group assignment

1. School of Architecture, Building and Design
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)
Management Science
(MGT 60203)
Name Student ID:
Chia Sze Sian 0323574
Chin Qi Yu 0324094
Chloe Sim Tiing Ern 0322932
Koh Ee Sing 0323855
Ng Zhen Huan 0324261
Pui Chun Shian 0323470
Yong Zkang 0324195
Lecturer: Ms. Tay Shir Men
Submission Date: 6th
July 2017

2. Table of Content
Item Content Pages
Task 1 1.0 Company Background
1.1 Value of Company Name
1.2.0 Mission Statement
1.2.1 Vision Statement
1.3.0 Short Term Goals
1.3.1 Mid-Term Goals
1.3.2 Long-Term Goals
1.4 Organizational Chart of SEVEN
1.5.0 Job Responsibilities of each role in SEVEN
1.5.1 Construction Department
1.5.2 Finance Department
1.5.3 Human Resource Department
- 3
- 3
- 4
- 4
- 4
- 5
- 5
- 6
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Task 2 2.0 Selection Criteria of SEVEN
2.1 Reasons to hire 3 management trainees
2.2 Job Description
2.3.0 Internal Recruitment: Job Promotion Poster
2.3.1 External Recruitment: Job Advertisement
2.4 Interview Questions
2.5.0 Interview Activities
2.5.1 Personality Test
2.5.2 Attitude Test
2.5.3 Knowledge Test
2.5.4 Creativity Test
2.5.5 Problem Solving Test
- 10
- 11
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14-16
- 17
- 17-18
- 18-19
- 19-20
- 21
- 22-23
Task 3 3.0 What is Information Technology
3.1 What is Information Management
3.2.0 Information Technology and Information Management
used in SEVEN
3.2.1 On Centre
3.2.2 Building Information Modelling (BIM)
3.3 Competitive Advantage
- 24
- 24
- 25
- 25
- 26
- 27
9. References - 28-29

3. 1.0 Company Background
SEVEN is a new property development company located at Setia Alam, Shah Alam
in Malaysia. Our company was founded in June 2017 by 7 partners who each invested
RM1 million which adds up to a total of RM7 million of capital. The fundamental purpose
of the company is to provide high quality sustainable properties with reasonable price for
clients as well as satisfying the needs of the clients. Since Malaysia is currently
encouraging sustainable developments, our company’s focus is to provide world-class
quality of sustainable works.
1.1Value of the Company Name
SEVEN
S: Sustainable
E: Efficient
V: Value
E: Economical
N: Networking
Our company’s name was created to describe the goals and cultures of the
company. We focus on sustainable development properties which benefits the
environment, social and economic development of Setia Alam. Our company also aims
to provide effective and efficient services to clients in achieving their needs while
maintaining our company’s value. We also strive to provide economical sustainable
properties to our clients. Since there are multiple property development companies in
Setia Alam, we sustain a good network relationship with the other companies in order to
achieve the same goal which is to make Setia Alam a much more sustainable city than it
already is.

4. 1.2.0 Vision statement
To be the fastest growing property developer which transforms the communities by
providing word class sustainable works.
1.2.1 Mission statement
1. To exceed our own and customer’s expectations.
2. Operate to create value for all our stakeholders.
3. Maintaining good network with business partner to achieve beneficial and
harmonies relationship.
The company’s vision statement, which aims to be the fastest growing and leading
property developer which transform the communities by providing world class sustainable
works. By giving the greatest quality construction work, we tend to exceed our own and
clients’ expectations. In addition, while keeping the interests of our stakeholders, we
operate to create value for our stakeholders by working towards achieving business
objectives. Furthermore, using the competitive advantage of our company as we are
based in an area which have multiple business partner around, we focus on maintaining
good network with our business partner and clients in achieving beneficial and harmonies
relationship to cooperate and work together with them.
1.3.0 Short term goals
 Training the employees to work as a team efficiently and effectively, and to provide
world class services
 Increasing the quality and services of the works
 Focusing and providing sustainable development in the projects
 Gaining a good reputation among the people in the country
The short-term goal of our company is to train the employees to work efficiently and
effectively. Our company will provide professional trainings to our employees to increase
the efficiency and effectively in working as a team and provide world class services to our
customers. Besides that, we will increase the quality and services of the works. We will
review the feedbacks of customers and improve the services based on it. We also focus
on providing sustainable development in each project. For instance, by using materials
that can save the environment and provide a better and healthy society for the people.
We need to propose a good image in the construction industry in order to have better
reputation in the industry in Malaysia.

