A quantity surveyor (QS) is a professional working within the construction industry concerned with building costs.
The profession is one that provides a qualification gained following formal education, specific training and experience that provides a general set of skills that are then applied to a diverse variety of problems.[1] Predominantly these relate to costs and contracts on construction projects. Other areas in which QS find employment include property surveys for hidden defects on behalf of potential purchasers, running estates, valuing the mineral deposits for mining companies, selling property and even Leasehold Reform Act work.[1]
There are around 75,000 professional QSs working in the UK...
Goto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor
The history of Quantity Surveying
The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier "measurer", a specialist tradesmanTradesmanA tradesman is a skilled manual worker in a particular trade or craft. Economically and socially, a tradesman's status is considered between a laborer and a professional, with a high degree of both practical and theoretical knowledge of their trade...
(often a guildGuildA guild is an association of craftsmen in a particular trade.The earliest guilds were formed as confraternities of workers. They were organized in a manner something between a trade union, a cartel and a secret society...
member), who prepared standardised schedules for a building project in which all of the construction materials, labour activities and the like were quantified, and against which competing builders could submit priced tenders. Because all tenders were based on the same schedule of information, they could be easily compared so as to identify the best one.
The professional institutionProfessional bodyA professional association is a non-profit organization seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest.The roles of these professional associations have been variously defined: "A group of people in a learned...
with which most English-speaking quantity surveyors are affiliated is the UK-based Royal Institution of Chartered SurveyorsRoyal Institution of Chartered SurveyorsThe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is an independent, representative professional body which regulates property professionals and surveyors in the United Kingdom and other sovereign nations....
(RICS). Others are the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Quantity Surveyors International (QSi) and Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) http://www.ices.org.uk/. Those who are qualified members of the RICS are allowed to use the term "Chartered Quantity Surveyor" or simply "Chartered Surveyor".
The QS usually reports to Project Manager or Project Director and provides advice in the decision-making process throughout the management of a project from initial inception to final completion. The QS handles estimating and cost control, the tendering process and, after contract award, the commercial interface. QSes should be able to carry out estimating and measurement of construction works prior to tender, producing the bill of quantities; produce tender documentation and manage the tender process; clarify and evaluate tenders; and manage the resultant contract through monthly valuations, variations control, and assessment of claims.
Goto: The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier "measurer", a specialist tradesmanTradesmanA tradesman is a skilled manual worker in a particular trade or craft. Economically and socially, a tradesman's status is considered between a laborer and a professional, with a high degree of both practical and theoretical knowledge of their trade...
(often a guildGuildA guild is an association of craftsmen in a particular trade.The earliest guilds were formed as confraternities of workers. They were organized in a manner something between a trade union, a cartel and a secret society...
member), who prepared standardised schedules for a building project in which all of the construction materials, labour activities and the like were quantified, and against which competing builders could submit priced tenders. Because all tenders were based on the same schedule of information, they could be easily compared so as to identify the best one.
Goto: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Quantity_surveyor
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
USM APEX University
PERUTUSAN NAIB CANCELOR 2010
Universiti APEX Menperkukuhkan ASAS
University Sains Malaysia
There was a motivation talk given by University Science of Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Tan Sri Dato ‘Dzulkifli Abdul Razak on 3rd February 2010 in USM Dewan Budaya at 9.30am. The theme of the talk is ‘ Universiti APEX Memperkukuhkan Asas’, which meant how USM as an APEX university strengthening the foundation based on the 7 APEX points. According to the USM Vice Chancellor, USM is facing many critical challenges to realize APEX. APEX is an acronym that stands for Accelerated Program for Excellence, which means that it has wide boundaries in term of its definition. He also said that agenda APEX is a national aspiration that must be achieved by all higher institutions, so that the quality of our country can be improved in the future. Life is unpredictable as mentioned in one of the 7 APEX points which is uncertain future. A bright future can be achieved if we transform all the higher education for a sustainable tomorrow.
In generally, when we talking about APEX, we should think the new way and new style to do things. We have to be change and eliminate the ‘old’ style way to solve the problems. Whenever we consider the ‘old’ ways to solve problems, we should think a better way to cover it and produce more efficient effects, so that our future will be more different. Dare to be changed, and bear the risks in courage. Move forward to create a different future without forget our roots (essence/ basic fundamental of our being). Transformation is the first step we need to do in order to achieve APEX.
The process of transformation is not an easy matter. It is not only depends to an organization, but is the effort of combinations from many organizations. As an APEX university, USM had took the first step to change the ‘old’ style since many years ago. Let us have a review about the past 10 years, what USM had actually changed to achieve APEX reputation:
Year 2000 – finding for fund to improve USM surrounding conditions.
Year 2001 – internationalize and introduce programme of ‘Alam Intelektual Hari Muka’ to the world
Year 2003 – out of the box: University in the context of economy era.
Year 2004 – upgrading the programme of ‘Out of the Box’
-University in the garden
-Paid attention to the surrounding environment for next generation
-Move forward to the new context of era
Year 2005 – Education Revolution
-Planning for the bright future, university in garden.
