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Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW 1 Literature Review Name Institution LITERATURE REVIEW 2 Literature Review Environmentalists and other stakeholders consider the global construction industry as one of the sources of the practices that can contribute to the reduction of the factors that create climate changes. The aim of the present study is the examination of the purpose and importance of quantity surveying the construction industry and the methods that are used by the quantity surveyor ensure the control of cost without compromising the value delivered to the organization. Also, the rationale for the performance of the detailed review of the literature is the need for the determination of the areas of construction that the quantity surveyor can utilize to accomplish the objective of delivering environmentally sustainable projects. Mbachu (2015) wrote that quantity surveying is an integral component of construction work because the professional is involved in pre-construction, design, tendering, construction, and post-construction phases of capital projects. He further adds that the quantity surveyor is required for guaranteeing that the assets of the construction company are utilized in ways that the result in the optimization of their impacts on the project. However, Reddy (2015) wrote that the most significant role that is played by quantity surveying in the design and development of construction works including buildings and infrastructures is the detailed examination of the design and engineering plans to differentiate the various expenditures and set the measures for the implementation of every task in the project. While the various professions in the industry have different roles to play to accomplish this sustainable development objective, the literature contains information on the approaches that quantity surveyors can utilize to achieve to ensure that the value from the industry is geared towards this goal. Therefore, quantity surveying is critical in the identification of the viability of the construction work and the appraisal of the LITERATURE REVIEW 3 tenders for the supply of material and procurement of services such as insurance and compliance with legal requirements. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor that are documented in the historical perspectives of the construction industry revealed that the cost control function is the primary and most important one. According to Smith (2016), the quantity surveyor is required by the individual and institutional clients to guarantee that the construction work would be completed within budget and times, as well as the delivery of its values and contribution to the capacity of the owner to meet its management needs. He further noted that that the professional standards of quantity surveying mandate the quantity surveyor to management the cost-related premiums of the construction company through the use of the financial projections and estimations. Reddy (2015) corroborated this position on the cost control responsibility of the quantity surveyor by stating that the essence of both the traditional and technology-driven services of the professional is geared towards not just the successful completion of the project but the prevention of the liabilities that would arise due to late or nonpayment of services. Moreover, the quantity surveyor is expected to apply his or her knowledge of all the aspects of the construction to provide insights into the financial implications of the project. In spite of the importance of the role of quantity surveying in the efficiency of construction work and provision of systems and processes to ensure that the design and implementation of the plan are aligned with cost objective, the profession is vital for environmental management. According to Hashim and Denan (2015), the expanded role of the quantity surveyor in the construction industry is the identification of new models and techniques for the designers, planners, architects, and construction engineers. They argued that the essential LITERATURE REVIEW 4 areas of construction work that the quantity surveyor is expected to demonstrate his or her expertise for the construction of sustainable structures and development projects are life-cycle costing, the financial resources for utilizing environmentally-friendly materials, and value engineering. In the opinion of Donnelly (2012), quantity surveyors ensure the delivery of green buildings by not limiting their roles to estimation only but to other components such as the comparative analysis of the different building materials that are required for reducing the consumption of critical natural resources such as water and energy. Also, the review showed that quantity surveyors are interested in the elements of the construction project that is required for ensuring the sustainable consumption of natural resources. As a conclusion, the evidence from the literature showed that the importance and purpose of quantity work are derivable from the role of the occupation in the determination of the appropriateness and design and development plan to the needs of the client. However, the implication of the current study and review of the literature is the need for future researchers to overcome the limitations of the present study. In this regard, the author of this paper recommends the need for extensive investigations into the technology-driven models that quantity surveyors can utilize in the performance of their duties. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 References Donnelly, G. J. (2012). Fundamentals of land ownership, land boundaries, and surveying. Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying & Mapping. Hashim, H. H., & Denan, Z. (2015). Importance of Preserving the Natural Environment in the Design Schools in Malaysia. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 170, 177-186. Mbachu, J. (2015). Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review. Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25. Reddy, Y. B. (2015). The Changing Face of Quantity Surveying Practices in Construction Industry. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4156.8724 Smith, P. (2016). Global professional standards for project cost management. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 226, 124-131. Level 5 WAC Literature Review Assignment Name: _______________________________ Grid of common points (you can enlarge the boxes to accommodate your summaries) Use the sample grid in the article on Moodle/Week 9: Literature reviews: synthesising different sources as guide on how to complete your own grid. Ensure you include this grid in your planning documents when you hand in the assignment in week 13. Research question: ___ ___________________________ Writer’s Name(s) Mbachu (2015) Smith (2016), Question 1 (body para 1) What is the importance and purpose of quantity surveying in construction work? Quantity surveying is an integral component of construction work because the professional is involved in pre-construction, design, tendering, construction, and post-construction phases of capital projects. It is the discipline that is needed to guarantee that the assets of the construction are properly used. Question 2 (body para 2) How can the quantity surveyor help a company save costs? The quantity surveyor is required by the individual and institutional clients to guarantee that the construction work would be completed within budget and times, as well as the delivery of its values and contribution to the capacity of the owner to meet its management needs Question 3 (body para 3) which areas can the surveyor make it more environmentally friendly? Reddy (2015) Hashim and Denan (2015), Donnelly (2012), The cost control responsibility of the quantity surveyor is geared towards not just the successful completion of the project but the prevention of the liabilities that would arise due to late or nonpayment of services. The expanded role of the quantity surveyor in the construction industry is the identification of new models and techniques for the designers, planners, architects, and construction engineers. Quantity surveyors are required for other components such as the comparative analysis of the different building materials that are required for reducing the consumption of critical natural resources such as water and energy. See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284163709 The Changing Face of Quantity Surveying Practices in Construction Industry Technical Report · November 2015 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4156.8724 CITATIONS READS 3 5,767 1 author: Yeshwanth Babu Reddy Deakin University 7 PUBLICATIONS 3 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: The Barriers to Implementation of BIM in Developing Countries View project All content following this page was uploaded by Yeshwanth Babu Reddy on 19 November 2015. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. The Changing Face of Quantity Surveying Practices in Construction Industry YESHWANTH BABU REDDY School of Architecture and Building Deakin University Table of Contents: 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 2 1.3 What is Quantity Surveying..? ............................................................................................................ 2 1.4 Who is called a Quantity Surveyor..? ............................................................................................... 2 2.1 Services offered by a Quantity Surveyor ......................................................................................... 3  Traditional Quantity Surveyor Services ........................................................................................... 3  Modern Quantity Surveyor Services ................................................................................................. 3 3.1 Roles of a Quantity Surveyor (QS) .................................................................................................... 4 4.1 Quantity Surveying in Construction Phases .................................................................................. 5 4.1.1 Pre- Construction Phase .............................................................................................................. 5 4.1.2 Design Phase................................................................................................................................... 5 4.1.3 Tendering Phase............................................................................................................................. 5 4.1.4 Tender Selection & Appraisal ..................................................................................................... 5 4.1.5 Construction Phase ....................................................................................................................... 5 4.1.6 Post Construction Phase ............................................................................................................. 5 5.1 The changing face of Construction Industry .................................................................................. 6 6.1 Modern Quantity Surveying- Adding values to Projects ............................................................. 6 6.1.1 Prior Engagement of QS services by Clients ......................................................................... 