Quantity Surveyors Research Articles

Facility Manager's Competency in Malaysia’s Hospital Construction

This paper identifies the Facility Manager's competency in Malaysia’s hospital construction distinguishes was conducted on the importance of the facility manager's competence for a complex construction project such as hospital construction. There is thus a need to study the competence of facilities managers at the level of hospital construction. Directly, the involvement of the facility manager at the construction stage can reduce the cost of operating the building. The data for this study was collected via questionnaire survey distributed to the architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, public hospital staff and facilities managers directly involved in the construction of public hospitals in Malaysia. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques and relative value index (RII). The findings found that all respondents felt that leadership factors, communication factors, operating and maintenance factors, human factors, property and property management factors, and business preparedness and business balance factors were factors influencing facility manager competence at the construction stage.

Employability Skills Influencing Quantity Surveying Graduates’ Gainful Employment

Basic/core competencies alone rarely translate into gainful employment for fresh graduates in today’s highly competitive labour market. Accordingly, assessing employability skills desired in addition to basic/core competencies by employers of fresh graduates, has become the focus of researchers and education authorities of disciplines/majors. This study assessed the most influential employability skills for gainful employment of graduate Quantity Surveyors (QS). A questionnaire was self-administered to a sample of 108 QS consultancy firms. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Results revealed industry interaction, self-motivation skills and entrepreneurial skills with respective standardized coefficient of 0.406, 0.341 and 0.215 to be employability skills most influential in addition to basic/core competencies, for gainful employment of QS graduates. As previous attempts to improve employability of QS graduates focused largely on basic/core competencies only, this finding present QS education authorities with most important skills to consolidate on other than core competencies in order to ensure QS graduates are gainfully employable. From a practical perspective, the study’s findings can be used by quantity surveying education authorities as a basis to further consolidate their teaching plans and ensure fresh quantity surveying graduates are fully work ready and gainfully employable.

Structural Equation Modelling of Public Construction Procurement Systems Implementation in Nigeria

Various procurement methods have been deployed by government organisations to deliver vital infrastructure to support socio-economic development in different spheres of life in Nigeria. However, there is a lack of empirical understanding relating to the contribution of public procurement process, barriers, drivers and selection criteria combined to project delivery in Nigeria context. This study identified five major constructs which were conceptualised to establish how different procurement options influence project delivery. The constructs were operationalized and developed into a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Data were sought from professionals involved in the management, design and operations of construction projects in Lagos and Abuja (i.e. project managers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and procurement officers). The data were analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in order to determine the link among the constructs interrogated. The findings indicated that all the latent variables included in the conceptual model jointly contributed 59 per cent of variance explained. It was also revealed that drivers of procurement selection and selection criteria are significantly related to effective project delivery. Findings from this research show that for project to be successful in terms of cost, time, and other characteristics as stated in this paper, the most critical approaches to adopt are design-and-build and collaborative procurement. This implies that making the correct choice of construction procurement strategies is a recipe for project success. Government authorities and business organizations seeking infrastructure and procurement system improvements at various levels could use the developed model to improve project delivery.

Issues Encountered in the Valuation of Interim Payment Process in Construction Projects

Valuation of interim payment by a quantity surveyor may be a cause of dispute for the parties involved in construction projects. Quantity surveyors as professionals must act and perform their duties in accordance with the statutes, avoid disputes, and meet the expectations of clients in evaluating interim payments. Valuation of interim payment must be made in an acceptable, reasonable, and judicious recommendation. This research seeks to enhance and enrich the process for a better and reliable payment to avoid disputes. The data were gathered through semistructured face-to-face in-depth interviews involving four types of respondents, namely, employers from the public and private sectors, contractors, and consultants. The content analysis approach was used to identify the current issues encountered by the parties involved in relation to interim payment. This research identified 10 common issues, which among others include accuracy, impartiality, justification, and guidelines that need careful consideration by a quantity surveyor in a valuation of interim payment process in order to avoid disputes.

Attaining digital transformation in construction: An appraisal of the awareness and usage of automation techniques

The purpose of this article was to examine the level of awareness and usage of automation techniques in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry. A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and disseminated to construction professionals such as architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors based in Nigeria. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies and mean scores. Kruskal–Wallis H-test was used to examine the significant difference in opinions of the respondents for this study. Findings from this study revealed that construction professionals generally have limited knowledge of several automation techniques. More so, the implementation of these groundbreaking technologies in the construction industry remains very low which is a major cause for concern. This article explains a comprehensive roadmap for developing economies such as Nigeria, on how the knowledge of automation techniques can be enhanced among construction professionals. This study also details how the interrelated efforts of key players such as higher education institutions, government, policymakers, lawmakers, financial institutions, and professional bodies can work together to foster awareness of these innovative technologies. Although past studies have extensively discussed the advent of automation techniques in the construction sector of developing nations, very few studies have examined the level of awareness and usage of these technologies in the context of Nigeria. This study addresses this gap in existing knowledge.

