Assets and Space Management Ssystems

• Assetand space management is mainly associated with facility management systems , and business management is supported by communication infrastructures .
  
• Assets ,management refers to maaging plants , machinery , property , buildings , vehicles and other items that have a distinct value tot he organisaiton . 
• Space managmeent refers to office space layout , furniture placement and systems . 
• Hence asset and space management will be mainly delaing with database system for : 

- Systematic and coordinated activities and practices through which an organisation manages it assets and asset systems like room occupancy register , building maintenance records etc . 

- Managing all necessary equipment data including names and models , serial numbers , location , vendor , internal cost center , documentation and other . 

Fire Automation System (FAS)

• The Fire AUtomation System is supported by independent network and cabling systems to ensure operation continues nonstop , even druing an emergency . 
• When linked to the building ' centralised control room , a seocnd level of monitoring si provided ; and in case of fire , various systems can interact directly to iptmise all necessary bulding facilities . 
• Fire alarms systems and elevators are also sometimes linked , for example , if a fire is detectd then the system could shut off dampers in the vantilation system to stop smoko spreading and send all the elevators to the ground floor and park them to prevenmt people from using them in the event of a fire . 

Seucirty Autmation System (SAS)

• Security Autromation System is critical for provding a secure environment and protecting the safety secure environment and protecting the safety of tenants . Elements include : Anti -theft Security and ALarm system , Electronc COntrol System , Access Control System , Closed -Circuit TV Surveillance System 
• For Example , SAS alllowed access dooors controlling so as to allow visitor's access and egress to the building 

Building Automation System (BAS)

• The Building Automation System centalise the remote monitoring and control of all buidling facilities including electricity , lighting , plumbing , ventilation and air-conditioning , water suppl and drainage and environmental control systems at a single control centre . 
• Seamless monitoring of all these systems ensures a relaible working or living environment for tenants as well as optimised human resources allocation for the Property Manager . 
• Its core function is to manage the environement within the building and may control temperature , carbon dioxide levels and humidity within a building . 
• FOr example , it manages the systems htat distribute the conditioned air throughtout the building ( by operating fans or opening / closing dampers ) , and then locally controls the mixtue of heating and cooling to achieve the desired room temperature . 

Building Management System (BMS)

• Building Management System is a computer-based control system installed in buildings provides automatic monitoring , interaction and management for mechanical and electrical equipment such as electricity , ventilation , water supply , security and fire control to the building . 
• The purpose of BMS 

- To provide the facilities necessary for maintaining a comfortable working environment 

-COntrol by various menas such as time clocks or temperature switches that provide the on and off signals for enabling pumps , fans or valves ( mechanical systems ) . 

• Generally , BMS manages the following three main systems : 

- Building Automation Systems (BAS) 

- Security Automation System ( SAS) 

- FIre Automation System ( FAS) 

IT / Communication System

• The System includes Office Administration , Property Management and Business Intelligence systems that reduce heavy workloads and human error to enhance efficineyc , quality and the working enviuronment as a whole . 
• Voice , data video and multimedia information services  , such as Video COnferencing , Email and lectronic Data Exchange , are provided via the building  high speed backbone network to the benefit of each office . 

Compoenents of Integrated Solution

• For many years , the traditional construction process separately installs each of the M&E disciplines under various divisions ofa specifications , this means that multiple cabling systems and pathways are installed during the various stage of construction . 
• tHE building systems are usually running in parallel and on individual networked system like : 

- It netowrk 

-Telephone network , paging and fax 

- TV , image communication system 

- security and access control system 

- closed circuit television ( CCTV) system 

- Fire and emergency systems 

- Lifts and escalator monitoring system 

- Lighting systems 

- HAVC system 

- energy management system 

- building database 

- water supply and recycling monitoring system 

• Now , it is possible that in system integration all these systems can share a common IT netowrk for commuinication , savings in cabling costs , improve of data exchange and control . 

Components of Integrated solutions

• In the moidern hiugh quyality building like inteligent building , smart building or green building , there are many building systems which requirted to be automated and integrated in order to proivide best support of business objectives , integrate space , business and building management where building technoilogies are seeen as tools to supports those goals . 
• Generally , these systems cover three key elemtns as below : 

- IT and Communications System 

-Building Management System 

-Assets and Space management system 

• Therefore in the building ssytem integration , the main components and relationship will be as shown below .

