chu chin kiat@johny universiti teknologi malaysia

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACTOR’S QUANTITY

SURVEYOR

CHU CHIN KIAT@JOHNY

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

DECLARATION OF THESIS / UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT PAPER AND COPYRIGHT

Author’s full name : CHU CHIN KIAT@JOHNY

Date of birth : 08 – 12 – 1994

Title : COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACTOR’S QUANTITY

SURVEYOR

Academic Session : 2017/2018

I declare that this thesis is classified as:

CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret

Act 1972)*

RESTRICTED (Contains restricted information as specified by the

organization where research was done)*

OPEN ACCESS I agree that my thesis to be published as online open

access (full text)

I acknowledged that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia reserves the right as follows:

1. The thesis is the property of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

2. The Library of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has the right to make copies for the

purpose of research only.

3. The Library has the right to make copies of the thesis for academic exchange.

Certified by :

_________________________ ______________________________________________

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR

_______941208-01-6779___ ASSOC. PROF. SR. DR. MOHD SAIDIN BIN MISNAN

(NEW IC NO. /PASSPORT NO.) NAME OF SUPERVISOR

Date: Date:

7)

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

NOTES : * If the thesis is CONFIDENTAL or RESTRICTED, please attach with the letter from

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3

SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION

“I/We* hereby declare that I/We* have read this thesis and in my/our*

opinion this thesis is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the award

of the degrees of Bachelor of Quantity Surveying

Signature : ____________________________________

Name of Supervisor : ASSOC. PROF. SR. DR. MOHD SAIDIN

BIN MISNAN

Date : ____________________________________

Signature : ___________________________________a

Name of Examiner : DR. NAFISAH BINTI ABDUL RAHIMAN

Date : ___________________________________

* Delete as necessary


SURVEYOR

CHU CHIN KIAT@JOHNY

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the

Requirement for the awards of the degree of

Bachelor of Quantity Surveying

Faculty of Built Environment

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JUNE 2018

ii

DECLARATION

I declare that this thesis entitled “Competency requirement for contractor’s Quantity

Surveyor” is the results of my own research except as cited in the references. The

thesis has not been accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in

candidature of any other degree.

Signature : ________________________

Name : ________________________

Date : ________________________

CHU CHIN KIAT@JOHNY

iii

DEDICATION

Special dedicated to my beloved parents, all my family members and friends for their

support, help and understanding

Thanks for everything.

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to express my deep gratitude to my research

supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Sr. Dr. Mohd Saidin bin Misnan. Thanks for his valuable

guidance, advice and recommendations to me in completing this research. Apology

also goes to his for any inconvenience brought to his during the entire period of this

research.

In addition, sincere appreciation is dedicated to all the respondents from

contractor firms, who had generously spent their precious time to participate in the

interview questions of this research.

Last but not least, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all my

family members and friends for their great support and dedication in encouraging and

helping me to accomplish this research. Million thanks to all.

v

ABSTRACT

Competency skills of employee are important in construction industry as it

contribute to enhance employee performance and indirectly result in organization

success. However, recently complaints from employers on the standard and

competencies of Malaysia Quantity Surveyor are increasing. Poor performance and

lacking soft skills among Quantity Surveyor has been pointed out by many contractor

firms. Hence, this research is to find out the competency skills required by contractor

firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and the competency skills required by

contractor firm in career progression of a Quantity Surveyor. The location of research

is covered in Johor. Besides, this research conducted by using qualitative research

methodology where semi- structured interview is carried out with Grade 7 contractor

firms who are register under CIDB. The collected data are analysed using the content

analysis method. In this study, respondent that is emphasized on those who are from

the managerial level staffs such as director, project managers or contract manager who

are take responsibility in recruit new quantity surveyor and possess the responsibility

of making decision in the career progression of Quantity Surveyor. From the finding,

the competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are identified, which is soft skill are computer literacy skill and core skill are

measurement skill. Meanwhile, the competency skills required by contractor firm in

career progression of a Quantity Surveyor are also identify which is soft skill required

to promote a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are negotiable and decision

making skill and core skill are contract management skill. Lastly, the soft skills

required to promote a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are leadership skill and

core skill are project management skill. In conclusion, there has significant difference

of competency skills requirement by contractor firms in recruiting and career

progression of a Quantity Surveyor.

