Amuda-Yusuf, G and Mohamed, S F (2015) Essential features of a building services standard method of measurement in Malaysia. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 22(6), pp. 749-770. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the need to develop building service standard method of measurement (BSSMM) that would provide a home ground advantage and a framework for managing the cost of building services by quantity surveyors. Design/methodology/approach - A review of previous research on the rules of measurement was carried out. This exercise provides the basis for questionnaire design which was administered to quantity surveyors in Malaysia construction industry. Findings - The results indicated the need to develop BSSMM. In total, 23 variables were identified as essential features of such standard method of measurement. These variables were grouped into three categories and a priority ranking of them was carried out. The analysis revealed a strong agreement among quantity surveyors on the priority ranking of the essential features of the BSSMM. Research limitations/implications - Although, the research would assist industry stakeholders in developing BSSMM that reflects local and international best practices, there is need to further investigate how the rules of the BSSMM could be aligned with construction industry classification systems. Practical implications - The availability of information and computer technology (ICT) tools has transformed the traditional practices in the industry and offered values to quantity surveyors, but if quantity surveyors' tools cannot be consolidated and incorporated into emerging ICT applications, then QS collaboration will be difficult, and the requirements for electronic data exchange will be impractical. Therefore, this type of standard method of measurement will facilitate cross-referencing and coordination between BoQ and other documents such as drawings, specifications and tender produced by other project participants and thereby lay efficient foundation for effective collaboration of quantity surveyors in BIM model. In addition, the BSSMM will not only comply with local industry practices, it will also be internationally compatible. Originality/value - Adoption of a structured format based on BSSMM to present building services cost information is essential in view of the increase in the value and complexity of building services in modern buildings. However, there is need to enhance quantity surveyors' knowledge in the technology and cost management of building services so as to ensure the reliability of cost advice provided to clients. This goal would be partly achieved through education and training of Quantity Surveyors/Cost Consultants in the interpretation and use of the rules of an SMM.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Malaysia; standards; construction management; cost estimates; building services; quantity surveying |
| Index terms: | drawing, cost consultant, surveying, specification, complexity, methodology, collaboration, documents, questionnaire, standard method of measurement, cost management, data exchange, building service, cost information, quantity surveying, Malaysia, exercise, construction industry, cost estimate, education and training, coordination, best practice |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, industry analysis, professional education, professional development, Geography, contractual condition, research methods, accounting and finance, data exchange, management, financial and cost management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, technical documentation, health behaviours and lifestyles, engineering systems, business, data collection methods, profession |
| Topics: | Education, Contract Administration, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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