Dissertation (DIS 601603)

Lecturer:Dr. MYZATUL AISHAH BINTI KAMARAZALY

In this module, we are required to complete the remaining chapters for our dissertation which comprises of Chapter 3 - Research Methodology, Chapter 4 - Research Findings and Chapter 5 - Conclusion. This modules has introduced various approach which we can utilised to gather our research findings. Furthermore, several methods of data analysis has also been introduced so that we can adopt which best suited for our research study. 
I would like to show my deepest appreciation to my dissertation supervisor and also lecturer, Dr Myzatul Aishah Kamarazaly, who has been providing her valuable guidance, ideas, feedback, support and encouragement in completing this dissertation. Indeed, her willingness to motivate me throughout the journey has inspired me greatly to work in this research. I am also very thankful for my dissertation lecturer, Dr Kam Khen Jhun for providing useful and knowledgeable information during lecture classes throughout the final year of the Bachelor degree. This dissertation would not have been made possible without their guidance and support.

Research Topic:

Causes, Effects and Solution Delays in Construction Industry in Malaysia: Contractor Perspective

Research objective:

i) To identify the major causes of delay in Malaysia.

Ii) To identify the effects impacts of delay in Malaysia.

Iii) To investigate the solution for delays to Malaysia.

This research is talking about construction industry delays in Malaysia. The aim for this research is want to identify the main causes of delayed construction industry. Besides that, this research also targeted to figure out the effects impact to construction industry in Malaysia. Last but not least, this research will investigate and determine the most efficiency of solution to avoid the construction industry delay in Malaysia.

TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

I was able to learn independently while reviewing for relevant articles to support my  research findings. Besides that, I am also able to locate, extract, synthesize and utilize  the information effectively. ​

It also requires us to use ICT and related technologies effectively. This is because we  have use various sources such as books, journal articles, etc. from the internet in order  for us to search and find for relevant information that is based on our topic. ​​

Glodon Software

Lecturer: Sr.Desmond Loi

This subject is part of Development Economics module (QSB 4224). It has definitely enabled each and everyone of us to be industry-ready as Building Information Modelling is considered a norm in our construction industry today. Our lecturer has also organised a workshop for us so that we are able to achieve a Level D competency certificate before we leave our university. This lecturer has also prepared us a Glodon guidebook before we left university so that we can have a more in-depth knowledge on the fundamentals of the software.

TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

This module requires us to use the BIM software, Glodon effectively and efficiently such  as measuring floor finishes, concrete, formwork and reinforcement bars for beams and  columns.

This module requires a lifelong learning as it requires us to learn independently by  locating, extracting and synthesising as well as utilising the knowledge that has  been given to us. For example, this software is tool for us to enter the industry and  will enable us to stay strong and firm in the future.

Consturction Supply Chain Management (MGT60803)

Lecturer: Ms.Tay Shir Men

Individual Assignment 

Total percentage: 50%

Deadline: week 11

You own and operate a company – TU Property Development, in which your company has the scale similar to Ecoworld. TU Property Development’s land bank includes a piece of land at 10 acre beside One Utama Shopping Mall.

Derive market segmentation for this project and hence suggest the best product best fit to this piece of land. Upon necessary, please list out the assumptions of this scenario. And, select the procurement method in producing the “product” by providing the reasons of selecting the method. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the selected procurement method to this project.

Group Project (maximum 6 members)

Total percentage: 50% Deadline: Week 14 

This project aims to familiarize the students with the current technology trend in the industry and allows students to analyze the impact of the technology towards construction supply chain management. Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Some BIM software claim ability to do 7D BIM. Prepare a report that consist (but not limited to) the following elements: 

a) Introduction to BIM and the content of each dimension of BIM. List out the available software that can perform BIM at different dimension. 

b) Explain how each dimension of BIM improves the construction supply chain management. 

c) Identify and discuss disadvantages or cost involve in each dimension of BIM. 

d) Conclusion and recommendation to the construction industry player (in this case QS consultant). 

e) Reference. 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (MGT 60704)

Lecturer: Mr.Leong Boon Tik

This module introduces the principle, techniques and managerial issues, which form the process of project management. The area of study will focus in particular on project management in a construction context but will also make considerable reference to the activity in other fields of commercial and business activity to emphasise the broad applicability of the principle.

​Although this module is theoretical, but the lecturer would always share his real-life examples in order for us to have a better understanding on the concept of project management effectively and efficiently. The individual assignment requires us to conduct a case study on the Sydney Opera House Construction Project. We are required to implement the modern project management skills and tools in the case study. Furthermore, the group assignment for this module allow us to form a group of 6 and act as the project management team for a client based on a piece of vacant land beside Taylor's University Lakeside Campus and decide on the type of development.
Throughout this module, I have adapt a better understanding on the roles and functions of construction project participants especially a role of a project manager and the organisational structures. Moreover, this module has also introduces the application of management techniques in controlling and monitoring of construction project resources.

​TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

In this group assignment, it has also help me to ameliorate my thinking and problem  solving skills. In this particular project, we were required to think creatively and  critically in order to apply the management concepts that we have learn and apply it  in real life scenarios.

Since this is a group assignment, communication skills between the members is  definitely essential for this project to be a success. After this assignment, each of  our communication skills has definitely improve as it is vital to communicate with our  group members in order for everyone to keep on the same track.