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ABSTRAK

Kompetensi kemahiran pekerja adalah penting dalam industri pembinaan

kerana ia menyumbang kepada peningkatan prestasi pekerja dan menghasilkan

kejayaan organisasi. Walau bagaimanapun, pada masa kini, aduan mengenai

kemahiran juruukur bahan telah meningkat. Prestasi yang kurang baik dan kekurangan

kemahiran insaniah telah banyak disuarakan oleh banyak firma kontraktor. Oleh itu,

objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti kompetensi kemahiran yang

dikehendaki oleh firma kontraktor dalam merekrut junior juruukur bahan dan juga

dalam perkembangan kerjaya juruukur baha. Kajian ini dijalankan di Johor. Selain

daripada itu, kajian ini dijalankan terhadap menggunakan kaedah penyelidikan

kualitatif dimana temu bual dijalankan dengan responden. Data yang diperolehi

dianalisis dengan menggunakan kaedah analisis kandungan. Dalam kajian ini,

responden kajian ialah pengarah, pengurus projek atau pengurus kontrak. Hasil kajian

ini berkenaan kompetensi kemahiran yang dikehendaki oleh firma kontraktor dalam

merekrut Juruukur Bahan junior telah dikenalpasti, iaitu kemahiran kecekapan

computer sebagai kemahiran insaniah dan kemahiran pengukuran sebagai kemahiran

teras. Sementara itu, kompetensi kemahiran yang dikehendaki oleh firma kontraktor

dalam perkembangan kerjaya seorang Juruukur Bahan juga telah dikenal pasti , iaitu

kemahiran insaniah yang diperlukan untuk mempromosikan juruukur bahan kepada

seorang pengurus kontrak adalah kemahiran boleh merunding dan kemahiran teras

yang diperlukan adalah kemahiran kontrak pengurusan. Akhir sekali, kemahiran

insaniah yang diperlukan untuk mempromosikan juruukur bahan ke pengurus projek

adalah kemahiran kepimpinan dan kemahiran teras adalah kemahiran pengurusan

projek. Kesimpulanye, kajian ini menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan kompetensi

kemahiran yang dikehendaki oleh firma kontraktor dalam merekrut junior juruukur

bahan dan perkembangan kerjaya juruukur bahan.

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

TITLE PAGE i

DECLARATION ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

ABSTRACT v

ABSTRAK vi

TABLE OF CONTENT vii

LIST OF TABLES xii

LIST OF FIGURES xiii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xiv

LIST OF APPENDICES xv

1 INTRODUCTION

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

viii

2.2.1 Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor .................................. 12

2.2.2 Competency ................................................................ 12

2.2.3 Recruiting .................................................................... 13

2.2.4 Career Progression ...................................................... 13

2.3.1 Consultant Quantity Surveyor .................................... 14

2.3.2 Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor .................................. 14

2.4.1 Soft skills .................................................................... 17

2.4.2 Core skills ................................................................... 19

2.5.1 Junior Executive Quantity Surveyor ........................... 20

2.5.2 Senior Executive Quantity Surveyor .......................... 20

2.5.3 Contract manager ........................................................ 21

2.5.4 Project manager .......................................................... 22

2.6.1 Soft skills .................................................................... 22

2.6.2 Core skills ................................................................... 27

2.7.1 Soft skills .................................................................... 31

2.7.2 Core skills ................................................................... 35

3 RESEARCH METODOLOGY

Quantitative Research ................................................. 41

Qualitative Research ................................................... 41

Stage 1- Preliminary Study ......................................... 45

Stage 2- Literature Review ......................................... 45

Stage 3- Data collection .............................................. 46

ix

Stage 4- Data Analysis ................................................ 46

Stage 5- Conclusion and recommendation ................. 47

Techniques for Data Collection .................................. 47

Research Instrument 48

3.4.3 Research Sampling…………………………………..50

Coding Interview Questions ....................................... 51

Frequency Distribution ............................................... 51

4 DATA ANALYSIS

Competency skills required by contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor ............................ 55


career progression of Quantity Surveyor .................... 57













x

















Objective 1: Competency skills required by

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor ...................................................................... 92

Objective 2: Competency skills required by

contractor firm in career progression of Quantity

Surveyor ...................................................................... 94

5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

xi

Objective 1 - Competency skills required by

contractor firms in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor .................................................................... 100

Objective 2 - Competency skills required by

contractor firms in career progression of a Quantity

Surveyor .................................................................... 101

REFERENCES 104

APPENDICES 113

xii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE

NO. TITLE PAGE

2.1 Categories competencies required for Quantity Surveyor 17

2.2 Summary of competency skills required by contractor firm

in recruiting Quantity Surveyor

30

2.3 Summary of competency skills required by contractor firm

in career progression of Quantity Surveyor

38

3.1 Research Design 42

3.2 Example of Data summary Sheet 51

3.3

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Example of Frequency Distribution

