Structure

Structure is a subject which is more on Engineering basics. I find this subject is difficult for me at first but after practicing the tutorials and put some hard work into it, it's quite fun actually. I've learned how to calculate the static forces and equilibrium, resolving slanting forces, trusses and so on. Due to lecturer's patience, I've asked him a lot regarding how to solve this and that which i think it's quite annoying to him but I've learned a lot. Although this subject is not our main subject, but at least we know whether the building structure is in safe condition and whether it is construcable. 

Software Application

 Through to this subject, I've the opportunity to learn two different software which are the "Cost X" and "Buildsoft Global Estmating". I find these two software are very useful and efficient for our Quantity Surveying Profession. "Cost X" is a software which uses BIM technology prepared by Engineers and Architects and quantities are prepared by us as a QS using this software. Cost X is a user friendly software which enable us to take off quantities fast, easy and accurate. Taking off using this software enabled us to shorten the time required to measure instead of measure manually. I believe this software would change the QS profession to become a more systematic and reliable profession in few years time. On top of that, Buildsoft is a also a very good software to be used in the QS profession. This software enables us to prepare BQ and Price List in a fast and easy way. Price list can be changed anytime by just a few clicks away and BQ can be duplicated for other projects' references. In a nutshell, software nowadays make our life easier, faster and more accurate.

Estimating

Estimating is the subject that I love the most in this semester. I've learned how to estimate the total cost of a project by summing up all the costs of concrete, formworks, labor costs, rebars, openings, excavations, finishes and so on. We were actually tested by our lecturer to be a real contractor to price a single house bungalow and bid with other contractors (classmates). Me and my group mates tried our best as a team to win the project by coming out the lowest bid. Although we are the lowest bid among all the other competitors, but we lose the project because we weren't convincing enough to convince our client (lecturer) to choose us as her contractor. Overall, I still love this subject because I think it's challenging enough and looking forward to have this opportunity to bid again soon.

Professional Practice 1

In Professional Practice subject, I'd learned a lot of new knowledge about procurement methods, contract arrangements and tendering methods. Without this subject, I might not even know there are few different procurement methods in the construction industry. On top of that, I'd also be able to understand more on different types of contract arrangements in the industry such as lump sum contract, measurement contract, cost plus contract and so on. Different types of contract serves different purposes and there are pros and cons to the client and contractors. Nowadays, there are a lot of competitors in the construction industry, thus procurement methods are getting more and more important in this industry due to varies of construction methods. With different procurement and contract arrangements, client is able to choose the best methods in order to save cost, shorten construction period, full control of building design and so much more. Besides that, I've also learned in depth on Variation Orders, claims of Liquidated Damages and Extension of Time. This subject enables us to be more professional in our construction industry.

Measurement 4

In this semester 4, what i would say is a tough and struggle semester but a worthwhile semester. For my measurement 4 subject, the syllabus is mostly measurement for external works such as surface water drainage, sewerage works, roadworks, bored piling and water reticulation. These chapters are quite challenging for me at first but as we practiced more, things has getting easier.
For this semester's measurement assignment, our lecturer had assigned us to do a complete measurement of building works and external works including the whole tender documents. This is quite challenging as this was the first time we measure the whole building works completely. We have chosen a double story terrace house located in Klang to be the building for us to measure. He had covered almost all of the chapters from semester 1 to 4 and applied into our measurement project. From this project, I've learned alot of new measurements and this can be applicable for my internship in few months time. Me and my fellow group mates had completed this project well and nicely done. I'm looking forward to gain more knowledge relating to QS profession in the construction industry.