Assignment 4 Thinking

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers
Refurbishment of Department of Civil Engineering building (Block G)
Introduction
To meet the growing demands of increased number of students and to enable better
customer service, the Department of Civil Engineering is embarking on a project to
refurbish its current office block (Block G). The refurbishment should enhance the
current layout and aesthetic outlook, but should preserve the existing structural
specification. Once completed, the building should consist of main administrative office,
rooms for all lectures, rooms for visiting lectures, work-station for tutors and
postgraduates, a resource room/library, computer laboratories, seminar rooms, design
offices, study area for students, other rooms for administrative purposes, at least two
research laboratories, utility shop and a gymnasium. The new layout proposed should
enable to achieve the objectives of better customer service and meet enhanced demand in
higher education. The report should also provide conceptual designs of the proposals.
Through years, there are growing demands of increased number of students. To

enable better customer service, the Department of Civil Engineering is intent to
refurbish its current office block (Block G).
The refurbishment will enhance the current layout and aesthetic outlook.
The brand new layout will enable to achieve the objectives of better customer
service, meet enhanced demand in higher education, making use the space
effectively.

Objective
Aesthetic the current outlook.
Better customer service.
Update the existing facilities.
Improve students performance by providing good services, resource and facilities.
The brand new Block G will consists of
Main administrative office
Rooms for all lectures
Rooms for visiting lecturers
work-station for tutors and postgraduates
Resource room/library
Computer laboratories
Seminar rooms
Design office
Study area for students
Other rooms for administrative purposes
At least two research laboratories
Utility shop
Gymnasium

Concept
This is four concept that we use
1. Aesthetic
-
Something or about appreciation combination of qualities giving

pleasure to the sight or other senses or to be mind.
2. Comfortable
-
Circumstance; occurrence of fact connected with an event or person

that feel good or better.
3. Systematic
-
Follow the system and something meditate; plan that going fluent.
4. Spacious
- Something that away from crowded and commodious; having plenty of
leisure.

Methodology
Our group comprised of three member, which are Wong Mei Wah, Faiz Najmi
Bin Abdullah and Nur Liyana Binti Hassan. We have discussed properly before we subdivided the job to complete the findings on our topic. After fairly discussion, Wong Mei
Wah has been appointed as the head of the team.
We started plan our work by discussion at first. During the session of discussion,
it required lots communication skills to end up with compromise among group members.
Anyway, we did it successfully in discussion and concede a point to do our project.
Next, we distributed evenly our tasks according to everyone own ability. Then,
we had meeting at few places in the Faculty of Engineering, which are engineering
library, Infineon corner at Engineering Tower, student corner at Block U and student
gathering corner at Civil Engineering Department which situated at Block G of the
Faculty of Engineering. This is to ensure every group members will not lag behind the
process.
We discussed it during meeting when we were facing the hesitation in making

decision. In this project is about refurbishment of department of Civil Engineering
building (Block G), we would like to ask the response from civil departments students.
Thus, we had decided to distribute questionnaire and conduct interview session with
students in Civil Department of Faculty of Engineering to ask for their opinion. After that,
we gathered all feedback and analysis on it.
At last, we compiling identified problems and constrains with all data include
suggestions and considered solutions. Then, we could conclude it with recommendations
for this case.

Organizations & Responsibility

1. Wong Mei Wah (Group Leader):
Identifying problem
Search for background information of the problem
Study objectives of the proposal
Preparing presentation slides for the proposal
Arrange group meeting
Conduct the survey among students of Civil Engineering department
Compiling the proposal
Design the plan of block G
2. Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah
Identifying the scope of project
Cost estimation of the project
Researching on methodology for the problem
Conduct the survey among students of Civil Engineering department
Concluding and suggest recommendation
3. Nur Liyana Binti Hassan
Considering various solutions
Identifying constraints of practicing the suggestion
Preparing minutes of meetings
Giving reasons on option

Time Sheets
First Minutes of Meeting
Date
: 12 November 2013
Time
: 4.00pm
Venue
: Student gathering corner at Block U, Faculty of Engineering
Topics
Introduction to the topic
Discussion of the topic
Group organization
Planning the study
Distribution of duties
Decide on work schedule
Attendance
1. Wong Mei Wah

No.
1.
Topics
Action
Introduction to the topic chosen

i.
Briefing about assignment 4
ii.
Understanding the work of assignment 4
2.
Discussion of the topic
3.
Group organization
i.
Leader: Wong Mei Wah
ii.
Member : Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah
iii.
Member: Nur Liyana Binti Hassan
All members
All members

