Inaccurate cost estimation of painting works often leaves a client dissatisfied and mars the professional expertise of the quantity surveyor. This is because either excess quantity of paint is left behind after completion of the work or the paints purchased and budget allotted for the project is unable to finish the work. To this end, this study developed algorithmic equations for estimating the cost (material and labour) of painting works using the common types of paints in Anambra and Enugu state of south-east Nigeria and also validated them using current market rates. This was achieved via identifying the types and peculiar features of the common paints used in the study area, determination of the average quantity of paint needed per square meter (to assess the material constant for the  paints identified) and assessing the labour constant for the paints identified. Dulux, Homepride, Intercolour, Sharon (Vineyard) and Fine coat were among the common paint brands identified through market survey, interviews with the paint manufacturers, suppliers, painters and construction professionals and physical observation. Dulux was adjudged the most durable. Though quite expensive, it allows for creativity and flexibility and has an aesthetically pleasing outlook. The materials and labour constants were generated by physical observation, via a work study. The algorithmic equations developed are as follows: Up = Mc+ Lc; Mc = YAm x Cp; Lc = Y x Lp (thus: Up = YAm x Cp + YLp), where: Up = painting cost, Mc = Material cost, Lc = Labour cost, Y = Area of building to be painted, Am = Average quantity of the material per square meter (material constant), Cp = Cost of material per meter square, Lp = Cost of labour per square meter (labour constant). Validation of the model using current market rates of the last quarter of 2019 in the study area indicates that painting a wall of total area= 115.29 m2 using Sharon texcote paint for instance will cost N64,500. These equations not only have time saving potentials, they are also reliable when used for costing painting works involving the brand of paints surveyed. However, their efficacy relies heavily on accurate measurement of area of walls to be painted. These models are recommended for use by practicing quantity surveyors to generate feasibility cost estimates for painting works and shorten pre-contract time for both private and public clients.

Purpose The Nigerian construction industry is bedeviled with poor project performance and outcomes which value management (VM) could address if applied. The application of VM on Nigerian construction projects is very minimal due to certain obstacles, namely, lack of VM experts, paucity of knowledge on the techniques, etc., which inhibits the adoption into the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework of the adoption of VM on construction projects in a typical developing economy. Design/methodology/approach This study engaged 15 selected VM experts in two rounds of Delphi survey to develop a conceptual framework of VM adoption. The method of data analysis includes mean score, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, chi-square (χ2) test, interrater agreement analysis and significant level analysis. The developed conceptual framework was sent to a team of local and international VM experts for validation. Findings This study reveals that the adoption of VM requires the collective effort of relevant stakeholders in the construction industry. The framework developed presents individual and collective activities to be undertaken by the stakeholders. The activities include training, legislation, government-funded research, etc. Thus, the adoption of innovative management methodology like VM requires the collaboration of academics, construction professional bodies and government parastatals. This will assist in the judicious use of limited construction resources and boost the relevance of the Nigerian construction industry among developing nations and in the global construction market. Originality/value This study used the opinions of few construction professionals that can be regarded as VM experts in Nigeria, as against engaging a pool of construction professionals who may not be knowledgeable in VM process. Engaging the few VM experts in the Nigerian construction industry is important to have a valid basis for drawing conclusion, as large questionnaire survey could be possibly filled by inexperienced or unqualified respondents if stringent criteria are not considered at the outset of this study.

Purpose As the challenges confronting a system are better addressed when known and understood, this paper aims to report the findings of a study that investigated the factors confronting professional quantity surveying using Nigeria as a case. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed and pre-tested as the instrument for collecting data. A total of 64 quantity surveyors practicing in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu completed the questionnaire out of a non-probabilistic sample of 100. Severity Index and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used in data analysis. Findings The outcome revealed that the top five factors perceived to be confronting the profession include poor marketing of the profession, opposition from engineers, the dominance of multinational companies that do not have quantity surveying as a distinct profession in their country of origin, widespread corruption in Nigeria and professional incompetence of some quantity surveyors. Furthermore, the two categories of respondents – professional quantity surveyors and probationers – agree in their ranking of the factors confronting the profession. The ranking of the 17 factors between the two categories of respondents was tested using Spearman’s rho. The result showed that the difference in perception of professional members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the probationers with regard to factors confronting the quantity surveying profession is not significant at p < 0.01. These findings are then discussed in the light of previous works, and implications for both academics and professionals within the quantity surveying profession were highlighted. Originality/value This study has highlighted the key issues to consider as stakeholders attempt to advance the course of quantity surveying and construction cost management profession.

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