scholarly journals Assessing the expected current and future competencies of quantity surveyors in the Malaysian built environment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Martin Skitmore ◽  
Yi Wen Lim ◽  
Siaw-Chuing Loo ◽  
Jason Gray
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Engineering Construction ◽  
Cost Planning ◽  
The Face ◽  
Quantity Surveying ◽  
Negotiation Ethics ◽  
New Generation

PurposeQuantity surveying is a profession that blends engineering, construction and economics. To be competent is to have the ability to apply the set of related knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a task effectively. This paper examines the competency requirements for quantity surveyors (QSs) in the face of changing and increasing client needs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a detailed meta-analysis of the literature, 12 basic/core and 16 evolving competencies are identified. Primary data were gathered through a field survey involving practicing QSs from client, consultant and contractor organisations, and university students undertaking QS programmes in Malaysia. The data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.FindingsThe significance of the basic/core and evolving competencies are presented. Overall, the most important contemporary skills are cost planning, valuation of works, measurement/quantification and contract documentation. The evolved roles require expertise in communication and negotiation, ethics and professional conduct and value management. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates there are misaligned expectations of the proficiency levels needed to provide contemporary and future services between practitioners in client/consultant organisations, contractors and new generation students.Originality/valueThe findings provide guidance on the education, training and practice of quantity surveying to deal with emerging challenges in the dynamic built environments in Malaysia and beyond.

Competencies expected of graduate quantity surveyors working in developing countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayathri Yogeshwaran ◽  
B.A.K.S. Perera ◽  
M.R. Mahendrini Fernando Ariyachandra
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Royal Institution ◽  
Cost Planning ◽  
Quantity Surveying ◽  
Programme Outcomes ◽  
Industry Needs

PurposeQuantity surveying education in Sri Lanka (SL) presently does not appear to be catering to the industry needs indicating that it may not be up to the expected standard. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify the gap between the competencies of graduate quantity surveyors (QSs) and the competencies that industry in SL expects from them.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid approach was used, consisting of desk reviews, expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. A comparative analysis identifying differences between two competency levels was carried out.FindingsAnalysis reveals that competencies of graduate QSs in areas of cost planning, strategic planning, risk management, value management, life cycle cost analysis, sustainability, surveying and levelling, research and development, building surveying and business management are at levels higher than industry needs. However, majority of competencies are at levels lower than industry expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was focused only on competencies of QSs who have successfully completed a quantity surveying degree programme accredited by Institute of QSs SL, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Australian Institute of QSs and Pacific Association of QSs. It excluded non-graduates’ competencies as they gain competencies only through work experience.Practical implicationsThis study revealed the need for designing quantity surveying degree programmes to cater to industry needs to ensure that graduates from these programmes are acceptable to the industry.Originality/valueThis study made an original contribution to knowledge by identifying the gap that currently exists between industry needs and programme outcomes of quantity surveying degree programmes, which could be invaluable when improving quantity surveying education in SL.

The future of the printed book in the era of technological advancement: an imperative for digital innovation and engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhoydah Nyambane
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Book Publishers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the place of the printed book in the era of technological advancement with the assumption that the print media is facing imminent death in the face of readily available and convenient online information. Also the paper aims to assess how the development of new technologies have affected the production, circulation and readership of the printed book, especially among the young generation. Design/methodology/approach Explanatory study was used with closed-ended approach to collect data from 50 students of the Technical University of Kenya and 5 key informant interviews with selected book publishers in Nairobi. The uses and gratification theory was used to explore the knowledge-seeking behavior among the respondents. Findings Findings showed that more than 80% of the respondents preferred the internet to the printed book, which, according to them, has no future in the face of technological advancement. Book publishers, on the other hand, felt that the printed book has a bright future among specific audiences who are committed to it, and especially those in the rural areas who have no access to the internet. While they agreed that the internet has posed a major challenge to the sales and readership of the printed book significantly, it is helping in marketing the printed book as opposed to killing it. New bookshops in Nairobi and modern libraries in high schools, tertiary institutions and universities demonstrate that the printed book is not dying soon. Research limitations/implications The researcher experienced challenges in data collection as the respondents were busy preparing for final examinations and hence many of them were not willing to spare time to fill the questionnaire. To solve this, the researcher had to spend more time to collect data as opposed to if the students were free and ready to participate in the study without any pressure. Practical implications The findings can be used as a basis for further research to widen the scope that can help bring a wider perspective to the topic. The results can also inform policy guidelines on the topic and also contribute to the body of knowledge. Social implications The topic touches on social phenomena that are affecting a number of young people and their information-seeking habits in the era of digital revolution. The way the young generation seek and use information should be of interest not only to academic staff but also to policymakers. Originality/value The paper is original based on primary data that was collected by the researcher from the respondents. It is backed by secondary data to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Can using a servant-leadership model of supervision mitigate against burnout and secondary trauma in the health and social care sector?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Mahon
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Core Characteristics

