Awareness Level and Barriers to the Use of Quantity Surveying Software in the Nigerian Built Environment

Amadi Alolote

Abstract

Despite the versatility of the quantity surveying profession, the literature evidence indicates that most quantity surveyors do not venture into non-traditional roles because they are saddled with the time-consuming tasks of manual and clerical tasks, due to the limited use of software. Traditional schools of thought thus dominate Quantity Surveying professional practice in Nigeria. This study examines the level of awareness of the relevance of technology to the Nigerian quantity surveying profession, the level of adoption and use of technology, and the barriers affecting the use of technology. Using the survey research strategy, structured questionnaires were distributed to quantity surveyors in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study findings show that quantity surveyors in Rivers State are aware of some software and technologies used in the quantity surveying profession and that they have adopted some form of technology in providing quantity surveying services. The findings however indicate that the cost of engaging computer literate staff, training on the use of technologies, high cost of hardware and software, obsolescence, data security risks, and low job order are the primary factors that hindered the use and adoption of technology on quantity surveying profession in Rivers State. Surmounting these barriers would require decisive and dedicated actions, to achieve the time savings and enhanced efficiency afforded by information technology use. Quantity surveyors should strive to possess and exhibit the desirable knowledge and range of skills, necessary to remain relevant in the information-intensive and technologically driven built environment landscape.