6 6.1.2 Introduction of Information Technology (IT) in Design Aspects ....................................... 6 6.1.3 Transformation of Measurements from Manual to Computer Aided Design ................. 6 6.1.4 Transparency in preparation of BOQ ........................................................................................ 6 6.1.5 Provision & Accessibility to Wide Range of Procurement Services ................................ 7 6.1.6 Value Management......................................................................................................................... 7 6.1.7 Cost Management & Controlling Concepts ............................................................................. 7 6.1.8 Conception of Innovative developmental Approaches ........................................................ 7 7.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 8 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 Page | 1 1.1 Background: "Quantity surveying" can be dated back to the antiquated Egyptian civilization where they utilized dedicated personnel for the completion of estimations and costing for their great and magnificent structures. It formed into an occupation amid the 17th century restoration of London after the Great Fire. In 1836it emerged as a new age profession when the new Houses of Parliament of Great Britain, designed by Sir Charles Barry, turned into the first public contract to be completely measured and tendered utilizing Bills of Quantities (BoQ’s) of amounts for money related responsibility.(RICS, 2005) 1.2 Introduction: The world is evolving quickly day by day. So are the requests and demands on the professions, and thus the roles of professional experts. All divisions in an organization with context to the economy are under expanding pressure to offer wide range of services that are innovative, value added and also to come up with solutions on how to survive and face the rapid changes and increasing competition in the world market. In short over the last few decades, the quantity surveying profession has experienced various transitions. The appearance of data innovation and the potential it offered, combined with the downturn in development movement in the UK and various different nations amid the mid-1980s and late 1990s. Thus these challenges called for change in the functionality of quantity surveying profession. Harun and Torrance (2006) proposes that quantity surveyors ought not to contain themselves inside the traditional limits of cost administration; they require developing new specialties, developing new information and break into new zones with a specific end goal to upgrade their competitiveness. 1.3 What is Quantity Surveying..? It can be characterized as, a profession which guarantees that the assets of the construction business are used to the best point of interest of society, by suggesting the most economical monetary administration for undertakings and an expense consultancy service to client, builder and planner amid the entire construction process. 1.4 Who is called a Quantity Surveyor..? The Quantity Surveyor (QS), otherwise called a Construction Economist or Cost Manager, is one among a group of expert counsellors to the construction industry. As consultants they gauge and screen construction costs, from the practicality/feasibility phase of a venture through the completion of the development period. After development they may be included with tax deterioration plans, swap cost estimation for protection purposes and, if essential, arbitration and mediation.(AIQS, 2015) Page | 2 2.1 Services offered by a Quantity Surveyor:  Traditional Quantity Surveyor Services: The principal services that are offered by any quantity surveyor or a Quantity Surveying firm across the globe are as follows: Preliminary Cost Advice Cost Planning Feasibility Estimates Advice on Selection of Consultants & Contractors Preparing of Tender Documents Advicing on Contractual Methods Evaluation of Construction Work Project Management Services Periodic Financial Reporting Tax Deduction Services Technical Auditing Feasibility Estimates  Modern Quantity Surveyor Services: The modern services that are being offered in the recent past by few of the quantity surveyors or the Quantity Surveying firm across the globe are as follows: Asset Advisory Risk Mitigation & Due Diligence Facilities Consultancy Litigation Support Building Surveying Property Taxation Page | 3 3.1 Roles of a Quantity Surveyor (QS): A qualified Quantity Surveyor has numerous options to gain employment, and involve in wide range of activities. Usually they are employed by Quantity surveying firms, construction companies, Property developers etc…  The quantity surveyors working for Consultant firms are held by the project clients to guarantee that whatever is being constructed is the thing that the client needs or could manage.  The principal duty of the quantity surveyor working for a Contractor is to take care of the money related premiums of the contractor. He will be responsible for computing and recording of monetary/financial estimations of the works that are done and guarantees that the contractor is paid appropriately and on time. The key functions of a Quantity Surveyor is as shown in the table below: Table 1: Functions of a Quantity Surveyor Page | 4 4.1 Quantity Surveying in Construction Phases: The QS is involved in almost all of the construction phases with a vivid and wide role to play in each of the phase. The following discusses the duties and responsibilities of QS in each of these stages as follows; 4.1.1 Pre- Construction Phase: The QS examines the 'designers' and 'engineers' plans, distinguishes the expenses involved, and then sets a general assessed budget plan for each task in the project. 4.1.2 Design Phase: In this phase the QS involves with the design team and suggests practical solutions so that the project turns out to be economical within the allotted budget of the project, which in short is called as Value Engineering. 4.1.3 Tendering Phase: In this phase the QS advises on tendering and contractual plans considering the client's needs and other data accessible from the designers. He also advises on the insurances and liabilities with the client's insurance advisers. The detailed and final tender estimate is prepared by the QS, together with the project architect. 4.1.4 Tender Selection & Appraisal: At this stage the QS advises on short listing of tenders and look into the financial standing and experience of the tenderer. He also advices on errors and negotiates on offers. The final review of financial budget and recommends the best tender. 4.1.5 Construction Phase: Amid the construction phase the QS will, get ready with suggestions for payments to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers as per the agreement prerequisites. Also he evaluate expense impacts when there are changes happening in the project, i.e. like delays and variations with contractors and agencies. He also involves in resolving disputes between clients, designers, contractors, subcontractors and others related with the project. 4.1.6 Post Construction Phase: The QS prepares the statements for final accounts, which records the genuine expenses occurred in all areas of the employment in the project. Also the documents required for the technical auditing are made available. Tax deduction policies and laws are considered and applied wherever needed. Thus these are the various duties and responsibilities of a QS in each of the stages. Page | 5 5.1 The changing face of Construction Industry: The rapidly changing scene of the construction industry additionally demands that present specialists and in addition future experts ought to be proactive to drive change rather than only adapting to improvements. Also Quantity surveying profession is experiencing a period of fast change. There was a time when the profession was thought to be confronting extinction, but now it has revitalized, and confronts an appeal for the services that are provided for the construction activities all across the globe. There is a new optimism about the future of quantity surveying as a profession and quantity surveyors are now seen as important players in the construction industry (Smith, 2004). 6.1 Modern Quantity Surveying- Adding values to Projects: The changes involved in the modern quantity surveying practices have and are resulting in adding great values to construction projects across different industries. The primary changes involved are as discussed below; 6.1.1 Prior Engagement of QS services by Clients: Currently in construction industry every stakeholder has a multirole to be played considering his/her profession, i.e. these days, clients are mastering with the tasks involved in the construction work. The client needs to appoint the QS as early as possible in the project, preferably prior to the construction phase, in order to get the most out of a quantity surveyor. Therefore QS plays a vital role in meeting up clients, before lodging tenders, keeping in mind the end goal is to meet the client's requirements. 6.1.2 Introduction of Information Technology (IT) in Design Aspects: Involving IT concepts into the aspects of design, and the potential it offers has changed the way of stakeholders in performing their errand. At the same time it also has resulted in increase of quality and quantity of work. 6.1.3 Transformation of Measurements from Manual to Computer Aided Design: Since from the time CAD services were introduced, numerous theories are discussed about the use and impact of CAD services in QS profession. The beauty of using CAD software generated designs is that instantly the Bills of Quantity (BOQ) are generated. Since then it became important for QS in determining and learning of the innovative knowledge of the technology and its advancements of their partners in the industry. The introduction of IT and CAD generated designs are reducing the complexity involved in manual measurements and are yielding more economic results in terms of Quality & Accuracy. 6.1.4 Transparency in preparation of BOQ: A Bill of Quantities (BQ or BOQ) is prepared by QS to give a broad and organized trade list, including a description and quantity, of each of the components or items involved in a Page | 6 construction project. i.e. It is a book containing long list of items involved in the project. In furthermore QS lives up to expectations of clients to create procurement strategies for the conveyance periods of undertakings. the QS has a full working knowledge of all types of contracting including Construction management, Alliancing, Design & construct, Lump sum, GMP and works closely with legal teams to secure the best advantage of clients. 6.1.5 Provision & Accessibility to Wide Range of Procurement Services: The modern times Quantity Surveyors Role has been changing day to day in the ever expanding construction market. The provision of wide range of procurement services available or offered play a vital part in any project. It consists of gigantic information about the general anticipated costs all together that would fulfil the necessity of the project. Thus the QS's are expanding their services i.e. services such as standard type of agreement and consultancy services, and database management services for, data, documentation, dispute resolution and other services. 