Application of gamification for sustainable construction: an evaluation of the challenges

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and evaluate the challenges affecting the adoption of gamification practices in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted through which challenges to the adoption of gamification practices were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data was obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores (MIS) and exploratory factor analyses.FindingsBased on the MIS ranking results, the top five significant challenges to the adoption of gamification were lack of capacity and expertise, lack of budgeting for innovation, lack of technical infrastructure, hesitation to adopt and limited internet connectivity. Through factor analysis, the challenges identified were categorized into five principal clusters, namely, organizational challenges, technical-related challenges, human-related challenges, data security challenges and economic challenges.Practical implicationsThe identification and evaluation of the key challenges hindering the adoption of gamification practices would help construction organizations and stakeholders to understand the need to embrace and implement the concept into their activities, operations and processes to improve the engagement and motivation levels of employees.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in the study area to identify and evaluate the challenges affecting the adoption of gamification practices using a structured quantitative approach.

Factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in building construction industry

Purpose Buildability assessment is an important tool used in improving buildability of building designs. Its practice has positive impact on construction project such as cost-saving, material waste reduction, labour-saving technologies, increase in efficiency, saving wasteful efforts and quality improvement as well as cost-effective methods of site construction and future maintenance. However, there are several factors hindering building construction industry to implement buildability assessment. In addition, there are few studies that described the factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. This study aims to determine the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian building construction industry Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were administered to purposively selected group of architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. 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 elicited were analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Findings The results revealed that “poor co-ordination amongst 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 impeding buildability assessment implementation in the Nigerian construction industry. Originality/value This study highlights factors impeding the implementation of buildability assessment in construction industry. An understanding of these factors can help stakeholders in the construction industry facilitate the development of strategies required to mitigate the factors impeding buildability assessment implementation in the sector.

Evaluation of Site Management Practices for Building Projects Delivery Adopted by Indigenous Contractors in Lagos and Ondo States, Nigeria

The research focuses on the construction site management practices and the challenges that impede such practices in Ondo and Lagos states of Nigeria respectively with the view of minimizing waste and improve sustainability concept on public project delivery. The research survey targeted Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Builders and Civil Engineers affiliated with indigenous contracting firms through the administration of well-structured questionnaires. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in choosing the research respondents. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of 301 questionnaires distributed, only 135 questionnaires were returned and analyzed with 44.85% response rate. In-depth interview were also conducted on some selected site workers (labors) to elicit their views on the level of awareness and adoption of site management practices in their various sites. The results shows that minutes writing, resource leveling, cash flow management, proper payroll and daily work report are the five (5) topmost site management practices adopted on construction sites in the study area. The study also shows that respondents are highly aware about the site management practices. The result further shows that Lack of standardization in equipment management, plant hiring/purchasing problems, lack of on-site assistance, wrong curing procedures, ineffective communication practices, are the five major challenges that impede site management practices in the study area. Analysis of the transcribed interview shows that the site workers (labour) aware about the site management practices but are rarely followed judiciously. The research seeks the opinion view of construction professionals in the study area which may not be generalize to all other construction sites in south-western geopolitical zone of Nigeria; construction site workers needs to be kept abreast of the site management practices by organizing regular training for all cadre of site workers. The implication for practice is that investing in training will improve productivity, loyalty, minimizing of waste to the environment and increase contractors profitability. The study seeks to support the concept of buttressing the awareness on practicing adequate site management strategies on construction sites rather than relying on theoretical concept on the subject matter. It supports the proposition that adequate awareness of these practices will improve construction project performance.

