Quantity Surveyors Research Articles

Problem Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic on the Construction Industry of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The chances to remedy the construction industry from its diverse problems have weakened due to the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although the pandemic is almost reduced to history, its impacts linger with acute effects on the industry’s performance. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction sector of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria with a specific focus on problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 213 respondents (61 Architects, 32 builders, 46 quantity surveyors, and 74 Civil Engineers). Data analysis involved mean item scores, Chi-Square and Kruskal Wallis tests. The findings revealed that COVID-19 has severed the movement of people and interpersonal relationships, delayed project timelines, escalated transportation problems, and induced high costs of construction resources and project costs. The implication shows that stakeholders in the construction industry are still glued to work ethics during the COVID-19 period or are yet to modify behaviours into the industry norms in terms of human relations and movement. A change in perception is needed to restore the stakeholders to the traditional way of life through an awareness campaign, while the government needs to strengthen economic recovery policies and institute pro-construction industry parameters to reduce the cost of construction resources and overall project costs to accelerate the recovery path of the sector.

Exploring the Role of Quantity Surveyors in Mechanical and Electrical Services Cost Estimation – Challenges, and Client Implication

Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services costs constitute a substantial proportion of the total cost of a building. Realistic cost estimates for this element are a desirable option by industry stakeholders because the total building cost can potentially be reduced if the cost of M&E services can effectively be managed throughout the life of the project. In the building construction industry, quantity surveyors are engaged to prepare cost estimates on all aspects of the building and provide cost advice services at every stage of the building construction projects. However, M&E services are one aspect of a building that quantity surveyors find very difficult to prepare cost estimates for. This study explored the role of quantity surveyors and, the challenges involved in the delivery of M&E services cost estimation.

Overcoming Challenges Faced by Quantity Surveying’s Graduates In Adopting Skills For Future Employment: Employer’s Perspective

The evolving nature of the construction industry demands a diverse set of skills and competencies from Quantity Surveying (QS) graduates. The skills of QS graduates align closely with the practice of project management which involved the practice of skills, knowledge, tools, techniques to complete tasks such as cost estimation, contract management and value engineering which important in delivering successful projects. However, the existing research falls short in providing solutions to address the significant gap between the skills possessed by QS graduates and those demanded by the industry resulting in high unemployment and underemployment rates among them. Hence, the aim of this study is to propose solutions for QS graduates to enhance their employment skills in order to meet the needs of the construction industry. The questionnaire survey was distributed among 312 experienced QS professionals working in QS consultancy firms mainly based in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur through cluster sampling technique. The findings were then further analysed by using descriptive statistics and the Relative Important Index (RII). This research revealed that inviting experienced QS professionals as guest lecturers to deliver talks is a highly effective solution to minimize the challenges encountered by QS graduates as it gives fresh insights into the construction industry. The findings from this research provide the basis for HEIs, the construction industry and QS graduates in implementing the proposed solutions to address the challenges and gaps in the skills and competencies of QS graduates. The findings are ought to contribute to the overall enhancement of employability skills among QS graduates particularly in Malaysia and optimize the productivity of construction industry.

Assessment of Cost Influences in Rail Projects from Contractor's Perspectives

Rail transportation had been receiving more attention in the Government’s effort to enhance the Malaysian economy internationally. Nevertheless, rail projects involve various stakeholders, massive budgets and are susceptible to cost overrun. This paper aims to evaluate the cost influences concerned with rail projects in a developing nation from contractors’ perspectives. The existing studies lack the consideration of the correlation and relationship between the cost influences, which this paper emphasizes. The data collection was performed by distributing questionnaires to 200 cost managers which are quantity surveyors, project managers, and contract executives across the rail projects in Malaysia. The data analysis uses Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27 (SPSS V27) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy showed appropriate internal consistency of the research instrument, whereas the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed acceptable Goodness-of-Fit Indices (GFI) within the constructs of the structural model. The SEM calibration resulted in 23 significant cost influences which were clustered into five groups of cost influences. Each of the five groups is associated with different parties in construction projects. A notable causative direction was observed in the relationship between the cost influences. Each cost influence can be connected to each project phase based on the PMBOK Guide. This study adds to the various cost management research along the project management of rail construction. It is able to contribute to the policymakers and consultants in strategizing their cost management plans which is crucial, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. Emphasizing the critical particulars of cost management in rail projects, this paper also delivers its finding based on stakeholder and system aspects in relation to cost management, which can be referred to by any developing country.

