2.1. The Competencies of Quantity Surveyors
Competency involves the effective application of a cohesive set of interlinked expertise, abilities, competencies, and individual qualities essential for accomplishing “critical work functions”, which ultimately results enhanced employee effectiveness [
28]. Babalola (2009) regarded a competent quantity surveyor as an individual expected to encompass a variety of skills, knowledge, and comprehension. Furthermore, this professional should utilize these skills and knowledge in diverse contexts [
20]. The distinctive competency of quantity surveyors lies in their expertise in measurement and valuation [
15], involving forecasting, analyzing, planning, controlling and accounting [
29]. Quantity surveyors contribute to cost-effectiveness through project construction process management. They aim to control the project cost, mitigate risks, and enhance the project’s value, ensuring clients’ economic benefits. Because of the global problem of project cost overruns, governments and enterprises have increasingly recognized the need for more effective cost reduction in construction projects. This has led to a growing awareness of the importance and value of engaging expert quantity surveyors [
30].
The increasing recognition of the pivotal role of quantity surveyors in organizations in the past few decades has prompted the development of international competency frameworks. The competencies expected of quantity surveyors have been outlined and detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of the functional components of each unit, which includes performance standards, range indicators, and evidence guidelines, as specified by the RICS, the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), the Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE), etc. [
20]. The performance standards specify the outcomes required to demonstrate satisfactory performance for each competency element. Range indicators define the scope to which performance standards are applicable, while evidence guidelines offer tangible outcomes that demonstrate satisfactory competencies [
20,
31]. These criteria for competency guide both individuals and organizations in defining, assessing, and developing quantity surveying competencies, with their application expanding internationally. In general, the competency framework in different regional industry associations generally shows that the practical ability of quantity surveyors should contain three levels: basic abilities, core abilities, and professional abilities. And there are different specific requirements according to different occupational scopes and service objects [
32].
The field of quantity surveying has continuously been recognized as vibrant, and its ever-changing nature shapes the abilities and proficiencies needed to address evolving requirements promptly. This dynamism is evident in the diverse skills and competencies of quantity surveyors emphasized by the RICS at various junctures [
33]. In the early years, the quantity surveyor was preeminent for its expertise in measuring, quantifying, and compiling bills of quantities. Expanding upon the RICS definition, the quantity surveyor processes skills in procurement, financial, and contractual controls, covering comprehensive aspects of cost control and expenditure monitoring on behalf of clients or third parties [
17,
18,
34]. This underscores the distinctly recognized “technical” role of quantity surveyors during that period. In fact, throughout history, this “technical” role has been the most widely acknowledged aspect of the quantity surveyors’ responsibilities [
14,
15,
33]. Deviating from its traditional “technical” role, RICS has subsequently promoted the various roles of the quantity surveyor as “the building economist”, “cost engineer”, “procurement consultant”, and “cost consultant”. These roles have bestowed a fresh “managerial” image upon them [
33]. The role of quantity surveyors has broadened beyond the measurement and estimation of costs in construction projects, which now encompasses emerging responsibilities such as risk management, quality control, dispute resolution, and payment management [
7]. Despite the continued importance of technical competencies, future quantity surveyor services within an ever-changing environment are expected to require enhanced competencies in management-oriented skills [
28]. In addition, conflict avoidance, business planning, sustainability consultancy, accounting principles, ethics and professional practice, and client care are considered the core competencies of a proficient quantity surveyor [
9,
35]. Shafie et al. (2014) [
8] and Cunningham (2014) [
15] asserted that incorporating and applying soft skills is crucial for quantity surveyors to foster their competencies in terms of collaboration, analytical thinking, and decision-making proficiency.
