Quantity Surveyors Research Articles

Assessing the interactive effects of the ethics of construction professionals on project performance in the Ghanaian construction industry

PurposeThe construction industry is beset with unethical behaviours. Although several studies have investigated the effects of unethical behaviours on project performance, research in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI) remains scant. Consequently, this research assesses the interactive effects of ethical and unethical behaviours of construction professionals on project performance in the GCI.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was used to obtain primary data from 68 construction professionals, viz, quantity surveyors, architects, civil engineers, clerk of works and project managers, via a closed-ended questionnaire survey. Data collected were analysed using one-sample t-test and Kruskal–Wallis test statistics, after which two hypotheses were tested and validated using regression analysis.FindingsReduction of project risks, avoidance of legal problems and maximisation project quality performance were critical effects of ethical behaviours observed on project performance, whereas the effects of unethical behaviours such as cost overrun, abandonment and time overrun were severe on project performance in the GCI. Ethical behaviour was seen to relate to project performance positively, and unethical behaviour was proved to have dire consequences on project performance.Practical implicationsConstruction project performance is greatly influenced by professionals' ethical and unethical behaviours. Emergent findings emanating from this research will assist emerging economies in developing and implementing counter policies and systems that mitigate the unethical behaviours of construction professionals.Social implicationsThe study highlights the effects of ethical and unethical behaviours on project performance to reorient individuals' perceptions that unethical behaviours are less critical in the construction industry. Supporting evidence encourages individuals to adhere to ethical behaviours in a project environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe inability to obtain data across the entire geographical spread of Ghana is acknowledged as a major limitation of the study and affects the generalisation of the results.Originality/valueThis study constitutes a first attempt to establish the interactive effects of ethical and unethical behaviours of construction professionals on project performance within the GCI. A significant addition to the body of knowledge is that ethical and unethical behaviours impact project performance positively or negatively, respectively.

The Benefits and Challenges of Green Business Practices in the Lebanese Construction Industry

Growing awareness of environmental concerns, including the depletion of natural resources and the degradation of environmental quality, sparked the latter's interest. Green business concepts still have a shaky foundation, as seen by the wide range of definitions that can be found for them. The research relied on the survey approach to get data since it was well accepted that questionnaires were an effective way to gather data from many individuals. The sample included 181 respondents, including project managers, engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, and clients, who completed the survey, including those in Lebanon and those working outside the nation. The data was collected using google forms and then analyzed by the SPSS statistical tool to generate and analyze results.Going green might be a massive opportunity for Lebanon, a country with a vast budget deficit and economic difficulties, as energy bills continue to climb. Although the green business concept has been pushed to help Lebanon's businesses preserve the environment, many companies are still unable to apply it to all aspects of their operations. Many companies in Lebanon are already preparing to implement the Green Business model, which is expected to happen shortly.

The differing approaches to sustainability between practising and academic Quantity Surveyors

Most interpretations of sustainability in construction stem from the definition of sustainable development, which is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generation’s needs. Various research and sustainability studies within the construction industry focus on finding economical, social, and environmental balance. Construction professionals, such as Quantity Surveyors, begin their learning journey by studying in colleges and progressing to higher education. As the construction industry evolves through modern techniques, higher education institutions must also follow suit. These modern techniques have arisen due to the shift of ethos towards sustainability. Without the higher education institutions including this new knowledge in their curriculum, future professionals will not be equipped with the correct skills. Few research have been conducted in relation to students’ views on sustainability. Although such research is at a minute level, thus the converse side of the argument is how professional Quantity Surveyors view these topics on sustainability and whether they implement them in their daily duties. Hence, the research explores the differences in understanding between practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors on sustainable development in their various professional duties. The research was conducted using questionnaires that was distributed using survey monkey. The results were analysed through Spearman and ANOVA statistical tests to check their correlations. The study found a difference in the knowledge acquired by practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors. This finding conveys the importance of sustainability knowledge and how it is fundamental in achieving the UN sustainable goals and using such knowledge in practice.