6.1.6 Value Management: It is a known fact that QS is perceived to keep up and monitor the project costs amid and post construction. The entire measure of project is managed by QS to keep up adaptability in cash flow and progress the development work till its completion within estimated cost. This methodology is one of the powerful methods for amplifying value of a venture. Value management procedure proves advantageous in most of the undertakings at all phases of development, however is especially powerful when induced in the early stages of project. By embracing an orderly way to deal with project audit, through a progression of workshops and controlled interaction between primary stakeholders, specialists and information providers, the advantages obtained through the value management can be huge. 6.1.7 Cost Management & Controlling Concepts: To be beneficial, organizations should acquire incomes, as well as control expenses. On the off chance that expenses are too high, net revenues will be too low, making it troublesome for an organization to succeed against its rivals. To accomplish this the QS gives adaptable, creative and exceptionally proficient advice at all times throughout the development phase, and adds success through proactive, realistic and operational expenditure forecasting amid and at master planning phase of project. Then after the cost management is engaged through the outline/design development stage on completing the project within assessed budget, giving ideal worth to cash and performance. 6.1.8 Conception of Innovative developmental Approaches: As per a survey conducted by Building research innovation technology and environment, on innovation and technological aspects of a QS in construction industry, it highlights that the critical aspect of review is to recognize about Quantity surveyor's tendency in innovative data collection, innovative management and monitoring skills. Thus a Qs's innovative ideas and skills play a crucial role in the outcomes of any project. Page | 7 7.1 Conclusion: Every industry comprises of stakeholders functioning as per a scheduled structure of course of actions. A Quantity surveyor is one such stakeholder in the construction industry who cannot function or carry out tasks as per a scheduled structure. The exact role of a QS cannot be defined in a confined way because, of day to day changing requirements in the construction industry. In order to satisfy the overall changes involving in a project, the QS seeks to play a vital role by involving in multi-disciplinary roles. Hence in short the new definition for Quantity surveyor can be formulated as an auditor, facilitator, leader, manager, Innovative and dynamic individual of the development process involved in a project, and the Quantity Surveying profession as multi- disciplinary practice, functioning to arrive at the best economic output for a project. Quantity Surveying Professionals have the potential to emerge as knowledge leaders in the construction industry by adding great values and economic outputs for the construction projects. Page | 8 References:  Ashworth, A. and Heath, B.C. 1983, Butterworth’s.  Miller, m. h. (2000). Quantity surveyor role in innovation generation.  George Ofori and Shamas-ur-Rehman Toor (Department of Building, National University of Singapore, Singapore)  Peter Smith, 1995 – 2003 , Trends in the Australian Quantity Surveying Profession  Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2014.  New aspects of quantity surveying practice / Duncan Cartlidge, London : Spon, c2011  http://www.rics.org/au/  http://www.ciob.org/  https://www.aiqs.com.au/  http://www.ukessays.com/essays/construction/role-of-the-quantity-surveyor-construction  http://meconstructionnews.com/story/4593/quantifying-the-success-of-the-qs  http://www.nziqs.co.nz/What-is-a-QS  http://www.streetwisesubbie.com/quantity-surveying  https://sourceable.net/the-changing-face-of-quantity-surveying/ Advanced Quantity Surveying, London: Page | 9 View publication stats See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306235887 Quantity surveyor's role in the delivery of construction projects: A review Technical Report · September 2015 CITATIONS READS 0 7,261 1 author: Jasper Mbachu Bond University 29 PUBLICATIONS 409 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Article from Dr Mbachu's PhD thesis View project All content following this page was uploaded by Jasper Mbachu on 17 August 2016. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. National Research Committee Quantity surveyor’s role in the delivery of construction projects: A review Dr Jasper Mbachu School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Massey University Email: J.I.Mbachu@massey.ac.nz EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Based on previous studies and publicly available information, this desktop survey aimed to provide part answers to the research questions for an overarching study which looks at how stakeholders value the services of QSs in the project delivery process, their strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. NZIQS Conditions of Engagement and wider literature provide insights into the traditional role of the QS in the pre-contract and post-contract stages of project development, as well as wider specialist services. Insights gained from the literature have revealed about 25 areas of strengths of the QS profession, 25 areas of weaknesses, 14 potential opportunities and 22 threats in the external business landscape. The strengths ranged from negotiation skills, through estimating and pricing to having good industry knowledge and networking skills and a well-organised mentoring scheme for trainees. The weaknesses ranged from a lack of business and managerial skills through poor attitude towards CPD, to inaccuracies/ inconsistencies in cost estimates and inability to properly plan for and control construction expenditure to minimise the prevailing cost overruns in the industry. Further improvements needed in the QS services to enhance their value delivery and long-term viability included engaging in lifelong learning, having a diversified portfolio of services, engaging in joint ventures, and partnering with foreign firms to explore foreign markets. Using the desktop survey findings as starting point, the next stage empirical study will explore NZspecific perspectives on the issues. Views of the NZIQS members will be compared with those of other key industry stakeholders. The findings will be reported in the final report for the overarching study. 1 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 1 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3 2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS & OBJECTIVES ................................................................................ 3 4. RESEARCH METHOD.................................................................................................................. 4 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ................................................................................................... 4 Quantity surveyors‟ services in the project development process .......................................... 4 5.1. 5.1.1 QS obligations in relation to express and implied contractual service ...................................... 7 5.1.2 QS service obligations in relation to professional ethics ......................................................... 10 5.1.3 Scope of QS services: Implications for research ...................................................................... 11 5.1.4 Differentiating between the services of consultant and contractor QSs ................................ 11 5.2. QSs‟ strengths and weaknesses ............................................................................................. 12 5.3. Areas for improvement in the QS services ........................................................................... 16 CONCLUSIONS AND FURTHER ACTION ............................................................................................. 18 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 19 2 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee 1. INTRODUCTION There is a general understanding that one of the key responsibilities of a QS at the construction phase of a project is to help keep costs on track (NZIQS, 2014). There is also a general understanding that majority of construction projects are over-budget at completion (Mbachu and Frei, 2010). Even though QSs are not to blame in majority of the cases, the prevalence of cost overruns may have spurred doubts as to the real difference a QS can make in terms of value-addition in project delivery. Few studies have looked into this issue; there is a lack of evidence-based research upon which clients and other stakeholders could depend on to assess the real value of engaging or employing a QS in a project. There is increasing demand for QSs in New Zealand and overseas. For instance, the NZ Immigration Service (NZIS, 2015) puts Quantity Surveying high on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. High demand for QSs is evidence that construction clients appreciate the value they add in their capacity as financial and contractual managers of construction projects. What is lacking is an evidence-based knowledge of the extent of the value and difference they could make in a project. It is therefore apt to investigate stakeholders‟ perceptions of the value of QSs‟ services. For a holistic view on the issues, strengths and weaknesses of the QS profession, and areas for improvement are also included in the investigations. 2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS & OBJECTIVES The drive for the overarching research is to provide evidence-based responses to the following questions: 1. What are the various areas of the quantity surveyors‟ services in the project development process, which are most recurring and what level of importance do stakeholders attach to each of these service areas? 2. How do stakeholders rate QSs‟ performance of the identified service areas? 3. On the basis of the importance-performance ratings, how are the identified QSs‟ service areas positioned on a 3x3 Importance-Performance matrix map? 4. In general, what do stakeholders perceive as the key strengths and weaknesses of quantity surveyors? 5. What improvements are needed in the QSs‟ services to enhance their value delivery in the project development process? The key objective of the desktop study is to explore the extent to which the above research questions have been resolved in part or in whole by previous studies. The desktop survey findings will therefore provide a starting point for the second stage empirical study. The latter will focus on New Zealand specific perspectives on the issues and how they compare with the findings from the desktop survey. . 