The role of quantity surveyors for the success of small-scale construction projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Several small-scale construction projects are being implemented around the country being a part of development process in Sri Lanka. Most of the Quantity Surveying related areas has become major problem making subjects in those projects and there is lack of involvement of the Quantity Surveyors in those projects when comparing with other professionals in the industry. This research was conducted to highlight the importance of involvement of Quantity Surveyors for success of such projects in Sri Lankan construction industry. Mixed-method approach was used in this research. Most important Quantity Surveying roles that directly impact for the success of small-scale construction projects were determined and categorized under the different stages of construction projects by using semi-structured interviews and questionnaire survey as primary data collection methods. These data were analyzed by using Correlation analysis and Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis as statistical analysis methods. Identified Quantity Surveying roles were ranked based on the impact on the success of those small-scale projects using RII values. Further Correlation analysis was performed to show the relationship between Quantity Surveyor’s involvement and success of smallscale construction projects. Barriers for satisfactory involvement of Quantity Surveyors in small-scale construction projects and strategies to increase the involvement of Quantity Surveyors were identified by analyzing data from semi-structured interviews using manual content analysis. Among those barriers most of the interviewees stated that obtaining the service from non-professionals at lower cost was the major barrier and introducing service packages to the client in early stages of project was considered as the main strategy to increase the Quantity Surveyor’s involvement to small-scale construction projects. However, the research was concluded that the involvement of client and contractor Quantity Surveyors to the pre-construction and post-construction phases are critical to the success of small-scale construction projects in Sri Lanka.