Year 2006 – Tsunami disaster : APEX programme to overcome the disaster after-effects
Year 2007 – meet the Nine Malaysia Plan and coordinate the university programme with it
Year 2009 – achieve APEX (Accelerated Program for Excellent) reputation
Year 2010 – Dewan Tun Syed Putra (DTSP) will be the most symbolic building in USM
Year 2011/2012 – strengthening the fundamental principles
-Delivering the excellent within 1 year
-Driving transformation and change for the future
Agenda APEX- putting in context- Fast Forward!
National Mission
- Raising the capacity for knowledge and innovation
- Moving the economy fast forward
APEX Agenda
- Transform the higher education
- Reaching out towards the ‘bottom billion’
- ‘Blue Ocean’ strategy to change the management
National KRA
- Enhanced, Robust Education system
- The new economy model in sustainable context
- Improving low income household groups
- Improving rural basic infrastructure and transport
- Enhanced public safety
Laying the foundation for change to become more sustainable
3 main principles i.) society
Ii.) environment
iii.) economy system
*Peter Joseph view- A resource is base on the economy to generate the knowledge.
7 APEX Point in APEX University
Uncertain future
Uniqueness
Sustainability
Humanity
Universality
Change
Sacrifice
http://www.usm.my/my/berita-penuh.asp?id=7693&idform=7
Universiti APEX Menperkukuhkan ASAS
University Sains Malaysia
There was a motivation talk given by University Science of Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Tan Sri Dato ‘Dzulkifli Abdul Razak on 3rd February 2010 in USM Dewan Budaya at 9.30am. The theme of the talk is ‘ Universiti APEX Memperkukuhkan Asas’, which meant how USM as an APEX university strengthening the foundation based on the 7 APEX points. According to the USM Vice Chancellor, USM is facing many critical challenges to realize APEX. APEX is an acronym that stands for Accelerated Program for Excellence, which means that it has wide boundaries in term of its definition. He also said that agenda APEX is a national aspiration that must be achieved by all higher institutions, so that the quality of our country can be improved in the future. Life is unpredictable as mentioned in one of the 7 APEX points which is uncertain future. A bright future can be achieved if we transform all the higher education for a sustainable tomorrow.
In generally, when we talking about APEX, we should think the new way and new style to do things. We have to be change and eliminate the ‘old’ style way to solve the problems. Whenever we consider the ‘old’ ways to solve problems, we should think a better way to cover it and produce more efficient effects, so that our future will be more different. Dare to be changed, and bear the risks in courage. Move forward to create a different future without forget our roots (essence/ basic fundamental of our being). Transformation is the first step we need to do in order to achieve APEX.
The process of transformation is not an easy matter. It is not only depends to an organization, but is the effort of combinations from many organizations. As an APEX university, USM had took the first step to change the ‘old’ style since many years ago. Let us have a review about the past 10 years, what USM had actually changed to achieve APEX reputation:
Year 2000 – finding for fund to improve USM surrounding conditions.
Year 2001 – internationalize and introduce programme of ‘Alam Intelektual Hari Muka’ to the world
Year 2003 – out of the box: University in the context of economy era.
Year 2004 – upgrading the programme of ‘Out of the Box’
-University in the garden
-Paid attention to the surrounding environment for next generation
-Move forward to the new context of era
Year 2005 – Education Revolution
-Planning for the bright future, university in garden.
Year 2006 – Tsunami disaster : APEX programme to overcome the disaster after-effects
Year 2007 – meet the Nine Malaysia Plan and coordinate the university programme with it
Year 2009 – achieve APEX (Accelerated Program for Excellent) reputation
Year 2010 – Dewan Tun Syed Putra (DTSP) will be the most symbolic building in USM
Year 2011/2012 – strengthening the fundamental principles
-Delivering the excellent within 1 year
-Driving transformation and change for the future
Agenda APEX- putting in context- Fast Forward!
National Mission
- Raising the capacity for knowledge and innovation
- Moving the economy fast forward
APEX Agenda
- Transform the higher education
- Reaching out towards the ‘bottom billion’
- ‘Blue Ocean’ strategy to change the management
National KRA
- Enhanced, Robust Education system
- The new economy model in sustainable context
- Improving low income household groups
- Improving rural basic infrastructure and transport
- Enhanced public safety
Laying the foundation for change to become more sustainable
3 main principles i.) society
Ii.) environment
iii.) economy system
*Peter Joseph view- A resource is base on the economy to generate the knowledge.
7 APEX Point in APEX University
Uncertain future
Uniqueness
Sustainability
Humanity
Universality
Change
Sacrifice
http://www.usm.my/my/berita-penuh.asp?id=7693&idform=7
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Peter Joseph: " Where are We Going"
Peter Joseph: “Where are We Going?”
Posted in Media by Brenton Eccles on December 22, 2009
It’s pretty amazing when The Simpsons writers seem to have a stronger grip on an appropriate method of solving social problems than do most political commentators, as Peter Joseph, director of The Zeitgeist Movement, so appropriately highlighted in his November 15th Maharishi University of Management lecture entitled “Where are We Going?“:
“Mom, I know your intentions are good. But aren’t the police a protective force that maintains the status quo for the wealthy elites? Don’t you think we ought to attack the roots of social problems instead of jamming people into overcrowded prisons?”...
