Deshapriya, L A M; Perera, B A K S; Ilangakoon, I W M A D and Weerasooriya, D (2025) Management of adverse effects of construction digitalization on the quantity surveying key roles: A qualitative Delphi study. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(6), pp. 1815-1837. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – Digitalization has significantly impacted the job roles of construction professionals globally. This study aims to investigate how to manage the adverse effects of digitalization on roles of quantity surveyor (QS) by assessing the level of digitalization of quantity surveying key roles identifying the adverse effects of digitalization on key roles and proposing mitigation strategies to manage adverse effects. It addresses a critical gap by providing a nuanced understanding of adverse effects faced by QSs due to digital advancement. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting an interpretive stance, the research involved three rounds of 16 semistructured interviews with experts selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using code-based content analysis with NVivo12. Findings – The study identified ten quantity surveying key roles adopting digital technologies. While digitalization has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, it has also introduced adverse effects such as increased workload, potential burnout due to skills shortages, resistance to digital tools and data security concerns. Effective mitigation strategies include task prioritization, balancing traditional and digital skills and investing in continuous training. The study underscores the need for ongoing professional development for QSs and organizational restructuring to support digital integration, enhance workflow efficiency and reduce resistance to technological changes. Research limitations/implications – This study's novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization's usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects. Originality/value – This study's novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization's usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adverse effects; digital technologies; digitalization; manage; quantity surveyor |
| Index terms: | integration, exploration, methodology, mitigation, digital technology, workflow, shortages, burnout, interview, digitalization, surveying, strategy, content analysis, workload, accuracy, construction professional, technological change, purposive sampling, quantity surveying, efficiency, Delphi method, professional development, adaptation |
| Subjects: | research methods, financial risk, user focus, innovation studies, environmental resource management, digital technology, economic analysis, performance management, management, professional development, occupational health and safety management, organizational analysis, profession, data collection methods, computing systems, health monitoring assessment and metrics, data analysis and analytics |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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