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1 – 10 of over 2000The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their…
Abstract
Purpose
The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically.
Findings
The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations.
Research limitations/implications
This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry.
Practical implications
This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations.
Originality/value
There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.
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Tashmika Ramdav and Nishani Harinarain
The purpose of this study is to analyse the survival of the quantity surveying profession using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis in an attempt to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyse the survival of the quantity surveying profession using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis in an attempt to define the key strengths and weaknesses of the quantity surveying profession based on professional consultants’ experience and to determine the key opportunities and threats which are perceived to impact the quantity surveying profession significantly.
Design/methodology/approach
The positivist paradigm was used for this study. The researchers chose quantitative research in the form of questionnaires. A probability sampling method was used. The desired method that was used was the random sampling method. The data were analysed with SPSS using factor analysis and descriptive analysis. A sample of 58 quantity surveyors was randomly selected from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) for this study.
Findings
Four categories of strengths exist, namely, the ability to plan and solve problems, core quantity surveying measuring skills, project viability and interpersonal skills. Three categories of weaknesses exist, namely, technical inadequacies of quantity surveyors, resistance to change and lack of knowledge of and about the profession. Three categories of opportunities exist, namely, greater demand for quantity surveyors, the need for quantity surveyors and new and existing roles in and out of the profession. Three categories of threats exist, namely, lack of the quantity surveying profession to market itself where new roles require an advancement of core quantity surveying services, external factors that hinder the performance of the profession and the lack of quantity surveying skills in the new generation.
Research limitations/implications
Only members of the ASAQS were included in this research.
Originality/value
The quantity surveying profession requires a strategic framework that will overcome their threats and weaknesses and embrace the strengths and opportunities of the profession to ensure they survive and remain relevant in the ever-changing construction industry. This study aided the quantity surveying profession by identifying the strengths and opportunities and determining the weaknesses and threats faced by the profession.
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Abdullahi Babatunde Saka, Fatai Oladayo Olaore and Timothy Oluwatosin Olawumi
This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of quantity surveyors in material management and their key roles in waste minimization during the post-contract stage of the project with a view of achieving value for money in their roles.
Design/methodology/approach
This involves administering a questionnaire survey to registered members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the only recognized professional body of quantity surveyors in Nigeria, within Lagos state. The empirical questionnaire survey succeeds a literature review that isolates the key strategies used by quantity surveyors in material management and waste minimization at the post-contract stage. The validity of the questionnaire was carried out by two experienced construction industry researchers and three experienced professional quantity surveyors to ensure that the questionnaire was not ambiguous and that it consists of the right questions in tandem with the research. The respondents were grouped into consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.
Findings
Key roles of quantity surveyors during the material management process are proper material storage, and material inventory and accounting are the most important material management and waste minimization practices during the institute stage. It revealed that there is a lack of material waste documentation practices during the construction stage. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference in the responses of the two groups. This may be because there is no clear compartmentalization between the practices of the two groups. In addition, these two groups had the same education training, as there is no difference between the educational training of the consultant’s QS and contractor’s QS.
Originality/value
This study assessed the quantity surveyors’ roles with regard to material management and waste minimization. It would add to the scanty research work in this area. The study has also successfully revealed the strategies that are to be adopted by the quantity surveyors to achieve value for money during the post-contract stage.
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Dr Temitope Omotayo, Sin Wen Tan and Damilola Ekundayo
The changing role of quantity surveyors in the new paradigm of sustainable construction requires studies into new competencies and skills for the profession. The impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
The changing role of quantity surveyors in the new paradigm of sustainable construction requires studies into new competencies and skills for the profession. The impact of sustainable construction on quantity surveying services, engagement and how they manage challenges provided an indication of the success indicators of the quantity surveying profession in meeting the sustainable construction needs.
Design/methodology/approach
A five-point Likert scale was developed from the list of quantity surveying firms in Singapore. An 85% response rate from 60 quantity surveying firms contacted in this study provided 51 responses. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were employed to evaluate the findings.
