KA21102 Contracts and Estimations Journal Paper Assignment 2026/2027 | UMS

KA21102 Contracts and Estimations: Journal-Style Individual Assignment, Session 1 2026/2027

For this UMS Faculty of Engineering course, every student chooses one of 65 construction topics and writes a 6,000 to 8,000-word paper in journal format. Topics run from cost estimation, measurement and bills of quantities to tendering, construction contracts, bonds and insurance, and claims for extension of time or loss and expense, and the paper must set out a clear research aim, a justified method and real analysis rather than definitions.

Assignment Instructions

Select one topic from the 65 topics listed in this guide. Prepare an academic assignment paper in a journal-style format, using the structure and requirements below. A related alternative topic may be proposed, but it must be approved by the lecturer before substantial work begins.

1. Topic Selection

• Choose one topic from the list in this guide, or submit a closely related alternative topic for lecturer approval.
• Keep the topic focused, researchable, and relevant to civil engineering, building or infrastructure projects.
• Define the project context, jurisdiction and/or contract form where relevant. For Malaysian legal matters, identify the applicable legislation and distinguish it from standard-form contract provisions.
• Develop a clear research aim, objectives, research question(s), and scope. Avoid a paper that merely describes terminology without analysis or application.

2. Paper Structure (Journal Format)

Use the following structure. The suggested word allocations are guidance for the main body. Follow the template and submission guideline at journal.ump.edu.my/construction.

2.1 Title Page

• Concise and descriptive paper title.
• Author’s full name, student ID, programme, institutional affiliation and contact information.
• Course code and name, lecturer, session, and total word count (excluding abstract, references and appendices).

2.2 Abstract (maximum 250 words)

• Summarise the problem, research aim, method, principal findings or expected analytical outcomes, and significance.
• Provide 4 to 6 keywords.

2.3 Introduction (500 to 700 words)

• Introduce the topic and explain its significance to construction estimation, measurement, procurement or contract management.
• State the problem, research aim, objectives, research questions or hypotheses, scope, and study context.
• Identify the knowledge or practice gap the paper addresses.

2.4 Literature Review (1,000 to 1,800 words)

• Critically review relevant academic and professional literature, standards, contract forms, legislation and guidance.
• Use at least 10 to 15 relevant peer-reviewed journal articles where available; supplement with authoritative primary materials as appropriate.
• Compare findings, identify disagreements and gaps, and establish a conceptual or analytical basis for the study.

2.5 Methodology (700 to 1,000 words)

• Describe the research design (e.g., document analysis, case study, questionnaire, interview, comparative analysis or mixed methods).
• Explain the data sources, sampling or case-selection logic, data collection, analytical procedures and ethical considerations.
• Justify how the method answers the research questions. Do not claim to have collected data that were not actually collected.

2.6 Results / Analysis (500 to 700 words)

• Present findings in a clear, structured manner, linked to the research objectives.
• Use tables, figures, calculations, measurement examples, rate build-ups, process maps or case evidence where useful.
• Distinguish observed evidence from assumptions and illustrative calculations.

2.7 Discussion (1,000 to 1,800 words)

• Interpret the findings in relation to the literature, standards, legislation and project context.
• Explain practical implications for clients, consultants, quantity surveyors, contractors, engineers or contract administrators.
• Discuss limitations, uncertainty, alternative interpretations and opportunities for further study.

2.8 Conclusion (300 to 500 words)

• Summarise the principal findings and their implications.
• Answer the research questions and state whether the objectives were achieved.
• Provide proportionate recommendations grounded in the analysis.

2.9 References

• Format references and in-text citations consistently according to the journal’s current author instructions.
• Prioritise relevant, recent and authoritative sources; include complete bibliographic details and working identifiers/links where available.
• Ensure every in-text citation appears in the reference list and vice versa.

2.10 Appendices (optional)

• Include supporting schedules, measurement sheets, sample BOQ extracts, questionnaires, interview guides, detailed calculations, document-analysis matrices or supplementary figures.
• Appendices support, but do not replace, the required discussion in the main paper.

3. Formatting Requirements

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Line spacing: double-spaced throughout the main text.
• Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
• Alignment: justified body text.
• Page numbers: top-right header.
• Use clear, numbered headings and consistently formatted tables, figures, equations and appendices.
• Main-body word count: 6,000 to 8,000 words, excluding abstract, references and appendices.

4. Academic Integrity and Similarity

• Submit original work and acknowledge all ideas, data, standards, legislation, contract clauses and figures taken from other sources.
• Use paraphrasing with accurate citations; keep direct quotations limited and clearly marked.
• Target a Turnitin similarity score of 10% or below and a Turnitin AI score of 0%, subject to the lecturer’s review.
• Submit the required Turnitin similarity and AI-writing reports and follow the lecturer’s instructions on acceptable AI assistance and disclosure.

5. Submission Details

• Deadline: 21 October 2026, 12:00 noon or before.
• Upload the final assignment through iTEL UMS in both editable Word (.docx) and PDF formats.
• Provide a softcopy on a pendrive and one printed, bound hardcopy to the lecturer’s office before the deadline.
• Submit the Turnitin Similarity Report PDF and the AI-writing report PDF as separate files where required.
• Late submission may be penalised according to course and faculty requirements.