The construction industry is adopting high-tech digital tools like BIM to enhance efficiency and optimize earnings [
36]. Quantity surveyors need to quickly embrace these advanced technologies to ensure the longevity of their professional careers [
37]. From a cost management standpoint, many scholars have recognized BIM as a valuable tool for supporting the generation of estimates. BIM facilitates the precise and automated extraction of quantities, empowering quantity surveyors to collaborate seamlessly with various disciplines and visualize the envisioned development [
38,
39,
40,
41,
42]. In 2016, Kamaruzzaman et al. underscored the BIM adoption of quantity surveyors in cost estimation. The competency was classified into three primary dimensions: visualization of data (e.g., preparation of bill of quantities, whole life cycle costing, contractual documentation), stable database (e.g., estimating, quantity takeoff), and coordination of data (e.g., storing, sharing, and accessing information) [
42,
43,
44]. Meanwhile, competency is also required for quantity surveyors to cite BIM to strengthen team communication and enhance interoperability in the construction phase [
38].
Quantity surveying is defined as a client-driven profession, wherein quantity surveying professionals address client requirements and must continually upgrade their skills to meet the ever-changing requirements of project owners [
18]. Since the 21st century, quantity surveyors have expanded their roles to encompass broader responsibilities across every phase of the building life cycle, which includes involvement from project inception and design to obtaining consent, procurement, construction, commissioning of the completed building, and retrofitting or upgrading during the service stage [
1]. Consequently, several new roles have emerged within the quantity surveying profession, placing heightened importance on satisfying customers’ requirements. Quantity surveyors now engage in procurement, planning for design costs, comprehensive life cycle costing, value optimization, and risk assessment and control. As buildings shift their focus towards engineering services, there is an increased focus on measuring the cost and value of such services. Additionally, evolved roles encompass project and construction management, facilities management, managing contractual conflicts and legal disputes, and performing insurance valuation [
14,
33]. Different roles and responsibilities require quantity surveyors to address the requirements of their clients effectively. The work content of quantity surveyors will show a relatively fixed range due to the different occupation scope, service object, and project stage. For instance, authors such as Elhag (2005) [
45], Crafford and Smallwood (2007) [
46], and Ashworth (2013) [
14], while restricting the responsibilities of quantity surveyors employed in construction enterprises during the construction phase, the role of the consultancy quantity surveyor has been expanded to cover the entire building life cycle. This includes responsibilities expanding beyond the phase of capital development: BIM spans into the subsequent stages of operation, maintenance, upgrades, and eventual disposal. Nevertheless, the range of services can be tailored to any stage of project development or the building life cycle, as determined by the client or employer [
1]. Cunningham (2014) argues that there is no place for complacency, and the quantity surveyor must take proactive measures to meet client expectations in an increasingly competitive and interconnected global landscape [
15].
The evident shift in climate patterns and ongoing depletion of natural resources have notably affected our constructed surroundings. As a result, industries worldwide are increasingly embracing sustainable developments and products [
47]. As project sponsors or owners aim to minimize energy usage and optimize the utilization of eco-friendly materials, formulating a precise cost estimate and plan has become more complex [
9]. To effectively provide cost advisory services for sustainable projects to customers and other professionals in the field, quantity surveyors need to enhance their competencies and knowledge continually. Understanding green products and materials has been identified as a critical advantage for quantity surveyors to sustain their professionalism in the field [
47]. The evolving services related to green buildings also encompass the development of sustainability strategies, the assessment of life cycle costs (constructional elements and construction materials), selecting “Green Contractors”, constructing cost databases of green projects, providing advice for engineering projects, and assessing the sustainability of property [
9,
47].
As the times undergo change and development, science and technology continually update and iterate. The needs of owners/customers evolve, leading to a continuous transformation of the role of quantity surveyors and an expansion of capability requirements. And it requires that quantity surveyors need to consistently participate in lifelong learning to stay updated on the rapid progress in technology and knowledge, significantly influencing their present and future service offerings [
1,
20]. Frei et al. (2013) [
48] support this idea, suggesting that quantity surveyors should continually analyze the external business environment to identify future directions that are important to the business. They promote the development of strategies to realign their positions, viewing changes as chances rather than risks [
1,
48].