In this project, I was able to put theories that I learnt during lectures and tutorials  into implementation as I am able to recognise the various management concepts  such as Project Time Management, Project Risk Management, Project Cost  Management, Project Procurement Management and many others likewise applying it  in the individual assignment and group assignment which can also be useful tool in the  future.

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS (QSB 60303)

Lecturer: Sr.Dianne Kok

This module has covered the development, roles and contribution of construction industry to our national economy. Not only that, the process in a property development and factors that influence the development process is also being introduced in this module. Mainly, the topics that were introduced in this module is somehow related to the module, Building Economics. 

Other than that, we are taught about the Property Development and Investments, Development Appraisals, Factors affecting Property Development, Market Research, Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Development Finance. It is then concluded with the important of market research to the overall development process and its impact of research to the development.

The final assignment for this module is a 2 days workshop integrated together with Building Economics whereby an invited speaker, Mr. Eugene Seah from Surbana Jurong Pte. Ltd. has been invited to host this workshop. Students are required to act as a multidisciplinary group of consultant and propose a development on a piece of land in Singapore together with a cost analysis for the design of the proposed development. The workshop carries the purpose to provide opportunity for students to integrate with students from other semester. Moreover, it also allows them to understand the importance of the roles of each professions in the construction industry. This is because a role of a Quantity Surveyor, does not only comprises of measurement but other knowledge and skills that a QS should be equipped.​

TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

Since this is a group assignment, communication skills and cooperation between the  Building Economics and Development Economics students is definitely essential  whereby we have liaise with each other as all of the parts are correlated with each  other to ensure a successful outcome of the project.

It also requires us to use ICT and related technologies effectively. This is because we  have to search rates and relevant items that are required through internet as not only  items can be retrieved from the SPON's and ARCHADIS Cost Handbook during the  assignment.

In this module, it allows us to develop and reinforce our thinking and problem solving  skills by thinking critically in order for us to accomplish the task. For instance, we were  required to design a proposed building based on the Conditions of Tendering. For  example, the building must be of certain height and comprising of different types of  developments.

In this assignment, we were required to put theories that we have learnt during the  lectures and tutorials into practice as we are required to prepare a Financial Appraisal,  Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Market Analaysis where only theories are being taught to us.

CONSTRUCTION LAW (QSB 63804)

Lecturer: Mr.Wong Chong Wei

The knowledge of law is one of the most essential tool to be posses by a quantity surveyor. In this module, we covered mainly on two standard forms of conditions of contract such as  PAM Form 2006 (widely used in the Malaysian private construction industry) and FIDIC Contract (international construction contracts). Topics such as construction claims, variations, law relating to payments, Alternative Dispute Resolution and CIPAA 2012 was covered in this module. 

The module provides an understanding of the principles of construction laws and its applications such as construction claims, variations, law relating to payments, Alternative Dispute Resolution and CIPAA 2012. The importance understanding the basic principle of construction law is to adhere to the specific procedures and notices. It also provides an in-depth knowledge on the application of the law and the remedies available to the defaulting party and innocent party. 

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​TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

This module requires a lifelong learning as it requires us to learn independently by  locating, extracting and synthesising as well as utilising the knowledge that has been given to us. Henceforth, we will be able to have a better picture of what legal obligations  that we will confront while working in the industry.

Not only that, it also increases my thinking and problem solving skills because the group  assignment has allowed us to act as a consultant and provide advices to our client  together with the relevant law that is based on PAM Form 2006, FIDIC Red Book and CIPAA Act 2012 as well as relevant case laws to support our judgement.

VALUE MANAGEMENT (QSB60203)

Lecturer: Sr.Loo Seng King

This module comprises of the history, background, concepts, theories and principles of value management. It also introduces Value Management as a tool to eliminate unnecessary cost during the cost planning and control stage. However, it is known that Value Management should be conducted as early as the concept stage to maximise potential savings and there is no resistance to change. During the course of study, the key player in Value Management study has been introduced, a Facilitator. In order to achieve a successful outcome for a Value Management, a right attributes facilitator should be hired together with the correct selection of team members which also involves key decision takers. It is important for the facilitator to know his roles during the pre-workshop, workshop and post-workshop stage in order to facilitate the team to a success study. This module also covers on the problems and barriers of implementing Value Management which has caused developing country like Malaysia to refuse to undertake the study due to various misconception. Henceforth, recommendations to overcome such issues has been discussed throughout the course of study, in which Institution of Higher Learning, Private Bodies and Government plays an important role to encourage the use of Value Management in our construction industry. In order to encourage more clients/individuals to utilise the Value Management tool in Malaysia, Value Management must definitely bring more benefits then issues during the implementation whereby this has also been taught in this module.

​TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES ( TGC VALUES )

​In this module, it allows us to develop and reinforce our thinking and problem solving  skills by thinking critically  to accomplish the task. For instance, we were required to  suggest relevant materials/ design to be replaced to the existing material/ design in  order to enhance the value and function of the building undertaking Value  Management study.

In this module, we were required to put theories that we have learnt during the  lectures and tutorials into practice as we are required to understand and apply the Value Management tools and technique such as FAST diagram, Priority Setting  Matrix and Weighted Option Evaluation for our assignment on Taylor's University  Library.