Details of company

Analysis of the soft skills competency required by

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor

Analysis of the core skills competency required by

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor

Analysis of the soft skills competency required by contractor

firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manage

Analysis of the core skill competency required by contractor

firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager

Analysis of the soft skills competency required by contractor

firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager

Analysis of the core skills competency required by

contractor firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a

project manager

52

54

92

93

95

96

97

97

xiii

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE

NO. TITLE PAGE

3.1 Flowchart of Research Methodology 44

3.2 Interview Questions 49

xiv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATION FULL NAME

RICS - Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

QS - Quantity Surveyor

CMI - Charted Management Institute

MOHE - Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

BQ - Bills of Quantity

SMM2 - Standard Methods of Measurement

BQSM - Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia

xv

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE

A

Interview forms

B Letter of permission

C Respondents list

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The issue of workers’ competencies had been discussed by many researcher

since the 1960’s. Researcher had been raised the questions about the difficulty in

transferring the core competencies to the next generation of employees, and the

outcome of transferring the core competencies to next generation can secure and

enhance the ability of the firm to sustain its competitiveness in this society (Prahalad

and Hamel, 1990). Many companies were starting to look into workers competencies

when they realized that providing a framework which brings greater competence in

business, especially the operations and technology management would bring

competitive advantage to their organizations (Baker et al., 1997).

In Malaysia to adapt the advent globalization and liberalization of global

economy during the nation development, workplace competencies are the current trend

of recruiting new employee in Malaysia employment market (Adnan et al., 2017).

This is because, nowadays, employer prefers to hire employee that are able to adapt

the ever changing of environment to ensure their business can carry out effectively and

efficiently.

2

Construction is an industry that consists of various professions. One of them

is Quantity Surveying. Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional person who plays an

important role in the construction field. A Quantity Surveyor should be the person

who is well trained in all aspects of construction cost, including financial as well as

contractual administration. Besides, Quantity Surveyor they has the responsibility and

to analysis both cost components and physical construction works of a project in the

construction industry. Quantity Surveyor apply the results of cost analysis in solving

problems related to project’s cost (Badu and Amoah, 2004). Quantity Surveyors are

key professionals in the construction industry there are several options in the quantity

surveying field. A qualified Quantity Surveyor can usually gain employment in

Quantity Surveying firms, construction companies, or property developers (Shafiei

and Said, 2011).

The Quantity Surveyor always involved in the tasks related to cost and

valuation. The main role of the Quantity Surveyor is to in charge of the financial

interests of the contractor. He will calculate the financial value of the work done and

ensures that the contractor receives adequate payment on time. During the term of the

contract, it will look after the measurements on the site according to the drawing in

order to determine the real value of the woks completed during the interim period

(National Commercial Services, 2004).

Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor also collects information about cost of various

operations or method of construction from which the contractor can prepare future

estimates. He or she might also be tasked to prepare the project report and assist the

contractor in his management scheduling plans (Badu and Amoah, 2004). He or She

are mainly in charge to manage the building contracts issue and monitor construction

progress, proceeding the claim and variation order and also look after sub-contractors

and work with the consultant or professional Quantity Surveyor throughout the project.

Thus, all of these work contents are required some specific fundamental competency

skills to enable contractor’s Quantity Surveyor to carry out those different nature of

work tasks.

3

Although Quantity Surveyors have a unique understanding of construction

costs as one of the knowledge areas in project management vital to successful project

management, this needs also to be combined with the management skills related to

decision making and communication. A human- orientated based construction project

will not success without proper managerial skills applied by the construction

profession, although advance technology involved in the construction project (Burger

and Jonkers, 2013).

Recently, complaints from employers on the standard and competencies of

Malaysia Quantity Surveyor’s graduates are increasing. Employers have pointing the

problems to the universities providing Quantity Surveying course saying that

graduated are not well instil the knowledge of measurement and the curriculum should

be amended and improved. However, soft skills and attitude of Quantity Surveyors

are also being complaint by employers (Zakaria et al., 2006).

Problem Statement

According to Perekopskiy et al. (2016), the requirements of the employer to

the graduates vary depending on the industry branch and the legal form of each

company. However, any employer will pays attention to the knowledgeable graduates,

the employer is ready to provide them to his employee if the latter has relevant

potential in place. Lenard (2000) complaint that the rapid changing of construction

industry and development industry lead to all professionals are necessitate a much

stronger emphasis on job competencies with full range of advanced technologies than

ever before.

Previous research while relating competent of Quantity Surveyor is expected

to have a variety of understanding skills, knowledge and be able to apply these skills

4

and knowledge to a variety of organization. Besides, the variety of Quantity Surveyor’s

responsibilities showing that Quantity Surveyor have to be trained, educated in

different context (Babalola, 2009).