3. WHAT IS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR? 3 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS, 2014) defines Quantity Surveyors (QSs) as the construction cost professionals who measure and estimate the cost of resources for construction projects, and whose role, among others, is to keep projects on budget. This definition can only be seen as the primary role of the QS since the 21st Century QS has evolved to take on wider responsibilities in all stages of the building life cycle from project conception, through design and consenting to procurement, construction and commissioning of the finished building, and to the retrofitting or upgrade of the building in the use phase. The role of the quantity surveyor has therefore widened beyond measuring and estimating of the quantities and costs of the building project to include emerging roles such as project management, contract administration, dispute resolution, and insurance valuation. For instance, O‟Brien et al. (2014) observed that QS role includes overseeing the financial and contractual administration of construction projects. Currently, QSs offer wider roles such as loss adjustment, auditing, dispute resolution and expert witnessing (Ashworth, 2011), project management and value management (Baloyi & Price, 2003; Elhag et al., 2005). These wider roles bring to question whether or not it is still needful to maintain the designation of „quantity surveying‟ since it limits the capabilities of modern day QS. Perhaps, this may have informed the various descriptors currently associated with this role such as building economist, construction economists, cost manager, commercial manager, and construction cost engineer. Arguably, some of these descriptors are meant to indicate specialist areas for the QS rather than attempting to capture holistic role of the modern day QS. In this study, QS role is considered from the perspective of being a client representative as a cost consultant, and a main contractor‟s or specialist trade contractor‟s representative as a commercial or cost manager. 4. RESEARCH METHOD As the title implies, this desktop survey relies on publicly available information or secondary data sources for building up evidence in responding to the research questions. The structured approach adopted for this purpose is modelled in Figure 1. First, local (NZ) secondary data sources are consulted. Wider evidence from overseas sources is also surveyed in order to gain a holistic or comparative perspective on the issues. Content and thematic analysis (Cooper and Emory, 2006) is used to explore the recurring themes, which are subsequently aggregated as answers to the research questions. 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Quantity surveyors’ services in the project development process 5.1. A review of extant literature reveals that there are clear expectations of the unique role of the quantity surveyor in the procurement process. Ashworth (2011) observed that the key functions of the quantity surveyor (QS) in the construction project delivery process could be subsumed into two staged categories as follows: Pre-contract role of the QS This comprises preliminary cost and procurement advice as follows: 4 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee 1) Preliminary cost advice: As a cost adviser to the building owner, the QS‟ role includes forecasting the initial and life-cycle costs of the project and evaluating the evolving design on the basis of this cost advice. 2) Procurement advice: Within this role, the QS prepares much of the tendering documents to be used by contractors in competitive tendering, managing and adjudicating the tenders and ultimately advising on award. Post-contract role of the QS Post contract role of the QS focuses mainly on contractual administration and financial management/ cost control and reporting as follows. 1) Project cost accounting: In an accounting role during the construction period, the QS prepares and reports on interim payments and financial progress and also prepares and controls the financial expenditure for the project. 2) Work progress payments and claim management 3) Preparation of loss adjustment 4) Cost audit. From a related perspective, the Joint Contract Tribunal (JCT) standard form of contract lists the following duties of the QS: Pre-contract role of the QS - Initial cost advice Approximate estimating Cost planning, value engineering, life cycle costing Bills of quantities, tender documentation Specification writing (where bills are not required) Procurement Tender evaluation. Post-contract role of the QS - Valuation of interim certificates Preparation of final accounts Remeasurement of the whole or part of the works Measuring and valuing variations Daywork accounts Adjustment to prime cost sums Increased cost assessment Evaluation of contractual claims Cost analysis. 5 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee O‟Brien et al. (2014) add the following as part of QS role at the post-construction stage: - Retentions release. Cost analysis/ cost modelling. Liquidated & ascertained damages. NZIQS Conditions of Engagement Without any intention to belittle the QS services provided in the wider literature, this study will focus on the scope of QS services in New Zealand as provided in the NZIQS Conditions of Engagement. Section C2 of the NZIQS Conditions of Engagement spells out service obligations of the QS to the construction project client. Though the scope of services outlined in the document is meant for consultant QS, the information is also applicable to a QS working for a contracting company which has active involvement in the design, procurement and construction phases of the project development such as design and build contractor. The contractor QS role may be limited to the procurement, construction and post-construction stages of the project development process, with focus on the contractor‟s financial and contractual interests in the project. The scope of QS service obligations as modelled in Figure 1 comprises two value streams: The first is service obligation as expressed or implied in the terms and conditions of the „contract for service‟ (involving the consultant QS) or „contract of service‟ (involving the contractor QS). The second is service obligations in relation to professional ethics. The two value streams form the basis for benchmarking the quality of service performance by the consultant or contractor QS in the project delivery process. Poor service performance in relation to the first set of service obligations could be ground for professional negligence litigation if there is sufficient evidence of breach of the express or implied terms of the contract for service/ conditions of engagement. Poor service performance in relation to the second set of service obligations if proven to be in violation of the Membership Rules could be ground for disciplinary action by the professional council vested with the authority to self-regulate QS practice. Further details about the two streams of service obligations as gleaned from public sources are discussed in the following subsections. 6 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Quantity Surveyor’s service obligations in the project development process Express and implied *contractual service obligations Duty of care to client/ employer: Use of reasonable skill, care and diligence of a competent professional in service provision: a) Pre-contract QS role. b) Post-contract QS role c) Other services. Value stream 1 Ethical obligations: Independent judgment in relation to third parties Act independently and with professional skills and judgement in accordance with the terms of contract between third party and client. Conflict of interest: Declare any conflict of interest; ensure that decisions, advice and opinions are evidence-based and free of bias. Value stream 2 *Contractual service: ‘Contract for service’ or ‘conditions of engagement’ (for consultant QS); ‘contract of service’/ employment contract (for contractor QS) Figure 1: QS's service obligations in the project development process 5.1.1 QS obligations in relation to express and implied contractual service Scope of QS service obligations is provided by the express and implied terms of the contractual service agreement. These are mainly duty of care to the client or the employer. The duty of care obligation requires that, in providing the commissioned services, the QS will use reasonable skill, care and diligence normally expected of a competent professional (NZIQS, 2013). The duties and other service obligations of a QS working as an employee of a firm are spelt out in the employment agreement. For the purpose of this study, emphasis will be placed on the scope of the core QS services as outlined in the NZIQS Conditions of Engagement. Scope of consultant QS services – NZIQS Conditions of Engagement Section E of the Conditions of Engagement for the QS services (NZIQS, 2013) lists the scope of QS services to a client as comprising duties at the following stages of the project development process: a) Pre-design 7 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee b) c) d) e) f) g) h) Concept design Preliminary design Developed design Detailed design Construction Post-construction Other services. The 7-stage approach adopted in the NZIQS Conditions of Engagement for delineating sequence of project development process closely resembles the 8 stage approach taken in the New Zealand Institute of Architect‟s (NZIA) standard form of agreement (NZIA AAS 2007); the key difference being that the NZIA‟s stage 6 (procurement) is subsumed under the NZIQS stage 5 – Detailed design. Perhaps, the NZIQS stage 5 should be renamed „Detailed Design, Documentation and Tendering‟ to more appropriately portray the key service components embodied at this stage. Typical QS services at each stage are outlined in the following subsections. Pre-design stage services QS pre-design services as commissioned by the client are itemised in Section E1 of the Conditions of Engagement. Examples of the pre-design services are: - pre-design estimate, coordinating consultants‟ appointments and provision of feasibility cost studies. Concept design stage services Scope of QS‟s services during the concept design stage is itemised in Section E2 of the Conditions of Engagement. Examples given in this section include - preliminary budget estimate, giving economic advice, preliminary contract advice and providing update on feasibility cost studies. Preliminary design stage services Section E3 of the Conditions of Engagement itemises QS‟s scope of services during the preliminary design stage. Examples given in this section include: - Cost studies. Elemental estimate / cost plan. Budgetary restraint recommendations. Cost projections and cash flow forecasts. Design modification advice. Budgetary cost checks; and 8 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee - Co-ordination of specialist estimates. Developed design stage services In Section E4 of the Conditions of Engagement, typical QS‟s services at the developed design stage include the following: - Cost studies. Monitoring cost plan. Budgetary cost checks. Value management. Detailed design stage services Section E5 of the Conditions of Engagement outlines the following as typical QS‟s services at the detailed design stage: - Schedules of quantities (NZS 4202 or equivalent). Provisional / remeasured schedules of quantities. Specified schedules of quantities. Trade package schedules of quantities. Final project estimate. Evaluation of tenders / offers. Report on tenders. Checking priced schedules. Construction stage services Typical QS services at the construction stage as outlined in Section E6 of the Conditions of Engagement include the following: - Financial administration of changes. Adjustment of monetary allowances. Progress payment valuations. Financial statements. Cash flow forecasts. Cost to complete. Evaluation of claims. Post-construction stage services 9 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Typical QS services at the post-construction stage as outlined in Section E7 of the Conditions of Engagement include preparation of final accounts. Other services A number of core QS services at the post-construction stage are outlined in the „Other Services‟ category (section E8). Some of the services under this section are repetitions of those listed in preceding sections E1-E7, which indicates that these services are not entirely outside of the QS key competency areas. For instance, a sub-category named „Quantity Surveying‟ (8.1) is listed under „Other Services‟. With the focus of this study being on core QS services, the „Other Services‟ sub-categories which are not primarily core QS duties will not be included in the investigations. This is largely because the QS, while performing these other services assumes a different professional role and so falls outside of the scope of this study. However, components of the „Quantity Surveying‟ subcategory 8.1 which have not been included in the sections E1- E7 will be included in the investigations. These include the following services: - Replacement cost estimate. Cost audit. Tax depreciation schedules. Design / Build evaluation. Insurance valuations. Maintenance schedules / life cycle costs. Dispute resolution services, including serving as Expert Witness, mediator, adjudicator or assisting with litigation or arbitration processes in matters of dispute arising from construction contracts. 