Embarking on an Action Plan: Proposing Vark Test as the Need Analysis for Classroom Teaching and Learning

Learning styles represent the different ways in which individuals prefer to learn and engage with educational content. Learning styles are based on the idea that people have unique cognitive strengths and preferences that can influence their learning experiences and outcomes. By understanding their learning styles, educators can tailor their instruction to meet students' individual needs. This personalized approach helps engage students more effectively and enhances their learning experience. Students are more likely to be engaged and motivated when taught in a manner that aligns with their preferred learning styles. This leads to increased participation, active involvement in the learning process, and improved retention of information. The objective of this research is to propose a VARK questionnaire as the basis for the need analysis in planning the action plan in the action research. This research employed the action research design using the Kemmis and Taggart model, is a widely recognized framework for conducting action research. The respondents selected for this research were 30 students of the Diploma in Quantity Survey of Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah. The respondents consist of 15 female students and 15 male students. it was found that respondents have different learning styles according to their preferences which are categorized according to VARK learning styles.

Leveraging BIM technology for improved accuracy in detailed cost estimation in Sri Lanka

Detailed cost estimation is the process of predicting the cost of the project at workface level. However, traditional methods of detailed cost estimation encounter various challenges in achieving precise cost estimation. To address these challenges, modern techniques have emerged in the field of cost estimation. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as an efficient solution for addressing challenges in construction projects. This study investigates the adaptability of BIM for detailed cost estimation. The research adopted qualitative approach. Data were collected using two rounds of Delphi interviews with 14 experts in detailed cost estimation and BIM. Code-based content analysis was used to analyse the data. The study provides empirical evidence showcasing the potential of BIM effectively addressing the challenges encountered in detailed cost estimation. By focusing on the perspective of consultant quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka, findings underscore the significant role of BIM in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of detailed cost estimation processes for improved project outcomes. The findings highlight further research opportunities and contribute to the understanding of BIM's impact on cost estimation. The findings can use to enhance the practical implementation of BIM by intervening to form more partnerships among application developers and industry leaders.

Exploring the interplay between quantity surveyors’ conflict-handling styles and personality traits

Construction projects are prone to conflict; thus, effective conflict management is more important than ever to avoid disputes and ensure project success. This study explores the link between conflict-handling styles and personality traits used by clients’ quantity surveyors in South Africa. The study used an online web survey based on how clients’ quantity surveyors dealt with conflict according to their personality traits. The population of this study included registered professional quantity surveyors and candidate quantity surveyors. The most common way of dealing with conflict and the most dominant personality trait among quantity surveying professionals were determined using descriptive statistics. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was subsequently conducted to establish whether there was a link between management of conflict and personality traits. The collaborating style was primarily used as a conflict management style by quantity surveyors, while the most common personality trait amongst client's quantity surveyors was Conscientiousness. Generally, most of the conflict-handling styles do not significantly interplay with personality traits. However, a collaborating conflict-handling style was found to have a negative correlation with the neuroticism personality trait. Also, the accommodating conflict handling style positively correlates with the agreeableness personality trait, and the avoiding conflict handling style correlates with the neuroticism personality trait. Quantity surveying firms will benefit from this information regarding their employees' conflict-handling styles and personalities by training professionals on managing conflict successfully by combining their personalities with the appropriate style. The focus on registered and candidate quantity surveyors was a limitation of the study, as other construction professionals could add value to the study. Further studies may include conflict-handling styles from a contractors’ quantity surveyor’s perspective. Keywords: Conflict-handling styles, Construction Industry, Personality, Quantity Surveyors

PromotingSustainable Construction Practices in Developing Countries: Comparative Insights and Future Directions

