Enhancing Competencies for the Future Career of the Practicing Quantity Surveyor Research Paper: May 2020

Abstract

The construction industry recognizes quantity surveyors as construction economists with comprehensive and varied duties that support cost-effective construction and property development projects. The core competencies of the quantity surveyor include the determination of project budgets, measurement of project quantities, preparation of contract documents, contract administration and preparation of Final Accounts. Notwithstanding his immense contributions, some disciplines in the built environment have been critical of the works and services provided by the quantity surveyor (QS). Some even question the significance of appointing him/her as a project consultant. They criticize that quantity surveying services could be distributed. As per them the amalgamation of a set of competency standards into professional quantity surveyor's training or continuous professional development (CPD). Even clients have become increasingly interested in the competency levels of the services professionals provide, especially in the wake of and quest for ‘value for money'. Interestingly, competence can take place in any domain. It is related to professional occupations where roles can be complex. Consequent upon this, the profession must regroup, take stock of what this challenge portends, and embark on self-validation of the scope and relevance of its services to avoid becoming extinct in the future. The research identified five new competency standards for quantity surveyors, and its findings revealed that three of these new competencies (advance financial management, leadership &general management skills, and marketing) are among the top ten competencies practicing quantity surveyors need to enhance their proficiency level in service delivery.