Findings
The factor analysis categorised the drivers derived from the literature into awareness of sustainable construction, adversarial role on green costing; carbon cost planning; valuing a sustainable property; common knowledge of sustainable construction; and lack of experience in sustainable construction.
Social implications
The research findings supported the idea of increased sustainable construction skills in quantity surveying education, research and training.
Originality/value
The dearth of quantity surveyors with sustainable construction experience must focus on quantity surveying professional bodies and higher education. The quantity surveying profession needs reskilling in green costing and carbon cost planning to meet the needs of sustainable construction.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competence of Nigerian quantity surveyors with a view to identify and assess required areas of interest.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competence of Nigerian quantity surveyors with a view to identify and assess required areas of interest.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was administered among relevant groups of respondent (quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, builders and clients) in Nigeria. The respondents were asked to give rating, on a five-point Likert scale, on the required competencies (variables) expected of Nigerian quantity surveyors. A mean item score statistical analysis was used to rank the variables and compare them within the different groups. The analysis was undertaken using the Statistical Packages for Social Science tool. In exploring the underlying relationship among the competence requirement, factor analysis statistical technique was used to categorize them into key components.
Findings
The results of the study identified required competencies and factorized them into three components. These are as follows: procurement and value management; commercial management; and communication and entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
The findings provide insight into the competencies needed to be incorporated and/or intensified in the training of quantity surveyors in Nigeria.
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Wai Yee Betty Chiu and Fung Fai Ng
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of propensity to trust and organizational commitment of quantity surveyors and examine if propensity to trust among…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of propensity to trust and organizational commitment of quantity surveyors and examine if propensity to trust among working partners enhances organizational commitment of quantity surveyors.
Design/methodology/approach
Organizational commitment and propensity to trust is linked through the framework of social exchange. Quantitative approach with questionnaire survey is employed to investigate whether propensity to trust would enhance organizational commitment. Questionnaires are sent to the quantity surveyors who are professional members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and are working in the Hong Kong construction industry. In total, 71 valid responses are obtained for data analysis.
Findings
Contrary to prediction, propensity to trust does not show significant relationship with both affective and continuance commitment. The two propensity to trust scales show different results on the relationship with normative commitment (NC). When working relationship is taken into consideration, quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the worst working relationship has significant and positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level; whilst quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the best working relationship does not has significant positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level.
Practical implications
To improve propensity to trust among quantity surveyors, consultant companies should provide professional-related training programme to quantity surveyors as to explore their potential. The provision of training programs would also help quantity surveyors feel that they are supported by the organization, which would improve their commitment to the organization.
Originality/value
This is the first study to apply the social exchange theory to study organizational commitment within the quantity surveying profession and construction industry, which provides a new point for understanding the concept amongst the profession and industry.
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Joshua Oluwasuji Dada and Godwin Onajite Jagboro
The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for assessing quantity surveyors’ competence level.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for assessing quantity surveyors’ competence level.
Design/methodology/approach
Delphi survey research approach was adopted for the study. This involved a survey of panel of experts, constituted among registered quantity surveyors in Nigeria, and obtaining from them a consensus opinion on the issues relating to the assessment of quantity surveyors’ competence. In total, 27 out of the shortlisted 38 member panel provided valid results in the two rounds of Delphi survey conducted. A conceptual framework linking educational training, professional capability and professional development is developed.
Findings
The findings establish the ratings of the identified three competence criteria. On a scale of 0–100 percent rating, educational training was scored 34.04 percent, professional capability 45.22 percent and professional development 20.74 percent.
Originality/value
The proposed framework provide a conceptual approach in assessing quantity surveyor overall competence. Specifically, it demonstrates the significance of the identified three competence criteria groupings in the training, practice and development of quantity surveying profession. It could therefore serves as foundation of on how quantity surveyors are trained, developed and evaluated.