Sustainable construction practices contribute significantly to the advancement trajectory in developing and developed nations. Emphasising environmental conservation, efficient resource utilisation, and the facilitation of healthier, more productive living and working environments, sustainable construction practices are fundamental to achieving a more prosperous and ecologically balanced future. However, the effective transition to and adoption of these practices in developing nations raises significant challenges. ‘Which way forward to addressing these issues as discussed in the last issue including the editorial (Windapo and Umeokafor 2023). These challenges, explored in depth in the diverse research articles featured in this issue, illuminate the ongoing difficulties developing nations face in embracing sustainable construction practices, along with potential solutions and future directions for research. They contribute to answering the question in the last issue, 'Which way forward?' (Ibid).
 This twelfth issue of the Journal of Construction Business and Management offers a thought-provoking and insightful collection of five seminal research articles by 11 authors from Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The key themes of the articles include promoting awareness of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks (AACB) for construction, enhancing government construction project success through effective leadership styles, fostering the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Quantity Surveying, examining the link between Quantity Surveyors' conflict-handling styles and personality traits, and tracking technological and organisational change in the UK construction sector. As discussed below, each theme contributes to a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the urgent need for, obstacles to, and promising strategies for sustainable construction in developing countries.

Effective measures to bolster the deployment of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles in building design: a focus on quantity surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria

PurposeResearch on measures to strengthen the implementation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles has been scarce in developing countries such as Nigeria. Hence, this study sought to identify and assess the crucial measures for encouraging the adoption of IEQ principles in the Nigerian construction industry, specifically from the viewpoint of quantity surveyors.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish this objective, a quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire distributed to quantity surveying (QS) firms in Nigeria. The collected data were examined using a range of statistical techniques such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores (MISs), the Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsThe top five ranked measures were as follows: offer financial incentives and tax breaks, develop educational materials and resources, establish clear and accessible reporting mechanisms, develop awards and recognition programs and provide advocacy and awareness campaigns. Factor analysis led to the categorization of the identified measures into four primary clusters: education and training, policy and regulation, incentivization and recognition and collaboration and networking. Consequently, these clusters were renamed the EPIC (Education and training, Policy and regulation, Incentivization and recognition and Collaboration and networking) framework, with each first letter representing a significant measure for fostering the adoption of IEQ principles.Practical implicationsConsequently, this study offers a robust foundation for understanding and implementing measures to enhance the adoption of IEQ principles within the Nigerian construction industry, ultimately benefiting stakeholders and improving the quality of built environments.Originality/valueThe EPIC framework designed in this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, construction industry professionals and other stakeholders interested in promoting IEQ principles, which can potentially lead to healthier, more comfortable and more sustainable built environments in Nigeria and beyond.

Challenges of BIM Software Implementation in Quantity Surveying Consultancy Firms: The Difference Between Large Firms and Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in delivering construction projects had negatively impacted the industry for decades. However, the emergence of building information modeling (BIM) technology had influenced the construction process with its many benefits toward project success. BIM benefits included reduced project time and cost, improved team collaboration and communication, and improved project quality and performance. Consequently, BIM applications were claimed to provide more reliable working practices for quantity surveyors (QS), especially in establishing their cost estimates. Despite the well-known benefits that spurred BIM employment around the world, the usage of BIM software in Malaysia was still in its infancy, requiring greater deployment by the QS. Furthermore, the literature was scarce in comparing the use of BIM software by large organizations and Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). As a result, the primary goal of this study was to identify the numerous challenges associated with the adoption of BIM software in both large and SME quantity surveying consultancy firms. Apart from that, this paper identified the availability of BIM software in the construction sector as well as the use of BIM software in those consultancy businesses. A quantitative technique was used, with 393 questionnaire survey forms issued to Malaysian QUANTITY SURVEYING consultant businesses. The data was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate a reliable and valid result. According to the findings, Cubicost software was the most popular software used by QS specialists. Notably, the results revealed that SMEs face greater challenges than large organizations, particularly those connected to professional help, finance, and time, as well as technical issues. Because large corporations and SMEs differed in nature, this study could provide new insights to policymakers in aiding companies of various sizes in their BIM transformation process. The findings called for more policymakers to work together to improve practitioners' understanding of BIM-based technology. The difficulties of SMEs must be recognized, and policymakers must bridge the gap between large and SMEs to bring Malaysia's construction industry one step closer to a new era of digitalization.