5.1.2 QS service obligations in relation to professional ethics As modelled in Figure 1, complying with professional ethics requires a two-fold service obligation from the QS. The first is the duty of independent judgement in dealings with third parties, while the second relates to managing conflicts of interest. The duty of independent judgement obligation provides that where the commissioned services require the QS to certify, decide or use discretion under a contract between the client and a third party, the QS must act independently and with professional skills and judgement according to the terms of contract between the client and the third party. The obligation relating to conflicts of interest requires the QS to ensure that decisions, advice and opinions are evidence-based and free of bias. 10 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee The clauses in the Conditions of Engagement which require the QS to act independently with professional skills and judgment and without bias nullifies any implied fiduciary relationship between the client and the QS, and therefore frees the QS from a duty of loyalty which would have required him or her to act solely in the best interest of the client even at the risk of trading-off fairness to third parties whose interests are in conflict with those of the client. 5.1.3 Scope of QS services: Implications for research The above information on the scope of QS services in New Zealand will be starting point for secondstage empirical investigations to be carried out in this study. Confirmation of the key pre-contract and post-contract services will be made during the pilot interview stage, with prospective interviewees advising on the services they offer at both stages and for specialist/ supplementary roles. As earlier stated, the latter stage roles are not part of the scope of this study. 5.1.4 Differentiating between the services of consultant and contractor QSs A number of authors had differentiated between the services of a consultant and a contractor QS based on the phase of their operation in the project development process. For instance, Ashworth (2011) sees the consultant QS as one that can perform at the pre-contract and post-contract phases, while the contractor QS performs at the post-contract phase. Authors such as Elhag (2005) and Crafford and Smallwood (2007), while limiting the services of the contractor QS to construction phase duties, have extended the role of the consultant QS to the entire building lifecycle, with duties extending beyond the capital development phase into the operation, maintenance, upgrade and disposal phases. However, it is not entirely correct to use a phase-approach in distinguishing between the services of both QS categories. This is because a contractor QS who works for a design-and-build contractor would be expected to perform the full spectrum of pre-contract and post-contract roles. A QS who works for contractor employed to assist with design development of project to be let under the twostaged tendering process will be expected to perform the design stage QS services. So in effect, the key point of distinction is who the QS has a service contract agreement with, and by implication to whom he or she is an agent of – the client or the contractor. The consultant QS‟ services therefore comprise the scope of services commissioned by the client as clearly specified in the Conditions of Engagement and service contract agreement. The contractor QS‟ services will be those outlined in employment contract conditions and agreement entered into with the contractor. In either case, the scope of services could be pitched at any phase of the project development or building lifecycle as dictated by their client or employer. Having said this, it is generally known that consultant QS will perform the full spectrum of pre-contract, contract, post-contract and wider specialist quantity surveying services, while the contractor QS will normally be involved with the contract and postcontract quantity surveying services. Ideally, the consultant QS goes by the title, „cost engineer‟, „construction economist‟, „quantity surveyor‟ or „cost-advisor‟, while the contractor Qs goes by the title „estimator‟, „cost manager‟ or „commercial manager‟. 11 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee QSs’ strengths and weaknesses 5.2. Like any other professionals, QSs have their strengths and weaknesses. This study aims to explore the key strengths and weaknesses of NZIQS members with a view to ascertaining the opportunities they could leverage with their strengths and the threats they should not expose their weaknesses to. A number of studies have investigated strengths and weaknesses of the professions using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis framework. Tables 1-4 1 summarises key outcomes of a review of literature in relation to the subject. Table 1: Strengths of the quantity surveying profession Code Strengths of the QS profession S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 Negotiation skills Communication skills Team working/ interpersonal skills Data management/ record keeping Client relationship management Conflict management/ dispute resolution Attention to details S8 Measurement/ quantification Sources Link to opportunities O4 O4, O4 O1-O10, O14 O1-O10 O4 O3,O5 Nkado and Meyer O3,O5 (2001) Self-confidence, can-do attitude O10 Cost accounting and financial management O3,O5 Construction law and contract management O4 Dada and Jagboro Analytical and problem-solving O10 (2012) Budgeting and cash flow forecasting Leveson (1996) O1-O2 Value management/ construction economics PAQS (2001) O5 Estimating and pricing Leonard (2000) O1-O2 Networking Githaiga (2004) O13 Political skills O4 Good knowledge of construction technology O7 Maintenance management schedule of condition Dada and Jagboro O7 and dilapidation (2012) Lifecycle costing O7,O14 Dada and Jagboro Industry knowledge O4,O13 (2012) Feasibility studies/ development appraisal O1-O2 Design economics and cost planning O1-O2 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 S23 12 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Dynamic and evolving nature of the profession Nkado and Meyer from traditional role of „measure and value‟ to O10 (2011) wider specialist services and managerial roles Voxy (2014); Well organised mentoring scheme for trainees O11-O12 NZIQS (2005) S24 S25 Table 2: Weaknesses of the QS profession Code W1 W2 W3 W4 Link to threats Lack of business and management skills T1,T3 Lack of IT/ computing skills Nkado and Meyer T1,T2,T8 (2001); White and Fortune (2002) Inability to adapt readily to change at individual practitioner Crafford and T1 level Smallwood (2007) Inability to keep up with changing regulations and laws T19,T22 impacting on construction operations and costs. Weaknesses of the QS profession Sources W5 W6 W7 Poor attitude towards continuous professional development AIQS (2004) T1,T8 Lack of broad range of skills/ competencies T7 Lack of skills in civils/ heavy engineering and other Dada and Jagboro T4 infrastructure construction technology (2012) W8 Lack of skills in sustainable construction/ greenbuilding W9 Lack of skills in building services such as electrical & HVAC Lack of skills in automation in construction/ smart building Poor management of conflict of interest, especially in NZ Law relation to assumption of fiduciary duty of loyalty to client Commission, 2002 contrary to professional relationship provided in the Conditions of Engagement Lack of awareness of the profession as a career and the Frei et al. (2013) difference it could make in the construction industry W10 W11 W12 W13 W14 W15 13 Hiew (2007) and Ng T5 T5,T7 T6 T13 T10 Lack of legislative backing for the profession (legislative Frei et al. (2013) T10 backing may speed up the adoption of certification in New Zealand and hence enable NZIQS practitioners and firms to compete with a higher degree of credibility in the local and global markets and hence stem the tide of encroachment into the profession‟s core areas of expertise). Rapidly decline in measuring skills Frei et al. (2013) T9,T13 Little attention to lifelong learning Ashworth and T7 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Hogg (2007) W16 W17 Undiversified portfolio of services Lack of international connections and ability to compete in the global market place T7 T1,T7 W18 W19 Low levels of innovation Low level of advanced project-cost related risk management Githaiga (2004) competency Lack of national practice standards; inconsistencies in cost The Press (2013) advice provided by QSs on the same project. T1,T7 T13 W21 W22 Inaccuracies in cost estimates The Press (2013) Inability of the profession to self-regulate against nonmembers practising without registration and certifications T13 T2 W23 W24 Low levels of education among members Lack of succession plan T2 T14 W20 T18 Table 3: Opportunities for the QS profession Code Opportunities for the QS profession O1 Increasing need for development appraisal/ feasibility studies Sources Githaiga (2004) O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 O7 O8 Clients‟ increasing need for preliminary cost estimate/ cost advice Growing need for taxation planning Increasing need for dispute resolution and adjudication Increasing need for valuation for fire insurance/ fire loss adjustment Growing market for property development Expected Warrant of Fitness regime for New Zealand houses Growing need for prudential management of investment finance at the back of the recent global financial crisis (GFC) O9 O10 Boom in the residential property market Increasing need for core QS skills in emerging markets such as residential valuation, oil and gas and mining. O11 O12 Shortage of QSs; Quantity Surveying high on Long Term Skill Shortage List NZIS (2015) Total value of building and construction activity in New Zealand forecast to reach an MBIE (2015) all-time