Reducing the Threats of Environmental Factors to Buildings: A Case Study of Nsukka Urban in Enugu, Nigeria

The effects of environmental factors on buildings have become a major issue in recent times as it causes worry and discomfort for building occupants. Some of the threats of environmental factors to buildings include: dust, smoke, acidic rain, flood, loss of life and properties, building failure and collapse. As a result of this, the cost of building construction and maintenance is increasing at an alarming rate and that is why this research aims to identify the ways of reducing the threats of environmental factors to buildings especially in Nsukka Urban area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The research aims at analyzing the threat of environmental factors to buildings, and proffer remedial measures to these effects.. The instrument used for the data collection was structured questionnaire and the target population consisted of groups of professionals who were architects, builders, quantity surveyors, engineers and some residents in Nsukka. Analysis of the data was done using the mean item scores. The study revealed that interface with the ecosystem, increase in various types of pollution and deforestation are major environmental threats to buildings. The study identified ways of reducing the threat of environmental factors to buildings some of which includes the use of energy-efficient and eco-friendly equipment for building construction, planting trees and shrubs as wind breakers near the houses and homes to reduce the speed of wind. The study recommends the need to adopt and implement sustainable construction practices as a way of reducing the environmental threats to buildings. This can be achieved if all the stakeholders are involved, especially the government, which plays a cardinal role in the formulation of regulations and policies that support sustainable construction practices. Keywords: Buildings, Environmental Factors, Threats of Environmental Factors and Nsukka Urban

HOW MUCH DOES AN AFFORDABLE HOUSE COST TO BE PAID BY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN GREATER KL, MALAYSIA?

Affordability of housing has been a hot topic among various socioeconomic groups. Surprisingly, given the current situation, the majority of the young generation is negatively affected by this stressful issue. This study, therefore, focuses on young professional groups from the built environment profession, namely, the engineer, architect, urban planner, and quantity surveyor. These professional groups also earn an income between B40, M40 and T20. Two research objectives were composed in this study: (1) To measure the monthly affordable housing cost and (2) To define affordable housing types by different household income groups amongst young professional based on the residual income model (RIM), which is used to measure housing affordability. The surveys were distributed amongst 341 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The findings have revealed that B40 can only bear a monthly housing’ costs not exceeding MYR 728, followed by M40 and T20 around MYR 2503 and MYR 6159, respectively. Hence, the B40 group had lesser house option types, i.e., around ten house types compared to M40 and T20.

The Adaptability of Sustainability Education in Quantity Surveying Degree Programs in Sri Lanka: The Industry Perception

ABSTRACT Bridging the existing gap in sustainability education among quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka, the study aimed to analyze how sustainability education could be incorporated into the curricula of quantity surveying degree programs conducted by the higher education institutions in the country. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which included semi-structured interviews with three experts, a questionnaire survey conducted among 78 quantity surveyors, and expert interviews with 15 senior academics. Thirty-nine sustainability knowledge areas were identified from the semi-structured interviews. Using the survey findings, a mapping chart was prepared to identify the knowledge gaps in sustainability education. The results indicated that several sustainability-related knowledge areas with substantial gaps require enhancement. The barriers that hinder sustainability education and the measures that could be used to overcome those barriers were identified through expert interviews with senior academics. The key identified barriers include lack of sustainability in curriculum development, heavy workload of the students, and lack of knowledge of the academic staff. Incorporating the required knowledge areas in compulsory modules, updating curricula with new knowledge areas, adopting sustainability within the education environment, and developing awareness among the educational community are some of the measures that would help overcome the identified barriers.

Barriers to Mentoring of Graduates in Quantity Surveying Firms in Tanzania: A Factor Analysis Approach

ABSTRACT Despite the plethora of studies on barriers to mentoring, these have focused more on the higher education sector, and particularly mentoring to university graduates. However, there still limited studies that have focused on understanding the barriers affecting the mentoring process of graduates in quantity surveying firms within developing countries. This research aims at bridging that knowledge gap by exploring the underlying relationships among the barriers to mentoring of graduates in the context of quantity surveying firms in Tanzania thus minimizing risk of losing vital knowledge and competencies. An interpretivist epistemological design was adapted to extensively manually review and search the literature on mentoring barriers. Based on 15 barriers to mentoring identified, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data from graduates employed in Tanzanian quantity surveying firms, with 53 validated responses; mean score techniques and factor analysis were conducted. Empirical results showed a four-factor model comprising the following: multicultural and social injustice-related barriers; mentoring relationship-related barriers; personal and relational behavior-related barriers; and attitudinal and knowledge-related barriers. The identification of the key barriers to mentoring of graduates would be useful to advocate informal mentoring training programs to sharpen the skills of mentors in order to improve the performance of graduates.

