The Effects of Computer Software Packages for Quantity Surveying Profession in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of quantity surveying (QS) software packages started in the late 1970's and early 1980's in some firms. Some of them were used for administrative purposes. However, the real works of the quantity surveyors start from taking off, bill of quantities preparation, pricing, tendering and valuation processes. It is worthy of note that though these processes are highly tasking but could be achieved by use of quantity surveying (QS) packages without much labour. The use of QS software in Nigeria has been developmental. Some of the QS packages are macro soft office (excel), auto cad, master bill, computer aided communications etc. Some relevant literatures on this study done within and outside Nigeria were reviewed. Towards doing a valid investigation, 80 (eighty) well-structured questionnaires were sent to quantity surveyors in consulting and contracting firms in Lagos, out of which 65 (sixty five) respondents completed their questionnaires very well. The retrieved questionnaires were analysed using the statistical frequency tables with mean values. The results justified the responses, the objectives were justified that QS software maximises the efficiency of the quantity surveyors.