Impact of Technological Advancement on Nigeria’s Construction Industry: Examining the Compatibility of Quantity Surveying Functions
Abstract
It is a widely acknowledged fact that technological advancements, particularly in the realm of information technology (IT), have brought about profound changes in the way professionals in the construction industry conduct business. These changes have led to cost reduction, labour efficiency, and time savings across various industries. The field of Quantity Surveying has not remained untouched by these transformations, as it too has adopted advanced technology in service delivery. This study examines the broader impact of technology on the construction industry, focusing on its current applications in Quantity Surveying. This study investigates the impact of technology, specifically examining how it influences the roles of Quantity Surveyors in managing cost, labour, and time. Deploying a survey research strategy, well-structured physical and digital questionnaires were administered to young and experienced Quantity Surveyors in Rivers State, Nigeria. This paper presents and analyzes the data collected through the questionnaires, as aligned with the research objectives, which were predominantly analyzed using descriptive statistics to elucidate the relationships between various study variables. The analysis outcome strongly supports the conclusion that technological innovation has significantly benefited the field of quantity surveying, influencing functions such as cost, time, and labour management in the Nigerian construction industry. Technological tools have collectively reshaped traditional quantity surveying practices in Nigeria, by introducing efficiency, accuracy, and a more data-driven approach to project management and decision-making. The integration of these technologies’ better positions Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria, to navigate the complexities of modern construction projects with enhanced capabilities.
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