Enhancing quality of teaching in the built environment higher education, UK

PurposeThe issues in the current Built Environment Higher Education (BEHE) curricula recognise a critical need for enhancing the quality of teaching. This paper aims to identify the need for a best practice in teaching within BEHE curricula and recommend a set of drivers to enhance the current teaching practices in the Built Environment (BE) education. The study focused on Section 1 of the National Student Survey (NSS) – Teaching on my course, with a core focus on improving student satisfaction, making the subject interesting, creating an intellectually stimulating environment and challenging learners.Design/methodology/approachThe research method used in this study is the mixed method, a document analysis consisting of feedback from undergraduate students and a closed-ended questionnaire to the academics in the BEHE context. More than 375 student feedback were analysed to understand the teaching practices in BE and fed forward to developing the closed-ended questionnaire for 23 academics, including a Head of School, a Principal Lecturer, Subject Leads and Lecturers. The data was collected from Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Building surveying disciplines representing BE context. The data obtained from both instruments were analysed with content analysis to develop 24 drivers to enhance the quality of teaching. These drivers were then modelled using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method to identify their correlation and criticality to NSS Section 1 themes.FindingsThe study revealed 10 independent, 11 dependent and three autonomous drivers, facilitating the best teaching practices in BEHE. The study further recommends that the drivers be implemented as illustrated in the level partitioning diagrams under each NSS Section 1 to enhance the quality of teaching in BEHE.Practical implicationsThe recommended set of drivers and the level partitioning can be set as a guideline for academics and other academic institutions to enhance the quality of teaching. This could be further used to improve student satisfaction and overall NSS results to increase the rankings of academic institutions.Originality/valueNew knowledge can be recognised with the ISM analysis and level partitioning diagrams of the recommended drivers to assist academics and academic institutions in developing the quality of teaching.

LEADERS OF TOMORROW: STATUS AND OUTLOOK OF BIM IMPLEMENTATION AMONG YOUNG QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Studies on BIM have taken the front burner in the construction industry globally. However, studies have shown that the global south is behind in the adoption level. Most previous studies on BIM focused on varied populations as respondents in the global south. To this end, this study set out exclusively to investigate the BIM consciousness among young quantity surveyors (YQS). The data collection instrument was shared online on all young quantity surveyors forum (YQSF) platforms to gain access and administer the research instrument to all young quantity surveyors. The result revealed a high level of consciousness among the YQS. The popular BIM tool among respondents is Revit; other softwares are Naviswork, Tekla structure, Exactal CostX and Buildsoft cubit. However, respondents can only operate Revit, Navisworks and Mb3. If the current trend prevails, the future of the Quantity surveying profession in the digital age is promising. The study recommends a systematic introduction of BIM in the school curriculum adoption of BIM by QS firms, among others. Other stakeholders like the NIQS must intentionally support the young QS to be adequately prepared for the technological revolution currently being experienced in the construction industry globally.