high of more than $36 billion by 2016; greater clarity and assurance of positive flow of construction work for the six years ending 31 December 2020. O13 Increasing interests in overseas investors in investing in the building and Stuff (2015) construction sector, especially Asian investors 14 RICS (1991) Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee O14 Move to kick-start a New Zealand life cycle inventory (LCI) of publicly accessible, CIC (2012) preferably free, data commonly used in all life cycle cost assessments, similar to the European Commission‟s ELCD. Table 4: Threats of the QS profession Code T1 Threats of the QS profession Ever increasing changes in the business landscape and the complexity of the construction clients‟ demands. Sources T2 Incursion of accountants, lawyers, property valuers and other professions Frei et al. (2013) into traditional QS practice areas T3 Clients‟ preference for one-stop service/ multi-disciplinary approach to Ling et al. service provision (2009) T4 T5 T6 T7 Expected boom in infrastructure spending Growing emphasis on sustainable construction/ greenbuilding Growing investment in smart buildings Increasingly complex and competitive business landscape with blurring Hoxley of professional boundaries. (2007) T8 Rapid advances in ICT and technological innovation such as BIM, cloud computing and web-based collaboration technologies et al. Frei et al. (2013); Thayaparan et al. (2011) Schedule of quantities losing its relevance and value as one of the Mbachu and contract documents due to potential risks of variations Frei (2012) T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 15 Rapid shifts in emphasis from traditional to evolving role of the QS profession Growing perception that that the traditional functions performed by the quantity surveyor can easily be undertaken by any person or a machine capable of performing simple arithmetic calculat ions Small size of New Zealand market and its geographical separation from the global markets Thayaparan et al. (2011) Thayaparan et al. (2011); Wood (2008) Poor image of the construction industry: Declining productivity performance, cost overruns, poor procurement practice, low levels of innovation Uncertainties in the global economy and property markets Expected move towards paper-less documentation and processing in the construction industry using electronic technology; use of government electronic tendering system (GETS), a national portal for the online application, tracking, processing and approving of building consents national online building consenting process, BIM proficiency requirement for public sector contracts DBH (2009); Davis (2008), CIC (2012) Frei et al. (2013) CIC (2012), Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee T16 Ageing population of highly skilled QSs; career seekers showing little interest in the profession, ostensibly due to general lack of awareness T17 Prevailing era of inadequate design documentation, non-Code-compliant MBIE (2015b) designs and specifications; poor detailing and design errors T18 T19 Lack of national database on building and construction cost information CIC (2012) Current liability framework which has created many dis-incentives for CIC (2012) the building and construction industry to optimally manage and bear risk, especially the joint and several liability issues. T20 Prevailing risk-averse nature of the construction clients, and strong preference for lowest tender rather than best-value. T21 Increasing emphasis on sustainable construction and a move to a CIC (2012) mandatory whole-of-life costing approach to public sector procurement for all government and public sector procurement needs. T22 Significant rise in “bureaucracy cost” of increased regulatory levels in CIC (2012) the industry (imposed nationally or applied locally in response to systemic issues such as leaky buildings) 5.3. Areas for improvement in the QS services Areas for improvement in the QS services (in the context of the NZIQS members) will be known after the second stage empirical survey. Key stakeholders will prioritise the QS services and rate the performance of QSs on a rating scale. Highly prioritised services in which QSs perform below average will be the focus for improvement in their services. An Importance-Performance matrix chart will be used for this purpose. On the basis of the desktop survey, two streams of improvement are needed in the current and evolving roles of the QS. As shown in Figure 1, the first involves consolidating and leveraging key strengths to exploring priority opportunities in the business landscape. The second involves managing critical weaknesses through minimising exposure to key threats and/ or working towards converting these into strengths. 16 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Areas for improvement in QS services Consolidate on key strengths Optimise and leverage key strengths to exploring priority opportunities in the business landscape Manage critical weaknesses Minimise exposure to critical threats Convert to strengths Figure 1: Strategic framework for managing areas for improvement in QS services 5.4 Further improvement needed in the QSs’ services To improve in their services and enhance their value delivery in the project development process, additional insights are gleaned from the literature on what QSs should do. These are outlined as follows. 1. Engage in lifelong learning: Dada and Jagboro (2012) argued that QSs need to continuously engage in lifelong learning to keep abreast with rapid advances in technology and knowledge that have profound impact on their current and evolving service offerings. Frei et al. (2013) concurs with this by suggesting that QSs should constantly scan the external business landscape to discern future directions that have critical impact on their businesses, and formulate strategies to reposition themselves to embrace the changes as opportunities rather than sit back and face the changes as threats. To this end, the NZIQS should consider seriously the issue of compulsory CPDs for its members. 2. Diversifying portfolio of services: Durdyev and Mbachu (2012) observed that New Zealand is a small market; to succeed, businesses need to have broad and diversified portfolio of service offerings so as not to be caught up by vagaries in the business landscape, which often diminish opportunities in certain areas of business, while raising prospects in other areas. Though it is good to specialist in areas of key strengths, but including a number of other service lines could help the Institute members stay in business when their current specialist areas face recession. 3. Engaging in joint ventures: Hoxley et al. (2007) identified joint ventures as an avenue for small firms to pull their resources together to handle bigger projects which would be difficult for them to handle on individual basis. In doing this, they complement each other‟s strengths 17 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee in the key competencies and financial resources needed to successfully execute the big projects. 4. Engage in foreign partnerships to explore foreign markets: Given the small size of the New Zealand market and its geographical isolation from the big economies (DBH, 2009), New Zealand businesses could grow by exploring regional markets through partnership with players in those regions that have trading agreement with New Zealand. Australia and the rest of Asia are great prospects for this purpose. By doing this, the local businesses gain competitive strengths to competitive in the global markets. CONCLUSIONS AND FURTHER ACTION The desktop survey has provided part answers to the overarching research questions as sourced from previous studies and publicly available information on the subject. Using the desktop survey findings as starting point, the next stage empirical study will explore NZ-specific perspectives on the issues which will be benchmarked with the desktop survey findings. The empirical study will involve three stages of data gathering process as follows: At the qualitative data gathering stage, pilot interviews will be held with 21 members of the target populations for the study who will be willing to grant requests for in-depth interviews. These comprise 3 members each of clients, architects, engineers, construction project manager, quantity surveyors, contractors and subcontractors in New Zealand who are registered members of their various trade and professional organisations (i.e. the study sampling frames): PINZ, NZIA, NZIOB, NZIQS, RMBF, ACENZ, and STCFNZ. The aim of the interviews is to generate constructs for the design of a questionnaire. Constructs will include key stakeholders‟ feedback on the specific services performed by QSs in the new and refurbished project development process. The pre-contract, construction and post-construction phase and specialist duties framework provided in the QS Conditions of Engagement (NZIQS, 2013) and model provided by O‟Brien et al (2014) will be a starting point for this aspect of the investigation. Also feedback will be sought on the perceived weaknesses, strengths and improvements needed in the services of quantity surveyors. An open-ended questionnaire designed with the constructs will be pre-tested with another set of 7 members of the target populations. The essence will be to improve clarity of the questions and seek any other amendments required to improve the design and appeal of the questionnaire in order to enhance the survey response rate. The quantitative data gathering stage will involve administering the questionnaire to the target populations via the secretariats of the respective trade and professional organisations. Respondents will rate the relative levels of importance of the QSs‟ service areas and their perceptions of performance levels of QSs in those areas. They will also rate their levels of agreement/ disagreement of the identified strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in the QSs‟ services. Utility multivariate analysis (Cooper & Schindler, 2012) will be used to analyse group mean ratings of the attributes. Kendall‟s Coefficient of Concordance (Elhag, et al., 2005) will be used to analyse agreement/disagreement in the opinions of the various stakeholder groupings; e.g. how QSs‟ views compare with those of other stakeholders. The questionnaire will be hosted online on the SurveyMonkey website. Links will be provided in the email invitations so respondents could provide feedback online. The findings of the study will be validated via a focus group/ workshop organised with another select members of the target populations. The purpose is for participants to make further comments or 18 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee provide additional inputs into the issues being investigated and to suggest practical approach to reallife application of the findings for the benefit of quantity surveyors in New Zealand. REFERENCES AIQS (2004) World‟s Best Practice in Quantity Surveying - What it means to you, AIQS Brochure, Australia: Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Ashworth, A. (2011) Contractual procedures in the construction industry, 6th Edition, Routledge, accessed 20 August 2015 from https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=CbXdAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA254&lpg=PA254&dq=Value +of+quantity+surveyors%27+role+in+the+construction+industry&source=bl&ots=yPpMKueG