Overview of System Integration

• The term ' systems integration ' described a system in which several building services systems and building systems are brought together into a single cooperative management system . 
• These are able to communicate with each other and take appropriate action . 
• For example , information on occupation level derived from the access control system easier ; gateways can be used where it is necessary to bridge between different protocols . 
• All building services may be controlled from a single supervisor . 
• Modern buildings incorporate a range of building services other than HVAC and such systems have in the past been developed by different manufacturers and in operation they worked completely inmdep[endently of each other 
• THere are great ptential benefits if the different systems can communicate with each other and work cooperatively . 

General Information of ICT

Server - a computer programme that controls , stores or supplies informaiton to several computers linked together
Emultion - a programme to operate in all respects ( in this case is all systems )
Gateway - The passing point before reaching the centralised control room
Protocol - A set of rules governing the format of messages that are exchanged between computers and people ( a language discipline )
Platform - A software operating system
Ethernet - A local are nbetwork ( LAN ) used for connecting computers , printers , workstations , terminals and servers within the same building or campus .
Internet - A wide Area Network ( WAN )
Network - A computer networks that connect all types of computers and computer-related equipment such as terminals , printers , modems , sensors , monitors , etc .
Open system ( dependent )
- Information flows from one system to another
- All systems integrated share a common network
- All system integrated share the merged software application

Closed system ( independent )
- Information does not flow from one system to another
- No integration of network among all systems
- No merged software application for all system

Production of Information

• Final working drawings will be prepared form which bills of quantities can be produced by the Quantity Surveyor . 
• Consultants , sub-contractors and suppliers will be required to supply full information inculding realistic quotations . 
• Quantity Sureyor continues cost checks on the data produced against the final cost plan . 
• Quantity Surveyor gives advice on any financial or contractual matters asssociated witt he project , the selection of tenderers and terms and conditions of the main contract and sub-contracts

Detail Design

• Sketch plans finalized and working details are prepared and should be approved by the client to avoid possiblity of futre alterations . 
• Outline scheme will be prepared by consultants , designing sub-contractor and provisional estimates prepared . 
• Quantity Surveyor will give comparactive costs of different form of constrtuction , material , components and services laout and will adjust the distrtibution of costs in the cost plan . 
• Comparative cost studies include probable running and maintenance cost which have significant effect on the outcome .
• Quantity Surveyor will ensure that the development of design remains compativle with the cost plan ( also termed as cost reconcillation ) . 
• When all he design drawings have been prepared and cost checked , a final cost review should be made by the Quantity Surveyor . 

Scheme Design

• Major planning problems will be resolved and outline design will be emerge . 
• Sketch drawings include sections and elevations , services finishes will be considered in addition to the form of the structural framework . 
• Consultant will be brought in . 
• Quantity Surveyor checks on his approximate estimate with the aid of extensive cost information , reappraises the initial cost plan . 
• 
  

Outline proposals

• The clinet's requireent have confirmed to be vialble . 
• The site has been surveyed . 
• Architect begin to consider the various alternative ways in which the building can be designed and constructed , having regard to soil conditions , type of foundation , constrcutional form and costs . 
• Some drawings will be produced . 
• Quantity Surveyor give general guidance on costs , evaluate the financial effect of different solutions to any specific design problems and prepares an outline cost plan . 

feasibility

• Architect and client to establish the client's requirements 
• Architect need to idenfity site restrictuions , probable planing conditions , desgin timetable and tendering procedure . 
• Quantity Surveyor supplying cost information based on actual cost of previous buildings of a similar type , make alowance for differences in location , site conditions ,market conditions , quality of works and arrive at provisional estimate . 

Activities at pre-Contract Stage

Inception 

• The client's decision to build 
• Setting up the administration organizaiton 
• Appointmnet of architect and other members of the design team . 

Cost

• Influences the size of the project and its general forms . 
• Inficates the type of structure , effects the choice of services and finishes . 
• Costing process has two distinct parts : 

- The detemination of the total costs i.e. the approxcimate estimating stage ; 

The costing of the design within the total sum i.e. the cosplanning stage . 

Essence of Cost Planning

• Enable the architect to control the cost of a project within the target while he is still designing . 
• Introduces a prositive cost checking procedures intot he design stage 

Role fo Quantity Surveyor

• Acts as specialist adviser on all matters concerned with building costs . 
• Advising on the financial effect of design proposals . 
• Ensuring that the money avaialble is put to the best possible use . 
• The tender figure is close to the initial estimate . 
• Translates the design team's decisions on each element into cost targets , make allowance for design and price risk . 