ENHANCING COMPETENCIES OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN COST MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Quantity surveyors (QS) play an important role in any construction projects such as mechanical and electrical (M&E) projects but there has been less participation of the profession. The study is aimed at improving QS competencies to provide better cost management for M&E services. A mixed methodology was used for this study, the questionnaire was structured on a five-point Likert scale to elicit the opinion of respondents. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with some experts in M&E services who have met some criteria for selection. Descriptive and Inferential statistical method was used in the analysis of data collected. The most important strategies for the cost management of M&E projects were site exposure of QS to M&E works, advanced educational training of M&E services, as well as improvement of QS curriculum to multidimensional needs and expected standard for M&E, works. Kruskal Wallis was adopted to examine the difference in the opinions of professionals. The results showed that all the professionals have different opinions for all the variables except for the QS curriculum should be updated to multidimensional needs and expected standard M&E works. The study concluded that for the competencies of quantity surveyors to be enhanced, there is a need for exposure to M&E works and training should meet up to the expected standard of client needs. The study recommends that academic institutions and professional bodies should update the curriculum to the multi-dimensional needs of clients so that graduate QSs will be able to face the challenges and threats in the industry.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS’ COMPETENCIES IN COST MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Skills are abilities that are being possessed by a person to perform well in a specified job. This can be acquired or developed through training or experience in the field. The study is aimed at assessing skills needed by Quantity surveyors (QSs) in cost management of Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services so that competency level can be improved. The quantitative research method was adopted for this study and the questionnaires were sent to experts in M&E services in the study area. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting those experts. Bar chart, Mean Item Score, Gap analysis, Spearman correlation, Kruskal Wallis test was used in analyzing the retrieved data. The most important rated skills are Quantification, Valuation, Numerical, Critical thinking, and Documentation. QSs perform better in generic skills to technical skills where numerical, documentation and communication were rated highest. Gap analysis revealed that the possessed level of skills is less compare to the expected except in communication and computer skills. The findings revealed that there is a moderate relationship between the importance and performance of QSs in those skills. The results showed that there were ten out of eighteen skills with no significant difference while the other eight has a significant difference in the opinions of professionals. The study concluded that skills are very important to improve the competency level of any profession, especially in M&E services. It is therefore recommended that QSs should not shun continuous training like symposium, workshops and seminars to keep themselves abreast of how well to manage M&E services and also to further improve themselves in less performed skills. These had a wide gap between the importance and the performance rating.

THE IMPORTANCE AND USE OF KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN QUANTITY SURVEYING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Quantity surveying firms in Nigeria are performing poorly and Knowledge Management (KM) has been identified as crucial to the survival of organisations, so measuring the KM of a firm is fundamental to the success of KM and the firm at large. Therefore, the study aims to assess the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring KM in Quantity Surveying Firms (QSFs) with a view to ascertain the KPI important and used by QSFs in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design where quantitative data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire on a 5 Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected and the result discussed. A total of 86 questionnaires were retrieved out of the 134 distributed making the response rate 64% and all were deemed fit for analysis. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested and the Cronbach Alpha test gave a value of 0.888 which makes the data fit for analysis. Mean Item Score (MIS) was used to rank the factors while quadrant analysis was used to compare the rate of importance with the rate of use of the identified KPI. Findings indicate that both usefulness of stored knowledge and knowledge exchange that led to innovation was the most important and used performance indicators in QSFs while distributed incentives, classifications in databases, and other contributions are the least important and used by QSFs. This implies that QSFs reuse the knowledge stored in their databases as they find the knowledge stored very useful. Also, the firms make use of the knowledge they acquire from each other to develop innovations within the organisation.

Awareness of 3D Printing for Sustainable Construction in an Emerging Economy

3D printing has been popular in the manufacturing industry as a means of automating processes, speeding up production, and reducing waste. It is frequently seen as a relatively new technology, even though it has been in use for more than three decades. This article aims to analyse 3D printing awareness in an emerging economy towards sustainability in the construction industry. A survey research design was used to obtain primary data from the respondents using structured questionnaires. The sample frame for the research survey comprises professionals in construction and consultancy firms such as architects, quantity surveyors, projects managers, and engineers. Mean item score, standard deviation, and factor analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings from this study show that majority of the professionals acknowledged that they were aware of the existence of 3D printing, but most of them attested that they had not utilized this technology before the survey. The study reveals that the professionals in the construction industry of the emerging economy have low awareness of 3D printing technology, therefore its practices in the construction industry of the study area are significantly low. More awareness of 3D printing technology should be raised by bodies shouldered with management and regulation of the construction industry to increase professionals' awareness and enlighten them on the benefits of adopting the technology towards sustainable construction.