4.
Planning the study

i.
Suggestion to have indoor structure of the

student gathering corner in block G
ii.
Suggestion to have welfare facilities inside
Wong Mei Wah
the department
iii.
Suggestion to have stronger and wider Wifi

zone in block G
iv.
Suggestion to concentrate all lecturers room All members

in one floor
v.
Suggestion to make full use of every space
All members
of block G
vi.
Suggestion to use autoCAD to draw the new
All members
plan of block G
5.
Distribution of duties
i.
Conduct the survey
ii.
Designer of the plan of block G
Wong Mei Wah

Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah
Nur Liyana Binti Hassan
iii.
Arranging meeting and write minutes
Wong Mei Wah

6.
iv.
Photographer
v.
Cost estimation
Decide on work schedule

i.
Having next meeting after 2 weeks
ii.
Data collection
All members

Second Minutes of Meeting
Date
: 19 November 2013
Time
: 3.30pm
Venue
: Infineon Corner, Engineering Tower
Topics
Discuss information
Data collection
Analyses data
Attendance
1. Wong Mei Wah

No.
1.
Topics
Discuss information required
i.
2.
3.
Action
Design of the new design of plan of block G
All members
Data collection
i.
Problems faced
ii.
Solution considered
All members
Analyses data
i.
Result of the survey
All members

Third Minutes of Meeting
Date
: 3 December 2013
Time
: 3.00pm
Venue
: Engineering library, Faculty of Engineering
Topics
Discuss the findings
Finalize the report
Prepare for presentation
Attendance
1. Wong Mei Wah

No.
1.
Topics
Discuss the findings
i.
2.
3.
Action
Cost estimation of project
Finalize the report

i.
Make arrangements for the report
ii.
Individual summary
All members
Prepare for presentation

i.
Divide the topics among member
ii.
Gather information to prepare a PowerPoint All members

presentation

Problems Encountered
A) Lacking of facilities
We found out that existing facilities in block G of Civil Engineering Department is
insufficient and not well maintained.
Problem 1: Study area

There are lacking of study area for students in our department. This is due to the
growing demand of increased number of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The
study area of block G is limited and the surrounding is not suitable to study as it is near to
the laboratory and exposed to weather change, such as rain. Even though the study area is
covered, but when heavy rain in University of Malaya students cannot stay at the study
area due to the environment condition of the place. Besides, the study area of block G is
not equipped well with suitable tables and chairs.
Current students study corner
10

Problem 2: Block G do not have computer lab.

In Block G, computer lab is unavailable. Although there is an existing computer
lab at block G, the lab are not equipped with computers. Students usually face a big
problem when doing assignments or reports which need to be completed using computer.
Students have to bring their own laptop or go to the computer lab of block N. As an
example, students who taking course Drawing for Civil Engineering, KAEA1102, have to
go to computer lab of block N when doing AutoCad design.
Computer lab without Computer facilities

Problem 3:
Current teaching equipment of block G is too old and not well-upgraded. The
tables and T-rulers in the drawing room are too old and some are malfunctioning
compared to those in the Faculty of Build Environment. Besides, the sound system and
projector of design office often spoiled or not function well during lecture time.
11

Table and ruler in block G
Table and ruler of Faculty of Architecture
Problem 4: Lack of welfare facilities

Current Department of Civil Engineering do not equipped with any welfare
facilities such as utility shop and gymnasium or leisure area. Students, lecturers and staffs
do not have any place for them to do sport and exercise. For post-graduate students who
often spend their time at department do not have any place for them to enjoy exercise for
a better performance on academic. For final year students, they are suffering in looking
for printing service in purpose of printing thesis paper. Besides, students often face with
the problem on printing lecture note or assignment paper as there is not photocopy shop
at block G. For staffs at department do not have any grocery shop for them to buy some
snacks or drinks.
B) Wi-Fi problem.
There are free Wi-Fi access for students around University of Malaya, which are UMWiFi-student and UM-Wifi-staff. However, we cannot detect Wi-Fi access at block G.
This is very inconvenient to students as students cannot access internet to carry out
academic stuff, such as to find information and images to complete the assignment.
Besides, lecturers also face with the same problem during the lecture as sometime
they need to access on internet for some teaching resources.
Free Wi-Fi access at Department of Civil Engineering
12

C) The structural design of block G is too complicated.