5. 1.3.1 Mid-term goals
 Becoming the people’s choice of property development company
 Becoming the country’s leading property development company by constantly
providing good quality products.
 Expanding the company to neighbouring countries.
 Maintaining excellent sustainable development in all the projects
1.3.2 Long Term Goals
 Expanding the company at a worldwide scale beyond the neighbouring countries.
 Maintaining world class customer services to our client.
 Maintaining our company’s values and reputation in a worldwide scale.
 Monopolizing the construction industry by being the best and having a competitive
advantage of providing sustainable developments.
The long-term goals of our company would be expanding our company to a worldwide
scale beyond the neighbouring countries. After gaining reputation among the ASEAN
countries, we would like to expand and gain popularity in countries such as China and US
where we could present our world class products and service to the world. Besides that,
we would like to maintain superior quality of construction works by implementing new
technology to produce our products. New construction technology helps to reduce time
and cost for producing our products. That also helps in preserving our company’s values.
Finally, our company will monopolize the construction industry by being the best and
having a competitive advantage of providing sustainable development globally.

6. 1.4 Organizational Chart of SEVEN
1.5.0 Job Responsibilities of Each Role in SEVEN
 General Manager
 Lead and coordinate activities for construction, finance and human resource
department
 Build company image by communicating with client, other companies and
employees
 Develop and implement strategies by looking out for financial opportunities to
expand the business
 Prepare a monthly statement report to Board of Directors regarding each
department’s progress

7. 1.5.1 Construction Department
 Responsible in managing and scheduling current and upcoming projects
 Project Manager
 Planning
- Develop strategy and timetable for each project
- Maintaining budget as stated by client for each project
- Ensures construction work is completed within given time as stated in contract
 Staff Management
- Allocate task to subordinates to complete the project
- Ensure that architect, quantity surveyor and engineer work together to
complete the project
 Prepare and present monthly report to General Manager regarding ongoing
projects within its department
 Architect
 Understand what the client wants and prepare drawing plans for clients
 Develop and finalize construction plans for structural engineers
 Visit site occasionally to ensure smooth flow of construction development
 Quantity Surveyor
 Analyze tender documents and drawings
 Visit site when required
 Produce contract, taking-off, costing, and claims for each project
 Work together with finance and human resource department as well as sub-
contractors to obtain information and clarification on material pricing and
commercial terms
 Plan, analyze and control project cost, resources and budget
 Structural Engineer
 Ensure proper use to construction materials at the site
 Perform calculation of all types of stress and loads of each project
 Write daily report, evaluate and monitor construction sites
 Planning Engineer
 Develop and decide the most economically and suitable engineering way for
each project
 Create a timetable for each project to be completed on time
 Visit site to monitor and control activities on site

8. 1.5.2 Finance Department
 Responsible in managing the company’s cash flow and ensuring the efficient funds
are available to meet the day to day payments
 Finance Director
 Prepare and present monthly report to General Manager regarding the ongoing
projects within its department
 Provide leadership to the Board’s Finance and Accounting strategy to optimize
the company’s financial performance and strategic position
 Manage outsourced functions
 Oversee the operations and achieving the department’s goals
 Purchasing Manager
 Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality and delivery speed
 To operate cost-effectively the company requires competitive prices
commensurate with the technical and service requirements and the security
required by the business
 Maintains data of all the prices approved as a record and keeps track of
changes in prices frequently and updates
 Develop a purchasing strategy
 Accountant Clerk
 Perform general administrative and accounting related works
 Maintain accounting records by making copies and filing documents
 Maintain accounting databases by entering data into the computer
 Accountant Executive
 Able to handle full set account
 Ensure timely preparation and accurate month end closing and reporting
 Identify and key in all accounting records as assigned with dateline

9. 1.5.3 Human Resource Department
 Responsible for recruiting and developing employees’ performance
 Human Resource Director
 Oversee job vacancies and recruitment
 Provide compensations and health and welfare benefits to employees
 Establish training and development programs for employees
 Personnel
 Maintaining employees records in an employee file
 Notifying internal opportunities and other reminders to current employees
 Provide guidelines for new employees of rules and regulations of company in detail
 Insurance
 Help fill up health insurance claims for employees to insurance company
 Responsible for Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security
Organization (SOCSO) of employees

