Semester 6- Research Dissertation

QSB 4914 - RESEARCH DISSERTATION
Lecturer    : Miss Theong May Chuan

                       Miss Mariatul Liza Bt Meor Gheda


Purpose of having research dissertation

Research dissertation is to introduce author to academic research and provide some in-depth understanding of the research methodology. Author 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. Also, author are to negotiate a project title and specification with their supervisor. After period of work, author need to carry out necessary work to complete the dissertation.


Objectives:

The objectives of this study is to develop awareness of the current local issues in the construction industry. Next, author need to explore the approaches to research. Lastly, author also required to demonstrate a systematic and orderly mind to produce a viable academic research.


Learning Outcomes:

Author used a depth of subject knowledge and apply analytical and research skills in closely defined topic areas. Next, author collect data and information required and analyse data collected using interview for this dissertation. Later on, author developed a comprehensive research conclusion and summary. Last of all, every student who participate in this subject required them to produce project documentation and presentations.


Research Dissertation

Author's topic for this dissertation

In this assignment, author need to prepare a proposal at initial stage. Later, author confirm the topic with supervisor. Topic approved by supervisor and author need to do some review of literature. When the review phase done, author decided which methodology will be use to collect information for this assignment. Author went for interview then the data collected will be analyzed for comparison. Lastly, author concluded overall study for this dissertation.

Semester 6- Development Economics

QSB 4223 - DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
Lecturer    : Mr. Ho June Khai
                      Miss Dianne Kok Hui Wei


Purpose of study development economics

Development Economics enables the student to understand the basic principles of economics and its link to the real world of construction. Besides, this subject also enable understanding of the whole process of property development. Moreover, improve the understanding of the contribution of feasibility study in property development. The author was also came to learn the overall mechanism of the finance system in the construction industry.


Objectives:

1. This study allows me to comprehend the basic principles of economics and its link to the real world of construction. 

2. This study allows me to develop an understanding of the whole process of property development. 

3. This study allows me to enhance the understanding of the contribution of feasibility study in property development. 

4. This study allows me to understand the overall mechanism of the finance system in the construction industry.


Learning Outcomes:

1. I am able to recognize and recall the contribution of the construction industry to a nation’s growth economy. 

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

3. I am able to execute the Cost-benefit Analysis in the early stage of investment proposal. 

4. I am able to execute the valuation system to help on decision making during the feasibility stage. 

5. I am able to classify various source of finance available in the construction industry. 

6. I am able to outline the requirement in a quality market research.

Test

After few months of studying this subject, student must prepared to face the mid term test which to test the students memories of what have learned from past few months and also to observe whether student able to apply the theories correctly. The test is about 2 hours where students must well prepared and well organized the time to answer the question. These test mainly consist of subjective questions as well as practical problem questions (where recall, analysis, evaluation and application of concepts learnt are necessary to answer the questions competently).

Group Assignment 

Investment Appraisal 

Cash flow for inflow and outflow 

Main aim of this group 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. This assignment is about developer wants to develop residential units and commercial units on a land with acres. Students are required to prepare few things for this assignment for instance calculate the number of units houses and shops to able built in the land, investment appraisal, cash inflow, cash outflow and combined of cash outflow and inflow.


Individual Assignment

Finding NPV by using the cash flow from group assignment

After done the group assignment, author require to refer the previous works to find the net present value (NVP). The approaches to find this NPV, author must get the cash inflow and cash outflow amount only able to find out the NPV. Later on, author required to explain and comment the viablitiy of the project based on the result of NPV.

Semester 6- Cost Value Engineering

QSB 4214 - COST VALUE ENGINEERING
Lecturer    : Sr. Lee Wing Tey

Purpose of study cost value Engineering

Cost value engineering enables the author to know history, background, theories, concepts and principles of value engineering / value management in decision making process. Also, study the idea of unnecessary cost and cost cutting exercise in the cost planning and control stage which covers area of implementation of value engineering and the key person involve.


Objectives:

1. This subject allows me to understand in general the value process, function analysis and team dynamics in the client’s value system.

2. This study allows me to identify alternatives to undertake value studies at different stage of a project.

3. This study enable me to propose 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 Outcomes:

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.


Test

After few months of studying this subject, student must prepared to face the mid term test which to test the students memories of what have learned from 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.


Assignment 1

Sunway Kiara Hills

Functional Analysis

This is a group assignment. This assignment is to do the case study report for project implementing Value Management in the Construction Industry. Each member required to contribute for this project. As for author, he and his partner are handled the part of proposed technical data supporting the selection of alternative and also prepared a cost analysis for this project.

Semester 6- Construction Law

QSB 4414 - CONSTRUCTION LAW
Lecturer    : Sr. Eddie Lim Sek Cheon

Purpose of study construction law

Construction law enables the author to understand the principles of construction laws and its applications.. Due to that, also important of adhering to the specific procedures and notices are emphasized. Moreover, author could able to develop an in-depth knowledge on the application of the law and the remedies available to the parties. Also, author will be able to adopt a systematic approach to analyze disputes and the respective liabilities. Lastly, to enhance the authors’ knowledge on matters involving contractual claims and its assessment.


Objectives:

1. This study allows me to understand the general principles on the formation of a contract and remedies in the event of breach.

2. This study enable me 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. This study enable me to appreciate the laws relating to payments, contractual claims and interpretation rules of ambiguity found in documents.

4. This study enable me 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. This study enable me 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 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 am able 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 am able to take appropriate methods of dispute resolution for different situations arising from construction contract.

Assignment 1- Seminar

This assignment is in a form of seminar. Author and his partner will be given a law topic a week before the seminar for preparation. We will be given approximately 15 minutes to present different topic. Presentation can be any format. Each of the member required to present during the seminar. After the presentation, we are required to ask two question for discussion and the class is required to ask at least one question to us.


Test

After few months of studying this subject, student must prepared to face the mid term test which to test the students memories of what have learned from past few months. This is to test the ability of the students in identifying, analysing and applying the principles of construction law in different situations.


Assignment 2

Loss and/or Expenses Application

Author required to form a group and act as consultants assessing a contractor’s application for loss and expense claim. The group will assess the applications based on the conditions of contract and principles of laws relating to remedies and damages due to breach of contract.