After conducting an extensive meta-analysis of the literature,
Table 1 and
Table 2 provide a compilation of the most widely mentioned fundamental, core, and developing competencies expected of a quantity surveying professional.
2.2. Challenges for Quantity Surveyors
The shifts in the market, construction industry, and client demands have presented challenges but broad prospects for development in the quantity surveying profession. Therefore, quantity surveyors have initiated the exploration of new potential roles. Beyond their traditional responsibilities, there is an anticipation for quantity surveyors to undertake evolving roles in the profession, placing heightened importance on addressing clients’ requirements. The ongoing evolution of roles within the industry has made it difficult for quantity surveyors to sustain competitiveness in the construction labor market [
33].
The historical acknowledgment of the quantity surveyor’s role has predominantly centered on its technical aspect. Because of this inherent nature, there has been a belief that the tasks executed by a quantity surveyor could be easily substituted by either an individual or a machine proficient in basic arithmetic calculations. This perspective has prompted construction industry experts to continually advocate for enhancing technological expertise within the quantity surveying profession [
18,
33,
60]. Per Ashworth et al. (2013) [
14], the evolution of quantity surveyor services in the future is expected to be shaped by various factors. These factors encompass customer orientation, the novel utilization of information and communication technology (ICT), and the emphasis on sustainability goals. The profession consistently encounters challenges and opportunities in emerging markets, necessitating acquiring relevant skills and competencies [
14,
61]. For example, the main challenge facing the industry in South Africa is taking on roles beyond the conventional scope of quantity surveyor services and tackling the deficiency of pertinent expertise in the emerging generation of professionals. These challenges are closely linked to technical shortcomings, including a lack of knowledge, essential skills, and competencies required for future careers [
28].
With the construction industry facing increasingly sophisticated customer requirements beyond traditional competencies, quantity surveyors are urged to update their competencies. This involves assuming new roles and shouldering additional responsibilities, including the adoption of advanced ICT such as BIM, BD, and AI. These technologies enable more precise and automated cost estimation and planning from the inception of a construction project [
9,
37]. The significance of digital technology has increasingly manifested in recent years [
5,
62]. The construction industry is actively adopting advanced digital technologies to improve productivity, maximize profits [
9,
16,
63], enhance the work performance of quantity surveyors, and optimize project performance [
41,
43]. For example, BIM allows for the digital creation of precise virtual building models, ensuring their use throughout the entire life cycle and contributing to a safer and more productive environment [
64]. Moreover, BIM simplifies the accessibility and sharing of building data for diverse functions, such as model creation and design, quantity takeoff and cost estimation, energy analysis and data management, and standardization [
43]. Furthermore, BD allows the assessment of tenders against historical data through the application of algorithms. These algorithms can compare and contrast extensive sets of construction data and documentation. By fully leveraging past project cost data, BD facilitates the initiation of data mining examinations, establishing a foundation for the tender analysis of both new and existing construction projects [
5,
65]. BD technologies can aid in assimilating crucial and extensive cost data required by stakeholders to produce precise cost projections and social effects, ultimately resulting in increased value [
5]. Thirdly, ML, being a subset of AI, presents a practical solution to address inaccuracies in cost estimation and time delays, aiming to minimize or prevent such occurrences. Clients expect a favorable project return, while construction enterprises aim for profit maximization. This approach is feasible due to the construction industry’s ability to generate substantial data through the involvement of various parties in the construction process, which can be collaboratively employed for ML [
5]. However, a significant challenge highlighted in the literature is the insufficient competencies in information technology. Hence, there is an urgent requirement for quantity surveyors to be well-informed and proficient to thrive in the contemporary construction industry [
43,
66]. And the results suggest that quantity surveyors do not necessarily have to be specialists in digital technology to play a part in the future. The primary focus should be on developing expertise and specific functionalities within their domain to a competent level [
43]. Therefore, future quantity surveying professionals would have to acquire some skills and capabilities, such as evolutionary algorithms, artificial neural networks, knowledge discovery, regression modeling, data integration and fusion, etc. [
5,
65]. Furthermore, related studies also state that the quantity surveying profession encounters notable challenges in meeting the demands of green building. “Suitability analysis” was identified as the highest-priority competency for quantity surveyors to ensure the longevity of their business in the construction industry [
9].