Purpose This paper aims to set out a model of servant leadership that can be infused within a supervisory setting to mitigate employee burnout and negative stressful experiences in the health and social care sector. Design/methodology/approach A brief targeted review of the literature was undertaken to assess the prevalence of burnout in the health and social care sectors. The supervision literature was also explored. The outcomes associated with servant leadership were also distilled, focusing on employee well-being. Findings Research suggests that burnout and related concepts such as secondary trauma and compassion fatigue impact these professions disproportionately. At the same time, servant leadership is suggested to mitigate some of these factors. The author presents a conceptual model of servant leadership supervision consisting of an ideographic model of servant leadership, Servant Leadership Scale-28 (SLS-28), using the most recent meta-analysis defining this construct, and previously validated measures in the extant literature to inform its design. A Servant Leadership Supervision Scale (SLSS) is also presented aligning its use to several of the core characteristics of servant leadership practice. Research limitations/implications In doing so, the author proposes that this approach will help reduce burnout of health and social care sector employees. Limitations are considered in light of the conceptual paper and no primary data. Practical implications A model of servant leadership supervision that can be infused into health and social care supervision. Originality/value This is the first model of servant leadership supervision articulated for the health and social care sector.

scholarly journals Value management implementation barriers for sustainable building: a bibliometric analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Farouk Kineber ◽  
Idris Othman ◽  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe ◽  
Tarek Zayed
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between overcoming the value management (VM) implementation barriers and VM implementation in the Egyptian building sector. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the literature on VM was used to through bibliometric analysis has been conducted to highlight the studies’ gap and establish the VM barriers. These obstacles were then contextually transformed via a semi-structured interview and a pilot study, and subsequently organized in the form of a theoretical model. The primary data was collected from 335 building stakeholders in Egypt through the administration of questionnaire surveys. Consequently, structural equation models of partial least squares were applied to statistically assess the final model of VM barriers. Findings The bibliometric analysis shows that there is an inadequate study on VM implementation barriers in the Egyptian construction industry and insufficient studies on implementing VM in developing countries. Results obtained from the proposed model showed that overcoming the VM barriers has a major connection with successful VM implementation. This is indicated with the value of ß = 0.743, which is necessary when the firm is overcoming 1 unit of VM barriers. Originality/value This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying and emphasizing the critical obstacles to VM implementation.

Students’ perception of entrepreneurship and enterprise education in Oman

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 924-947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Belwal ◽  
Hanan Al Balushi ◽  
Shweta Belwal
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proportional Allocation ◽  
Research Outcomes ◽  
Enterprise Education ◽  
The Face ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University

Purpose – Universities and other higher educational institutions play an increasingly important role in providing entrepreneurship education, training, and technical assistance to existing and potential entrepreneurs. The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship and the role of universities in developing enterprise education in Oman, focusing on the case of Sohar University. Design/methodology/approach – The research used a questionnaire based survey to collect primary data. From the total population of 3,633 students registered across different faculties during the academic year 2012-2013, a sample size of 200 was drawn using convenience sampling and the proportional allocation method. Findings – The research outcomes revealed that the majority of the university students were optimistic and interested in starting their own business, but lacked knowledge about how to start a business. The students’ willingness to run a business and their sociable, go-getter attitude, confidence, and effective connections with established entrepreneurs were observed as enablers. Fear of failure and unwillingness to take risks were the major obstacles facing university students in treading an entrepreneurial path. Practical implications – Overall, the study indicated a need for enterprise education, at programme and course levels, to nurture entrepreneurship among students in Oman. Social implications – Currently, Omani society is affected by a high level of unemployment. The research outcomes will help policy makers in assessing the potential of enterprise education. The promotion of entrepreneurship among women will enable more women to work shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in building Oman’s economy. In a region where even today large numbers of women would never remove the face veil in front of male non-family members, these developments are very significant. Originality/value – Very few studies have examined university students’ attitude to entrepreneurship and enterprise education in Oman. This study helps in bridging that gap.