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Grace Kehinde Ojo, Grace Mayowa Adeyeye, Akintayo Opawole and Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu
The purpose of this paper is to assess how gender influences stress response strategies among quantity surveyors in workplaces with a view to enhancing job performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess how gender influences stress response strategies among quantity surveyors in workplaces with a view to enhancing job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were obtained through a survey, which utilised structured questionnaires administered to quantity surveyors in Lagos, Oyo and Ondo States in Nigeria. In total, 334 quantity surveyors in government establishments, consulting and construction firms were randomly sampled to survey male quantity surveyors, and a purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from female quantity surveyors. Data collected were analysed using percentile, using mean item score (MIS) and Mann–Whitney U test.
Findings
In total, 27 stress response strategies were identified in dealing with stressors in quantity surveyors’ workplaces. The results of the analysis revealed the level of usage of the stress response strategies with the highest being “seeking clarification with colleagues or superiors” achieving an MIS of 3.95, followed by “belonging to professional association” (MIS=3.67), and “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” (MIS=3.66). The scoring of the level of usage of the stress response strategies (2.20<MIS<3.95) suggested that although quantity surveying organisations were familiar with a good number of workplace stress response strategies, a significant number of the strategies were neither suitable nor adopted. Moreover, stress response strategies with high a rating of familiarity were also the most utilised and most effective.
Practical implications
The study provided implications for management roles in identifying stressors and appropriate strategies towards creating a healthy working environment and improving job productivity of female quantity surveyors in their workplaces.
Originality/value
The results show no significant difference in gender perception of the effectiveness of the 27 stress response strategies assessed except three. The first is “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” with the Mann–Whitney U test (MWW) value of 3.337 at p=0.001. The other two are “prioritizing future workloads” (MWW=−3.226; p=0.002) and “clubbing or socializing” (MWW=−3.483; p=0.001). These findings imply that both male and female quantity surveyors perceived the use of these three stress response strategies in different ways. In this regard, although all the strategies may be applied as influenced by employers’ decision and preference, managers may have to exercise caution when applying them while dealing with male and female employees.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Deji Rufus Ogunsemi and Morenike Adeyelu
In their delivery of service, quantity surveyors are not in any way protected against threats and changes in their operating environment as a result of globalisation and…
Abstract
Purpose
In their delivery of service, quantity surveyors are not in any way protected against threats and changes in their operating environment as a result of globalisation and continuous change in demand of clients. This research therefore examined the current and important areas of competencies of Nigerian quantity surveyors in their quest to continue to provide value for money for their clients.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected through administration of questionnaires on quantity surveyors that are members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). Mean item score (MIS) was used to rank required and exhibited competencies while gap and quadrant analyses were employed to evaluate their importance and proficiency level.
Findings
Core competencies required of quantity surveyors are costing of construction works; valuation; estimating and tendering; and procurement management while valuation; estimating and tendering; and costing of construction works are top three competencies currently exhibited. There is significant difference in the level of importance of the competencies areas compared to their exhibition by quantity surveyors.
Originality/value
It was noted that some important areas of competencies are not currently exhibited by quantity surveyors in the study area, there is therefore the need for personal and collective continuous development through workshops, conferences and seminars that will enhance the identified competencies areas. Training of undergraduates and retraining of practicing quantity surveyors is also essential to inculcate competencies that are not currently exhibited. This will benefit quantity surveyors and bodies concerned with the regulation of the profession in their quest for better service delivery.
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Low Sui Pheng and Kok Hui Ming
The quantity surveying profession has a long history in the building industry. Although the profession has reached maturity, practising quantity surveyors seem to have failed in…
Abstract
The quantity surveying profession has a long history in the building industry. Although the profession has reached maturity, practising quantity surveyors seem to have failed in so far as strategic marketing and planning are concerned. Many quantity surveying firms do not have formal written marketing plans. They do not appear to believe that such plans are useful because of uncertainties in the construction market. In view of this lacuna, aims to highlight the importance of strategic marketing and planning to quantity surveyors. Examines the seven Ps in the marketing mix concept for applications in the quantity surveying profession. Quantity surveyors should keep these applications in mind when marketing their professional services.
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