However, poor performance from Quantity Surveyor in construction industry

was indicated by Olanrewaju (2016). Besides, issue of lacking soft skills among

Quantity Surveyor has been pointed out by Shafie et al. (2014), he mentioned that, the

top most lacking soft skills among Quantity Surveyors were problem solving and

adaptability skills, followed by interpersonal and team work skills, personal

organization and time management skills and lastly communication skills.

In construction industry, contractor are assist by Quantity Surveyor in

commercial, administrative, and contractual function in construction projects.

However, Quantity Surveyor who work in contractor firm is significantly facing with

challenges in new markets. These are mainly because of the lack of relevant skills and

competencies. (Ajanlekoko, 2012).

In the past few years, there have a decrease in the number of Quantity

Surveyors in the civil engineering and construction field. According to surveys, 65%

of companies in civil and construction industries located at United Kingdom complaint

that there are lacking of Quantity Surveyor available in the construction work, this is

because that graduates lack the set of skill to perform the complicated job of a Quantity

Surveyor in construction industry (Highfield, 2012). This issue facing the future of

the construction industry in attracting able graduates, those graduated who have a

broader use of business skills , a good technical understanding, and a commitment

towards lifelong learning are definitely to be in high demand (Ashworth et al., 2013).

A career progression provides employees with an ongoing path to improve

their skills and knowledge so that they can understand current work, promotion and

transfer to new or different positions (SHRM, 2015). A common reason an employee

5

will leave for a competitor is short of career progress. According to research by the

(Charted Management Institute, 2016), a significant proportion of employees are

dissatisfied with their career progression. In a survey of 2,000 employees conducted

on 2015, the CMI found that 42 percent of respondents felt that their careers were

stalling. The most common complaints by employer is employee not having enough

of the skills required for the targeted job in order to progress. This could be a lack of

qualifications, IT or language skills, or experience in key areas (LiveCareer, 2016).

In Quantity Surveyor profession, consultant Quantity Surveyor are bound by

the rules of conduct by RICS for maintaining ethical standards (RICS, 1998). RICS

had set a model of competencies for quantity surveyors. The model was presented

under three categories of basic, core and optional competencies. The needs of Quantity

Surveyors in aspect of their training, education and continuing professional

development are being examined through the model (Ashworth et al., 2013).

Nevertheless, as compared to consultant Quantity Surveyor. A number of

Quantity Surveyor who work in contractor firm will not hold formal qualifications or

RICS membership (BQSM, 2011). Quantity Surveyor who work in contractor firm

does not have a standard board or organization to define a standard range of

competency skills for them to develop and maintain it role within the construction

industry in their career path, education and training (Ashworth et al., 2013). Besides,

the conditions of employment for the majority of Quantity Surveyors working for

contractors are different to those employed in consultant Quantity Surveyor (Ashworth

et al., 2013).

Overall, contractor’s Quantity Surveyor are now required to learn and acquire

how to equip with enough competencies skills to fulfill the demand side in this

competitive market. Thus, the main core in this research is to find out the competency

skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and to identify

the competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of a Quantity

Surveyor.

6

Research Questions

With regards from the problems of this research, the following questions is framed:

i. What are the competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor?

ii. What are the competency skills required by contractor firm in career

progression of a Quantity Surveyor?

Research Objectives

The objectives of this research are as follows:

i. To identify the competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting

junior Quantity Surveyor.

ii. To identify the competency skills required by contractor firm in career


7

Significance of the study

From this research, it provide an insight on the current competency level of

contractor’s Quantity Surveyor. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyors, and students will

obtain benefits.

Firstly, the outcome of this study can be used act as a basis and guideline to the

contractor’s Quantity Surveyor which are involved in the construction industries in

order to enhance their awareness level on the significance of competency skills in their

career progression. At the same time, expectation towards the competency skills in

every stage of career progression of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor for example start

from junior executive Quantity Surveyor, senior executive Quantity Surveyor, contract

manager, and the last project manager are also being identified and emphasized.

Besides, this research can use as a reference for students which involved in

construction industry. This research will provide a clear views regarding the

competencies skills requirement that is expected from contractor. By acquiring this

knowledge, students have more competitive advantages compared to other students

and also raise up the awareness of current undergraduate Quantity Surveying students

by let them realize of their weakness and try to make good use of their remainder study

time.

