An Analysis of the Multidisciplinary Approach of a Quantity Surveyor

Abstract

The profession “Quantity Surveying” (QS) plays a major role in the field of construction. Initially the work scope of a traditional Quantity Surveyor was limited within a considerable amount of work. Due to the fact of evolution of the industry, within the last decades the work scope of the Quantity Surveyor span across in the spheres of various disciplines. Sri-Lankan construction industry is aware of the importance on multidisciplinary approach of the Quantity Surveying profession. Yet, it’s questionable that the industry is aware of the extent of which the disciplines impact the success of a project through the QS profession. This paper is focused on Accounting, Management, Law, Information Technology and language disciplines of modern Quantity Surveying. The situation is addressed throughout a Quantitative research approach by collecting the primary data from Quantity Surveying professionals in the industry and few interview sessions were adopted to get the experts’ opinions. The analysis of the primary data collected, was done according to Relative Importance Index Analysis and the average of the relative importance index was calculated for each discipline to address the required extent of each discipline for the Quantity Surveying profession. According to the analysis, it was reviled that the multidisciplinary approach of the QS is important. It was found that the need of these disciplines are required to perform the work scope of Quantity Surveying and it is needed to take necessary precautions to implement and maintain certain standards which covers the above mentioned disciplines in order for local Quantity Surveyors to be well equipped, for the challenges in facing the new requirements of the construction world.