10. 2.0 Selection Criteria of SEVEN
1. Responsible
2. Discipline
3. Honesty
4. Qualification
5. Creativity
6. Hardworking
7. Industrial Knowledge
8. Willingness to learn
9. Communication Ability
10.Leadership Ability

11. 2.1 Reasons to hire 3 management trainees
Since we are in the era of rapid growth in construction industry, more manpower
is required for the operation of company to handle the upcoming projects as we are
expanding our company. As part of the development plan, management has decided to
recruit 3 management trainees to join the company. The recruitment will include Project
Manager, Architect, and Accountant. As there are several projects going on, one
management trainee for the Project Manager position will be promoted from the existing
employees, which means the internal recruitment. The reason for that was because
internal recruitment may motivate the employees to work harder to get promotion. In
addition, Project Manager is the one who look over the whole construction department
and the final decision maker, hence the candidates for this position must be an existing
employee who is familiar with the company’s working culture and is capable to work and
cooperate with others.
The second recruitment is to hire an architect. External recruitment will be applied
for this position, Architect is someone who plays a role in designing a building, therefore
creativity and ability in using computer software is important. Hiring a new employee helps
the company to bring in new idea to handle unique and complexity construction project.
Next position will be purchasing manager. Purchasing manager is someone who
plays a role in purchasing the construction material required for construction project. As
there are more projects going on, the current employee in the department will not able to
handle the work. Hiring a new employee helps to share the responsibility to deal with
different supplier in survey for the best quality material at the lowest price. Because of
that, the construction projects are able to achieve the final goal of minimizing the cost and
providing the best quality for the customers.
2.2 Job Description
Management trainees are required to cooperate closely with managers to produce
good quality product. Trainees have the responsibility to share the work with the manager
to operate complexity projects. During the training process, management trainees able to
gain experience and knowledge which helps them to perform managerial independently
in the future. In addition, managerial trainees monitor the employee output and manage
function as well.

12. 2.3.0 Internal Recruitment: Job Promotion Poster
JOB
PROMOTION
Responsibilities
• Planning
- Develop strategy and timetable for each project
- Maintaining budget as stated by client for each project
- Ensures construction work is completed w ithin given time as
stated in contract
• Staff Management
- Allocate task to subordinates to complete the project
- Ensure that architect, quantity surveyor and engineer work
together to complete the project
• Prepare and present monthly report to General Manager
regarding ongoing projects w ithin its department
Requirements
 Has w orking experience of at least 6-8 years in the company
 Has a degree in engineering, architecture. quantity surveyor,
management, business or related fields
 Must be highly organized in doing things
 Has the ability to motivate and manage subordinates
PROJECTMANAGER
If interested
please send in
your resume to
the
Construction
Department

13. 2.3.1 External Recruitment: Job Advertisement Poster
ARCHITECT
Responsibilities
 Understand w hat the client wants
and prepare draw ing plans for
clients
 Develop and finalise construction
plans for structural engineers
 Visit site occasionally to
ensure smooth flow of
construction development
Requirements
 Has a degree in architecture
or master’s degree in
architecture
 Fresh graduates are
w elcome
 Understand the concept of
sustainability
 Able to use various types of
software such as AutoCAD,
Revit, Sketchup, 3DSMAX
and Photoshop
PURCHASING MANAGER
Responsibilities
 Evaluate suppliers based on
price, quality and delivery
speed
 Maintains data of all the
prices approved as a record
and keeps trackof changes in
prices frequently and updates
 Develop a purchasing
strategy
Requirements
 At least 2-3 years of
experience in purchasing
construction materials
 Has a diploma in purchasing
and supply chain
management, Degree in
business administration,
marketing or any related fields
 Must have good
communication and
interpersonal skills
 Understand the concept of
sustainability
To those w ho are interested please send in your resume
w ith all the necessary information
Email: SEVEN@p.d.com.my Office Number: 03-63642486