scholarly journals A decade of evolving composites: regression- and meta-analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlie D. Frowd ◽  
William B. Erickson ◽  
James M. Lampinen ◽  
Faye C. Skelton ◽  
Alex H. McIntyre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Interview ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forensic Research ◽  
The Face ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of seven variables that emerge from forensic research on facial-composite construction and naming using contemporary police systems: EvoFIT, Feature and Sketch. Design/methodology/approach – The paper involves regression- and meta-analyses on composite-naming data from 23 studies that have followed procedures used by police practitioners for forensic face construction. The corpus for analyses contains 6,464 individual naming responses from 1,069 participants in 41 experimental conditions. Findings – The analyses reveal that composites constructed from the holistic EvoFIT system were over four-times more identifiable than composites from “Feature” (E-FIT and PRO-fit) and Sketch systems; Sketch was somewhat more effective than Feature systems. EvoFIT was more effective when internal features were created before rather than after selecting hair and the other (blurred) external features. Adding questions about the global appearance of the face (as part of the holistic-cognitive interview (H-CI)) gives a valuable improvement in naming over the standard face-recall cognitive interview (CI) for all three system types tested. The analysis also confirmed that composites were considerably less effective when constructed from a long (one to two days) compared with a short (0-3.5 hours) retention interval. Practical implications – Variables were assessed that are of importance to forensic practitioners who construct composites with witnesses and victims of crime. Originality/value – Using a large corpus of forensically-relevant data, the main result is that EvoFIT using the internal-features method of construction is superior; an H-CI administered prior to face construction is also advantageous (cf. face-recall CI) for EvoFIT as well as for two further contrasting production systems.

The entry of a second generation at SK Enterprises: challenges and future prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-306
Author(s):  
Rajesh Panda ◽  
Pooja Gupta ◽  
Madhvi Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mba Program ◽  
Business System ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Future ◽  
New Generation

Theoretical basis The case discussion begins with an understanding of Davis’s three-circle model. It then leads toward the key resources and challenges, by system and development stage as given by Gersick et al. (1997). After understanding the family business system, the case delves into making the students understand the circumplex model of the marital and family system. This matrix talks about the flexibility in the business structure along with cohesion in the family unit. The case then gets into the discussion about succession and the new generation joining the family business and the conflicts that may arise due to the same. It might be imperative to bring out the different forms of conflict that may arise in the family and business system. Researchers have identified three forms of conflict – task, process and relationship (Mckee, Madden, Kellermans and Eddleston, 2014). As passing the baton would take place next for this business in the case, the current generation needs to look at the future growth strategy for the business. Here, the discussion refers to the exploitation and exploration matrix given by Bergfeld and Weber (2011). Research methodology This is a primary data case. The data has been collected from SK Enterprises. Interviews were conducted to arrive at the issues and challenges discussed in the case. Case overview/synopsis This case talks about the dilemma of a first-generation entrepreneur. Jatinder Agarwal was the owner of SK Enterprises, a light-engineering firm manufacturing bright bars, engine parts and ceiling fan shafts. He had set up the business in 1984. His brother, Ramesh was helping him in the business. The business had prospered and grown from a single product manufacturing workshop in 1984 to two factories manufacturing multiple light engineering products. In 2015, the business was doing well and both Jatinder and Ramesh were excited to involve their respective sons, Pranav and Sanidh in the business after completion of their education. The case is about the challenges faced by Jatinder and Ramesh with the entry of a new generation. Jatinder and Ramesh were working in the family business with an implied structure where the business was a sole proprietorship in the name of Jatinder but the decisions were taken by both the brothers collectively. With the entry of the new generation, Jatinder had to decide how to re-organize the business and avoid conflicts in the family. He also had to take a decision regarding the future course of strategy, which would help the business grow further. Complexity academic level This case is about the dilemmas faced by a first-generation entrepreneur. The case can be taught in an “entrepreneurship” course, in a post-graduate MBA program. This case can also be taught in a family business program as part of the course on “Understanding Family Business – Managing Paradoxes” or “Building Lasting Family Business – Synergy in Vision, Values and Strategy.” This case can also be taught as part of a “business strategy” or “human resource management” in MBA or executive MBA program in the first year.

