The Perception of Construction Professionals to the Use of Quantity Surveying Research in Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian construction industry shows little interest in the contributions of research because they see it as theoretical and not suitable for the challenges facing them. Hence, this study assesses the use of research in quantity surveying and challenges that may be confronting its use. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire from construction professionals who are academics and practitioners in southwestern, Nigeria. Secondary data obtained from a study undertaken on quantity surveyors’ perception about quantity surveying research (QSR), was used for comparison. Percentage and frequency distribution, mean item score and descriptive analysis was employed. The study revealed that quantity surveyors claimed that the level of use of quantity surveying research (QSR) is low while other professionals agreed that it is high though the level of awareness and level of accessibility is high from both view points. Quantity surveyors perceived that poor recordkeeping, inadequate funding for QSR, non-readiness of practitioners to support researcher, and absence of collaboration/interaction between academics and practitioners are challenges confronting the use of QSR.  The study recommends that academics should work together with the practitioners in the construction industry to receive fund to carry out problem-solving collaborative research which would be useful for them.

Keywords: Construction professional, Nigeria, Quantity Surveying Research, Use, Challenges