LEADERS OF TOMORROW: STATUS AND OUTLOOK OF BIM IMPLEMENTATION AMONG YOUNG QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Studies on BIM have taken the front burner in the construction industry globally. However, studies have shown that the global south is behind in the adoption level. Most previous studies on BIM focused on varied populations as respondents in the global south. To this end, this study set out exclusively to investigate the BIM consciousness among young quantity surveyors (YQS). The data collection instrument was shared online on all young quantity surveyors forum (YQSF) platforms to gain access and administer the research instrument to all young quantity surveyors. The result revealed a high level of consciousness among the YQS. The popular BIM tool among respondents is Revit; other softwares are Naviswork, Tekla structure, Exactal CostX and Buildsoft cubit. However, respondents can only operate Revit, Navisworks and Mb3. If the current trend prevails, the future of the Quantity surveying profession in the digital age is promising. The study recommends a systematic introduction of BIM in the school curriculum adoption of BIM by QS firms, among others. Other stakeholders like the NIQS must intentionally support the young QS to be adequately prepared for the technological revolution currently being experienced in the construction industry globally.

Factors influencing buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry

PurposeDue to the need to enhance the buildability of building designs in building construction industry, a buildability assessment framework was developed for use in Nigeria. This paper aims to investigate and determine the factors influencing buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry with the view to improving buildability of building designs. To address the aim, this study will provide answers to the following research question: what are the factors hindering and supporting the implementation of buildability assessment in the Nigerian construction industry?Design/methodology/approachSurvey research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors involved in construction project delivery within the client, consulting and contracting organisations in Nigeria. A total of 368 questionnaires were distributed among the sampled participants, out of which a total of 219 representing 60% were sufficiently filled and returned. Data collected were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics.FindingsThe results revealed owner’s commitment, clients’ awareness of the benefits of conducting buildability assessment on building design, unity among different professionals in the construction industry, designers consider buildability important, adequate coordination among different design disciplines, adequate channel for coordination and communication between designers and constructors at the design stage and adequate support from the government as the topmost seven factors supporting buildability assessment implementation in the construction sector of Nigeria. Second, the study revealed that poor coordination among different design disciplines, lack of buildability assessment awareness, design review pattern where construction personnel (builders) are invited to assess the building production information, unwillingness to invest extra money and effort during the early stage of project and designers value aesthetics and functionalities more than buildability in their designs are the topmost five factors hindering buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry.Originality/valueThe study provides detailed insights into the factors supporting and hindering buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry. The findings indicate the need to enlighten principal stakeholders in construction about buildability and the outcome of the buildability assessment tool. This information can motivate principal stakeholders in implementing and practising buildability assessment.

Barriers to the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings

PurposeThis study aims to examine the challenges for green retrofitting implementation in existing residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient system.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing conveniently selected 16 construction professionals, made up of architects, quantity surveyors and engineers. Data received were analysed using the content analysis method.FindingsThe findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating green retrofitting in the existing residential buildings as the nature of the existing structures, limited knowledge, not being a priority and high costs involved in the process. Moreover, other factors influencing property developers’ decision to apply energy-efficient principles in a residential home include cost (initial capital and maintenance), level of knowledge, nature of the climate in the area, local legislation, more independence and increasing the property’s market value and environmental aspect.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to South Africa; thus, the literature available was limited.Practical implicationsPeople’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt green retrofitting principles, thereby denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the construction industry stakeholders and government to increase educational opportunities for property owners on the importance of green retrofitting.Originality/valueThis study provides the occupants with the possible barriers and problem areas with implementing these principles. They will thus make an informed decision when implementing sustainable design methods.

Critical Obstacles in the Implementation of Value Management of Construction Projects

At present, the construction industry in China has problems such as low production efficiency, low technical efficiency, low management efficiency of the construction project, delayed delivery, budget overruns, and unreasonable risk allocation. Value management can address these issues by enhancing the value of construction projects in China, reducing construction costs, and ensuring significant investment returns. This study uses literature analysis to identify the critical obstacles to adopting value management and uses questionnaires and surveys, structural equation modeling, and factor analysis to prioritize the critical obstacles to adopting value management. What is more, the main contribution of this research is to identify the critical obstacles to the adoption of value management, which provides a new perspective for related research and has specific positive significance for practice summary and reform direction. The research was limited to the region of Tianjin and its surrounding cities. The critical survey respondents for this study are architects, quantity surveyors, contractors, civil engineers, and service engineers with rich experience in construction management. The research results show that the key obstacles to implementing value management in the construction industry in China are mainly divided into four categories: Environmental Factors; Stakeholder and Management Factors; Technological Factors; Information Factors. In addition, the researchers found that the level of the adoption of value management in the construction industry in China is deficient. Value management was not used in most of the organizations surveyed, and project teams did not practice its concept.

