Oke, A E; Aliu, J O; Tamunosa Ojurongbe, E; Aigbavboa, C O; Aghimien, D O and Ebekozien, A (2026) Investigation of core and future competencies needed for quantity surveyors in Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 22(1), pp. 119-137. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
The quantity surveying profession uniquely blends engineering, construction, economics and project management in a way that demands a diverse skill set from its practitioners. Thus, competence in this field requires not only a deep understanding of cost estimation, contract management, measurement and project financial control, but also the ability to adapt to technological advancements and evolving industry standards. This article explores both the core competencies necessary for effective quantity surveying practice and the future-proof skills needed to address emerging challenges in the construction industry. Through literature review, 17 core and 17 future-proof competencies were identified for quantity surveyors. This led to the development of a questionnaire aimed at professionals across various levels, including principal partners, partners, senior quantity surveyors and junior quantity surveyors. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to assess the relevance of these competencies. The five most crucial competencies identified were contract administration, construction technology, measurement and quantification, communication and negotiation skills and construction law and regulation. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant variations in competency importance across different professional levels. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the core and future-proof competencies required for quantity surveyors, considering the perspectives of professionals at different career stages.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | advanced technologies; construction industry; core competencies; future-proof skills; quantity surveying |
| Index terms: | survey, financial control, literature review, contract management, quantity surveying practice, surveying, cost estimating, body of knowledge, practitioner, regulation, questionnaire, evidence, variation, career, competence, construction law, Nigeria, quantification, quantity surveying, contract administration, negotiation, project management, construction technology, construction industry, statistics, investigation, profession |
| Subjects: | conflict resolution, measurement and scaling, industry analysis, construction law, political science, contractual condition, professional development, project management theory and practice, personnel development, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, data collection methods, profession, mathematical modelling, Geography, contract management, knowledge management, economic analysis, evaluation and assessment methods, digital engineering, practitioner, institututions |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Governance, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Contract Administration, Geographical Context, Project Management, Health and Safety, Legal Issues |
| 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