scholarly journals Bridging the Gap between Academic and Practice Quantity Surveying in Nigerian Construction Industry

Author(s):  
Tawakalitu Bisola Odubiyi ◽  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Wellington Thwala

In the construction industry worldwide there is a recognizable gap between academics construction knowledge and its application, and construction knowledge and application as seen in field of practice. In Nigeria, the Quantity surveying profession like other professions in the industry, suffers this same fate. It is based on this that this paper identified the possible factors causing gap between the two divisions. A survey approach was adopted, and questionnaire was used to gather data from construction professionals both in practice and in academics, Ondo State. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and Mann-Whitney U Test. Findings revealed that the major factors contributing to gap are majorly more theoretical knowledge than practical, inadequacy in educational curriculum, slow adoption of innovations and inadequate trained personnel. The two categories of respondents( practicing respondents and those in academics) believes that the most important factor that can help and in bridge the gap between QS in Academics and QS in practice is frequent organizing workshop, lectures and seminars which has been identified by past literature. Openness to new innovations, equilibrium of theoretical and practical knowledge, are the closely following factors. This study contributes to body of knowledge on this subject of discuss.

2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 03020
Author(s):  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Ayodeji Oke ◽  
Mbavhalelo Makhwathana

The recent skill shortage within South Africa has raised the need for proper management of the available craftsmen in the construction industry, as a large portion of work executed within the industry is done by this set of workers. It is based on this knowledge that this study assessed South African construction craftsmen’s perception on how effective personnel management can be achieved. A survey approach was adopted and a structured questionnaire was used in harnessing information form craftspeople within the construction industry in Johannesburg metropolitan area. Data analyses were done using percentage, mean item score and standard deviation. The reliability of the questionnaire was also tested using Cronbach alpha test. The study revealed that provision of competitive pay, effective leadership, recruiting the multi-skilled workers, the reward for dedicated workers, and paying attention to employee’s needs were the key measures for improving the management of personnel. The study further recommends that managers of construction organisations should give attention to the identified measures of improving management of employees and implement them to recruit and retain employees within their organisations. The study adds to existing knowledge on the theme of measures for effective personnel management in the construction industry.


Author(s):  
Uwadia E.F ◽  
◽  
Usman D.D.M ◽  
Amiebenomo M.I. ◽  
Sumanu S.O ◽  
...  

The study assessed the prospects of the Quantity Surveying profession in Nigeria. The study identified and evaluated the level of performance of the identified functions performed by the quantity surveyors in the Nigerian Construction industry. The study reveals that there is a high level of performance of the basic functions of the quantity surveyors which include feasibility and viability studies, contract documentation, life cycle costing, preliminary cost advice, etc. The study also examined the factors militating against the effective performance of the quantity surveyor’s functions in the Nigerian Construction industry. The study identified and presented some possible factors militating against the performance of Quantity Surveying functions and some anticipated measures to enhance the quantity Surveying profession for evaluation by the respondents using structured questionnaires. The data collected were analyzed with SPSS version 23 using frequencies and mean item scores. The study revealed some major factors militating against the effective performance of the quantity surveying profession in the Nigerian Construction industry like widespread corruption in Nigeria with a mean score of 4.53, obsolete curriculum and inadequacy in modern equipment with a mean score of 4.41, professional rivalry from kindred profession with a mean score of 4.35, level of adoption of UT with mean a score of 4.32, and inadequacies in academic and professional training with a mean score of 4.18 among others. The study equally revealed some important measures requiring implementation to enhance the quantity of Surveying profession in Nigeria like a clear delineation in professional functions in the construction industry to curb professional rivalry with a mean score of 4.35, reviewing the curriculum of Tertiary Institutions with a mean score of 4.24, improving professional skills through continuing professional development with a mean score of 4.15, improving technological applications in the execution of Quantity Surveying functions with a mean score of 3.91 and professional certification in specialized areas with a mean score of 3.85.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
Uwadia E.F* ◽  
◽  
Usman D.D.M ◽  
Amiebenomo M.I. ◽  
Sumanu S.O. ◽  
...  

