Master of Architecture

Module: Professional Practice & Entrepreneurship 2 (ARC7623/ARC70403)

Prerequisite: Professional Practice & Entrepreneurship 1 (ARC7613/ARC70303)
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Ar. Zahari Zubir (C5A.43; zahari.zubir@taylors.edu.my)

ASSIGNMENT 1: PROCUREMENT METHOD

Module
Nature of
Learning Percentage Submittal Size Submission
Work
Outcomes
Group Presentation and Hardcopy
1&2 30% A4
work Submission: Week 6 (1 May 2017)

Introduction
The practice of architecture is intertwined with the procurement method or building delivery
system within the building industry, whether it is a local or international development. The
architects in practice need to familiarise themselves with the various methods as well as the
contract types used in the delivery of buildings.

Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
1. To introduce to the student the different procurement methods or delivery system being
practiced in the industry
2. To expose the student to the different forms of building contract used in the building
industry
3. To understand the roles and responsibilities of architects when involved in these different
systems

Learning Outcomes of Project

At the end of this project, students should be able to:
1. Describe the similarities / differences between the different major types of Construction
Contract in Malaysia / the Commonwealth
2. Explain and comprehend the professional duties and responsibilities of the architect in
administration of the Construction Contract.

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Tasks
As a group of 2 members, students are to interview several architectural firms on their
experiences in the two building procurement methods (i.e. i. traditional and ii. design & build)
and the contract that was used in administering these projects. Obtain information on the
following.
For each project or building studied, basic information such as the following, are needed:
1. Background of the project
2. If possible, plans, drawings and/or images of the project
3. Size of project in terms of built-up area (approximate), number of storey height etc.
4. Approximate cost, completion date
5. Building type or function
6. If possible, brief building program
7. Type of client, private or public (government etc.) and if possible, who they are
8. Any other information deemed useful to describe the building/project
Aspects of the two procurement methods and contracts:
1. Similarities and/or differences between the 2 methods (chose 5 aspects/elements)
2. Organisational relationship between the architect, client and the contractor (need to
produce organisation charts to compare)
3. The form of contract used in the projects and the reasons why they were chosen or
used
4. The role and responsibilities of the architect in both procurement methods
5. Views of the practicing architect in regards of the procurement systems and the
contract used especially on traps and pitfalls
6. Other issues that would assist you in completing this assignment
Submission Requirement
1. Students are to present their summarised report in PowerPoint presentation
2. A hardcopy of the full report. Submission format: A4 sized paper, including illustrations,
charts, tables, plans and diagrams. Font must be size 12 with 1.5 spacing. Approximate
number of words: 3000 10%. Staple the report at the top left corner (no need to provide
plastic cover + comb bind). The recommended structure or sections of the report are as
follows:
1. Introduction
2. Background and information on the architectural practice and the projects
3. Comparison of the 2 procurement methods (element by element)
4. Comparison of the roles and responsibilities of the architect in the 2 methods
5. Pitfalls and traps architects should be aware of when involved in the 2 methods
6. Conclusion
IMPORTANT: Indicate the total word count at the end of the report.

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Marking Distribution
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
1. Introduction (5%)
2. Background and information of projects (10%)
3. Comparison of the 2 procurement methods- element by element (50%)
4. Comparison of the i) roles and ii) responsibilities of the architect in both methods
(15%)
5. Pitfalls and traps (10%)
6. Conclusion (5%)
7. Style: spelling, grammar, word count, neatness, layout, clarity of illustrations, flow
diagrams etc. (5%)

Suggested References
1. Cheshire Fitfoot & Furmston, 1996. Law of Contract. 2nd Edition. London: Butterworth.
2. Jervis, B. M. & Levin, P, 1988. Construction Law: Principles and Practice. New York:
McGraw-Hill Book Company.
3. Lee M.P, 1992. General Principles of Malaysian Law. 2nd Edition. Kuala Lumpur: Fajar Bakti.
4. Norchaya Talib, 2003. Law of Torts in Malaysia. Sweet & Maxwell Asia.
5. University of Malaya, 1997. Torts in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya Press.
6. Sundra Rajoo, 2006. The Malaysian Standard Form of Building Contract (The PAM 1998).
Malayan Law Journal Sdn Bhd.
7. Sundra Rajoo, WSW Davidson & Harbans Singh, 2010, The PAM 2006 Standard Form of
Building Contract, LexisNexis Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
8. Lim Chong Fong, 2004. The Malaysian PWD Form of Construction Contract . Thomson
Sweet & Maxwell Asia.
9. Sundra Rajoo, 2003. Law, Practice and Procedure of Arbitration. Malayan Law Journal Sdn
Bhd

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