Awareness and perception of quantity surveyors toward the smart construction concepts

Abstract

The construction industry is undergoing a transformative phase due to the integration of modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. Quantity surveyors, as pivotal figures in construction projects, must adapt to these advancements. Therefore, the research aimed to determine the perception and impact of new smart concepts and technological trends on quantity surveying professionals. Accordingly, the research adopts a mixed approach. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Manual content analysis and the Relative Important Index (RII) were used to analyse the collected data. The findings demonstrate that all identified smart construction concepts significantly influence the quantity surveying profession, with BIM exerting the most substantial impact. Further, the study emphasises the urgency for quantity surveying professionals to upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in this technologically advancing landscape. Moreover, the research recommended that industry professionals, construction organisations, and academia facilitate this knowledge enhancement through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops, webinars, specialized training sessions, and formal education programs to stay abreast of these modern trends and technologies. Subsequently, this research serves as a valuable guide for stakeholders, encouraging proactive steps towards integrating modern technology into the traditional domain of quantity surveying.