Toh, S C L; Wong, S Y and Ding, C S (2026) The impact of artificial intelligence on the quantity surveying profession in sarawak, Malaysia. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(1), pp. 171-192. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – Artificial intelligence (AI) aids in enhancing construction efficiency, safety and cost management, but also possesses challenges such as workforce adaptation and potential redundancy for Quantity Surveyor (QS). Although the Malaysian government promoted digitalization since 2010, AI adoption in the construction sector remains slow compared to developed countries. Therefore, this study aims to: (1) identify the severity of the impacts of AI, (2) categorize the impacts of AI and (3) examine the relationship between combined impacts of AI and its adoption on the quantity surveying profession. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire surveys were distributed to QSs via simple random sampling method. As a result, 77 valid responses were received. Descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation) were used to identify the severity of AI's impact on the quantity surveying profession. Factor analysis was used to categorize the impacts of AI on the quantity surveying profession. Partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to determine the relationship between combined impacts of AI and its adoption among quantity surveying profession. Findings – The results revealed that "maximize work efficiency to improve productivity" and "improve quantity take-off from drawings" were two most severe impacts of AI on the quantity surveying profession. The factor analysis' results revealed 20 impacts were categorized into four components. The findings of PLS-SEM revealed that "adoption of skill and knowledge for communication and contractual issues" impacted most toward the adoption of AI among quantity surveying profession. Practical implications – This study could assist QS in understanding the impacts of AI and hence the management for better procedures of incorporating AI into their practices to enhance efficiency of construction projects. Originality/value – This study focused specifically on the impacts of AI on the quantity surveying profession solely by considering the relevant tasks that AI could perform for QSs. This is one of the first study adopting both factor analysis and PLS-SEM approaches in examining the impacts of AI on the quantity surveying profession. This study could add to the literature and benefit the quantity surveying profession.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adoption; artificial intelligence; impact; profession; quantity surveying |
| Index terms: | redundancy, survey, structural equation modelling, drawing, digitalization, take-off, surveying, construction sector, partial least square, questionnaire, developed country, construction project, methodology, cost management, adaptation, deviation, productivity, Malaysia, quantity surveying, efficiency, artificial intelligence, statistics, sampling, factor analysis, profession |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, industry analysis, performance management, quantity surveying, management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, financial and cost management, artificial intelligence, technical documentation, mathematical modelling, profession, data collection methods, development economics, Geography, production management, accounting and finance, research methods, digital technology, institututions, user focus |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources, International Construction, Health and Safety, Project Management, Geographical Context, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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