K0&sig=nmMhK4qcd2irnJ4Zp2E1Hk7txk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDIQ6AEwA2oVChMIuaDg3vXFxwIVotymCh05dAHq#v=o nepage&q=Value%20of%20quantity%20surveyors'%20role%20in%20the%20construction%20 industry&f=false Ashworth, A. and Hogg, K. (2007) Willis’s Practice and Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor, 12th Ed. UK: Blackwell Publishing. Baloi, D., & Price, A. D. F. (2003). Modelling global risk factors affecting construction cost performance. International Journal of Project Management, 21(4), 261-269. Construction Industry Council (CIC) (2012) Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Building & Construction, Hon Maurice Williamson , (29 March); accessed 20 September from http://www.nzcic.co.nz/Policy%20Statements/CIC%20BIM%202012%20FINAL.pdf Department of Building and Housing (DBH), (2009), „Report of the Building and Construction Sector Productivity Taskforce‟. accessed 20 September 2015 from: http://www.constructing.co.nz/uploads/events/16/Productivity%20Taskforce%20Presentation% 20August%202009.pdf Crafford, G.J. and Smallwood, J.J. (2007) „Clients‟ views on quantity surveying competencies‟, Acta structilia: Journal for the physical and development sciences, 14 (1), 33-55 Dada, J.O. and Jagboro, G.O. (2012) Core skills requirement and competencies expected of quantity surveyors: Perspectives from quantity surveyors, allied professionals and clients, Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 12 (4) 78-90. Davis, N. (2008) Building and Construction Sector. Summary Report. Available from: http://www.dbh.govt.nz/UserFiles/File/Building/sectorforum/Draft%20Summary%20Productiv ity%20Report%20for%20Forum.doc Accessed 08 December 2010 Elhag, T. M. S., Boussabaine, A. H., & Ballal, T. M. A. (2005). Critical determinants of construction tendering costs: Quantity surveyors‟ standpoint. International Journal of Project Management, 23(7), 538-545. Frei M, Mbachu J, Phipps R, (2013) Critical success factors, opportunities and threats of the cost management profession: the case of Australasian quantity surveying firms, International Journal of Project Organisation and Management 5(1/2):4-24 2013; available online at http://www.inderscience.com/info/inarticle.php?artid=53151, Publisher URL DOI [2 citations] Githaiga, F.M. (2004) „Challenges facing the Quantity Surveying Profession in a Globalized Economy‟, Proceedings of the 21st Biennial Conference of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS): Adding Value to Reforming Challenges for the Quantity Surveying Profession in Nigeria, Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Nigeria, 24-27 November, 32-48 19 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee Hanna, A. S. (2007). Risk Allocation and Increased Claims in the Construction Industry, Editorial, Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education & Practice, pp. 43-44. Hiew and Ng (2007) „How the quantity surveying can create values in the procurement of construction works in Hong Kong‟, Proceedings of TS 5G: Affordable and Sustainable Development - Strategic Intervention of Surveying Services, FIG Working Week, Hong Kong SAR, China, 13-17 May, 57-78 Hoxley, M., Knight, A. and Grada, M. (2007) „Construction Professional Services: A Process Model‟, Proceedings of RICS COBRA Research Conference, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA, 6-7 September, 1-8 Humphery, B. and Stokes, J. (2000) The 21st Century Supervisors: Nine Essential Skills for Frontline Leaders, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, San Francisco Califonia. Leonard, D (2000) „Future Challenges in Cost Engineering: Creating Cultural Change Through the Development of Core Competences‟, in 2000 AACE International Transactions, Calgary Canada, 25-28 June, 18-33. Ling, F. Y. Y. (2005). Global Factors Affecting Margin Size of Construction Projects. Journal of Construction Research, 6(1), 91-106. Ling, F.Y.Y., Pham, V.M.C. and Hoang, T.P. (2009) Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for architectural, engineering and construction firms: Case study of Vietnam, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 135, No. 10, pp. 1105-1113. Mbachu, J. and Frei, M. (2010) Diagnosing the strategic health of an organisation from SWOT analysis results: Case study of the Australasian cost management profession. Construction Management & Economics, ISSN 0144-6193, 29(3), 287-303 Mbachu, J. and Nkado, R N (2006) Conceptual framework for assessment of client needs and satisfaction in the building development process, Construction Management & Economics, ISSN 0144-6193, 24 (1), 31-44. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) (2015a) National Construction Pipeline Report indicates all-time high in construction value, accessed 20 September from http://www.building.govt.nz/codewords-068#occ-reg Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) (2015b) National Construction Pipeline Report indicates all-time high in construction value, accessed 20 September from http://www.building.govt.nz/codewords-068#occ-reg New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) (2015) Long Term Skill Shortage List, INZ 1093, (March), Wellington: NZIS, accessed 20 September 2015 from http://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/assets/uploads/long-term-skill-shortage-list-2015-0330-.pdf New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) (2014), What the term ‘quantity surveyor’ means, accessed 10 March 2015 from http://www.nziqs.co.nz/What-is-a-QS New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) (2013), Conditions of Engagement, Wellington: Rawlinsons Media. Accessed 15 August 2015 from http://www.nziqs.co.nz/Portals/9/Documents/NZIQS%20Condition%20of%20Engagement_Ma y-2013.pdf New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) (2005) NZIQS Guidelines for QS Student Mentoring Scheme, Wellington: NZIQS; accessed 20 September 2015 from http://construction.massey.ac.nz/mentoring/NZIQS-Mentoring-Guidelines_3Apr05.pdf Nkado, R. and Meyer, T. (2001) „Competencies of professional quantity surveyors: South African perspective‟, Construction Management and Economics, 19, 481-491 Mbachu, J. (2011). Sources of contractor‟s payment risks and cash flow problems in the New Zealand construction industry: Project team‟s perceptions of the risks and mitigation measures. Construction Management & Economics, 29(10), 1027-1041. 20 Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf National Research Committee O‟Brien, P., Mbachu, J. and Lomax, S. (2014). Current and future challenges facing New Zealand quantity surveyors: Priority issues and potential solutions. Proceedings of the 4th New Zealand Built Environment Research Symposium (NZBERS). Auckland, New Zealand. 14 November. ISSN 2324-1829 (Online); accessed 15 March 2015 from http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZBERS-2014_proc_fp_OBrien-P_et-al.pdf . PAQS (2001) Competency Standard for Quantity Surveyors in the Asian-Pacific Region, Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors, available at http://www.paquantitysurveyor.net, (accessed 02 December, 2011). Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (1991) Future Role of the Chartered Quantity Surveyor- QS 2000, London: Quantity Surveying Division, RICS, London: Quantity Surveying Division, RICS Thayaparan, M., Siriwardena, M. Amaratunga, D., Malalgoda, C. and Keraminiyage, K. (2011) Lifelong learning and the changing role of quantity surveying profession, 15th Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) Congress, 23-26 July, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Press (2013) Insurers slate quake lawyer, (30 November), accessed 20 August 2015 from http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/9460417/Insurers-slate-quakes-lawyer Voxy (2014) Construction industry mentors for Massey students, Voxy, accessed 20 September 2015 from http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/construction-industry-mentors-massey-students/5/200573 Wood, G. (2008) QS Education – new directions? Leeds: Leeds Metropolitan University. White, D. and Fortune, J. (2002) „Current practice in project management: an empirical study‟, International Journal of Project Management, 20 (1), 1-11. 21 View publication stats Mbachu, J. (2015), “Quantity Surveyors‟ Role in the Delivery of Construction Projects: A Review”, Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015, http://construction.massey.ac.nz/NZIQS/Mbachu(2015)_Quantity-surveyors-role-in-projectdelivery.pdf Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 170 (2015) 177 – 186 AcE-Bs2014Seoul Asian Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies Chung-Ang University, Seoul, S. Korea, 25-27 August 2014 "Environmental Settings in the Era of Urban Regeneration" Importance of Preserving the Natural Environment in the Design Schools in Malaysia Haikal Hazman Hashim*, Zuraini Denan Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract The atmosphere of a learning environment is crucial in stimulating the design students in producing creative works. Preserving the green, retaining most of part the topography and balancing with the climate is the core of sustainable design, which is the vital life principle for all humankind. The research attempts to investigate the importance of preserving the natural environment of design schools, based on the analysis of observation and questionnaire surveys. For a preliminary study, the research analysed three samples of design schools in Selangor, Malaysia. Findings indicate that students prefer having natural environment in surrounding, and it can stimulate the students’ creativity process. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license © 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Centre for Environment(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Behaviour (cE-Bs), Faculty of for Architecture, Planning &Studies Surveying, Universiti MARA, Malaysia. Peer-review Studies under responsibility of Centre Environment-Behaviour (cE-Bs), Faculty ofTeknologi Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Keywords: Design; schools; natural; environment 1. Introduction In recent years, the establishment of new design (art and architecture) schools in Malaysia is rapidly increasing. Unless the schools are within the master plan of either public or private universities, the location of the small schools depend on the owner preference area, where it is commercially strategic and conveniently reach location by using public transportation. Locating the schools within a natural green setting that could induce peaceful and stimulating learning atmosphere has become expensive due to the land value, construction and maintenance cost. Furthermore, most of natural environment that still exist is * Corresponding author. Tel.: +0-000-000-0000 ; fax: +0-000-000-0000 . E-mail address: zurainidenan@gmail.com 1877-0428 © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies (cE-Bs), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.027 178 Haikal Hazman Hashim and Zuraini Denan / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 170 (2015) 177 – 186 always quite far from the city centre, where public transportation is infrequent. The concern is not only it is a healthy environment for students’ learning environment, but also the connection transpires between them is significant for the students. Unfortunately, the natural environment, even though is emphasized to be essential for sustainable living, healthy lifestyle and inspiration to learning environment, but the hassles of the maintenance seems to precede the reason of not to preserve. Furthermore, schools located in a hot humid climate are unlikely to be outdoor enjoyable places to stay because of the hot, humid and rainy weather. Even though enjoying the natural environment is a challenge for these students, but it does not hinder the students from referring to them as a source of reference in their quest for creativity. According to history, it is undeniable that the natural environment have helps many of famous designers in getting great ideas in their projects and artworks. Advance technology also has made students conveniently staying in-door and only uses internet to find information. No more first -hand experience or practice their senses in order to stimulate their thinking. The lack of emotion and deep thoughts of many out-come of current design students could be due to the distance of students in observing, understanding and analyzing what around them. From old days, people have referred to their environment, especially the natural environment as their guidance of knowledge. It is clearly stated in the famous Minangkabau saying “Alam takambang jadi guru”, interprets as the surrounding environment is the teacher or source of reference. It means the element of nature around us can teach us to solve problems. Thus, the research attempts to investigate whether the natural environment should be preserved at surrounding of the design based school so as to inspire the design students for creative ideas. 