Introduction

No universal method of cost planning applied to every building project because of :

1. Varying characteristics 
2. Perform a diversity of functions 
3. Serve the needs of a variety of building clients 
4. Different administrative and contractual arrangement . 

Cost

• Influences the size of the project and its general form . 
• Indicates the type of structure , affects the choice of services and finishes . 
• Costing process has two distinct parts : 

- The determination of the total costs i.e. the approximate estimating stage . 

- The costing of the design within the total sum i.e. the cost planning stage . 

Essence of Cost Planning

• Enable the architect tot control the cost of a project within the trarget while he is still designing 
• Introduces a positive cost checking procedure into the design stage . 

Role of Quantity Surveyor

• Acts as specialist adviser on all matters concerned with building costs . 
• Advising on the financial effects of design proposals . 
• Ensuring that the money avaialble is put to the best possible use . 
• the tender figure is close ot the intial estimate . 
• Translates the design team's decisions on each elelement into cost targets , make allowance for design and price risk . 

Introduction

• No universal method of cost planning applied to every buiding pproject because of 

1. Varying characteristics 
2. Performs a diversity of functions 
3. Serve the needs of a variet of building clients . 
4. Different administrative and contractual arangement . 
5. 
   

Elemental Cost Analaysis

• Used for similar previous projecrts as a basis for the estimate . 
• THe cost is computed on a superficial or floor area basis but the overall superficial unit cost is broken down into elements and sub-elements . 
• It is possible to make cost adjustment for variaitons in design in the new project as compare with the previous scheme . 
• Necessaryh to update the costs to take into account of increased costs which have occurred since the tender date of the project for which costs analaysis is available . 

Approximate Quantities

• This is by far the most accurate and reliable method of providing an approximate estimating and / or costing for a project . 
• This method provides an excellent basis for cost checking durting the detailed design of  a project . 
• THis method of costing a project assists thedeveloper to know not only the total sum of the project but also the sum per item or elements . 
• The sum per item or leelemtns shows from foundations normally called substructures , and structure above ground caled superstructure up to roofing and finishes . 

• Composite price rate items are obtained by combining or grouping bill items . 

- A brickworks item measured in m2 will normally include all incidental labours and finishes in both wall faces . 

-A foor item will include the door frame , architraves , glazing ( if any ) and ironmongery . 

• The priced preliminaries must be examined because of the different approaches adopted by the contractors . 

Superficial of Floor Area Method

• the total floor area of the building on all  floors is measured between the internal faces of the enclosing external walls , and it includes internal walls , parititons , columns , stairs , lift shafts , main roof slab . 
• Sloping surfaces such as staircases and terraces are measured flat on plan . 
• A unti rate is calculated per square meter of floor area nad the probable cost fo the buiilding is obtained by multiplying the total floor area by the calculated unit rate  
• Where building varies substantially in quality of finishes , it is advisable to separate the floor areas to enable different unit rates to be applied . 
• it advantages are the makiortyu of items with cost impact are related to floor area . 
• Weaknesses include cannot directly take account of change in plan shape or total height of the building . 
• Difficulties are experienced in building up unit rates because of the need to make allowances for a number variables including site conditions ,constructional methods , materials , quality of finishing and fittings . 
• The following unit rates are given as a general illustration of the application of the method to a specific building . 

- Factory RM 120/00 /ft2

- Bungalow RM 220.00 / ft 2

Unit Method

• it is the approximate estimate based on te number of persons or units of accommodation that the building is to house . 
• Seeks to allocate a cost to each accommodation unit of the particular building , be it persons ,seats , beds , car spaces and etc . 
• The total estimated cost of the proposed building is determined b multiplying the total number of unit accommodated in the building by the unite rate . 
• The unit rate is obtained by analaysis of the unit cost of a number of completed buildings of the same type , making allowance for differences of cost that have arisen and variations in site conditions , design , form of construction and materials ,. 
• The method as a great merit of speed of application 
• The major disadvantage is lack of precision , difficulty of making allowance for a whole range of factors , from shape and size of building to constructional methods , materials , finishes and fittings . 
• It is at best for budgertary estimating . 
• The following unit rates are given as a general illustration of the aplication of the method to a specific building . 

