Factors confronting quantity surveying practice: the case of Nigeria

Abstract

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.

Mitigating Strategies of Threats to Quantity Surveying Profession in The Nigerian Construction Industry

“…Frei and Mbachu (2009) also stated that for QS to remain relevant in this world of continual change, urgent and far-reaching strategic transformation is required. Ogunsina et al (2018) listed numerous challenges confronting the Nigerian QS profession. Without scanning and discerning future directions and actively preparing for any impending changes, the QS profession stands at risk of receiving changes as threats rather than opportunities (Porth, 2003;Mbachu and Nkado, 2006).…”

“…Frei (2010) and Kadiri and Ayodele (2013) reported that the QS profession had been confronted with many challenges recently. Wao (2005) also stated that the profession had faced numerous challenges in its development compared to when it first came into existence Ogunsina et al (2018) assessed the factors confronting the practice of QS profession in Nigeria. Olatunji et al (2010) also revealed the fear of QS profession extinction in the face of technology.…”

Quadrant and gap analysis of required and exhibited quantity surveyors’ competencies

“…It is therefore crucial to ensure that performance quality is accurately measured and assessed. One way of updating a profession’s knowledge base is to ensure that the constituent skills, abilities and value of the profession are subjected to constant and continuous evaluation to critically highlight the important competencies (Dada and Jagboro, 2012; Wao, 2016; Ogunsina et al , 2018). In view of this, this study evaluates the currently exhibited and required competencies of quantity surveyors with a view to enhancing their quality of services, remaining in business and continuing to compete effectively and adequately.…”

Evaluating quantity surveying firms’ performance

“…QSFs can be likened to commercial organisations whose aim is to satisfy their customer through the delivery of quality services and thereby maximise profit. However, the recent study by Ogunsina et al (2018) gave the reminiscent of the prominent view and observation that QS profession is the least popular (Ajanlekoko, 2004) and the least valued and recognised within the Nigerian construction industry.…”