Even though the building of block G is not large, students, especially first year
students are failed to reach their destination in block G. The current design of lecturer
room are too complicated and confusing, which make problems to students who
wanted to meet lecturer at their office as they hardly to find the room. For the new
design of the rooms for lecturer should be clear and simple which concentrate in one
floor.
13

The Floor Plan of Block G

D) The building of civil department (block G) dilapidated and not well-maintained.
University of Malaya has an old historic background. Department of Civil
Engineering is the first department of Faculty of Engineering in University of Malaya.
The building of Department of Civil Engineering has a six-decades of history.
Therefore, the building of block G is very old and need to be maintained-well to make
sure the building is under good condition. Refurbishment and renovation on the
building is needed to ensure a better and more comfortable study environment for
students.
Current appearance of block G
14

Considered Solutions
(a) Floor plan of ground floor of block G
Utility
shop
Study
area
Floor plan of ground floor of block G
15

For the new design of the floor plan, a new study area for students and a utility shop will
be added for the ground floor. The main adminstrative office and two research
labotatories will remain the same as current building. Besides, the new study area should
be a closed area equiped with adequade and suitable study tables and chairs. On the other
hand, a new utility shop should be built beside the new study area to ease the needs of
students. The utility shop will provide priting and photocopy service for students and
grocery for all the students, lecturers and staff at Block G.
Study area of block G.
Utility shop of block G
16

(b) Floor plan of first floor of block G
Floor plan of first floor of block G
The current floor of the building will be demonished and refurbish with two seminar
rooms, one discussion room, work station for tutor and postgraduates, and rooms for
lecturer in the new design of Block G. The two seminar rooms will be equipped with
tables, chairs and latest teaching equipment such as white board, projector, computer and
LCD screen. A small discussion will be built for the purpose of students visiting lecterurs.
17

Seminar rooms of block G
Discussion room of block G
18

(c) Floor plan of second floor of block G
Floor plan of second floor of block G
Same as the first floor of block G, the second floor will be demonized and the two design
offices will be remain. For the new design for second floor, there are two new computer
labs, a mini library, a small gymnasium, a small study area, a small work station for tutor
19

and lecturer, and rooms for lecturer. The two new computer lab with equipped with
desktop and latest software, suitable computer tables and chairs, and teaching equipment.
The new mini library will provide reference books, journals, thesis that related with civil
engineering field. A small gymnasium is built for the purpose of provided a leisure area
for students, lecturers, and staffs of civil department. Besides, the design office will equip
with new drawing tables and chairs.
Computer lab of block G
Gymnasium of block G
Mini library of block G
Study area of Block G
20

Constrains & Limitations

Based on the problems encountered, we analyze the building of block G and design a new
plan of block G for the refurbishment of block G. However, in the process of design and
proposing this project, we were facing some obstacles and limitations.
1) Budget/ Cost
The refurbishment of block G is a huge project as it requires a large amount of money.
The reconstruction of the internal structural design and facilities such as gym, mini
library and computer lab require a huge budget such as the equipment and the
construction fee. Most of these equipment are very expensive and need to have
maintenance regularly. Hence, it is quite hard for this project to obtain approval and carry
out practically.
2) Inconvenience for lecturers and students during the refurbishment process

As the refurbishment work involved most lecturers in the department, they may face
inconveniences during that time as they have no place to do their own works.
Furthermore, it is not so comfortable for them to do their works at temporary offices as
they are not familiar with the surrounding and it is difficult to manage the work in
temporary places. Besides that, for those students who are usually having classes in the
department need to find alternative places for their class. This eventually brought
inconvenience for the lecturers and students too.
21

Analysis of Data
Part A: Opinions on Current Building of Department of Civil Engineering, Block G
Question 1: Do you satisfied with the appearance and layout of Block G?
Satisfaction towards The Appearance and Layout of Block G

40
35
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Very Satisfy
Satisfy
Dissatisfy
Very Dissastisfy
Graph 1: Satisfaction Level towards the Appearance and Layout of Block G
Based on the data collected, 90% of the respondents show their dissatisfactory towards
the appearance of Block G. This results clearly shows that the building is already
obsolete and a new refurbishment is needed to implement. Furthermore, there is always
seeping of water into the building once raining. The respondents also claimed that the
spaces in Block G are not fully utilized. Thus, it causes the layout of Block G is less
satisfactory.
22

Question 2: Do you satisfied with the study area for students in Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering?
SATISFACTION TOWARDS THE STUDY AREA IN BLOCK G