6. Evaluation Criteria

7. Topic List (65 Topics)

Choose ONE topic and update it with the class representative and in the Assessment Mapping. Students should refine the title and research questions to suit a manageable study.

Estimation Methods and Cost Planning

1. Comparative Accuracy of Building Cost Estimation Methods at Concept Design Stage
2. Applying the Volume Method to Preliminary Building Cost Estimates
3. Gross Floor Area-Based Estimation for Multi-Storey Buildings
4. Unit Method Estimation for Residential and Institutional Projects
5. Nearest-Quantity Estimation for Civil Engineering Infrastructure
6. Bill of Quantities-Based Cost Estimation and Cost Certainty
7. Developing an Estimate Class and Contingency Strategy Across Design Stages
8. Cost Benchmarking for Comparable Malaysian Building Projects
9. Estimating the Cost Impact of Design Changes Before Tender

Measurement Principles, Standards and Documentation

10. Consistency of Measurement Rules in Building Quantity Take-Off
11. Comparative Study of Standard Methods of Measurement for Selected Work Items
12. Measurement Units and Their Influence on Quantity and Cost Reporting
13. Measurement of Building Works from Drawings and Specifications
14. Measurement of Infrastructure Works with Incomplete Design Information
15. Abstracting and Listing: From Taking-Off Sheets to Bill Items
16. Digital Quantity Take-Off Compared with Manual Measurement
17. Measurement and Documentation of Variations to Measured Work
18. Measurement Practice for Pile Foundations and Pile Caps
19. Measurement and Cost Implications of Shallow Foundations
20. Taking-Off Reinforced Concrete Frames: Beams, Columns and Slabs
21. Measurement of Structural Steelwork and Connection Items
22. Measurement of Masonry, Plastering and Internal Finishes
23. Measurement of Roofing, Waterproofing and Building Envelope Works
24. Measurement of External Works and Site Development
25. Measurement of Roadworks: Earthworks, Pavement and Drainage
26. Measurement of Bridge Works: Substructure and Superstructure
27. Measurement and Cost Planning for Retaining Wall Systems

Rate Build-Up, BOQ and Cost Control

28. Labour Productivity and Labour Cost Build-Up for Civil Engineering Work
29. Material Rate Build-Up Including Waste, Delivery and Storage
30. Plant and Equipment Rate Build-Up for Construction Operations
31. Overheads, Management Costs and Profit in Unit Rate Pricing
32. Build-Up Rates for Reinforced Concrete Work
33. Build-Up Rates for Road Pavement Construction
34. Preparation and Quality Assurance of a Civil Engineering Bill of Quantities
35. BOQ Pricing Errors and Their Effects on Tender Evaluation
36. Re-measurement and Final Account Reconciliation

Tendering, Bidding and Contract Documents

37. Comparative Roles of FIDIC, JKR and PAM Standard Forms in Project Procurement
38. Tender Document Completeness and Its Influence on Bid Comparability
39. Tender Evaluation Frameworks: Price, Technical Compliance and Capability
40. Bid Depository Systems and Subcontract Tender Transparency
41. Tender Addenda, Clarifications and Equal Treatment of Tenderers
42. Letter of Award, Contract Formation and Notice to Proceed
43. Abnormally Low Bids and Tender Risk Assessment

Construction Law and Contractual Relationships

44. Essential Elements of a Valid Construction Contract under Malaysian Contract Law
45. Contract Documents, Order of Precedence and Conflicting Information
46. Construction Contract Interpretation: Lessons from Malaysian Court Decisions
47. Alternative Dispute Resolution in Construction: Negotiation, Mediation and Adjudication
48. Arbitration in Construction Disputes and the Malaysian Legal Framework
49. Contractual Relationships Among Client, Consultant, Contractor and Subcontractors
50. Nominated Subcontractors and Suppliers: Risk and Administration
51. Design Responsibility and Professional Liability in Design-Build Projects

Contracting Methods, Bonds and Insurance

52. Lump Sum versus Unit Price Contracts for Infrastructure Projects
53. Cost-Plus Contracts: Transparency, Incentives and Cost Control
54. Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build: Allocation of Time, Cost and Design Risk
55. DBOT, DBLMT, PPP and PFI: Contractual and Financial Considerations
56. Bid, Performance and Payment Bonds: Purpose and Claims
57. Contractor All-Risk and Other Construction Insurance: Coverage and Gaps

Construction Contract Administration

58. Pre-Construction Conference and Contract Administration Readiness
59. Submittal Management and Requests for Information (RFIs)
60. Interim Payment Applications, Valuations and Payment Estimates
61. Variation and Change Order Management from Instruction to Valuation
62. Extension of Time and Delay Claims: Evidence and Assessment
63. Loss and Expense Claims and Demonstration of Causation
64. Liquidated Damages, Practical Completion and Substantial Completion
65. Testing, Commissioning, Final Inspection and Handover Documentation