Machiavelli and the Bar: J.J. White as Negotiation Ethics Architect

Professor White’s seminal piece inspired my first law review article: Was Machiavelli Right? Lying in Negotiation and the Art of Defensive Self-Help. I continue to use White’s article in the classroom for teaching about negotiation ethics because the piece sketches out core issues in a manner that is interesting, insightful, and, perhaps most important of all to my students: brief....

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

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.