Very Satisfy
0%
Satisfy
12%
Very Dissastisfy
46%
Dissatisfy
42%
Chart 1 Satisfaction Level towards the Study Area in Block G
The pie chart above shows that majority of the respondents are not satisfy towards the
study area in Block G. 88% of the respondents are dissatisfied towards the condition of
the current study area in Block G. Only 12% of the respondents are satisfied with the
study area. This mainly due to the environmental condition and the facilities in the study
area in Block G. The study area is an open area; thus it does not provide a quite
environment for the students to do revisions. Furthermore, most of the respondents show
their dissatisfactory towards the study area because it does not provide a conductive study
environment for the students as the study area is without air-conditioners. Another reason
is the weak Wi-Fi strength in the study area causes most of students do not like the study
area in Block G.
23

Question 3: The design offices in Block G are in good condition?
Number of Respondents
Condition of Design Offices in Block G

25
20
15
22
22
10
5
5
1
0
Very Agree
Agree
Diasgree
Very Disagree
Graph 2: Condition of Design Offices in Block G.
According to the analysis above, there is a neutral voting from the respondents. The
number of respondents agree and disagree that the design offices are in good condition
are both 22 out of the 50. However, there are a slightly difference for the very disagree
and very agree. Only 1 out of 50 of the respondents very agrees that the design offices
are in good condition. Hence, we can conclude that total of 46% of the respondents say
that the design offices are in good condition but 54% of them are not agree with that.
24

Question 4: The laboratories in Block G are well equipped and suitable to carry out
experiments related to the courses?
Condition of The Laboratories in Block G
4, 8%
5, 10%
Very Agree
Agree
18, 36%
23, 46%
Disagree
Very Disagree
Chart 2: Condition of the Laboratories in Block G
According to the pie chart above, the proportion of respondents who are disagree with the
statement is higher that than of those who are agree. 23 out of 50 of the respondents
disagree while 18 out of 50 of the respondents agree with the statement. The reason for
the respondents claim that the lab is not in good condition because the equipment and
apparatus in the laboratories are old and outdated, some of them are even malfunctioning.
25

Question 5: The work-stations for tutors and postgraduates are sufficient and well
equipped?
Work Stations for Tutors and Postgraduates

30
25
25
19
20
15
10
0
Very Agree
Agree
Disagree
Very Disagree
Graph 3: Work-stations for Tutors and Postgraduates
Based on the graph above, most of the respondents say that the number of current workstations for tutors and postgraduates are not sufficient and not well equipped. 28 out of 50
of the respondents, which is 56% of the respondents disagree with the statement while 22
out of 50 of the respondents, which is 44% agree with the statement. Most of the
postgraduates wish to have a more comfortable work place.
26

Question 6: Rooms for lecturer are in good condition.
Rooms for Lecturers
22
25
19
20
15
10
5
0
Very Agree
Agree
Disagree
Very Disagree
Graph 4: Condition of Lecturers Room
31 out of 50 of the respondents say that the conditions of the lecturers rooms are
dissatisfactory. On the contrary, only 19 out of 50 of the respondents say that the
conditions in the lecturers rooms are well enough and in a good condition. From the
analysis, most of the respondents do not satisfied with the condition of the lecturers
room. It is because the lecturer room is quite small and the space is very limited. Then,
when the lecturers place their teaching materials in their rooms, it cause the room to seem
messy. Besides that, the furniture in the rooms for lecturers is old. Thus, the rooms for
lecturers should be renovated and embellished.
27

Question 7: Is seminar room necessary in Block G?
Necessity of Seminar Rooms
No
34%
Yes
66%
Chart 3: Necessity of seminar rooms in Block G
Based on the data obtained on the opinion of having a seminar room in Block G, more
than half of the respondents think that is a necessary. 66% of the respondents agree to
have a seminar room because it provides a suitable place for the outside speakers or
lecturers to give talks to students. Besides that, students also can carry out discussions or
meeting in the seminar rooms.
28

Part B: Suggestion for Refurbishment of Block G

Question 8: Do you support the idea of refurbishment of Block G?
Refurbishment of Block G
7, 14%
Very Agree
0, 0%
Agree
23, 46%
20, 40%
Disagree
Very Disagree
Chart 4: Agreement of the Idea of Refurbishment of Block G
According to the pie chart above, mostly of the respondents agree with the refurbishment
of Block G with only 7.14% of the respondents disagree with that. One situation that we
need to observe that is none of the respondent is very disagree with the idea as most of
the student claim that the departments building is already old and obsolete either in the
outlook or the interior part. Hence, we can say that the respondents are agree with the
idea of refurbishment of Block G. Thus, a refurbishment is necessary to make the
building looks new.
29

Question 9: Study area for students in Block G should be renovated?
Study Area in Block G

