AN INVESTIGATION ON UTILIZATION OF QS BASED SOFTWARES

CHAFTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGRUOND TO THE STUDY

According to (Oyediran & Odusami, 2005). The explosive growth of the information andcommunication technology (ICT) has gained unquantified impact on business systemsand   processes.   However,   global   acceptance   and   widespread   adoption   of   ICT   hasaccelerated the dimensions of  competition not only among organizations globally butamong professions locally. (Ashworth et al, 2007). Also noted that the use of informationand communication technology has also created wide range of  implications which can benoted that ICT has changed the way in which we communicate, reach decisions,    manageour work and store information.(Oyediran & Odusami,2005). However advised that since computer has promised to be areliable tool in all spheres of human endeavors as literature documents has revealed therelevance of computer-technology in construction industry, the quantity surveyors (QS)should not lag behind in the adoption of various tools provided by computer-technologythat has promised to improve the quality, promote efficiency and speed up their servicedelivery from inception to commissioning. The reason for this advice may be hinged onthe multidisciplinary nature of Quantity Surveying which (Nwagbara, 2008). Have notedthat is the application of the knowledge and skill of the art, sciences, engineering andtechnology   in   the   practice   of   determining   the   economic   use   of   resources   of   theconstruction industry and the financial appraisal and the measurement of constructionworks. Thus a  Q.S. is expected to be adequately educated and trained, and possesses the1

knowledge, skills and experiences to provide quantity surveying services to clients anddesigners, as well as financial management during the whole spectrum of constructionprocesses, such  services  include among  others are    preparation   of feasibility  studies,preparing preliminary construction cost planning and control, offering of cost advice toemployers/clients and architects/engineers on financial and contractual matters that relateto construction work, providing technical processes of measurement for the preparationof   tender/bid   documents,   advising   on   suitable   procurement   system,   monitoring   andevaluation of projects and programmes etc. (Nwagbara,2008).

1.2      STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Our society is undergoing profound and rapid changes as a result of information Superhighway,   which   is   rightly   referred   to   as   the   digital   revolution.   These   changes   haveoccurred   primarily   in   response   to   changes   in   industry/client   demands,   economic   andtechnological changes brought about by globalization. (Aminu,2005). Also, (Oyediran &Odusami,2005) in (Honey,1998)  have reported that about  83% of the quantity surveyorsin the UK use computer   at work and that is quite a large proportion of members usegeneral-purpose office software (database and spreadsheet applications). Therefore oneway of keeping abreast with development is through learning new skills etc. Howeverobserved by   (Olukayode, 2005).  That   there  was  increasing   yearly   rate of   adoption  ofcomputer in QS services, particularly among those QSs in their mid-career years. About89%   of   the   Nigerian   quantity   surveyors   have   been   using   computer   for   project   costmanagement services (PCMS).2

1.3 NEED FOR THE STUDY

(Oyediran & Odusami,2005). Stated that QS appears to be one of the professions in theconstruction industries that has not been profoundly transformed by the application oftechnological   advancement   offered   by   digital   revolution   especially   in   developingcountries   like   Nigeria.   As   such,   the   QS   must   avail   themselves   to   the   various   toolsprovided by the computer-technology that has promised to improve the quality, efficiencyand speedup their service delivery.

1.4      AIM The aim of this work is to investigate utilization of QS-Based Softwares in preparing Bill            of Quantities by QS firms in Katsina and Kaduna States.  

1.5  OBJECTIVES a. To identify the firms that utilize the softwares.b. To determine the benefits generated by the users.c. To identify the challenges facing the users.d. To find ways of facing the challenges.

1.6      SCOPEThe work is to be conducted in Katsina and Kaduna States, with particular reference toQuantity Surveying firms operating in the study area.

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