- Hospital ward   RM 1,500000 per bed 

- Multi - storey carpark   - RM 20,0000 car space 

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Approximate Estimating

• No approximate estimate can be any better than the information on which it is b ased . An estimate based on inadequate information can be precised . 
• Realistic approximate estimating can be achieved only when full cooperation and communication between architect , quantity surveor and building client from the inception of the scheme . 
• Choice of method employed will be influenced b the information and time available , experience of the quantity surveyor and the amount and form of the cost data available to him . 
• Essential to carry out a detailed survey before a preliminary estimate is prepare as it would quite unrealistic to assume that the site is level and free from obstructions . 

ROle of quantity surveyor

• Requrie the development of understanding and techniques ot the quantity surveyor not just with the items which go into the accountacy of a particular building , but with economic and other forces , which determned the nature and relationsips of those quantities and costs and the trends . 
• Cost assessment , giving advise a s to the probable cost of a particular design proposal and variations to it . 

General Consideration

• The rates of the project will vary tremendously with consideration include whether 

- It can be included as part of the larger contract 

The time when the work is to be undertaken 

- The availability of the contractors .

• Small projecs are usually more expensive in term of cost per unit of floor area because of the limited amount of work to be carry out in each trade and the large rproportion of overheads . 
• It is necessary to adjust the estimate to make allowance for the possible incresed in costs occuring between the data preparing the estimate and the data of subletting the contract . 

Purpose of Approximate Estimating

• Also known as preliminaries estimates 
• The primary function is to produce a forecast of the probable cost of a future project , efore the building has been designed in detail and contract particulars prepared . 
• An estimate is necessary to give the owner a reasonably accurate idea of he cost to help him decide whether the work can be undertaken as proposed or needs to be curtailed or abandoned , depending upon the availability of funds and prospective direct and indirect benefits . 
• For government works proper sanction has to be obtained for allocating the reqquired amount . Works are often let out on a lump sum basis , in which case the estimator must be in a position to know exactly how much expenditure he is going to incur on them 
• From the estimate of a work it is possible to determine what materials and in what quantities will be required for the work so that the arrangements to procure them can be made . 
• The number and kind of workers of different categories who will have to be employed to complete the work in the specified time can be found out from the estimate . 
• An estimate will help in determinging amount and kinf od equipment needed to complete the work . 
• The estimate of a work and the past experience enable one to estimate quite closely the length of time required to complete an item of work or the work as a whole . 

Design and Build Contacts

• A specialize form of contractual relationship in which responsiblity for design as well as construciton is entrsted to the contractor . 
• Employed for a whoide range of projects such as housing , hospial and etc . 
• Contractors would be required to submit lump sum figures to cover site managment costs , head office overheads , design costs and profits . 
• Substructures such as pilling works , ecxternal works , such as drainage works , sewerage works will normally be evaluated in a provisional bills of quantities . 

Contract based on Drawings and Specification

• Known as "lump sum " contacts where the work is limited in extent and reasonably certain in it scope . 
• Client will pay a fixed sum for the works regardless of their actual costs . 
• Client place the anus on the contractor for deciding the full extent of the works and the responsibility for covering any additional costs which could not be foreseen . 
• 
  

Measure and value contracts

• Contracts include those based on shcedule of rates , approximate quantities and bills of quantities . 
• The great merit is the pre-determine nature of the mechanism for financial contraol provided by the pre-contract agreed rates . 
• The risk of making a profit or loss is with the contractor . 
• Suitable of rubilding work where ther is a high degree of standardization of construction . 
• It is more effective costs control , faster and more economical planning and execution of projects . 
• The most usual designa dn construction relationship .

Building Procurement Systems

Cost - plus contracts

• The contractor is paid the actual cost of the work plus an agreed percentage of the actual or allowable cost to cover overheads and profit . 
• Useful in an emergency where there is insufficient time avaialble to prepare detailed schemes prior to commencement of work . 
• Contractor could increase profit by delaying the completuion of works . No incentive exists for the contractor to complete the works as quickly as possible or try to reduce costs . 
• No real incentive exists for the contractor to secure efficient working . 