14. 2.4 Interview Questions
1. “Tell me about yourself”
This question is the most common question in the interview. Although this question
seems simple, yet so many people fail to answer this question because most
candidate will answer the question by telling their life story, family background.
However, the resolve of this question is not about family background and life story
is about the summary of the candidate strength, working experience, qualification
and accomplishment in the past and present. These is to indicate the candidate a
suitable job position. Our company will have preferred the candidate who capable
to provide example to support their answer. Besides that, we also will look out the
candidate conversational style, confidence level, problem solving skill and the
ability to organize the work.
2. “Why do you want this job”
The purpose of this question is to know whether the candidates have passionate
and enthusiastic about the work in ours company. Besides that, this question is a
great opportunity show how well the candidates know about this company and their
working attitude. We expect the candidates will highlighted the specific aspects of
our company and the job description these can show the passion about the job.
Our company would like to know more about how the candidates interact with the
colleague and clients and how they handle their project. The candidates should
mention their interest toward the company and what motivated them to apply the
job.
3. “What you see yourself in 5 Years”
This question is one of the most common in the interview. This Interview question
is designed to understand more about candidate’s realistic growth strategy and
how this position that our company provide would fit into their grand plan because
if the candidates career goals match with the job scope they likely to perform well
in the job. For the answer the candidate can provide a process how they uses their
strength or skill to achieve their goals in these five years and the answer must be
logical and rational.
4. “What Your Salary Requirement”
One of the common interview question ask by employer at the end of the interview.
It seems like a simple question, buts there a complex meaning on it. We designed
this question because we want to know whether our company can afford the
candidate before we invest time and resources courting you to work for us and we
want to know how candidate value them self for work .We expect our candidates
is confident enough to tell us their expect salary yet tell us how he has this value.
Besides that, we are willing to accept the candidate which are flexible to accept
our first offer of salary.

15. 5. “What Are Your Greatest Achievement”
This is the best interview question all the time, because it provides the candidate
behavioral foundation for focusing specifically on the result of the candidate career.
And it allows s is to drill in to detail about each of the behavioral S-T-A-R
components which is situation, task, action and result achieved. We expected the
candidates can provide their answer more specific details and the process how
they reach their greatest achievement. This question is crucial for the interview
because it can determine the candidates working behavior.
6. “Why should we consider hiring you?”
This is a common interview question that is asked to let the candidates to
promote themselves, their skills and share about their experience. Most of the
candidates that make it to the interview stage are qualified or even exceeded for
the job, but what we want is to hire the best person to suit in the certain position.
As an interviewer, we desire to hire candidates with more passion. The candidate
that capable in the job must be more than qualified, as we are in a very
competitive job market. If the candidates can provide the details about the job
and the company, it will show their attention on applying the particular job.
7. “What are your weaknesses?”
This is one of the most popular questions interviewers ask. It is also the most
dreaded question of all. Everyone will have weaknesses. The employers want to
hire someone who’s reflective about their skill sets and knows what they’re not as
good and need to work on. They want to search for the real answer. For
example, the candidates’ weakness is on public speaking as they will feel
anxious when they are giving a speech. It is common weakness that most of the
candidates will faced. The employers want to understand that candidates have
the ability to be honest about themselves and to seek self-improvement. They
want to see whether the candidates are aware about their shortcomings.
8. “What are your strength?”
This question is one of the easier interview questions but it is also one of the
most important question. A person may have many strength, but not all of the
strength are needed for the specific job. The employer would like to know if about
the strengths align with the needs of the company and the qualifications for the
job. We want to identify what is the selling point of the candidate. From the
candidates’ answer, we can gauge what they will bring to the role with their
strength. We would like to insight about their characteristic. We also require
further elaboration from the candidate about their skills and experience with
example and also certification. Based on this question, we can decide who the
strongest applicant for the particular position is.

16. 9. “Why do you want to leave your current job?”
For this question, the employer will want to know whether the employee is short
term or long term. The answer can know the candidates is trying to escape from
the old job or wants to move further for their career. The employer is trying to
understand your motivation to change jobs. The employer clearly wants to know
why the candidates want to change jobs but they also want to know how serious
they are about changing jobs. For example, the candidates want to diversify,
seeking for a greater opportunities and also further advancement. Negative
reasons such as problems with boss and colleague are avoided. If the
candidates answer with negative reasons, the employer will consider the
responsibility and the loyalty of the candidates.
10.“Tell me about one failure you’ve made in the past.”
For this question, it is designed to bring out the worst moments or tendencies of
the candidates, but the employer is really looking on how the candidates learn
about the positive traits. The employer wants to know how candidates handle
their challenges and also determine their weakness and decide whether he or
she is suitable for the jobs. If the candidates are lying on their own failure, this
means they can accept it and they won’t be able to perform well in the future.
However, if the candidates can state out their failure, it means that they have
learned from the experience and will learned to avoid the similar problems
happened again in the future.