A strategic framework for the survival of the quantity surveying profession

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1487-1518
Author(s):  
Tashmika Ramdav ◽  
Nishani Harinarain
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Framework ◽  
Quantity Surveying ◽  
New Generation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the survival of the quantity surveying profession using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis in an attempt to define the key strengths and weaknesses of the quantity surveying profession based on professional consultants’ experience and to determine the key opportunities and threats which are perceived to impact the quantity surveying profession significantly. Design/methodology/approach The positivist paradigm was used for this study. The researchers chose quantitative research in the form of questionnaires. A probability sampling method was used. The desired method that was used was the random sampling method. The data were analysed with SPSS using factor analysis and descriptive analysis. A sample of 58 quantity surveyors was randomly selected from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) for this study. Findings Four categories of strengths exist, namely, the ability to plan and solve problems, core quantity surveying measuring skills, project viability and interpersonal skills. Three categories of weaknesses exist, namely, technical inadequacies of quantity surveyors, resistance to change and lack of knowledge of and about the profession. Three categories of opportunities exist, namely, greater demand for quantity surveyors, the need for quantity surveyors and new and existing roles in and out of the profession. Three categories of threats exist, namely, lack of the quantity surveying profession to market itself where new roles require an advancement of core quantity surveying services, external factors that hinder the performance of the profession and the lack of quantity surveying skills in the new generation. Research limitations/implications Only members of the ASAQS were included in this research. Originality/value The quantity surveying profession requires a strategic framework that will overcome their threats and weaknesses and embrace the strengths and opportunities of the profession to ensure they survive and remain relevant in the ever-changing construction industry. This study aided the quantity surveying profession by identifying the strengths and opportunities and determining the weaknesses and threats faced by the profession.

scholarly journals Sustainable construction and the versatility of the quantity surveying profession in Singapore

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr Temitope Omotayo ◽  
Sin Wen Tan ◽  
Damilola Ekundayo
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbon Cost ◽  
Cost Planning ◽  
Success Indicators ◽  
Quantity Surveying ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe changing role of quantity surveyors in the new paradigm of sustainable construction requires studies into new competencies and skills for the profession. The impact of sustainable construction on quantity surveying services, engagement and how they manage challenges provided an indication of the success indicators of the quantity surveying profession in meeting the sustainable construction needs.Design/methodology/approachA five-point Likert scale was developed from the list of quantity surveying firms in Singapore. An 85% response rate from 60 quantity surveying firms contacted in this study provided 51 responses. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were employed to evaluate the findings.FindingsThe factor analysis categorised the drivers derived from the literature into awareness of sustainable construction, adversarial role on green costing; carbon cost planning; valuing a sustainable property; common knowledge of sustainable construction; and lack of experience in sustainable construction.Social implicationsThe research findings supported the idea of increased sustainable construction skills in quantity surveying education, research and training.Originality/valueThe dearth of quantity surveyors with sustainable construction experience must focus on quantity surveying professional bodies and higher education. The quantity surveying profession needs reskilling in green costing and carbon cost planning to meet the needs of sustainable construction.

Which Data to Meta-Analyze, and How?

2019 ◽  
Vol 227 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Voracek ◽  
Michael Kossmeier ◽  
Ulrich S. Tran
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Curve Analysis ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Statistical Procedures ◽  
Graphical Displays ◽  
Primary Data Analysis ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Data Analytic

Abstract. Which data to analyze, and how, are fundamental questions of all empirical research. As there are always numerous flexibilities in data-analytic decisions (a “garden of forking paths”), this poses perennial problems to all empirical research. Specification-curve analysis and multiverse analysis have recently been proposed as solutions to these issues. Building on the structural analogies between primary data analysis and meta-analysis, we transform and adapt these approaches to the meta-analytic level, in tandem with combinatorial meta-analysis. We explain the rationale of this idea, suggest descriptive and inferential statistical procedures, as well as graphical displays, provide code for meta-analytic practitioners to generate and use these, and present a fully worked real example from digit ratio (2D:4D) research, totaling 1,592 meta-analytic specifications. Specification-curve and multiverse meta-analysis holds promise to resolve conflicting meta-analyses, contested evidence, controversial empirical literatures, and polarized research, and to mitigate the associated detrimental effects of these phenomena on research progress.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document