ROle of the Quantity Surveyor

• To advice architects on cost implications of their design and to assist in obtaining economical and efficient design . 
• Require the knowledge of construction and construction costs , the propertyy market and an ability to anticipate and visualize client's detailed requirements . 
• Requires the exercise of a high level of expert discretion and judgment in conditions of considerable uncertainty for estimating purposes . 
• Ensuring that the client receives value for money in building works . 
• Advice on the relationship of capitals costs to maintenance costs , on costs implications of design variables and differing constructional techniques 
• To ensure that the cost of constructing the building is kept within the agreed cost limit . 
• Preparing budget estimates , cost planning , procurement arrangements , and tendering procedures , preparing contract and sub-contract documents . 
• Cost checking , forecasting final costs , settlement of contractor;s claims , cost analysis and lift cycle costing . 
• Quantity surveyor is an encyclopedia of information on every aspect of building costs 

The purpose of cost control

• Cost control can be dfined as the process of controlling the expenses in a particular project , from te starting of the client's briefs , to the project compleiton and ultimately the final account of the aforesaid project . 
• Cost control is a process to ensure that : 
• The cost of the building is kept within the agreed cost limits . 
• Resources are used at the best advantage . 
• Give the building cleint good value for money 
• To achieve a balanced and logical distribution of the avaialble funds between the various part of the building . 
• TO keep total expenditure within the amount agreed by the client . 
• Cost control can be divided into two areas 

- The control of cost during design stage 

- The control of cost during the post contract stage . 

• Cost control of a project involves : 

- The measuring and collecting of costs record of  a project and its progress of works . 

- Comparison between planning and actual progress of physical works on site . 

• The main objective of cost control of a particular project is to achieve maximum profit within the designated construction period and satisfactory quality of works . 
• The implementation  of a systematic procedures of cost control will give a good results of cost data collection particularly in estimation and costs control aspect for furture projects undertaking . 

What is the cost implications of design variables ./

wall / Floor Area Ratio

• Wall / floor ratio is a means of expressing the planning efficiency of a building and is influenced by the plan shape , size and storey heights .
• The ratio is calculated by dividing the external wall area ( inclusive of windows and doors ) by the gross floor area .
• The lower the wall / floor ratio , the more economical will be the proposal .
• The best wall / floor ratio is produced by a circular building but the saving is offset by bigger cost of circular work .

Circulation work

• An economic layout will have one of its main aim of reduction of circulation space because :

- circulation space such as entrace halls , staicases and corridors etc cannot be used for profitable purposes .

• The proportion of floor space allocated to circulation purposes vary between different tuypes of building .

- Office building 23% .

Storey height

• The storey heights of buildings are determined by the client's requirements
• The constructional items that are afected by the variation in storey heights would be :

1. Walls , parititons and their associated finishing works
2. Increased volume to be air-conditioning
3. Longer length of pipes or cables
4. Longer waste pipes to supply sanitary applicances
5. Possibility of higher roof costs due to increased in hoisting
6. Increased costs of constructing staircases and lifts
7. More costly foundations to supoort the increased load .

What is the Cost Implications of Design variables ?

Costs of buildings are influenced by changes in shape , size storey , heights , user's needs , planning and local authorities requirements , site conditions , form of contract , period for completions and etc .

Changes in shape

• General rule is the simpler the shape of the building the lower will be the unit cost
• When the building becomes more complicated and irregular , the perimeter / floor area ratio will increase and acco,mpanied by a higher unit cost .
• Rectangular shaped building would be more expensive than a square one with the same floor area because of smaller perimeter / floor area ratio .

Size of Building

• General rule is increases in the size of buildings will produce reductions in unit costs i.e. cost / m2 of gross floor area (GFA) .
• Costs do not rise proportionately with increases in the plan size of a building because :

- Fixed costs i.e. transportation , erection and dismantling of site building , storage of materials , temporary water supply arrangements , provision of temporary roads do not vary with an extension of the size of the building .

- Larger projects is often less costly to build as the wall / floor ratio reduces 
- Cost advantage of highrise building may accrue due to lifts serving a larger floor area

Construction industry can be descrubed by a broad range of activities

Developers - Initiate new projects
COntrtactors - construction of infrastructure and building works
Project Managers and Surveyors - Coordinate construction works
Building Materials Suppliers - Supplies basic building materials
Machineries Manufacturers - Provide heavy plant equipment such ass excavators and cranes
Architects and designers - Provide specialist advice concerning structural , electrical ,m mecanical and landscape details . Identify key specification
Project Manager - Manages project in detail . Liaises between the client and the construction firm .
Quantity Surveyor - Prepare bills of quantity , cost plan , and contractual advise .
Main COntractor - Manage work on site
Sub-contractor - SUpply specialist skills .
Suppliers - Provide building materials and related components .


