Investigating the Challenges of Software Adoption Among Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract— In comparison to other countries, software adoption for quantity surveying tasks in Sri Lanka has been relatively slow. Considering the quantity surveying practices in Sri Lanka, a number of primitive software packages are used by the quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka for their work. This study's objectives are to identify the software applications and tools commonly used by quantity surveyors worldwide, assess the current state of software application usage in Sri Lankan quantity surveying practices for major tasks, investigate barriers to software adoption, and make recommendations for empowering IT adoption among Quantity Surveying professionals. The study applied a mixed research strategy based on a pragmatic research philosophy. The target population consisted of quantity surveying professionals working in both contracting and consulting firms. The sample was selected applying a sampling technique that included simple random sampling for questionnaires and purposive sampling for interviews. Content analysis and frequency index analysis were used in data analysis since they provide reliable results. The study found that the most often used software applications among respondents were Excel, AutoCAD, Cubicost, MS Project, and Microsoft Access as popular software for a variety of uses such as designing, tendering, bidding, planning, quantity take-off, and database management. This study offers insight into the barriers of IT adoption among Sri Lankan quantity surveyors and offers recommendations for enhancing IT adoption within the quantity surveying profession in Sri Lanka by focusing on software applications. Based on the findings, this paper suggests promoting software use for tendering/ bidding and implementing digital document management systems for the Sri Lankan construction industry as future research directions.