Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Problem Statement. 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 9
1.4 Research Questions. 9
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 10
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 10
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 11
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 11
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 11
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.1 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 14
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 16
2.4 Empirical Review.. 20
2.5 2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 22
Chapter Three.. 23
Research Methodology.. 23
3.1 Introduction.. 23
3.2 Research Design.. 24
3.3 Study Area.. 24
3.4 Target Population.. 25
3.5 Sampling Techniques. 25
3.6 Data Collection Methods. 26
3.7 Data Analysis Procedures. 26
3.8 Ethical Considerations. 27
3.9 Limitations of the Study.. 27
3.10 Conclusion.. 27
CHAPTER FOUR.. 28
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 28
4.1 Preamble.. 28
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 29
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 34
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 34
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 40
CHAPTER FIVE.. 46
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 46
5.1 Summary of Findings. 46
5.2 Conclusion.. 47
5.3 Recommendations. 47
REFERENCES.. 49
Research Questionnaire.. 52
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Technology has completely revolutionized traditional quantity surveying practices by adding efficiency, accuracy, and project management to them. Technology has also provided answers to very old questions that are completely new. This introduction will outline the role and application of technology in quantity surveying, including how innovations such as BIM, drones, laser scanning, virtual reality, and cloud computing are changing the face of this profession.
The adoption of Building Information Modeling or BIM is a hallmark in modern quantity surveying practices. BIM enables the creation, monitoring, and sharing of digital versions of physical and functional characteristics of places which would be a common platform to visualize and virtually simulate the construction process among stakeholders. Quantity surveyors can analyze and control the cost effectively by integrating cost data into the BIM model during the project cycle for better decision management. In so doing, cost control will be enhanced. According to Choi et al. (2020), drones and laser scanning technologies are among the game-changing technologies in quantity surveying, with more prominence for site surveying and progress monitoring.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors, drones can swiftly capture detailed aerial imagery and produce highly accurate 3D models of the site. That way, quantity surveyors can make accurate site measurements, track the progress, and identify discrepancies from a safe distance and in far less time compared to what could be allowed by traditional methods. Virtual reality technologies realize immersion into powerful means of revolutionizing the process of visualization and design review in quantity surveying. In VR, stakeholders will be allowed to explore and interact with virtual replicas of buildings, hereby fostering insight into spatial relationships, design aesthetic, and construction sequencing.
They can also immerse clients and project teams into the virtual environments to get feedback, identify issues, and allow for the optimization of the project's design prior to construction, reducing risks and rework costs (Shin et al., 2018). The available cloud environment has also improved collaboration and control of data in quantity surveying projects. Cloud-based platforms guarantee real-time access to project data, enabling collaboration by teams scattered across different locations, and smoothing out communication lines. Cloud solutions will enable Quantity Surveyors to handle document management, cost estimation, and project scheduling more accurately, with access to the most up-to-date data from anywhere and at any time by all stakeholders concerned.
1.2 Problem Statement
While there have been considerable technological advances in the field of quantity surveying, mainstream practices are yet to overcome several challenges in seamlessly assimilating such novelties. This partly comes from the resistance of professionals in the industry, itself partially based upon either a lack of awareness, training, or appreciation for the benefits of new emerging technologies. Also, data and tools remain fragmented-an impediment to collaboration and interoperability that prevents technology from fulfilling its potential for increased efficiency and accuracy. If not addressed, these challenges put the construction industry in jeopardy, lagging behind in using technology effectively to achieve the project management processes aimed at the delivery of values to clients and stakeholders. Complications arise further from the fast rate at which technologies are evolving, especially in regard to the choice and implementation of tools and methodologies that serve best for particular project needs, as identified by Olatunji & Ojelabi (2020). The quantity surveyors experience difficulties in finding their way through the forest of available technologies, identifying those suitable for work, and assessing the integration with the existing workflow and systems. Moreover, cost is related to the investment in a new technology, together with uncertainty over return on investment, acting as a barrier against adoption within the industry. These challenges require a collaborative approach as a way to improve the relationship between technology developers and industrial practitioners with the inclusion of educational institutions, since a culture of innovation and continuous learning provides the framework for leveraging technology in quantity surveying.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine The Role and Application of Technology in Quantity and Surveying. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the impact of Building Information Modeling BIM on cost estimation accuracy in quantity surveying.
- 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile technology in enhancing data collection and field work for quantity surveyors.
- To investigate the potential of Artificial Intelligence AI for automating tasks and improving decision-making in quantity surveying.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- How does the level of BIM adoption in a project correlate with the accuracy of cost estimates produced by quantity surveyors?
- To what extent do mobile apps improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection on construction sites for quantity surveyors?
- Which specific quantity surveying tasks can be effectively automated using AI, and what are the potential benefits in terms of time savings and cost reduction?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between Application of Technology in Quantity and Surveying.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Survey sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Quintal Surveyors. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