17. 2.5.0 Interview Activities
Interview is a common procedure during the employment of a company. Interview
is needed during employment to choose the right person for the right job in the company.
The selection of applicants during an interview is important to ensure that the applicant
has the right attitude, personality and skills required in the company. An interview could
also act as a platform for the applicants and the company to exchange information. The
company has the opportunity to learn more about the applicant's background and the
applicant can also impart more in-depth information about the company and the various
duties the job entails. Furthermore, an interview could help to eliminate unfavorable
applicants and narrow down the selection to few potential applicants.
2.5.1 Personality Test
Personality test is a questionnaire or a series of standardized task used to measure
individual personality characteristics. The personality test is prepared by the company
and it is given to the applicants before the interview. The applicants would have to answer
all the questions on the questionnaire and bring along the answers to the interview. The
company uses this type of interview activity to find the most suitable personality for the
job intended. The company aims to employ a foreseeing project manager, a confident
architect, and a critical thinking purchasing manager.
During the interview, candidates that shows a foreseeable trait is prioritize. There
are many reasons to why our company tends to find a foreseeing project manager. A
project manager is responsible for supervising the execution of the working progress. The
execution of the project must be on scheduled with little errors to prevent any delay during
the handover of the project. Therefore, a project manager can ensure that the project runs
smoothly by being foreseeable. A project manager that is foreseeable would be able to
predict and know any probable problem during construction. By being able to foresee the
probable problems, the project manager would be very well prepared to tackle the
problem with much ease and avoid any delay on the working progress. Furthermore,
candidates that are foreseeable could produce quality decision making. Being
foreseeable allows the project manager to have an overview of long term possibilities and
have extra time to consider the pros and cons of every decision. Thus, the project
manager would be able to make the best decision that is beneficial for the company.
Confidence is an essential quality to have to become the best in what we do and
our company only employ the best. Therefore, our company prefers a candidate that has
more confident traits while employing for an architect. An architect must be confident in
the designs of his or her own building to be able to propose the design confidently to the
client. The confidence displayed by the architects would create a good first impression
for the clients and increase the favorableness of the clients. Moreover, an architect might
sometimes face situations where the architect has to make key decisions in a short period
of time. During such situations, the architect has to make the decision confidently and

18. stick to the decision made. The architect could not afford to waste time and have doubts
on the decision made.
Lastly, our company prefers to employ a purchasing manager that has critical
thinking. Purchasing manager would often make important decisions that would have an
impact on the company. Therefore, critical thinking skills would allow a purchasing
manager to analyze and evaluate a problem thoroughly and solve the problem effectively
and efficiently. Candidates that shows trait of critical thinking would also have the ability
to make rational decisions and they would not let their emotions and feelings to cloud
their judgments. As a result, the decisions they made are in the best interest of the
company.
2.5.2 Attitude Test
A person’s attitude can define how a person work and cooperate with others. Therefore,
our company would often create different scenarios to test the attitudes of the applicants
during the interview. The attitude test is spontaneous to test the reactions of the
applicants. What we do, what we think, how we react, and what we feel is what forms our
attitudes. In our company, we aim to employ people that are responsible and outgoing.
We prefer this type of people because we would like our employees to communicate
effectively with each other and is able to complete their work in the time given. Therefore,
we would create an attitude test for the applicants.
During Interview Session:
The applicants that apply for the job would have to wait outside the meeting room for the
interview. The name of the applicant would be called when the employer is ready to
interview the applicant. The applicant would have to walk to the meeting room which
would eventually pass through a few workstations. A pen would be place at the middle of
the route to the meeting room. The pen is place on the floor beside an unoccupied table.
The way the applicant deal with pen would be the result of the attitude test.
Applicant’s reactions:
During the attitude test, applicants that ignore the pen would mean that the person is
irresponsible and not helpful. If the applicant pick up the pen and placed it on the table
beside it, it would mean that the applicant is responsible but not outgoing. Lastly, if the
applicant pick up the pen and ask the people around about the belongings of the pen; it
would mean that the person is responsible and outgoing.
Conclusion:
Our company would prefer to hire the applicants that pick up the pen and ask the people
around about the belongings of the pen. Applicants that does this action would not only
display that he or she is a responsible and helpful person, but would also show that he or
she is not a shy person. Our company wants employees that would regularly

