Reflection on Construction Quantity Surveying

This module gave us a comprehensive insight of the construction industry. For me, it forms the non-technical aspect of what a Quantity Surveyor does.

Citizenship & Global Perspectives

We started this module with an overview of the country's economy by looking at the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth throughout the years. After that we scaled it down and looked at the GDP growth of the construction industry itself. I was surprised to see that although the industry has only a small contribution to the country's GDP as a whole, the growth rate is stunning compared to other industries.

Lifelong Learning

We also learnt about the various laws governing the construction industry, and more details on the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA) 2012. I recognised the various impacts and changes it brings to the construction industry and more specifically on the way contracts are drafted, as well as how disputes can now be resolves in a more systematic and quick manner as compared to before.

Discipline Specific Knowledge

Last but not least, we discovered the many methods of procurement, from the traditional system of client-contractor procurement to the modern-day management contracting. The different ways of procurement bring different levels of risk in terms of time, cost, and the quality of the project. A client chooses the method of procurement that gives the preferred risk delegation for him. Some forms of modern-day procurement also helps the government to keep track on their projects by hiring technical expert from the private industry, while still maintaining control over their project.


All in all, I felt that this module is really an eye-opener, as I now have a better knowledge of the industry I'm going to be in for the rest of my life.