An Implementation of Lean Concept with 5S to Eliminate Material Waste in Precast Factory

Precast industry is currently experiencing an increase in demand from consumers. Due to increasing demand, a wide variety of products, and push production systems, factories suffer from excess waste, disorganized workplaces, and unhealthy working environments, so it needs a method to overcome these problems. In overcoming this problem, research was carried out by implementing a lean concept with the concept of Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke (5S) on the handling of waste materials that occur in the precast concrete production process. Material waste is obtained from interviews and analysis of the production cost budget assisted by the Pareto 80/20 method to determine materials that are included in the waste category. From the results of the Pareto analysis, it was found that 5 materials were wasted, namely Reinforcement Ø 13, Concrete Sand, Wire, Oil Formwork Console, and PC Strand 12.7. Then the results are re-analyzed with cause analysis based on the results of brainstorming with a quantity surveyor, two material wastages were obtained, namely wire and formwork console oil. The waste will be repaired with the seiri concept in the form of making a warehouse near the work area, so that later it will eliminate material wastage so that it can save oil. 2930-liter console formwork and 5915 kilograms of wire, with a total cost savings of IDR 123,758.060

Expected Competencies of Quantity Surveyors in Zimbabwe

Complex clients’ requirements and numerous construction industry challenges require an interrogation of the quantity surveyor’s competencies. This article reports on a study that sought to determine the expected competencies of quantity surveyors and to establish statistically significant differences in ranking due to quantity surveyor designations. A questionnaire survey research design was employed to collect the primary data. Quantity surveyors from all quantity surveying firms and those working for construction companies in the major cities of Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe participated in the study. Eight components were revealed through factor analysis, with the highest ranked component consisting of project finance control and reporting, sustainability issues and conflict avoidance management and dispute resolution procedures. While the traditional competencies of effective financial control and conflict management remain vital, sustainability issues have also become a priority. Hence, continuous professional development programmes and curricula redesigns that cater for these competencies are essential. A statistically significant difference due to the consultants’ and contractors’ quantity surveyor designations was revealed, indicating a differentiation of their roles. Thus, relevant weighted competency assessment frameworks also need to be instituted. However, owing to the exploratory nature of the study, only views of quantity surveyors were considered.

MATERIAL WASTE IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: CAUSES AND EFFECTS

Construction waste is one of the major concerns that need attention in any construction project. It should be controlled and tightly regulated. This approach reduces the environmental impact of waste. Appropriate handling and disposal of garbage often require extra expenditure. Recently, several construction firms have placed immense efforts to reduce waste. Wastes from building projects include physical and non-physical ones. Solid waste is a type of rubbish that falls under the first category. Non-physical waste is the residue that builds up during construction, extends the completion time, and increases the money burden on the project. Waste from significant construction projects, if improperly managed, can lead to cost overruns. Material waste needs appropriate handling starting in the pre-contract phase. This study aims to expose wasteful practices and materials in building projects and their causes and sources. Several studies focused on waste management research, while the current study focuses on determining the primary source of waste during the project lifecycle. This study also offers two solution methods to help project managers to control and minimize waste in their construction projects. The planning process includes purchasing ideal materials, preparation of an appropriate design schedule, and site planning works. Thus, the control comprises the handling, distribution of materials, waste protection, storage and waste accounting, documentation and record keeping, safety procedures, workers, and maintenance of machinery and equipment. This study included analysis of a survey of 60 questions given to engineering consultants, including architects, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and quantity surveyors in Amman. The response rate to the survey was 82%. Architects make up 58% of survey respondents, followed by civil and structural engineers (22%), quantity surveyors (9%), and mechanical and electrical engineers (11%). This study discovered that 62% of those who assessed the data considered the participants' work experience in the construction industry. Based on the study results, the main findings revealed that the primary sources of construction waste are vandalism, waiting due to equipment setup and sharing, rework caused by design changes, waiting due to storage problems and material supplier delays, waiting due to crew interference, and waiting for guidance and examination. Keywords: Material Waste, Construction, Physical Waste, Non-Physical Waste, Cost DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.10