Study on Time Overrun related to Construction Projects in Sri Lanka

The time overrun in construction projects is a common issue around the world and no exception in Sri Lankan construction industry. The aims are to identify the causes and their significance to the project time overrun as well as to provide suggestions for those identified causes. Totally 39 significant factors were identified as relevant to Sri Lankan construction industry through a literature survey. Then a quantitative questionnaire approach was conducted to identify the significance of factors from industry professionals (civil engineers, quantity surveyors, technical officers, supervisors & directors, and the persons with minimum qualification and experience in the construction industry) working as stakeholders such as clients, consultants, and contractors without considering the project type. The previously identified 39 factors were found to be applicable to the Sri Lankan construction industry with survey results. Through the survey, 33 responses were collected and analyzed based on the relative important index of the results. Highly weighted 15 project time overrun factors were analyzed in detail. Mainly, three factors of time overrun in construction projects were identified by ranking based on overall responses; i) contractor’s improper planning, ii) mistakes during construction by contractors, and iii) delay in preparation and approval of drawings. At the same time, social and cultural factors and disputes with surroundings or neighbours got the least significance based on ranking. The relationship between the significance of factors and relevance to the construction party (contractor, consultant) is also identified in this study. From questionnaire responses, the political influence, material theft, labor attitudes and motivation, and unexpected material cost increase than the total budget was selected for the further discussion. Finally, recommendations are provided for future development projects such as the contractor’s proper planning. As well as experienced and well knowledge professional to be appointed as a project manager by contracting firm.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quantity surveying practices in Malaysia

PurposeMalaysia has experienced a significant surge in COVID-19. The “new normal” has plunged construction players into one of the most challenging times in their history, including the quantity surveyors (QS). Playing a primary role from pre-construction to post-construction stages, QS is essential to ensure project success. This study aims to clarify the impact of COVID-19 on quantity surveying practices to provide a better understanding of the construction sector's downturn during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachPreliminary exploratory interviews were conducted with ten QS, architects, project managers and engineers to identify quantity surveying practices affected by the pandemic, followed by a survey involving 222 respondents to determine the significance of these impacts.FindingsIt was found that quantity surveying practices involving site visits, such as variation work valuation and interim payment valuation, were the most affected by the pandemic. On the other hand, consultative services such as value management and advisory services were the least affected.Research limitations/implicationsThe study faced data sampling limitations. Further research requires more insights on different groups of QS, such as consultants, contractors and developers, and reasons behind the difference in consensus between QS and non-QS respondents.Practical implicationsThe insights from this research may help authorities and construction companies make necessary adjustments to ensure the quantity surveying profession remains resilient, hence a better chance of project success during a pandemic. This discovery can also be considered a significant opportunity to present the need for further development.Originality/valueThe findings are expected to explain how COVID-19 had affected the duties of QS and identify which impact is the most significant. This research will complement the existing publications on the impacts of COVID-19 on the construction industry.

Identifying the key areas for benchmarking towards the improvement of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) construction firms in developing countries: the case of Ghana

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify key areas for benchmarking (BM) towards the improvement of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) construction firms in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the use of the quantitative research method in the collection and analysis of primary data collected from field surveys using a piloted close-ended questionnaire created following a review of available literature on BM. Based on 63 solicited views of professionals with SMEs (quantity surveyors, project managers and architects) data collected were statistically analysed using a one-sample t-test.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the key areas for BM towards the improvement of SME construction firms in developing countries in order of relevance are “Financial Performance”, “Competitiveness”, “Customer Satisfaction”, “Technology Advancement”, “Communication Skills”, “Collaboration”, “Employee Satisfaction” and “Product orientation”.Practical implicationsThe study has given more insight into the areas that need more attention for SMEs BM to achieve improvement. It can therefore be suggested firms that adapted identified areas will derive the benefits of BM. It is further opined that more BM education should be provided to various SMEs construction firms to facilitate an effective and efficient BM regime aiming at performance enhancement in project delivery.Originality/valueThis forging research attempts to identify the key areas for BM towards the improvement of SMEs construction firms in developing countries. Although there have been several efforts to create BM tools for the construction industry.