The study assessed the prospects of the Quantity Surveying profession in Nigeria. The study identified and evaluated the level of performance of the identified functions performed by the quantity surveyors in the Nigerian Construction industry. The study reveals that there is a high level of performance of the basic functions of the quantity surveyors which include feasibility and viability studies, contract documentation, life cycle costing, preliminary cost advice, etc. The study also examined the factors militating against the effective performance of the quantity surveyor’s functions in the Nigerian Construction industry. The study identified and presented some possible factors militating against the performance of Quantity Surveying functions and some anticipated measures to enhance the quantity Surveying profession for evaluation by the respondents using structured questionnaires. The data collected were analyzed with SPSS version 23 using frequencies and mean item scores. The study revealed some major factors militating against the effective performance of the quantity surveying profession in the Nigerian Construction industry like widespread corruption in Nigeria with a mean score of 4.53, obsolete curriculum and inadequacy in modern equipment with a mean score of 4.41, professional rivalry from kindred profession with a mean score of 4.35, level of adoption of UT with mean a score of 4.32, and inadequacies in academic and professional training with a mean score of 4.18 among others. The study equally revealed some important measures requiring implementation to enhance the quantity of Surveying profession in Nigeria like a clear delineation in professional functions in the construction industry to curb professional rivalry with a mean score of 4.35, reviewing the curriculum of Tertiary Institutions with a mean score of 4.24, improving professional skills through continuing professional development with a mean score of 4.15, improving technological applications in the execution of Quantity Surveying functions with a mean score of 3.91 and professional certification in specialized areas with a mean score of 3.85.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 448
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Chididebere Eze ◽  
John Ebhohimen Idiake ◽  
Bashir Olanrewaju Ganiyu

Rework is systemic and a recurring decimal and It is triggered by several factors, which emergence create scenarios, which degrades project cost, quality and schedule performance, and overall project performance. This study therefore examined the perception of construction professionals on the factors that triggers the emergence of rework in the Nigerian construction industry. This was achieved by determining the predominant rework triggers that affect project performance, identifying rework triggers in which the professionals view varies significantly, and examining the category of rework risks triggers that contribute more to rework incidences. The study adopted a quantitative survey approach in which structured questionnaire was adopted as the research instrument. Mean item score was used in ranking the professionals perception on rework triggers, and Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to identify the variables in which the professionals view varies. The study concluded that: contractor-related and design-related causes are the major categories of rework risks triggers. Unclear instruction to workers, Shortage of skilled supervisors, incomplete and inaccurate information are the predominant triggers of rework. The professionals view varies significantly on nine factors which cut across the four categories of rework triggers. It was recommended that there is need for clarity, effectiveness and timeliness of instruction and information dissemination among project participants, and the use of skilled and experienced professionals, skilled supervisors and proper implementation of quality management practices by both the design consultant and contractor throughout the project’s phases


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Ofori ◽  
Shamas-ur-Rehman Toor

The construction industry is facing a period of change. The roles ofthe professions involved in the industry in general, and of quantitysurveyors in particular, are also changing. There are opportunitiesfor surveyors to seize the initiative to broaden their involvement inprojects, and attain strategic positions within the industry. However,they will have to improve upon their skill sets and their knowledgebases. Senior quantity surveyors interviewed in Singapore sharedtheir views on the challenges facing the construction industry,and their profession. They suggested that the quantity surveyingprofession would only be able to address the pressing issues itfaces if it pays more attention to innovation and the development ofits people. It should be able to attract and retain talent. Knowledgemanagement will be of critical importance. This will be enabled andfacilitated by knowledge leadership.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamil Sarhan ◽  
Bo Xia ◽  
Sabrina Fawzia ◽  
Azharul Karim ◽  
Ayokunle Olanipekun

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to implementing lean construction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) construction industry and to prioritise the principal factors that constitute these barriers. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was initially used to reveal the global barriers to implementing lean construction. Subsequently, these barriers were incorporated into a structured questionnaire, and a convenience sample of 282 construction professionals in the KSA construction industry was surveyed. The results were analysed using mean item score (MIS), Mann–Whitney U test and principal component analysis (PCA). Findings The findings revealed 22 barriers to lean construction implementation in the KSA construction industry. Principal factors that constitute these barriers were found to be traditional practices, client related, technological, performance and knowledge and cost-related barriers in descending order of pervasiveness. The study also proposes solutions to overcome these principal barriers. Originality/value This study provides a global overview of the barriers to implementing lean construction. It contributes to the body of knowledge, as it uncovers for the first time the barriers to implementing lean construction in the KSA construction industry with reference to the socio-cultural, economic and operational context of the KSA. Thus, it is relevant to other countries in the Middle East because of their shared similarities to the KSA. Furthermore, the solutions proposed to overcome these barriers in the KSA construction industry can be applied in other countries where similar barriers are identified.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Luo ◽  
Xiaolong Xue ◽  
Yongtao Tan ◽  
Yuna Wang ◽  
Yuanxin Zhang

