PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the survival of the quantity surveying profession using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis in an attempt to define the key strengths and weaknesses of the quantity surveying profession based on professional consultants’ experience and to determine the key opportunities and threats which are perceived to impact the quantity surveying profession significantly.Design/methodology/approachThe positivist paradigm was used for this study. The researchers chose quantitative research in the form of questionnaires. A probability sampling method was used. The desired method that was used was the random sampling method. The data were analysed with SPSS using factor analysis and descriptive analysis. A sample of 58 quantity surveyors was randomly selected from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) for this study.FindingsFour categories of strengths exist, namely, the ability to plan and solve pro...

The role of the quantity surveyor is one that is often unclear amongst the general public. This study discussed the competencies of the quantity surveyor in measuring and managing civil engineering works and also carrying out the financial management for civil engineering construction projects; also outlined the various competencies and skills required of quantity surveyors in discharging and managing their professional duties. The core activities of quantity surveyors include determining project budgets, measuring project quantities, preparing contract documentation (such as Bills of Quantities and cost control documents), administering contracts, and preparing final accounts. The study also examines recent developments in the profession, which have led to the quantity surveyor delivering a number of management related consultancy services, in response to rising client expectations and demands. The militating factors to QS participation in the Nigeria AEC industry were identified as skills and knowledge, competencies, identity or branding issues, fewer QS in public service among others. The study advocated a change in culture and the inclusion of quantity surveyors on civil engineering projects in order for the industry to leverage on the dynamism of the quantity surveying profession.

The profession of quantity surveying has evolved as a result of clients' additional needs and market requirements. Clients not only request for traditional services but also asking for the contemporary services such as project management, risk management, feasibility study, construction financial practice, arbitration and productivity improvement in today's innovative and changing construction industry. The scope of works for graduate quantity surveyors is no longer limited to the regular practices of measurement, tendering or estimating but something further beyond than this boundary. Hence, the objective of this paper is to present a critical review on the traditional and contemporary roles of graduate quantity surveyors, the threats to graduate quantity surveyors and also the methods to improve graduate quantity surveyors' practice. Overall, this paper would provide insight knowledge to construction industry players for better understanding of graduate quantity surveyors' roles.

Globally, Quantity Surveying (QS) is a profession introduced in the United Kingdom since 1859 (Cruywagen & Llal, 2017). Back then, it was a norm for a project to be executed without measures and values, in fact no bills of quantities (BOQ) were produced at that time. A few

ABSTRACT This paper examines trends in the Nigerian Quantity Surveying Consulting Practices (NQSCP). The survey elicits the view of top management staff in Quantity Surveying Consulting Firms (QSCFs) on traditional and non-traditional building services, non-building services and software application. The intent of the survey was to ascertain the frequency of involvement of (QSCFs) in traditional and non-traditional building services, non-building services and to determine level of software usage in rendering consultancy services. The paper investigates the organizational set-up of (NQSCP) in terms of categories of professional membership and number of year in the industry. Relevant data were obtained through questionnaire. Only 45 out of 60 administered questionnaires were filled and returned. Analysis of the responses from these firms indicates that; 42% of the Consulting firms have been practicing for an average of 18years. The survey further discloses that, 93% of these firms have at most 5 employees as Members of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Among the 45 firms, only 20(44%) registered with (QSRBN). Among the employee Qs, 106 out of 148 in the firms are members of Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNIQS). This implies that, most of the Qs in the consulting firms considered are in this category. Most of these firms engage in traditional building services compared to non-traditional and non-building building services. The rate of use of computer aided software among these firms is still low. All the firms alluded to the use of email and spread sheets but master bill maker, workmate 5.0 bill maker and Qs Cad ranked low. The study concluded that Qs Consulting firms need to develop in the area of non-building services delivery and improve on the use computer aided software applications in order to improve in their service delivery by turning to indigenous computer engineers keywords: Trends, Quantity Surveying Profession, Consulting Practice, Software, Nigeria