2. Aim and Objectives The main aim of the research is to investigate the importance of preserving natural environment in the design (art and architecture) schools, in order to shape and stimulate the students design creativity. In attempt to achieve the main aim, the investigation outlines objectives of the preliminary study. The objectives are 1) to observe and analyze the chosen schools natural environment and 2) To find out the students’ opinion whether natural environment is an influence in their learning process. 3. Literature Review Natural environment has been a source of knowledge exists from the beginning of mankind. Not only it provides a supplement of fresh air and food to the people, its creation has mysteriously formed by god to help people in solving problems of daily life on earth. As stated in the Quran verses 13:3 "And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers; and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two; He draweth the night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider." According to Islamic beliefs, Allah has created the earth for us to live in comfort. The natural and beautiful surrounding such as the sea, green and mountains is a gift by Allah for our daily use. (Brockwell, 2014). It is clearly stated that human are created together with its natural environment for them to survive and learn how to survive by using all the elements within the environment. The richness of component in the earth; mountain, seas and green holds the answer to our question. The natural systems that Allah has created such as the biosphere or ecology system give advantage to all being. The equilibrium of his creation is to balance the system, in order for human and other being to live harmoniously. It is an advice for human not to be extreme and uncontrolled, which has bad effects to their lives and place they live in. Allah requires all Muslims to appreciate the nature by using it wisely and not to take for granted or be greedy and selfish. It is critical that the Muslims inculcate these Islamic values to the mind of the young generation. Haikal Hazman Hashim and Zuraini Denan / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 170 (2015) 177 – 186 3.1 Learning from the history History has revealed that nature has been the source of inspiration from a painting of caveman to the architectural masterpiece of the modern era. The vernacular architecture approach has forward the significant of nature into the interpretation of design, manifestation of the physical form and application of material use. This humble approach is to teach us to apply what belong to land, climate and surrounding, which actually the most appropriate elements that can sustain. The ethnic Minangkabau people, for example has high respect and appreciation towards nature, that most of the cultural and living attributes are influenced by the nature. The front elevation of the traditional house –Rumah Gadang has to face the east where the sun rises as a sign of respecting the sun. The north end walls (pangkal) are always facing the mountain and the south end walls (hujung) are facing towards south. The building materials derived from the nature; the timber and bamboo strips wall and floor boards, river stone for the column plate and the thatch (palm fiber) roof. The significant roof forms derived from horn of a buffalo (Kennedy.J, 2004). The construction of column and wall of Rumah Gadang which is slanted and with the stone as the column plate provide resistance towards the vibration of earthquake. The carved wooden motives in the interior of the house are based on floral and geometrical representation of nature. This reflect their Islamic belief and culture (Elda Franzia, Yasraf Amir Piliang and Acep Iwan Saidi, 2015) The lives of Rumah Gadang can reach to hundred years if it is not abandon and the maintenance is frequent. Other ethnic groups and tribes also have strong association with nature in determining their daily life such as the Chinese. The Chinese believes in “Feng Shui” which is interpreted as an art of living harmony with the earth. The belief focuses on positioning object where the positive energy flows in order to gain success in their lives. Even though some of the belief seems superstitious, yet they believe by respecting the nature their life is blessed by their ancestors and their lives will be healthy and prosperous. 3.2 Architectural precedent Many great architectural masterpieces have close association and relation to nature. Either the design is inspired by nature or the physical form of the building sat harmoniously with nature as a sign of respecting and honoring the nature. For example, the famous design of Sydney opera house is said to derive from the concept of shell, the Olympic Stadium in Beijing is a reflection of a bird nest and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is creative interpretation of organic architecture. The popular design approach which based on nature called the biomimicry design concept has explored the idea of nature as an inspiration or reference. Nature has inspired architect in designing human habitat and it appears to be an impressive and creative work of art. The concept has many success stories; from burrs from burdock plants to the invention of valcro and from the termite mound to the building with energy efficient system. Not only it inspires designers but the product based on biomimicry has increased the demand and profit. Yurtkuran et al (2013) experiment on biomimetic design in architectural education showed a positive response among the students. The students found it interesting, informative and enjoyable. Indeed, the biomimicry method or any similar ideas trigger should be part of the education syllabus of architecture and design degrees to let the young generation aware and explores the potential in design innovation (El Zaieny, 2012). In her study, selected case studies emphasize that integrating biomimicry within interior environments requires introducing the approach at the very stages of the design process, ideally prior to any preliminary ideas have even been produced. To the extend, it also involves inviting a biologist to the design table as a full team member. El Zaieny also identifies that using biomimicry as a problem solving methodology will help us discover sustainable and effective solutions to the most important issues in the interior environments: day lighting, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, durability, and productivity. 179 180 Haikal Hazman Hashim and Zuraini Denan / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 170 (2015) 177 – 186 There are other similar concepts that have close reference to nature, namely vernacular architecture, sustainable design, green design and eco-friendly design. Architect should be sensitive to the context and surrounding of the building. Different location has its own soil, vegetation, source of water and form of topography. Good architecture should blend with nature harmoniously. Either in the design or in the construction phases, respecting nature should be a vital attitude in order to protect the nature as not to damage the land and the green. The implication of ignoring nature would be extremely dangerous, when lives of many people would be the cost of the inconsiderate design and construction process. Many natural disasters such as landslide, flooding and rise of temperature are due to the design and planning which greed for profit and take for granted of the beautiful nature that god has given to us. Destroying the forest, cutting hills and modifying the water channel and catchment such as rivers and waterfront are part of the reasons. There is one example of great architect project who marries building with nature harmoniously, such as the Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright. The setting of the building and the use of material are impressive application of living with nature. 3.3 Health, awareness and education Nature can enhance the quality of healthy living. It is stated that nature such as parks and green spaces may stimulate social interaction and de-stressing through exercise or communication and provide a peaceful setting. Having green at workspace can also help office workers to be more focus. (Kaplan and Kaplan, (1989) and Heerwagen, J.H. and G.H. Orians (1993) agree that nature in urban area that was designed as parks and walkways integrated into building offer peaceful and motivating environment and inspire knowledge seeking, curiosity and attentiveness. According to Kirkby, M (1989), nature experience is essential to motivate imagination and creativity, cognitive and intellectual growth and social relationship. Study by Shibata, S and N. Suzuki (2002), shows that participants performed better on creative task in rooms having foliage plants, compared to no plants. This study interprets that nature has provide inspiration and trigger the participants’ creativity. Nature provides positive environment for learning and interaction, thus it alleviate mental stress and illness. The closeness between man and nature will increase awareness, learning experience and relationship that will lead to the love of nature. It indicated how importance the Green and natural environment to be part of the students learning process. It also proved that the relationship between Green and Education are closely related to support each other, and further, benefits the students in design based programs. The UNESCO Tbilisi declaration (1977) has emphasized the importance of environmental education. The agreement is to create awareness and sensitivity to the environment and its challenges. 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