Effect of corruption on achievement of construction project goals

In order to gain illicit benefits or abuse power for one's own benefit, corruption is a type of dishonesty or a criminal offense committed by a person or organization in a position of authority. This study examined the effect of corruption on achievement of construction project goals. This study collected data through the use of structured questionnaire that were administered to registered professionals in Ondo State. The target population comprises of Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Builders, and Engineer. Sixty-one questionnaires were administered; fifty questionnaires were retrieved from professionals. The data retrieved were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean score response analysis frequency and percentages. The study concluded that the three major effect of corruption on achievement of construction project are: increase in cost of materials, high cost of the construction project as results of inflated price of bill of quantities and un-realistic claims during the course of execution of the project, creation of monopoly and also it was concluded that corruption is having major effects on cost more than on quality, client’s satisfaction, time, safety. Moreover, the study recommends that corruption should be eradicated in order to prevent increase in the cost of materials, high cost of the construction project as results of inflated price of bill of quantities and un-realistic claims during the course of execution of the project, creation of monopoly.

Participation of Construction Professionals in the Environmental Impact Assessment of Heavy Engineering Projects

Synergy and collaboration among various experts and stakeholders, including construction professionals, play a crucial role in reducing the negative environmental impacts of heavy engineering projects. While the heavy engineering industry significantly contributes to national economies, it also poses a threat to the environment through air, land, and water pollution. Therefore, the influence of multidisciplinary experts should be prioritized. However, there are significant challenges to be addressed in this regard, particularly concerning construction professionals. Hence, this paper extensively discusses the stakeholders involved in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of heavy engineering projects and their participation. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals in the study area, including architects, builders, engineers, estate surveyors, quantity surveyors, and urban and regional planners. Convenience sampling techniques were used to select these professionals. Additionally, six heavy engineering projects were purposively selected as case studies. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the retrieved data. The study concluded that architects, urban and regional planners, engineers, and quantity surveyors are the construction professionals most commonly involved in the EIA of heavy engineering projects. However, their level of involvement was found to be low. This study is crucial at a time when construction professionals are expanding their horizons beyond building projects alone to align with global trends. It is essential for construction professionals, government agencies, professional bodies, and private organizations to prioritize the outcomes of this study by promoting increased participation and improving awareness and knowledge among construction stakeholders regarding their roles and required skills for effective participation. This could lead to job creation, diversification, and improved environmental impacts of heavy engineering projects, particularly in developing countries. Given the global experience of climate change, multidisciplinary involvement and synergy between different experts and stakeholders in heavy engineering projects are vital for mitigating negative environmental impacts on air, land, and water. Addressing this issue will not only enhance the inclusivity of construction professionals in the journey to achieving Net-zero emissions but also ensure the effectiveness of heavy engineering projects, especially in the global south. While the findings of this research are valuable, there are limitations due to the lack of access to qualitative information from some intended interview respondents. Despite these limitations, the study identifies a knowledge gap that can be explored in developing countries, particularly in Africa, to improve the participation of construction experts in the EIA of heavy engineering projects. The study adopts an empirical approach to map out research focus on environmental sustainability for construction professionals in the heavy engineering industry - an aspect of sustainable development that has not received considerable attention in recent studies on sustainability.

Analysis of the Consequences of Job-Pressure Among Skilled Workers on Performance Standards in the Building Industry in South-Eastern Nigeria

This research was conducted to identify pressing influences among skilled workers in the building industry in South-eastern Nigeria. This is because not much is known about job pressure among skilled workers in the building industry in the sampled areas to date. The investigation involved the administration of a questionnaire to about 108 skilled workers including architects, builders, town planners and quantity surveyors randomly selected from 60 uncompleted building projects in Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu States, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and findings show that the prime sources of pressure were high volume of tasks, uncomfortable site offices, lack of feedback on previous and uncompleted building projects and variations in the scope of work in uncompleted building projects in the selected states. This study recommended taking job responsibilities that one has adequate capacity to handle, establishing realistic budgets and time frames for project delivery, providing spatially adequate, visually and thermally comfortable site offices, adopting appropriate job construction practices, and educating skilled workers on pressure management will reduce the incidence of pressure among skilled workers in the study area. Keywords: Job pressure, building industry, skilled workers, job seekers, south-east, Nigeria

Job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing the challenges associated with climate change