26
30
25
21
20
15
10
3
5
0
Very Agree
Agree
Disagree
Very Disagree
Graph 5: Renovation of Study Area in Block G
From the data obtained, we found that most of the respondents, 47 out of 50 of them
agree to renovate or propose a new study area for students in Block G. This is because the
foyer in the Block G which is considered as a study area is in old condition. It only
equipped with a few fans and uncomfortable chairs and tables. Besides that, numbers of
chairs and tables are limited and the chairs and tables are unmovable. Hence, students are
having difficulties when doing their discussion or revisions. As a result, we propose to
renovate the study area in Block G.
30

Questions 10: What facility will you suggest to be included in the newly renovated study
area?
Facilities in Study Area

2
Install Air Conditioners

Provide Comfortable Chairs
and Tables
21
20
Provide Better Wi-fi

Vending Machines Selling
Drinks
Vending Machines Selling
Food
Graph 6: Facilities should be included in the Newly Renovated Study Area
The data obtained shows that most of the respondents suggested that installing air
conditioners and providing better Wi-Fi in the study area will make them more
comfortable to stay and study there. 21 out of 50 of the respondents are choosing to
install air conditioners in the study area while 20 of them are selecting a better Wi-Fi. We
can see that air conditioner is the most essential facility in the new study area. In addition,
availability of Wi-Fi becomes very important to the students because we use internet for
information, submitting assignments, and also downloading the lecture notes. In addition,
we also notice that some respondents requested for comfortable chairs and stools to be
included in the new study area. Besides that, students also wish that the study area does
provide vending machines which sell drinks and also food and snacks. As a result, we
propose that the new study area should be equipped with air-conditioners, comfortable
chairs and stools and food and drinks vending machines.
31

Questions 11 and 12: Do you agree to enhance the facilities of laboratories and design
offices in Block G?
Enchancement of Facilities
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Very Agree
Agree
Disagree
Laboratories
Design Offices
Very Disagree
Graph 7: Enhancement of Facilities of Laboratories and Design Offices in Block G
According to the graph above, most of the respondents agree with enhancing the facilities
of laboratories and design offices in the Block G. There is a same trend for respondents
very agree, agree, disagree and very disagree in the laboratories and design office. 86%
and 94% of the respondents agree to enhance the laboratories and design office
respectively. Majority of them agree because they found that some of the apparatus and
the equipment in the laboratories are already not functioning well and are outdated which
always provide an inaccurate experimental result. Furthermore, some of the tables and
chairs in the design offices are also spoiled. As a result, this might become an obstacle for
students to learn and study there. Hence, we propose to enhance the facilities of
laboratories and design offices in Block G
32

Questions 13, 14, 15 and 16: Do you support the idea of proposing new area in Block G?
Proposing New Area in Block G

7
Very Disagree
2
12
Disagree
21
16
19
Agree
Very Agree
23
23
13
11
21
9
5
Seminar Room
10
Computer Lab
15
Utility Shop
20
25
Library
Graph 8: Agreement of Idea of Proposing New Area in Block G.
The graph above shows that more than half of the respondents agree with the idea of
proposing the new areas as stated. The students wish to have seminar rooms for them to
carry out discussions and listen to talks, computer labs for them to learn advanced
software, utility shop such as a photocopy shop and also a library which provides them
sufficient reading materials. Thus, we propose to introduce these new areas in Block G.
33

Cost Estimation
A) Mini Gymnasium
1. Boxing bags
RM 180x3
RM 540
2. Elliptical Bike
RM 668x2
RM 1336
3. Sit up Equipment
RM 710x2
RM 1420
4. Dumbbell Weightlifting Bench
RM 420x2
RM 840
B) Mini Library
1. Bookshelves
RM 169x8
RM 1352
RM 769x2
RM 1538
RM 159x70
RM 11130
RM 250x2
RM 500
RM 769x4
RM3076
RM 2048x70
RM143360
RM 160x4
RM 640
RM 45x15
RM 675
RM 769x1
RM 769
2. Air Conditioner
(Mitsubishi 1HP SRK09CMP)
C) Computer Lab
1. Tables
2. Printers
(HP LASERJET 2200)
3. Air Conditioner
4. Computers
(Dell 3010M-i3224G50-W87
OptiPlex 3010)
D) Study Corner
1. Writing Tables
(1500x700x750mm)
2. Chairs
3. Air Conditioner
E) Construction Fee
RM 10000
TOTAL
RM 177176
34