Part of the building
Infrastructure - Water reticulation and sewerage  , oil gas , roads , airport , harbour and railways .
Housing - Public sector / housing associations , private sector
Public non - residential - schools , colleges and universities , health facilities , sports and leisure facilities , services ( police , fire and prisons )
Private industrial - Factories and warehouses
Private commercial - Schools / hospitals , restaurants , hotel , shops and offices .
Repair and maintenance - Renovations and refurbishment .

Characxteristics of the construction industry

Mobility of workers and companies

- THe industry is remarkable for the great mobility of its companies and workers : from one site to anoter , one region to another , and , for workjers , one company to another .

- Unlike the manufacturing sector , where the product is amde in a plant , the companies and workers in the construction industry make the client's product ( house , shcool , hospital , road , etc ) , on the site where the client will take possession of it .

Cyclical and seasonal instability 

- The construction industry is also characterized by its cyclical and seasonal instability . In fact , construction activity may vary considerably due to investm,ents ( cyclical instability ) or climatic conditions ( seasonal instability ) . That is why the industry is very flexible and adaptable . These qualtities are also put to advantage to deliver the range of projects required , which are as varied as the number of clients to satisfy .

Variation in investments , both public and private , lead to periods of strong activity during which large-scale projects are started , which may be followed by calmer times .

• Each project is a unique one-off product . THe industry is characterized by the limited duration of projects . 
• Low productivity , heavy reliance on a large pool of unskilled and foreign labour and labour intesnive construction techniques . 
• The industry is dominated by a large number of relatively small firms . 
• The general state of the economy influences the demand . Prices are determined by the tendering . 
• Malaysia's construction industry is hghly fragmented and dominated by a large number of small firms . 

What is Building Economics

• " economics of building is described as focusing " on the application of quantitative techniques using financial criteria for the provision of financial advise to the design team '. 
• Raftery ( 1991) - Building economics is about a combination of tecnical skills , informal optimizations cost account , cost control , price forecasting and resource allocation '. 
• BUilding economics is concerned with the allocation of scarce resources such as land , labour capital and enterprise . 

Post -Contract Stage

• Preparation of contract documents for main contract , sub-contracts or contracts of supply including rationalization of contract rates . 
• Application of cost control during the progress of work 
• Monitoring of proposed construction methods and sequences and those actually required and reporting thereon . 
• Value management / engineering including preparation of cost / benefit reports upon alternative construction method 
• Analysis of contracts pricing relative to cost recording methods / 
• Preparation of interim valuations . 
• Preparation of variation orders and final accounts . 
• Report , evaluating and negotiating on contractual and extracontractual issues . 
• Preparation and / or interpretation of cost / value and other reconcilation statements for management purposes . 
• Project liaison meeting with employers and consultants . 
• Site surveys and measurement and attendance at site meetings . 

Pre-contract stage

• Preparation and documentations of bills of quantities and other tender documents for main contracts , sub-contracts or contracts of supply . 
• Measurements , estimating and pricing for tenders . 
• Value maangement / engineering including comparative design economics . 
• Preparations of specifications and / or schedule of rates . 
• Data processing associated witht he preparation of documentation . 
• Detailed compilation and analysis of unit rates / preliminaries . 
• Selection and evaluation of tenders and reporting on tenders . 
• Project liason meeting with employers and consultants 
• Pre-qualification , evaluation and registration of contractors . 

Feasibility stage

• Preparation and use of cost analysis 
• Preparation of estimate from sketch plan to detailed design 
• Preparation and use of detailed budget . 
• Preparation and use of cost plan 
• Financial fesasibility studies including economic evaluation and assessment of total expenditure . 
• Values management / engineering including comparative design economics . 
• Lift cycle costing , namely relationship between capital and expenditures for individual sections of work and / or components 
• Preparations / interpretation of turnover , profit / loss forecasts and cashflow projections . 
• Cost checkingt durng the development of design 
• Contractual and tendering arrangements in the context of early advice . 