PurposeConstruction professionals are the major contributors to developing a sustainable construction industry, whereas architects, engineers and quantity surveyors are the key construction professionals who must play extraordinary roles in achieving better sustainable construction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing challenges associated with climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed research approach. A literature review and preliminary semi-structured interviews were used to appraise the job roles of architects, engineers and quantity surveyors in addressing challenges associated with climate change. The data collected through the qualitative approach were used in an online questionnaire survey, and the findings were analysed using the relative index method.FindingsThe findings highlight that regardless of the knowledge of the professional category on green rating tools, carbon footprint, adaptation of renewable energies for the reduction of energy consumption, building information modelling-related applications and waste management concepts/practices are the foremost job attributes required for the key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing challenges associated with climate change.Research limitations/implicationsThe results from this study provide a handful of guidance to construction industry professionals, national and international professional institutions, non-governmental organisations and other relevant authorities to address climate change within the built environment by identifying ways for improving the relevant key job attributes of construction industry professionals.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing the challenges associated with climate change.

A critical review of quantity surveying education in an offsite construction perspective: strategies for up-skilling

Purpose Offsite construction (OSC) is a modern method of construction (MMC) that involves manufacturing and assembly of buildings. Industry 4.0-driven technological advancements have accelerated OSC uptake causing many skilled construction workers requiring re-skilling or up-skilling. Quantity surveyors currently play an important role throughout a construction project life cycle, and hence, their knowledge on OSC projects is vital for the continuity of quantity surveying (QS) profession. The purpose of this paper is to critically review QS education in an OSC perspective and to propose strategies for up-skilling. Design/methodology/approach This research includes a detailed literature review of QS and OSC to evaluate how OSC affects the QS profession. Publicly available information on the university websites on accredited QS and construction management degrees was reviewed to identify OSC and MMC references, specifically the content listing and learning outcomes. Findings Out of the 315 degrees offered by 157 universities, only 69 degrees in 32 universities refer to OSC or MMC. OSC concept is explicitly referred in subjects related to construction technology, production management, lean construction, digital construction and MMC. As such, the research suggests including lean production principles, OSC techniques and design philosophies such as design for manufacture and assembly be added to the QS curricula. Research limitations/implications This research is a comprehensive desktop study that does not involve empirical data-based evaluation. Research findings inform strategies to improve QS education and professional competencies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind that evaluates accredited QS degrees and learning requirements in an OSC perspective.

Influence of blockchain adoption barriers and drivers on potential application areas in the construction lifecycle: partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach

PurposeThe construction industry faces public criticism for issues like wastefulness, inefficiency, slim profits, scheduling setbacks, budget overruns, quality concerns, trust deficits, transparency, coordination, communication and fraud. This paper aims to assess the nexus between barriers and drivers for adopting blockchain in construction and its impact on construction lifecycle.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was used to collect data using a well-structured questionnaire survey. The survey, which used snowball sampling, included 155 Nigerian construction experts that included architects, builders, quantity surveyors and engineers in the built environment. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), which allowed for a thorough evaluation of the proposed relationships as well as industry-specific insights.FindingsThe study's findings validate the conceptual framework established. The results indicate that implementing blockchain across all stages of construction projects has the potential to improve the construction process by 88.2% through its drivers. However, there were no significant relationships found between the barriers to adopting blockchain and the potential application areas in the construction lifecycle.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was carried out in the South-western which is one of the six geo-political zones/regions in Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey method. The study did not investigate the interdependence of the identified categories of drivers and barriers, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics and interactions influencing blockchain adoption in construction. The study is expected to stimulate further exploration and generate new insights on how blockchain technology (BT) can influence various stages of the construction lifecycle.Practical implicationsThe findings will be immensely beneficial to both professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry in learning about the potential of BT application in improving the construction lifecycle.Originality/valueThis paper developed and assessed a conceptual framework by investigating the interrelationships between the constructs. The findings have important implications for the construction industry, as they offer opportunities to improve the construction process and overall lifecycle. The findings are useful for researchers interested in the potential impact of BT on the construction lifecycle and its wider implications.