19. communicate with each other. Whenever an employee faces a problem or a task that the
employee does not understand, our company would want the employee to ask for
guidance from other employees and create a selfless environment in the company.
2.5.3 Knowledge Test
One of the requirement is that the three manager trainees must have the
knowledge of construction since our company’s goal is to become the most influential
property development which provide the best quality services for our customers. As our
construction teams have the construction knowledge, we are able to identify the problem
and solve it immediately. Therefore, we have designed an interview activity to test the
candidate’s construction knowledge. In this interview activity, we have prepared several
scenario questions and the candidates are required to give a solution based on the
scenario given.
Scenario 1 (For Project Manager Interviewing)
Applicant’s answer:
In this case, I will propose the selection of Low-E glass for the curtain wall. Low-E glass
has a thin and transparent coating. It is much thinner than a human hair. It would be
suitable to use the Low-E glass especially in countries like Malaysia because this glass
is able to minimize heat from entering the building. At the same time, it allows natural
sunlight to enter the building with reduces the usage of electrical lights in the building.
Using Low-E glass also provides comfort for users in the building which boost their
productivity.
Conclusion:
Through the answer above, the candidate was able to answer and explain how the Low-
E glass works. The candidate also provided several advantages of using Low-E glass. As
the interviewer, we are willing to hire this candidate as he/she has the basic construction
knowledge and the way he/she answer also shows the confidence of his/her answer.
Our company is ongoing a construction project of high rise
building in Setia Alam. According to the architect’s drawings,
façade of the building will be curtain wall. In this case, what
type of material would you suggest in order to achieve air
resistant and water infiltration? Why?

20. Scenario 2 (For Architect Interviewing)
Applicant’s answer:
As I know, sustainability is the preservation of the environment as well as critical
development-related issues such as the efficient use of resources, continual social
progress, stable economic growth and the eradication of poverty. Sustainable
development is all about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone now and future
through social progress which recognizes the needs of everyone, maintenance of high
and stable levels of economic growth and protecting the environment by using natural
resources prudently.
Conclusion:
Through the answer above, we as the interviewers believe that the candidate has the
understandings of sustainability. The candidate was able to answer and explain what
sustainability is. The candidate also provided several examples of sustainability
development and advantages of sustainability. After these, we decided to hire this
candidate as he/she has the basic construction knowledge and he/she knows the
importance of sustainability for our company.
Scenario 3 (For Purchasing Manager)
Candidate’s answer
In my opinion, I suggest the company to use bricks instead of concrete. As for residential
area, brick roads can be used to slow down the speed of vehicles. It also provides a nice
design for that area while it is also hard and durable up to 20 years. Besides that, bricks
are required higher initial cost compared to concrete but it required less maintenance
which makes it much more economical in long-run.
Conclusion
Through the way and the body language of the candidate when he/she answers this
question, it shows the confidence and steadiness of him/ her. The candidate also able to
provide us the answers supported by several benefits of using brick roads. As the
interviewers, we are willing to hire this candidate because of he/she has the basic
construction knowledge.
As you know the “S” in our company’s name is stands for sustainability.
Do you actually know what does sustainability means in this industry?
Recently,ourcompanyisongoinga residential developmentprojectnamedSetiaCity
Residence. If youwere todevelopthe residential area,whatkindof material wouldyou
suggeststobe usedforthe road constructionaroundthe residence.Why?