Recommendations
In this topic, we analysis and conclude all of our data. At first, we had identified
four problems previously. We noticed these problems were based on a point that related
to the facilities and maintenance of the Department of Civil Engineering. Hence, the most
feasible solution must be able to solve these four problems together.
At the same time, refurbishment of the department with a series of assumed that
the most effective way to fix the four problems. This is because if the facilities are
upgraded and well-maintained, the students can be motivated to strive for their best as
they can have extra privilege in pursuing their studies. With those solutions mentioned,
the department can build a good image with such facilities and systematic arrangement of
every single room.
In addition, we had conducted a survey among students of the department. This

survey purposely collected various opinions from students towards the situation in their
department. According to the statistic chart, it shows that majority of students agree that
it is necessary to upgrade the department with various facilities.
Although there were several constrains that we were facing, but the refurbishment
planning could provide more convenience to all students in the future. Anyhow, it is
necessary to carry on this plan. According to the questionnaire that we had distributed,
we also found that majority of students agree to have this refurbishment work as it does
really benefit everyone. The limits and constrains that will be facing can actually solve if
we plan well. The overall cost for the work is estimated to be RM167176 that mainly
involved the equipment to be installed. The work can be completed in short period which
around 2 months.
35

References
1. "Part 2 CAD/CAM/CAE", 25 Year retrospective, Computer Graphics World,
2011, retrieved 29 March 2012
2. Autodesk, Inc". FundingUniverse. Lendio. 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
3. Brief History of Interior Design (2007) Retrieved December 7, 2012, from
www.interior-design-school.net
4. Piotrowski, C, 2004, Becoming an Interior Designer, John Wiley & Sons, New
Jersey, USA
5. Grahame, James. (2007-05-17) Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD. Retro Thing.
Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
6. Pile, J, 2003, Interior Design, 3rd edn, Pearson, New Jersey, USA
7. Site Plans, Elevations and Floor Plans A Community Guide San Jose. Accessed 11
February 2009.
36

Individual Summary
Name
Matric Number
: Wong Mei Wah

: KEA120053
We are divided into three group in the first interactive class of Thinking and
Communication Skills for Civil Engineers. There are three members in our group who are
Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah, Nur Liyana Binti Hassan and me. We were assigned to the
project which is titled Refurbishment of Department of Civil Engineering building
(Block G). We decided to have our first meeting on 12 November 2013 after the class
ended.
We managed to briefly discuss and get further understanding the ideas of the topic
in our first meeting. Then, we listed out our group organization as well as responsibility
of each member. I have been selected as the group leader. In this meeting, I was
responsible for the floor plan design of block G and the preparation on presentation slides.
I suggested to increase the facilities of block G to have a utility shop that provide
photocopy and printing services. After the discussion, we distributed all the duties to each
of us and we decided to have the next meeting on 3 weeks time from now. After the
meeting, I browse through some books and references regarding the floor plan design of
block G and redesign it out by using AutoCad software. To get more information about
the design of Block G, I also research through Internet and ask the opinions of seniors of
my department.
For our second meeting, we continue our discussion on the collected data about
the design on refurbishment of Department of Civil Engineering building (Block G). In
the process of designing, I found that there are some standard guidelines to be followed
when designing floor plan of the block G. Through this process, I really learnt a lot of
useful things which is related to the building and construction. Besides that, we also able
to identify the existing problems, problems will exist during construction as well as the
solution to all these problems. It is a very great challenge to us as we can apply all the
37

things we learnt before. At the end of the meeting, we decided to finalize and discuss all
the remaining details by 2 weeks time.
During the last meeting, the issue about the cost of estimation for refurbishment
of block G is brought out. I have faced some problem while designing the floor plan of
the block G. It is the first time for me to do the designing of building. In fact, it is a quite
tough job for us as we never learnt the cost of estimation for a refurbishment on a
building before. However, with the help of lecturers, we manage to finish it at last. After
that, we combine all the data and details in our report. I also prepare some slides for the
presentation as well.
After all the hard works, I would like to highlight that the cooperation and
collaboration among group members are essentially and paramount importance in the
way to produce a efficiency as well as a significance group discussion so as to find out
the best and critical solutions to solve all the constraints in various aspects such as in term
of budget, manpower and time. All group members should take up their responsibility
and play their crucial roles in different ways in order to complete this task. Through this
project, I had gain knowledge and experience. Besides that, I also experiences as the
leader of the group which improves my leadership skills, how to organize my work and
communicates with my group members.
Lastly, I want to show my appreciation to our lecturers, Prof. Dr. Hashim Bin
Abdul Razak and Dr. Min Jang as well as my group members as they really help and
guide me a lot in the way to complete this challenging task. Without their help, this
project would not run smoothly as it does now.
38