Factors Affecting the Competence of Quantity Surveying Professionals in Zimbabwe

The increased complexity of construction projects necessitates the need for quantity surveying professionals to achieve and maintain the highest levels of competency. However, various factors have inhibited their expected professional practice aptitude. Hence, this study reported on the factors affecting the competency of surveying professionals. A questionnaire-based descriptive survey strategy was undertaken to collect quantitative data from both consultant quantity surveyors and contractor quantity surveyors on the factors that influence their competence. The factor analysis revealed four significant components, including inadequate project and professional practice, inadequate academic and technological advances, inadequate organisational structure and teamwork and unclear individual career development goals. In addition, an assessment of the statistically significant differences based on the ranking by consultant and contractor quantity surveyors was undertaken. Contractor quantity surveyors consider inadequate polytechnic education and training, inconsistent project implementation strategies and unclear organisation development goals as impacting most negatively on the competence of quantity surveying professionals. This finding reveals a need to establish collaboration between higher education institutions and professional bodies for the development and implementation of relevant strategic plans to resolve these inadequacies. Also, organisational development goals and project implementation strategies are relevant and important for contractors as opposed to firm consultants. The withdrawal of primary data from quantity surveying professionals was the only limitation; however, the factors primarily affecting quantity surveyors and their insights are vital.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Construction Sector in Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the construction industry in numerous ways. However, contextual empirical studies that enable derivation of interventions are yet to be undertaken. This study investigates the perceptions of construction professionals relative to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and responses on the construction sector in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a quantitative design which entailed the distribution of a web-based questionnaire among construction professionals, architects, construction/project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors from construction and consultancy firms in Bulawayo and Harare. The data were analysed based on the descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic and responses had significant effects on the construction sector. The pandemic affected the construction sector through nine main pathways; the top five being loss of income for workers, project implementation delays, job losses, increased health and safety risk, and project suspensions. Through identifying the main pathways in which the COVID-19 pandemic affected the construction industry, the study provides important insights to policymakers, construction stakeholders and researchers to plan targeted interventions or policies to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the sector. However, because of the small sample, the study results are indicative and care should be taken when generalising the results to a large population.

Construction Projects Success: Time, Cost, Quality and Safety

The construction industry is complex, and its success depends on time, cost, and project quality. The study sought to investigate construction project success in relation to time, cost, quality, and safety on construction projects in the Ashanti Regions of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was administered among construction professionals (architects, contractors, engineers, and quantity surveyors) within the study area. The findings showed delays in payments of works executed, forceful layoff, and suspension of construction works adversely affected construction time. The construction project cost was attributed to delays in payment to contractors, poor client cash flow, and high cost of plant and equipment. Quality of work was ascribed to poor coordination among workers and frequent absenteeism of skilled workers. It was concluded that governments should provide financial support to construction companies to clear backlogs of unpaid debts to workers. Clients should liaise with contractors to reschedule uncompleted projects (payment plans and added time for the completion of works). Construction companies should provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise on-site health-related hazards.

An Analysis of the Benefits of Adopting Modular Construction: A Nigerian Construction Industry Context

On site and off site are the main construction methods used in the construction industry with the former being majorly adopted. Off-site construction offers significant opportunity to improve project performance. However, there is little awareness of its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry. This study aims to assess the benefits of adopting modular integrated construction in Nigeria to improve the level of understanding, usage for stakeholders and enhance productivity. Purposive and snowballing technique were used to select the prefab construction experts. Professionals that were involved in the study are engineers, architects and quantity surveyors in the study area. The most rated benefits are enhanced teamwork and collaboration, improved productivity, simplicity and ease in the construction, enhances sustainable building and improved quality of work. Five variables have significant difference between the respondents while the others do not. The study concludes that modular construction is at its nascent stage and could be developed and be more implemented if the government takes the lead. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders must be ready and willing to use modern method for better collaboration and teamwork. Also, more awareness and training programmes should be conducted to the stakeholders who could implement its usage in the Nigerian construction industry. The government should also provide financial support to encourage private clients and other people who are keen to execute the construction projects with prefabs.

Boosting Construction Employees’ Performance Through Smart Ergonomic Moves

Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are construction workers’ most prevalent occupational diseases due to awkward body posture, high repetition of work and vibration. The study sought to examine the different types of ergonomic moves that could improve construction workers’ performance. Findings show that majority of the workers were males and their trade groups cut across different trade groups (masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and electricals). There was a scarcity of civil engineers and quantity surveyors in almost all the construction firms. The most influential factors that contributed to musculoskeletal injuries among construction workers were extreme temperature, static posture and exertion of force at work. These factors have contributed to the loss of concentration and absenteeism at work, which have also led to delays in the execution of work. Further findings show that engineering control measures should be employed, and training and education should also be given to workers to prevent MSDs among employees to enable them to work smarter but not harder to improve their performance. Employers should include education and specific task training in the company’s policy for all newly employed personnel. Workers should also be monitored to ensure that they take a recess during the day’s work.

EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES OF ADOPTING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Nigeria's construction industry is facing significant challenges such as low productivity, high costs, and poor quality of buildings, and adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can address these issues, but its adoption has been very slow in Nigeria. This paper aimed at investigating the level of awareness and usage of BIM, factors affecting the adoption, socio-economic benefits of its adoption and barriers and challenges affecting the adoption of BIM in Abuja, Nigeria. 363 structured questionnaires were administered on civil, mechanical & electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and builders in Abuja, out of which 249 valid responses were received and the data obtained was carefully analyzed using descriptive analysis, relative importance index, and mean item score. While 87.95% of the respondents claim that they have heard the BIM concept before, only 19.27% rate their usage and knowledge of BIM as high or very high, this shows that most of the respondents currently do not use BIM in their day-to-day activities. The study shows that BIM education, affordability, ability to gain competitive edge, vision from management and ease of use as some of the most important factors affecting the adoption of BIM in Nigeria. It also highlighted the improvement of visualization & design review, reduction in risk level, improvement of quality, productivity, client satisfaction and project documentation as the most important benefits derivable from the use of BIM. The paper also shows that high cost of training, lack of government support, lack of education, information, investment, ICT infrastructure, power supply and demand from clients as the most important challenges hindering its adoption in Nigeria. The Nigerian construction industry may realize the benefits of BIM in terms of improved project outcomes, increased productivity, and increased efficiency by overcoming these barriers and encouraging a collaborative approach. Key suggestions for enhancing BIM adoption in Nigeria were made in this paper, including but not limited to incorporating BIM into curricula for the built environment, providing professionals with awareness programs and training and establishment of national BIM standards by the government.

THE EFFECT OF MOTIVATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SKILLED WORKERS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The Nigerian construction industry is extremely reliant on skilled workers to carry out complex projects. Motivating these workers is crucial for enhancing their productivity and achieving project success. This paper explores the effect of motivation on the productivity of skilled workers in the construction industry. The research methodology involves a review of existing literature on the subject, as well as a survey of professionals and skilled workers in the construction industry. One Hundred and fifty-six (156) copies of structured research questionnaires were administered to workers in eight (8) construction companies in Awka the Anambra state capital and staff in the School of Environmental design and Technology of the Federal Polytechnic Oko comprising Architecture, Building, Estate Management, Quantity Surveying, Surveying & Geoinformatics together with Urban & Regional Planning Departments. Out of the 156 copies distributed, 114 copies representing 73% of the questionnaires were duly completed and returned by the respondents. The data collected were analysed using inferential statistics. The result showed a high degree of correlation between motivation and the productivity levels of skilled operatives in the construction industry. The research also revealed the perception of construction industry employees on motivation and motivational techniques in the construction industry to be reasonably acceptable. Overall, the findings of this paper suggest that motivation is a crucial factor in enhancing the productivity of skilled workers in the construction industry. Financial incentives, recognition, job security, training and development, and job satisfaction are among the most important motivators that can be used to enhance worker productivity. The paper concludes by recommending strategies that construction firms can implement to motivate their skilled workers and improve productivity, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes. It is recommended that the welfare of workers and the identification of what motivates workers will go a long way in maintaining healthy relationship in the industry.

A Review of Building Information Modelling Adoption and Barriers to Quantity Surveying Practice in New Zealand

A Review of Building Information Modelling Adoption and Barriers to Quantity Surveying Practice in New Zealand

Assessment of quantity surveyor’s perception on risk management practice in construction projects in Ebonyi state

The roles of Quantity Surveyors, who are the construction economists is to support cost effectiveness of construction projects planning through the pre-construction stage to post construction stage of projects. Despite being recognized as a professional discipline, Quantity Surveyors are not immune to the threats and risks in their operating environment. Consequence of which when poorly managed may be detrimental to Quantity Surveying practice and overall performance of construction project. Therefore, the study assesses the risk management techniques of the Quantity Surveyors in construction projects with a view of enhancing a better performance in project delivery. The construction industry is subject to more risk than any other industry. Risk management has become an integral process in managing construction projects. To complete most construction project on time, minimizing cost and wastages proper risk management techniques must be employed. Some authors of journals, conferences, text written by professional were consulted and datas were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaires administered to forty six (46) respondents. The data generated were further analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies and mean index score (MIS). The research findings identified that most Quantity Surveyors understand and practice risks management in construction industry while very few practice it unknowingly (i.e they do not really understand it) financial, design and physical risk were discovered as some of the most sources of risk in construction projects. Also risk reduction is most popular among the professional Quantity Surveyors as methods and tools for managing and mitigating risks respectively in construction projects. The study concludes that the most sources of risk in construction project delivery often experienced by the Quantity surveyors are financial and design risks. The recommendations suggest that the client should consult competent and qualified professional Quantity Surveyors from the early stage through the completion stage of a construction project. The professional Quantity Surveyors should continue to acquire new skills through training and retraining to meet the changing nature of construction environment.