21. 2.5.4 Creativity Test
Creativity is an individual’s form of thoughts that involves, analysis, judgement,
ordering, brainstorming and innovating ideas. This activity helps to determine if the
candidate is creative in doing things to overcome the problem given.
Question 1 is actually one of the creative interview questions frequently asked.
This question focuses on candidates who applied for the position of the Project Manager
and Architect.
Applicant’s Answer:
Cut the cake vertically into 4 equal pieces and then cut the cake horizontally below which
makes 8 equal pieces.
Conclusion:
This candidate is able to analyze the situation creatively. We are able to determine that
the candidate is able to solve problems in a creative way in real life situations. This also
shows that the candidate has the requirement to be the project manager as well as
architect. For our company, the architect has to be able to think outside the box since our
company’s value is about sustainable property development.
Question 2 is one of the questions that 50% of students at Harvard, MIT and
Princeton gave an incorrect answer. This question is asked to candidates who applied for
the Purchasing Manager.
Applicant’s Answer:
It would be $0.05.
Conclusion:
This candidate is able to analyze the question carefully before giving the most common
mistake which is $0.10. This shows that the candidate is able to solve monetary problems
without making minor mistakes. In this industry, the accumulation of small loss would
make up to a huge loss in the long run, thus the candidate is qualified to be Project
Manager.
Question 1:
You are given a cake and a cutting knife. You are required to
distribute the cake evenly to 8 people by cutting the cake up to 3
times only.
Question 2:
A bat and ball cost $1.10. The bat costs one dollar more than the
ball. How much does the ball cost?

22. 2.5.5 Problem Solving Test
This activity is one of the most crucial test for a candidate to pass. The problem
solving test requires the candidate to think analytically in solving the given problems which
can be applied to real life situations. These questions also help us to determine if the
candidate is able to evaluate the situation properly and making the right decision.
Question 1 is asked to those who applied for Project Manager and Architect.
Applicant’s Answer:
Based on the given situation, I would immediately stop all construction works and call for
an immediate meeting with the construction department to rescale the entire design. This
would actually prevent the company from losing even more money than it already has. I
would then also report this matter to the General Manager immediately since I’m
responsible for the project.
Conclusion:
This candidate is shows his/her responsibility in solving the situation above. We are able
to see that the candidate focuses on preventing the situation from getting worse by
ceasing all construction works to avoid any more loss. This shows that the candidate is
able to think about the future consequences in making this decision which is one of the
essential value of an employee. We would most likely hire this candidate to be our
employee.
Setia Alam is one of the most sought residential development area
in Malaysia. Assuming that you are the main architect or project
manager of one of the residential project in Precinct 17, you realized
that the design of the building is out of scale. However, the
construction works has already started before you realized this
mistake. What would you do in this situation?

23. Question 2 is asked to those who applied for the Purchasing Manager position.
Applicant’s Answer:
I would still continue to use the timber formwork and reused it in other projects since it
would be a waste to not use it even if it’s from a natural resources. After that, I would
make sure that my team uses aluminum formwork in the construction works. Since
aluminum is durable and reusable up to 300 times, it would cover up the loss of
purchasing the timber formwork which has high initial cost.
Conclusion:
This candidate is suitable to be our Purchasing Manager. The candidate is able to think
critically by not wasting the timber formwork and then purchasing aluminum formwork to
cover up the loss. This shows that the candidate wants the best for the company and this
is the type of employee that we value the most as well.
Since our company focuses on sustainability, we try to
minimize wastage of natural resources. However, you
found out that your team had been using timber formwork.
What would you do to resolve this?

24. 3.0 What is Information Technology?
IT is short for Information Technology, it means the use of any computers, storage,
networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process,
store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Information Technology involving
the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks
for the processing and distribution of data. As the development of new technologies and
the expand of existing technologies, interaction between people and computers are
turning apace and this may bring huge impacts towards an organization. Basically, IT is
essential to improve the way on how people manage and operate the companies. In
addition, IT helps people to make good decision with right information regarding to
servicing customers.
3.1 What is Information Management?
As we know today, information includes both electronic and physical information.
Organization structure must be able to manage this information throughout the
information lifecycle regardless of the source or format for delivery through multiple
channels which will be cell phones and web interfaces. Information management (IM) is
the collection and management of information from one or multiple sources, hence
distribute the information to one or more audiences. This usually involves the
stakeholders and the management team. Management means the organization of and
control over the structure, processing and delivery of information. Basically, Information
Management can be defined the ability of organizations to capture, manage, preserve,
store and deliver the right information to the right people at the right time. The purpose of
information management is to design, develop, manage, and use information with insight
and most importantly innovation. In addition, Information Management supports individual
decision making and create value for individuals, organizations, communities and
societies. Information management is a corporate responsibility which needs to be
followed from the top levels of management to the front-line worker.