Name
: Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah
Matric Number
: KEA120016
The last few days have been seriously stressful for me. I'm not good at being the center of
attention, and this whole thing has brought me to tears on more than one occasion since I
hit publish on Monday night. But in all of that, the commenter of GT have been amazing
about rallying around me and supporting me, and I'm incredibly grateful, so I wanted to
take some time to specifically mention the people who went above and beyond for me.
First of all, I want to congratulate to our group for making our final assignment
critical thinking and communication successful and finish before the due date. Thanks to
our lecturer that work hard to make the course interesting and easier to learn. The lecturer
I meant is Professor Dr. Hashim Bin Abdul Razak. He patiently teaches us the theoretical
part by spending around 2 hour and gives us enough exercise to make sure we understand
the course outcome. Also, our co-instructor Professor Dr. Min Jang that handle the hand
on and tutorial class. Sincerely, Prof. Dr. Min Jang gave a very energetic lecture and
inspires us to become a better speaker and gave us tips about speaking in front of people.
Furthermore, I want to thank you to my group for working very hard to make the project
successful. My group mate Wong Mei Wah and Yana. For Wong Mei Wah, I want to
thanks you because as the main contributor to our final project. She is very efficient and
very tidy in her work. As we distributed the works, her majority does the research and
rearranges the final works. As for Yana, she basically does the assist work for Wong Mei
Wah, by doing the survey, analysis and meeting report. As for me, I do the theoretical
part, spending the time to do research and the facts.
39

As for intro for this summary for this report, I will explain about the report
generally. We picked this topic because the topic is very near to as civil engineering
undergraduate. The topic about the renovation of the department of civil engineering is
embarking on the project to reconstruct and design the current office block (block G).
The improvement included the arrangement, current layout, and aesthetic layout.
However, the structure of the existing building must be preserved.
As for the solution for this problem, we manage to collect many respondents from
undergraduate to make sure our research approved and the suggestion. The questionnaire
asked about the satisfactory towards the outlook of Block G and the refurbishment of
Block G. Most of them agree that the block G should be improved and the design should
be more captive and bright.
As for theoretical part and factual part, we did the research by referring the
internet and articles. From there, we manage to identify the problem and found the great
example of good department building. Majorly, we identify problem came from lack of
facilities, poor teaching equipment, problem with internet connection, poor and not wellmaintained building. Furthermore, the plan of the building is very complicated and not
well arrange.
We also manage to get a few solutions to solve the following problems. First of
all, we must simplify the plan of the block G. We must make the lecturer room smaller
and we also manage to build the utility shop and study area for student services.
Moreover, we must make sure our department facilities up to date.
However, we found that there are some Constrains and limitations. The limitation
is the budget. The refurbishment of block G is a huge project as it consumes a large
amount of money. Moreover, the improvement is very Inconvenience for lecturers and
students. Refurbishment work involved most lecturers in the department, they may face
inconveniences as they have no place to do their own works Students who are usually
having class in the department need to find other places for their class.
Although there were several constrains that we were facing, but the refurbishment
planning could provide more convenience to all students in the future. Anyhow, it is
necessary to carry on this plan. According to the questionnaire that we had distributed,
40

we also found that majority of students agree to have this refurbishment work as it does
really benefit everyone.
Name
Matric Number
: Nur Liyana Binti Hassan

: KEA120040
The past few weeks are quite tough for us as we had to chase for the deadline for our
assignments including the final assignment for Critical Thinking course. However, with
the help of some people we managed to survive those weeks and the most important is we
are able to complete our critical thinking assignment before the due date. Here, I would
like to credit to those who had contributed a lot in making this coursework into a massive
success.
Above all, I would like to congratulate to all my teammates for being able to
finish the task given successfully. Many thanks to our lecturer Professor Dr. Hashim Bin
Abdul Razak for his effort in making us understand the basic concept of critical thinking
and how to communicate well. It was a nice lecture and even most of the things are basic
things in life, but we always take it as a small thing and never realize that it was
important as well in achieving a good soft skill. Not forgotten our co-instructor, Professor
Dr. Min Jang who handled the interactive class. I should admit that he is a very good
speaker and really inspires us to be one like him. Besides, he is very positive in every
way and always gives us the positive aura. He really helps us a lot in establishing our idea
and see things differently. A lot of thanks I wish to both of our lecturers. In addition, I
would like to thank my teammates especially Wong Mei Wah as she has the largest
contribution to our group. She basically did almost all the research works and rearranging
our final work. She had done her part very well. Same goes to Faiz Najmi as he also did
41