Closing the Deal

As the newly recruited Managing Director of an established and rapidly growing electronics manufacturer in Malaysia , Michael Khoo is flying high - great job , good salary , stock options and a chance to rub shoulders with the top management and build one of the truly great twenty - first - century organisations . THe company is also backed by several leadng venture capitalists from Hong Kong and Japan . Just a few days into the job , Michael participated in a presentation to a new group of potential Singaporean investors for funding that could help the company expand marketing , improve its services and invest in growth . By the end of the meeting , the investors had verbally comiitted RM 30 million in funding .

However , thing tuned sour pretty fast . As michael was leaving at about 9.00p.m the Financial COntroller , Magdalene Cheng , who had just returned from an exrtended leave , cornered him . He was suprised to find her working so late , but before he could open his mouth . magdalene blurted out her problem. THe figures that Michjael had presented to the Singaporean venture capitalists were flawed ." The assumption behind the revenue growth plan are abslutely untenable ,'she said . " Not a chance of them ever happening ." Michael was stunned when he head what she had just said . Then he told her to go home , while he would stay in the office to look at the figures carefully .

At 11.00 p.m MIchael was still sitting in his office wondering what to do . His research showed that the figures were indeed grossly exagerated , but most of them were at least statistically possible ( however remoite that possibility was ) . However , what really troubled him was that the renewal income figure was just flat-out false , and hje had a very strong suspicion that one member of the mangement team who had also particupate in the presentation knew it was incorrect all along . TO make matters worse , it was actually the renewal income figure that had ultimately made the investment so attractive tot the Singaporean  investors . Michael iknew what was at stake no less than the life or death of the company itself . However , he was not sure of how to solve this problems .

Intellectual Property Dilemma

Danny Chan was proudof his job as  a new Production Specialist for an established multi-national car manufacturing plant which is based in Petaling Jaya . he loved the challenges , high stakes and tough decisions that went along with the job . besides that , he had a very supportive and friendly superior , Mark TOng , who is the Cheif Engineer of the Production Engineering Department . Mark was very pleased with Danny's performance as Danny was able to increase the comp0any's revenue by 25% within the first four months since he joined the company , a feat that had never been achieved by anyone before . However , as Danny sat in his office after a long day , he was troubled , struggling over what had happened earlier that day and the information he now possessed .

Just before lunch , Mark came into Danny's office and handed him a stack of private strategic documents from their closest compeititos . It was a competitive intelligence gold -mine - product plans , designs , pricing strategies , partnership agreements and other documents , mostly marked " priovate and confidential " . When Danny asked where the documents came from , mark told him a with a touch of pride that he had taken them right off the competing firm's servr / "I got into a private section of their intranet and downloaded everthing that looked interesting ,' he said / :Later , realising Danny was concerned and suspicious , Mark explained that he had obtained the username and password of the competitor's intratnet via an ex-colleguie of his who was working there . He assured Danny that no one , apart from him and his ex-collegue , would know about this incident . before mark left , he told Danny to 'make good use ' of the documents so their company would gain a huge competitive advantage overt their compeititor in their sales pitch for a multi-million ringgit conjtract the next day .

Maybe not , Danny thought to himself . he did not feel good about using these materials , let alone having them in his hands . he was in two minds . he had spent the whole afternoon searching for answers to his dilemma , but found no clear company policies or regulations that offered any guidance . his sense of fair play told him that to use the information was wrong . if not downright illegal . What bothered him even more was the knowledge that this kind of thing might happen again . Still ,, Danny was fully aware that using this confidential information would certainly give him and his company a competitive advantage ,b ut he was not sure about the repercussions .

Case studies

Case studies are writtend escriptions of business or work-related problems or issues , usually based on real situations , which have to be solved or overcome . They are commonly used in manyu courses at tertiarry institutions or training programmes at corporate companies .

Case studies

1. Demonstrate your understandoing of a particular issue by applying both your theoretical and practical knowledge 
2. Identiofy the problems , weakness or flaws in the issue 
3. Discuss and provide a sound explanation on the issue 
4. Evaluate all possible alternatives and implications of each option 
5. Justify your approaches or arguments logically and reasonably 
6. Propose relavent suggestions to solve or overcome the problems . 

Analysing case studies can help you improve your critical thinking , and this skill will be invaluable to you when you work in the future as you will be able to deal with problematic or difficult situations , think quickly and effectively and solve problems systematically . 

It is important to note here that there is no single correct answer or the best approach to the problem presented in the case . Any answers or approaches can be accepted as long as they are logical , reasonable and well supported sound argument .