ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETENCIES OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN COST MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES IN LAGOS STATE.

Abstract

Mechanical and Electrical services (M&E) account for 10-70% of project total cost depending on the type of project. The complex design of M&E services has led to an enormous cost management gap in the pricing of M&E services. The study assessed the competencies of Quantity surveyors (QSs) in the cost management of Mechanical and Electrical services with the view of enhancing the performance level of Quantity surveyors. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to construction professional experts in M&E services which include Quantity surveyors, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. Eighty-four (84) questionnaires were distributed using snowballing techniques but seventy-two (72) of the questionnaires were returned. Sixty-one (61) questionnaires were found suitable for analysis after collection. This represents a response rate of 72.6% of the number distributed. Data collected were analyzed using percentiles, Mean Item Score, Kruskal Wallis test, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, Gap Analysis, Spearman Rank Correlation, and content analysis. The results revealed that measurement/Quantification skills, valuation, numerical and critical thinking skills were the most important skills required in cost management of M&E services while it was revealed that QS performed better in numerical, documentation, communication and financial skills. The study also revealed that knowledge in quality management, risk management, preparation of bill of quantity and installation of M&E services were not well incorporated in the curricula of some of the tertiary institutions. This study further revealed that knowledge in the Bill of Quantity (BOQ), Valuation, Measurement and Estimating were ranked most important knowledge needed in cost management of M&E services. QSs performs better in knowledge in preparing BOQ, valuation and financial control. Furthermore, the study identified strategies to improve competencies of QSs in managing M&E services which include site exposure to M&E works, advanced training and curriculum should be updated to multi-dimensional needs of the client. Based on the findings it is recommended that Quantity Surveyors require continuous training to keep themselves abreast of how well to manage M&E services and also to further improve themselves in the areas of installation skills, Knowledge of M&E Services Engineering, price forecasting skills, analytical skills, and measurement skills. The academic institutions and the professional body should take into serious consideration areas such as quality management, risk management, practical exposure to the installation of M&E services and preparing the bill of quantity when reviewing the academic programme of Quantity Surveying. There is a need for Quantity Surveyors to develop themselves personally and this can be achieved by visiting the site where M&E projects are being executed, attending the symposium, workshops, and seminars to give them exposure and experience conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors or relevant professional institutions.