Evolving customer demands are increasingly focused on the comprehensive capabilities of quantity surveyors. Mbachu (2015) [
1] observed that quantity surveyors’ businesses should maintain a broad and diversified portfolio of service offerings. This strategy helps them evade the impact of fluctuations in the business environment, where opportunities may decline in certain areas while rising in others. While focusing on core strengths is advantageous, diversifying into additional service lines could ensure their business resilience during economic downturns in their existing areas of specialization. Therefore, quantity surveying is now an amalgamation of various disciplines, encompassing legal contracts, building economics, and data management [
9]. In this position, the quantity surveyor is anticipated to play a role throughout the complete duration of the construction project and beyond, assuming a heightened managerial responsibility [
33]. For example, quantity surveyors are required to participate in project management, carry out cost analysis of construction technology, or select suitable construction technology based on a limited amount of money, reasonable arrangement of the construction schedule, or an innovative construction scheme according to the project cost. The project cost’s judicial appraisal is carried out for project price disputes arising in the project, proposal of the improvement direction of BIM and other building digital tool software according to their own experience, or directly participation in the research and development of construction cost software. Moreover, the essential emerging competencies for quantity surveyors are reflected in the holistic management of processes related to risk, quality, and value engineering [
3,
9,
36,
37].
Quantity surveyors must uphold good professional ethics and adhere to ethical standards in the construction industry as they advance in their careers [
18,
67]. This will enhance their attractiveness to owners as contributors of value in construction projects. The construction industry is commonly considered one of the most prevalent sectors for corruption [
18]. The conceptual aspect of construction, extended supply chains, confidentiality, and the intricate nature of the industry render it highly vulnerable to unscrupulous and dishonest behaviors [
67]. Adhering to good professional ethics helps them avoid certain troubles in their careers, such as tender collusion, kickbacks, concealment of sub-standard work, and overbilling, among others [
67,
68]. This, in turn, enhances the credit rating of quantity surveyors. Meanwhile, quantity surveyors also have good psychological quality. The study indicates that standards of morality may be compromised when management applies excessive pressure on employees to deliver favorable outcomes [
67]. Strong anti-pressure ability will ensure that quantity surveyors quickly adapt to tedious work.
China’s global strategy has propelled its construction industry to enter overseas markets. The research shows that the quantity measurement industry has undergone a substantial transformation due to evolving industry and owner requirements, as well as increased competition in the global construction industry marked by large-scale projects and diverse specialists [
18,
69]. The younger generations of quantity surveyors will encounter new challenges when working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. For example, a quantity surveyor employed in Malaysia needs to factor in the estimation of additional construction land costs, considering that a majority of Malaysian construction workers are required to pray at designated times for religious reasons. This entails the necessity of providing prayer rooms [
9]. Therefore, quantity surveyors should have an international vision and cross-border thinking and be good at arranging engineering activities or cost management according to the customs and religious beliefs of different countries and nations. Moreover, quantity surveyors encounter diverse opportunities and challenges in fields beyond the construction industry, such as development assessment, tax planning, technical audits, fire insurance assessment, fire loss adjustment, and maintenance management [
20].
Faced with a complex and evolving market or customer demands, quantity surveyors should continuously enhance their skills and expertise. This involves aligning with national strategic deployment and industry development trends, planning for learning and updating new knowledge, and proficiently using advanced technology to improve the accuracy and quality of work results. The goal is to optimize the economic benefits of construction projects. In this context, quantity surveyors need to embrace lifelong learning to cope with the changing and increasing occupational competency requirements [
33].