Goto: http://thezeitgeistmovement.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/peter-joseph-where-are-we-going/
Peter Joseph is an American non-commercial film director and activist. He wrote, directed, produced, scored the musical track for and narrated two documentary films, Zeitgeist, the Movie in 2007 and its sequel, Zeitgeist: Addendum in 2008[1]. He decided to release them to be openly and freely distributed on the internet via Google video and BitTorrent, to encourage the worldwide spread of these films. He is also the founder of The Zeitgeist Movement, an organization with over 370,000 subscribers....
Goto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Joseph
The Venus Project presents a bold, new direction for humanity that entails nothing less than the total redesign of our culture. There are many people today who are concerned with the serious problems that face our modern society: unemployment, violent crime, replacement of humans by technology, over-population and a decline in the Earth's ecosystems....
Goto: http://www.thevenusproject.com/
Posted in Media by Brenton Eccles on December 22, 2009
It’s pretty amazing when The Simpsons writers seem to have a stronger grip on an appropriate method of solving social problems than do most political commentators, as Peter Joseph, director of The Zeitgeist Movement, so appropriately highlighted in his November 15th Maharishi University of Management lecture entitled “Where are We Going?“:
“Mom, I know your intentions are good. But aren’t the police a protective force that maintains the status quo for the wealthy elites? Don’t you think we ought to attack the roots of social problems instead of jamming people into overcrowded prisons?”...
Goto: http://thezeitgeistmovement.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/peter-joseph-where-are-we-going/
Peter Joseph is an American non-commercial film director and activist. He wrote, directed, produced, scored the musical track for and narrated two documentary films, Zeitgeist, the Movie in 2007 and its sequel, Zeitgeist: Addendum in 2008[1]. He decided to release them to be openly and freely distributed on the internet via Google video and BitTorrent, to encourage the worldwide spread of these films. He is also the founder of The Zeitgeist Movement, an organization with over 370,000 subscribers....
Goto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Joseph
The Venus Project presents a bold, new direction for humanity that entails nothing less than the total redesign of our culture. There are many people today who are concerned with the serious problems that face our modern society: unemployment, violent crime, replacement of humans by technology, over-population and a decline in the Earth's ecosystems....
Goto: http://www.thevenusproject.com/
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Is Human Being leading the technology or the other way round?
This is one of the PowerPoint presentation slides based on one of the assignment I had donein REG264 previously. The title of our topic is "Is human being leading the technology or the other way round?".My group name is ICT which stand for ‘I see technology). Our power point presentation is entitled ‘Is Human Leading the Technology or the other way round?’. As the world moves rapidly into the ‘technology-advanced’ 21st century, is the technology nowadays really brings us an easy life or it is actually ‘killing’ human and destroy the earth without any signals?? The main objective of our presentation today is to motivate people to think about the benefits brought by technology and so with the consequences/effects created by technology. What is technology and how many you do understand about technology? Technology is the scientific method and material used to achieve commercial or industrial objectives. It actually can be categorized into few types which are information technology, assistive technology, medical technology, technology productive tools, ant etc. Where are human kinds going from the earliest century to 21st-advanced century? Trough our presentation, you can realize that technology actually is leading people into a convenient and luxurious life. Human leading technology from century to century, technology improves human condition from hard to easy. It also has brought us prosperity and closer up the distance between human in globe. Technology brings us to uncertain future, just as the earlier century people, they could not predict their future can be changed to be like nowadays. However, not all the technology has been used peacefully. For instant, the development of nuclear weapons from clubs of ever-increasing destructive power had progressed throughout history. There is a lot of images shown in the presentation. Apart of them, it is about misuse of technology causing environmental pollution. For examples, thick smoke released by factories causes air pollution; contaminant in the water causes water pollution and all the aqua creatures dying away; thermal pollution, ozone pollution, thermal pollution and etc. the quality of people life will be affected. At the same time, it has long term implications threatening very existence of human life in major parts of the earth. In addition, technology also arouses many negative effects to human. Since the pollution is taking more serious, human health will be threaten badly and many diseases will be spread away. People will live under stress and finally will causing psycho mental problem. The rich people will remain rich whereas the bottom billion countries will remain the same. There are many more side effects causing by technology nowadays. So, is the technology improves the human condition or worsens it? Think about it!
Below are some of the screenshots of my presentation slides:
Click this link to download the whole presentation slides: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ztj1dgoqnm
Below video is about a scientist has create a robot by using advanced technology nowadays. He thought that he manage to control the robot but indeed he fail to do so. Inversely, he controlled by the machine back and finally he is being beat down by the hero in the movie, spiderman!
Below are some of the screenshots of my presentation slides:
Click this link to download the whole presentation slides: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ztj1dgoqnm
Below video is about a scientist has create a robot by using advanced technology nowadays. He thought that he manage to control the robot but indeed he fail to do so. Inversely, he controlled by the machine back and finally he is being beat down by the hero in the movie, spiderman!
