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
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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
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Quantity surveyor's role in the delivery of construction projects: A review
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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.
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National Research Committee
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21
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Research Report (#1) submitted to the National Research Committee of the New Zealand Institute of
Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), 25 September 2015,
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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. It also provides
knowledge and understanding as well as infuses the appropriate behaviour and concer...
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