PurposeThis paper aimed to introduce a systematic body of knowledge via a scientometric review, guiding the sustainable transition from conventional construction to prefabricated construction. The construction industry currently faces a challenge to balance sustainable development and the construction of new buildings. In this context, one of the most recent debates is prefabricated construction. As an emerging construction approach, although existing knowledge makes contributions to the implementation of prefabricated construction, there is a lack of a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the critical knowledge themes and gaps.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the scientometric analysis to review the state-of-the-art knowledge of prefabricated construction. It retrieved data from the Web of Science core collection database. CiteSpace software was used to conduct the analysis and visualization; three analysis methods identify the knowledge hotspots, knowledge domains and knowledge topics. Finally, according to integrating the hidden connections among results, a body of knowledge for prefabricated construction application can be inferred.FindingsThe results show that 120 knowledge hotspots, five critical knowledge domains and five prominent knowledge topics are vital for promoting implementation of prefabricated construction. Based on the afore analysis, a body of knowledge for prefabricated construction that can systematically cover a broad knowledge of prefabricated construction-related research and activities are integrated and proposed in this paper.Originality/valueBody of knowledge systematically covers a broad knowledge of prefabricated construction applications and is vital to guide researchers and practitioners to conduct related research and activities, thereby promoting the sustainable transition to prefabricated construction implementation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 861-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Omoregie Aghimien ◽  
Emmanuel Imuetiyan Aghimien ◽  
Akinlolu Oyebobola Fadiyimu ◽  
Taiwo Fadeke Adegbembo

Purpose The economic downturn in Nigeria calls for the need to appraise the survival strategies being adopted by organisations within the built environment, as it plays a major role in the development of every nation. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to appraise the survival strategies of organisations within the built environment, with a view to showcasing these strategies to ensure continuous survival of organisations within the industry. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey approach, and construction professionals across the six geo-political zones of the country were sampled using structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using percentage, Kruskal–Wallis H-test and factor analysis. Findings The study revealed that organisation- and workforce management-related strategies are the most adopted survival strategies in the country, as they have the highest factor loading and accounts for about 37 per cent of the total extracted factors. This is followed by the adoption of strategies relating to organisation’s innovation, diversification, financial management and organisation’s networking, the combination of which accounts for 27.5 per cent of all extracted factors. Research limitations/implications Findings of this study imply that although organisations within the built environment see the need for effective management of their organisation and workforce in a bid to survive in the harsh economic situation of the country, more need to be done as regards the other identified survival strategies, as they can help ensure the survival of these organisations. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it showcases the survival strategies being adopted by the different organisations within the built environment in the challenging Nigerian economy, as against the usual common practice of studying specific organisations within the industry.


2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Azraai Kassim ◽  
Jen Loong Lee

Perubahan dalam pembinaan telah lama menjadi isu pertikaian antara pelbagai pihak yang terlibat dalam projek pembinaan. Namun, hanya sejumlah kecil kajian yang rasmi telah dijalankan untuk menganalisis sebab-sebab dan kesan-kesannya. Kajian ini tertumpu kepada analisis kekerapan dan keterukan berbagai-bagai faktor yang mengakibatkan perubahan dalam projek pembinaan rangkaian pembetungan. Adalah penting bagi sesebuah syrikat bukan sahaja mengetahui kos perubahan, tetapi juga mengenal pasti perkara-perkara yang perlu diberi perhatian untuk mengurangkan kos-kos sedemikian dalam projek akan datang. Kesemua data dan maklumat yang diperlukan diperolehi dari fail-fail arkib bagi tiga belas projek yang disahkan melalui temubual. Data-data dikategori untuk menganalisis kekerapan dan keterukan faktor-faktor. Jadual dan carta digunakan untuk menunjukkan hasil-hasil kajian. Daripada hasil analisis, keadaan tapak yang berbeza merupakan faktor utama yang mengakibatkan perubahan. Faktor-faktor ini menyumbangkan 49.3% daripada jumlah bilangan perubahan, 56.2% daripada jumlah kos perubahan dan 3.8% daripada jumlah kos projek. Dua ciri projek, iaitu nilai anugerah kontrak dan gred pendaftaran kontraktor dengan Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan (mewakili pengkhususan, kedudukan kewangan dan sumber-sumber lain kontraktor) menunjukkan penyebab yang tertentu dengan perubahan. Kata kunci: perubahan; kekerapan; keterukan; pembetungan; rangkaian; pengkhususan Variations in construction have long been a debatable issue among the different participants involved in construction projects. However, only a few formal studies have been carried out to analyse its couses and effects. This study is focused on the frequency and severity of various factors causing variations in sewerage networks construction projects. It is important for a company not only to know the variation costs, but also to identify the most likely areas on which to focus in order to reduce these costs for the future projects. All the necessary data and information are obtained from archival files of thirteen projects and verified through interviews. These data are categorised to analyse the frequency and severity of factors. Tables and charts are presented to show the research findings. From the analysis, differing site conditions appear to be the major factors contributing to variations. They average 49.3% of the total number of variations, 56.2% of the total variation costs and 3.8% of the total project costs. Two project characteristics i.e. contract award value and the contractor´s registration grade with the Construction Industry Development Board (which represents the contractor´s specialisation, financial and other resources standing) show certain causal relationships with variations. Key words: variation; frequency; severity; sewerage; network; specialisation


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