Software Application
Introduction
The full name being Software Application for Quantity Surveying, the name explains itself, the module teaches students the use of software in the profession. There are 2 software taught in this semester, Buildsoft and CostX. While there are only 2 software being taught, students would still be required to undertake research on other software, its uses, benefits, restriction compared to other software in the market. The purpose of this module is to develop student’s technical knowledge and practical computer skills required by future employers, as future employers in this day & age would more likely be adopting the latest software in the market, hence students must be prepared to develop computing skills and quick-learning from different software. It also allow students to become familiar with and be able to use speedy, reliable and accurate computerized data handling software system for the construction industry which relies heavily on manual operations and the ability to undertake project work in an individual or group context.
In this module, I learned how to construct a price book and Bills of Quantities with Rates in Buildsoft, while also learning how to calculate measurements on different construction components in CostX, such as frame, finishes & reinforcement, along with learning how to create a workbook with it. The module's assessment consists of a group assignment, an individual assignment and a final test.
The module is taught Sr Yeap which have been helpful in guiding me through this module, & I must give credit to Sr Yeap .
In this module, I learned how to construct a price book and Bills of Quantities with Rates in Buildsoft, while also learning how to calculate measurements on different construction components in CostX, such as frame, finishes & reinforcement, along with learning how to create a workbook with it. The module's assessment consists of a group assignment, an individual assignment and a final test.
The module is taught Sr Yeap which have been helpful in guiding me through this module, & I must give credit to Sr Yeap .
Group Assignment
This group assignment is the earliest assignment given in the semester. It requires students in groups of 6 to undertake a comparitive research on the different software in the market, taking into account its full functions, benefits and restrictions compared to other software. It also requires students to compare the stages of construction when mearing manually, in CAD drawings or in BIM software. This study aims to expose students to the many software in the market outside the 2 being taught, and also show the difference in speed and efficiency in the different ways of measurement.
Individual Assignment
The individual assignment is in conjuntion with the measurement 4 group assignment, as it requires students to prepare the Bills of Quantities and Price Book of components in Measurement 4 using Buildsoft. For example, my part in measurement 4 consists of staircase finishes, hence I am required to prepare the BQ and price book of staircase finishes according to its measurements.
Reflection
I have learned new software skills which is very helpful for my future career. It saves a lot of time by comparing to do manual measurement. I have also improved my communication skills as I worked with different people with different working styles. I have also improved my email skills because I have to get the price rate and also quotation from different suppliers so that I can build rate. Of course, I have improved my digital literacy skills as I can manage to use both software now.