Assessment of quantity surveyor’s perception on risk management practice in construction projects in Ebonyi state

Abstract

The roles of Quantity Surveyors, who are the construction economists is to support cost effectiveness of construction projects planning through the pre-construction stage to post construction stage of projects. Despite being recognized as a professional discipline, Quantity Surveyors are not immune to the threats and risks in their operating environment. Consequence of which when poorly managed may be detrimental to Quantity Surveying practice and overall performance of construction project. Therefore, the study assesses the risk management techniques of the Quantity Surveyors in construction projects with a view of enhancing a better performance in project delivery. The construction industry is subject to more risk than any other industry. Risk management has become an integral process in managing construction projects. To complete most construction project on time, minimizing cost and wastages proper risk management techniques must be employed. Some authors of journals, conferences, text written by professional were consulted and datas were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaires administered to forty six (46) respondents. The data generated were further analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies and mean index score (MIS). The research findings identified that most Quantity Surveyors understand and practice risks management in construction industry while very few practice it unknowingly (i.e they do not really understand it) financial, design and physical risk were discovered as some of the most sources of risk in construction projects. Also risk reduction is most popular among the professional Quantity Surveyors as methods and tools for managing and mitigating risks respectively in construction projects. The study concludes that the most sources of risk in construction project delivery often experienced by the Quantity surveyors are financial and design risks. The recommendations suggest that the client should consult competent and qualified professional Quantity Surveyors from the early stage through the completion stage of a construction project. The professional Quantity Surveyors should continue to acquire new skills through training and retraining to meet the changing nature of construction environment.