Hackett, J A (2011) The role of cost estimators in UK construction: a case for, and steps towards, an estimating profession. PhD thesis, University of Birmingham, UK.
Abstract
Estimators and Quantity Surveyors (QS) have pivotal roles in the profitability of construction contracts; however, only QSs have professional recognition. Comparisons between these groups suggested that this may be an anomaly. The purpose of this thesis was to consider the role of the Estimator relative to the accepted criteria attaching to professional status. To achieve this, definitions of a profession were used to compare QSs and Estimators in terms of remuneration, education and professional representation. A statistical analysis on each of these conditions suggested that there was no significant difference in terms of salary offered or education required, by employers. Further investigation, however, did reveal considerable differences in educational and professional opportunities, favouring QSs. With regard to the key defining criteria of a profession and the consideration given by employers, the results indicated that there was no difference between the two groups. Further surveys developed proposals for an Estimator “Body of Knowledge” (BoK) and Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and also found a changing role in meeting diverse client-driven procurement methods and employer requirements. As this demonstrated a case for professional recognition to be considered then these proposals could be used as a platform for further development.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | client; contracts; education; estimator; procurement; professional; quantity survey; quantity surveyor; roles; statistical analysis; training |
| Index terms: | estimator, body of knowledge, estimating, proposal, survey, profession, profitability, construction contract, investigation, cost estimator, procurement method, quantity surveying, training need, platform, statistical analysis |
| Subjects: | financial and cost management, data science, profession, data collection methods, economic analysis, knowledge management, contractual arrangements, project planning, contract type, institututions, educational resources, digital design |
| Topics: | Education, Project Management, Procurement, Digital Applications, Information Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here