25. 3.2.0 Information Technology and Information Management Used in SEVEN
The advancement of information technology and information management plays a
vital role in our modern society. Many successful organizations had started to use
information technology and information management to expand and manage their
organization. By using information technology and information management,
organizations are able to work more effectively and efficiently and is able to increase the
productivity of the organization. Information technology could increase productivity by
processing information and data automatically. The computer will help to track projects,
create queries, calculate cost, and many more while the employee could focus on other
matter on hand. Other than that, information technology and information management
allows us to work anywhere other than the office. It gives us remote access to the
company’s electronic network, allowing us to complete our work even at home.
Furthermore, it also provides effective and quick communication among the organization.
Our company is aware of the benefits of using information technology and information
management and had decided to use some information technology and information
management system to enhance and benefit our company.
3.2.1 On Centre
On Centre software is one of the information technology in construction industry.
This software contains on-screen take off and quick bid software. On screen take off is
a construction estimating and take off solution for contractors and construction
professionals. This software offers a tool for estimating, managing the cost and having
project visibility which bring up a lot convenience for our company. The contractor can
use the software streamlining the construction operation such as commercial and
residential.
How’s does this software work? The software will generate a data and
completing more bids accurately through the construction plan. Then a bid wizard will
guide inexperienced users through all dialogues while creating a new bid. The reason
our company used this software because this application support digitizer integration,
file integration such as CAD, PDF and 2D take off. Besides that, this software also
provides an estimating application that includes electronic quote system, cost
databases and accounting integration. Moreover, the software offers a seamless
integration with application like Quick bid, Excel and other accounting applications,
allowing the contractors and accounting manager, manage the cost estimate and
budget of the construction operation through this multiple application. All these functions
can greatly reduce the chance of errors yet it increased the accuracy of the data,
complete speed of the whole project and it comes with a greater profit because it
reduces the error or rework.

26. 3.2.2 Building Information Modeling (BIM)
As a property development company, we had chosen Building Information
Modeling (BIM) as our primary information management system. Building Information
Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives our company the
insight and tools to manage, construct, plan, and design a building more effectively and
efficiently. It provides complete information and data on a building which every employee
in the company could refer to. It is a shared software which can be easily accessed and
understand.
The various benefits Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides is the main
reason our company decides to use it. By providing clear information and data of a
building, it could improve the productivity in the company. It increases productivity
because it reduces rework and changers during construction. Any errors or conflicts can
be easily detected in a BIM environment. If there are any clashes within the structural
elements of the building, it can be seen through the model in the BIM and immediately be
addressed and mitigated before the construction. The changes made in the software will
be updated into the system and it would help to keep everybody involved in the project to
remain updated to the changes. The smart and quick access to the shared information
provides better communication and coordination between the teams and creates an
efficient management.

27. 3.3 Competitive advantages
The competitive advantages of our company is the service that we provide. We
provide the best service to each customer in every sale. The most important for our
customer is to know clearly about our property and also good aftersales service.
Therefore, our company has invested heavily in training and developing new employees
to generate high quality of customer service. Our employees will be giving advice to our
customer based on their likings and their budget. This can help them to gain more
information about our property, making them feel valued and therefore they will more
likely be our regular customer. Besides that, we also keep the site tidy during the
construction. Our company will have people to clean the area and also the show house
so that we can give a better first impression to our customer. Our service also bring
convenience to our customers. Our location of sales gallery is located inside the shopping
mall. Customer can have a look and ask for information while they are in the mall. We will
also provide public transport such as shuttle bus or MRT nearby our property to suit the
convenience of our customers to travel.
The second competitive advantages for our company is the cost. Our company is
controlling the costs by setting lower price for our property compared to the market price
to attract more customers. For the loyal customers, they can enjoy discounts on
processing fees while buying more than one property. Besidesthat, our company promote
our properties more on internet compare to newspaper or billboard. Nowadays internet
has become a necessity for everyone. Therefore, posting advertisement on internet and
social media such as Facebook will help our company to attract more potential customers.
During the construction, our company cut the cost by using inexpensive raw materials to
build the buildings. In this case, our company sells properties at the same price as
competitors but reaps higher profit margins because of lower production costs.

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