2.3. Research Gaps
Through summarizing and analyzing the existing research findings, domestic and foreign scholars have systematically investigated the competency frameworks and indicators of quantity surveyors. They have identified the challenges and opportunities for the career development of quantity surveyors, laying a good foundation for deepening the cultivation of quantity surveyors’ core competencies, which is mainly reflected in the following aspects.
Firstly, the digital transformation of the construction industry is an inevitable trend in future market development, with digital technology represented by BIM sweeping the world. However, the shift from conventional methods to innovative approaches poses significant complexity, particularly in the construction sector, which exhibits a slower pace in embracing advancements compared to industries like manufacturing [
43,
70]. The construction industry faces challenges such as a shortage of talent, insufficient expertise in BIM, and limited practical experience among graduates. These issues are considered the primary obstacles hindering the application and promotion of BIM in the field of construction [
19,
43]. The growing demand has escalated the requirements for quantity surveyors within the industry to receive advanced training and education and cultivate a more profound understanding of BIM-related products and processes. The adoption of BIM relies heavily on the capacity of existing surveyors and recent graduates to gain the skills and training for applying BIM. This imposes an extra load on employers [
62], causing certain construction companies to hesitate in implementing BIM, citing apprehensions related to financial and temporal consequences [
5]. Construction companies and experts posit that essential and critical competencies and knowledge are more effectively obtained through university education [
25]. This is because there is a necessity to position them within a more suitable competency development framework to guarantee their ongoing relevance [
20]. Moreover, college students exhibit a high aptitude for adapting new technologies, which can speed up the promotion of new technologies and solve problems at the source to achieve better results (existing studies mainly focus on the skills training of existing quantity surveyors and rarely take students as research objects). More importantly, training BIM and other digital technologies in schools can effectively lower enterprise costs in this area and can be widely supported at the social level. Consequently, enhancing engineering graduates’ skills and knowledge in school education and training has been identified as a key factor contributing to the advancement of the quantity surveying profession [
20].
Secondly, quantity surveyors’ professional competency is reflected in meeting market and customer needs, but these needs are dynamic. The traditional training and education models are frequently criticized for their inadequate alignment with the actual needs of the industry [
20,
71]. The current education system falls short of meeting the requirements of the construction industry. There exists a competency gap between the quantity surveying graduates and the industry’s needs [
9,
72]. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the real needs of society to identify the competencies needed by quantity surveyors in the current and future construction industry [
73]. Based on these findings, universities ought to provide inventive curricula, instructional approaches, and training or retraining initiatives that encompass not only discipline-specific competencies but also a broader set of occupational competencies [
33]. Moreover, positive feedback between the university and the industry must be established to carry out school–enterprise cooperation effectively. This aims to realize complementary advantages between schools and enterprises. Universities offer avenues for the industry to enhance their practices, and the industry provides projects for the university to explore [
9], thus cultivating many graduates who are popular in the market and possess a solid technical comprehension, a broader application of business skills, and a dedication to lifelong learning [
33]. Hence, it is essential to modernize universities to make the engineering graduates more responsive to stay abreast of the ongoing changes in the construction industry [
18].
Thirdly, the scope of work for quantity surveyors spans the entire life cycle of the project. As a result, there are numerous competency indicators, and significant differences exist due to varying service content and customer needs. If all indicators are investigated and studied, the result may be poor due to the enormous workload. This is not conducive to follow-up education practices. Therefore, it is advisable to select representative competency indicators for detailed research. Based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, construction enterprises make up 70% of the total number of construction enterprises [
74], and the number of quantity surveyor employees is among the highest. Taking the quantity surveyors’ competencies of construction enterprises as the benchmark, the quantity surveyors’ core vocational abilities of social demand are investigated and compared with the current situation of the competencies of engineering graduates to determine whether the gaps between the two can have a positive effect. It is beneficial to carry out targeted education practices based on quantity surveyors’ competencies of construction enterprises.