relationship between building morphology, design variables and life cycle costing of a building. Students are also given the opportunity to learn and apply information technology in the cost planning.

Objectives:

1. To develop students awareness of the nature, content and significance of cost control, cost planning and understanding of the project reams roles in fulfilling client needs.

2. To develop students awareness of the provisions of the effect that design variables have in obtaining an economical design and to appreciate the role of a Quantity Surveyor in pre and post contract stages.

Learning Outcome:

Through the study of this subject,

1) I am able to identify the role and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors in the overall development process.

2) I am able to match the relationship between cost and design to a value outcome.

3) I am able to explain various methods of pre-tender estimating. 

4) I am able to outline the importance of cost studies to enhance the role of Quantity Surveyor in the development process

5) I am able to implement Elemental Cost Analysis to estimate building cost. 

6) I am able to produce an estimate at pre-tender stage to proposed project and a cost plan based on historical data in group or independently. 

Test 

The mid term test contributes to 20% of the overall marks. This test was conducted on week 8 and tested us mainly on procurement methods and also factors which affects the cost of a building. The test was challenging due to the time constraint.

Assignment

This assignment was to be completed in a group of 6 students and will contribute 30% of the overall marks. The objective of this assignment is to help students develop a deeper appreciation of the concepts learnt in the module by applying them in the problems given in the assignment. 

Group assignment(60%) was involving cost plans where we were given a preliminary estimate and we had to amend this estimate as per clients instructions. After that we had to come up with a preliminary estimate no. 2 which includes the changes requested. This assignment helped us to have an idea on how to prepare and amend cost plans in the future.

Individual assignment(40%) was where we had to give a recommendation to the client on which tenderer would be best suited for the job based on the credentials given to us. Next, we had to advice on whether the client's request for a discount is reasonable or not.