A model for enhancing the application of value management in construction projects in Kenya

Value management (VM) has been widely used in the construction industry to facilitate projects for decades in many countries around the globe. The concept began in the US, and then other nations such as China, Japan, South Africa, and Nigeria followed and tested its effectiveness by assessing its impacts on costs, quality, and time. A VM application has a low cost and a high benefit process, and thus, if well-practiced and integrated into project management at the beginning of a project, it would lead to its successful completion. It also helps in improving the value of a project by ensuring low costs, high quality, and completion within the stipulated time frame. In Kenya, there remains a gap in that very little information has been documented about VM applications in construction projects. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate and develop a model to enhance the application of value management to construction projects. The study sampled all registered key stakeholders in construction projects within Kenya. The stakeholders are comprised of engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors, and project managers. A stratified sampling strategy was employed, and data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The analysis methods used in this research were both descriptive and inferential in nature. Data summaries in terms of frequencies, means, and standard deviations were obtained under descriptive analysis. The inferential analysis comprised Pearson's correlation and regression analysis, which determined the significant determinants of VM application and were used to establish a predictive model. The study showed that team dynamics, procurement policy, government regulations, and VM knowledge are significant predictors of the level of VM application. A model has been developed that can assist in enhancing the application of value management in construction projects in Kenya.

Avoiding construction disputes: a comprehensive framework for pre-contract planning

Many industry disputes originate during the pre-contract stage, emphasizing the importance of preventing these issues early on rather than relying on post-facto resolutions. Therefore, professionals need to act proactively to avoid lapses in the pre-contract stage from the initial stage of the construction project. However, the current literature lacks an investigation of dispute avoidance by identifying professionals involved in the pre-contract phase of construction projects. This research, thus, aims to investigate the strategies to avoid disputes in construction projects in the pre-contract stage from the perspective of responsible professionals. The study adopted a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews among 15 industry practitioners involved in dispute management practices, selected through purposive sampling. The data collected was analyzed using the N-Vivo12. The findings revealed 48 lapses in the pre-contract stage and 104 strategies to avoid disputes. The findings further revealed that most of the lapses occurred during the technical stage. In contrast, the architects are responsible for design errors, and quantity surveyors contribute to documentation issues. The research offers a comprehensive framework for professionals and regulatory authorities to encourage dispute mitigation efforts, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.

Towards a higher-order knowledge of law in the built environment: Delphi analysis of a quantity surveyor's scenario-based legal advice

PurposeThis study is carried out to evaluate how well legal knowledge can be demonstrated by a built environment professional via the scenario-based approach to the learning of law modules.Design/methodology/approachA Delphi analysis of the advice provided by an MSC quantity surveying student, on a scenario-based legal problem arising due to a property contract, is carried out. The tendered legal advice was submitted as part of the assessment requirements for an MSc law module, following the university criteria, after the teaching of a law module. The student report, which attained an A-grade, and the assessment criteria used for marking/grading by the university were subsequently sent to 18 practicing lawyers, who were selected to constitute an expert panel, to independently judge the extent of legal knowledge demonstrated in the student report.FindingsThe Delphi analysis outcome showed that the expert panel holds a similar consensus view to the university on the level of legal knowledge demonstrated and by extension the effectiveness of the law module in imparting legal knowledge to a non-lawyer. The study outcome shows how well legal knowledge can be acquired and applied by a non-lawyer, within the context of the built environment, via scenario-based teaching of a law module.Originality/valueThis study serves as a preliminary step necessary to arouse further research toward empirically profiling the current outlook of a wider range of graduating students receiving scenario-based legal education in the built environment.

Identification of Quantity Surveyor Competency Risk for Cost Overrun

Appropriateness of costs in the process of building a high-rise building is one of the success criteria for a construction project. However, the main problem that is often faced by most construction projects is related to the occurrence of cost overruns. Quantity Surveyor has an important role in a construction project. According to IQSI, the role of the Quantity Surveyor consists of 4 main scopes, namely planning and controlling construction costs, documenting the completeness of tender documents, contract administration, and arbitration. This study aims to identify risk factors and risk ratings from the competency of the Quantity Surveyor that have the potential to cause cost overruns. The method used in this study is the Delphi method, to validate the risks obtained from the literature study. From the results of the analysis, 52 variables with a moderate level of risk were obtained, and 3 variables with a high level of risk in the pre-construction and construction stages which could cause cost overruns.