The Effects of Technology in the Field of Quantity Surveying Practice in Akwa Ibom State

ABSTRACT The study focused on the assessment of technology in the field of quantity surveying in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives of the study include; to identify and examine the types of ICT software application in the field of quantity surveying in Akwa Ibom State, to investigate the factors affecting the software application in the field of quantity surveying, and to assess the effects of software technology in the quantity surveying practices. To assess these effects, 4- points likert scale structured questionnaire was administered. The respondents used for this study were professionals in the built sector including; contractors, consultants ,quantity surveyors, project engineers, architects and builders in some selected locations in Akwa Ibom State. The research uses a mean score (MS) system to analyze data, 2.5 mean score and above was considered significant while 2.5 and below insignificant. In the objective one; to identify and exxamine the types of ICT software application in the field of quantity surveying in Akwa Ibom State, Planswift and Masterbill softwares ranked firSt and second while Vector Shape software and RIPAC Estimating System softwares ranked as the least significant. In objective two; to investigate the factors afecting the software application in quantity surveying, lack of organizational culture and policies, lack of user expertise, cost and budget constraints, inadequate job order to encourage investment in computer, rate of virus attack leading to loss of data, time constraints, integration with other tools project complexity, customization and flexibility were considered significant. In objective three; to identify mitigative measures in the adoption of ICT software; employ expertise professionals, support and mentoring from top management, government sponsor private sector ICT development, effective supervision, adequate power supply, promotion of awareness were ranked as significant. It was also revealed that impediments to the use of ICT in Nigerian construction industry include the gap in knowledge in the area of technological innovation in the construction industry. It was recommended amongst others that professional bodies should organize workshops, seminars, and training to raise awareness about the use of technology in the field of quantity surveying in Akwa Ibom State. It was also recommended that Government should provide institutions with necessary training facilities and also make laws that encourage technology usage among its construction stakeholders.