the research and findings on facts. He also did the theoretical part. They had given a good
cooperation along the making of the assignment. For me, I did the survey work and
analysis part. I also did the meeting report.
So, here are some introductions on our topic. Our topic is Refurbishment of
Department of Civil Engineering Building (Block G). We had chosen this topic as we
are civil engineering students and we are the closes to this building. We wish to express
our opinion on our department building and give suggestions on how we can improve and
maximize the usage of that building. We had come out with the idea on renovating the
building and improve the current layouts of the building.
We find out that we had a few problems faced on the department. One of them is
lack of facilities. Facilities that we are stressing on are convenient study area which is
very necessary for us, computer lab as we cant bring our laptop everyday to class to do
our assignment, good teaching equipment and welfare facilities such as utility shop as we
faced the difficulties on printing and photocopy lecture notes or assignments. Another
main problem is the current layout of Block G is too complicated. To prove these
problems do exist, we had conducted a survey on 50 respondents. We had asked them on
their satisfaction towards the outlook of the Block G. As we have expected, most of them
are dissatisfy with the current outlook of Block G. They do agree if we do some
improvements towards the block.
For the theoretical and factual part, we had did some research on the internet.
From that, we managed to find some good examples of building concept and good
facilities. This helps us in providing the suggestions on how we can improve the outlook
of the building and improve the facilities provided at the block in the future. So basically,
we are suggesting that we should make the layout of each floor at the block are more
simple. We suggest that we move the current lecturer room and turn it into a discussion
room. We also suggest some spot where we can establish it as a new study area for civil
engineering student and utility shop. We insist that the future utility shop should be
provided with printing and photocopy services. Furthermore, we suggest on how we can
improve the computer lab and facilities provided at the computer lab along with the
teaching equipment as well.
42

However, there are some constrains and limitation that we face if we want to
proceed this project. This project will require construction works and purchasing some
equipment. Therefore, we can expect a large amount of money is required. So, we have
the limitations on budget. Furthermore, since there will be a construction work in
progress, obviously the lecturer cannot use their room for the meantime. This will be
inconvenient to them as they have to find new place to do their jobs. Besides, there are
some classes been held at the block G. It will also causes some difficulties to find new
replacement class as our tutorial classes and lecture halls in Faculty of Engineering are so
limited.
Even there are a few limitations exist, if this project is carried out, it will give a
huge benefit to the students of Civil Engineering in the future. This had been agreed by
most of the respondents from our survey. So, we can say that it is necessary to proceed
with this project.
43

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KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

Refurbishment of Department of Civil Engineering building (Block G)

Through years, there are growing demands of increased number of students. To

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

Aesthetic the current outlook.

Better customer service.

Update the existing facilities.

Improve students performance by providing good services, resource and facilities.

The brand new Block G will consists of

Main administrative office

Rooms for all lectures

Rooms for visiting lecturers

work-station for tutors and postgraduates

Study area for students

Other rooms for administrative purposes

At least two research laboratories

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

Something or about appreciation combination of qualities giving

Circumstance; occurrence of fact connected with an event or person

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

We discussed it during meeting when we were facing the hesitation in making

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

Organizations & Responsibility

Search for background information of the problem

Study objectives of the proposal

Preparing presentation slides for the proposal

Arrange group meeting

Conduct the survey among students of Civil Engineering department

Compiling the proposal

Design the plan of block G

2. Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah

Identifying the scope of project

Cost estimation of the project

Researching on methodology for the problem

Conduct the survey among students of Civil Engineering department

Concluding and suggest recommendation

Design the plan of block G

3. Nur Liyana Binti Hassan

Considering various solutions

Identifying constraints of practicing the suggestion

Preparing minutes of meetings

Giving reasons on option

Design the plan of block G

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

: Student gathering corner at Block U, Faculty of Engineering

Introduction to the topic

Discussion of the topic

Planning the study

Decide on work schedule

1. Wong Mei Wah

Introduction to the topic chosen

Briefing about assignment 4

Understanding the work of assignment 4

Discussion of the topic

Leader: Wong Mei Wah

Member : Faiz Najmi Bin Abdullah

Member: Nur Liyana Binti Hassan

KXEX 2167- Thinking And Communication Skills For Civil Engineers

Planning the study

Suggestion to have indoor structure of the

Suggestion to have welfare facilities inside

Wong Mei Wah

Suggestion to have stronger and wider Wifi

Suggestion to concentrate all lecturers room All members