8

Scope of the study

The appropriate scope of research area, the targeted respondents and the type

of the information should be identified clearly to facilitate the researcher to gain more

information during the survey process. The scope of research is based on the following.

i. In this research, it was focused on Grade 7 contractor in Johor Bahru. The

reason that Johor Bahru is selected because the economic development of Johor

has grown tremendously this few years as it has a strategic location and

attracting foreign investors to look for the benefits. There is undergoing rapid

development by the government and foreign developers as there are few mega

projects as catalysts of Johor development. Thus, this can be seen with more

construction activities and good opportunity of career progression.

ii. In this research, it was focused on contractors who are under registered with

CIDB as categorized of Grade 7 and had direct employed Quantity Surveyor

in the firm. The respondent that is focus on those who are from the managerial

level staffs within the contractor firm such as director, project managers or

contract manager who are take responsibility to recruit new quantity surveyor

and possess the responsibility of making decision in the career progression of

Quantity Surveyor in a contractor firm.

9

Chapter Organization

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction to the research work presented in this

thesis. It describes the background information of the topic. Besides that, a lot of

problem statements are collected from secondary sources to highlight the necessary to

pursue this research. Research questions, research objectives, research scope and its

significance are established in order to establish the direction of the research.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

This chapter provides an overview of the topic to enable readers have basic

understanding on the competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting and

career progression of a Quantity Surveyor. Data are collected from secondary sources

and appraise critically. Literature review serves as a guideline to construct interview

question for the purpose of primary data collection.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

This chapter stated the methodology for the research. In this chapter, all the

research methods used in order to collect data are identified. Besides, types of data

needed to collect in accordance to the research objectives are defined in this chapter.

10

Chapter 4: Analysis and Discussion

This chapter is the analysis of the data collected. All the data collected are

analyst according the research objectives and presented in this chapter.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter presents the conclusion of the research coupled with the

limitations and recommendations for future study.

0

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2

CHAPTER 2


SURVEYOR

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter, the issue regarding the competency requirement for contractor’s

Quantity Surveyor are discussed. Some terms, such as contractor’s Quantity Surveyor,

competency skills, recruiting and career progression have been defined and explained

to gain further understanding. The competency skills required by contractor in

recruiting and career progression of Quantity Surveyor are also discussed in this

chapter.

12

2.2 Definitions

2.2.1 Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

A contractor’s Quantity Surveyor are employed by a main contractor or sub-

contractor to manage work in the construction projects such as manage building

contracts and monitor construction progress (Cunningham, 2014).

Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor is most likely to be involved with the

commercial activities of a project during the post-contract period, carrying out project

and contract administration duties for the delivery of a scheme. Besides, large

contractors may also engage Quantity Surveyors for their measurements skills to assist

the estimating function of the project during the pre- contract period (Maarouf, 2011).

2.2.2 Competency

Königová et al. (2012) defined that there are two main meanings on the

definition of “competency”. The first characterise competency as a power and a scope

of authority associated with a certain person or body. The second meaning of

competency refers to the capacity, like abilities to perform a certain activity.

Competency can be defined in a number of ways. It can be defined as the

ability to apply knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to standards of perfection

required in specific context (Dada and Jagboro, 2015). On the other hand, commercial

organizations view competency as an underlying characteristic of an individual that is

a manifest in superior performance in the work place as evidenced by their behaviour

in a variety of work contexts (Azzah, 2010).

13

2.2.3 Recruiting

Refer to the Cambridge Dictionary (2015), it defined “recruiting” as a process

of finding people to work for a company or become a new member of an organization

or discovering of potential candidates for actual or anticipated organizational

vacancies. From another perspective, it is a linking activity bringing together those

with jobs to fill and those seeking job. Recruitment is the process of attracting

prospective employees and stimulating them for applying job in an organization

(Kumari, 2012).

Recruitment is an important part of effective human resource management.

Besides, it is also known as a process of finding and hiring the best-qualified candidate

(from within or outside of an organization) for a job opening, in a timely and cost

effective manner (Arthur, 2012).

2.2.4 Career Progression

Career progression is relate to a range of aspects of an individual's life, learning

and work. Career is also relate to individual's life working aspects, a job or profession

that someone does for a long time in order to get a better job (O'Leary and Deegan,

2005).

Career progression is known as a process of forms a person’s work identify,

making progress to better jobs in career. Besides, it is a lifelong process of managing

your working situation in order to move forward in particular field in order to reach

the target. It’s the management of you education, work and leisure activities in a way

that helps you achieve the kind of future you want (Anastasia, 2016).

14

2.3 Roles of Quantity Surveyor

The roles of Consultant Quantity Surveyor and Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

are discuss as follow:

2.3.1 Consultant Quantity Surveyor

According to Johnson (2006), a consultant is defined as the following:

i. Someone who is gives advices to a client or another person or an organization

on the desirability on taking some action.

ii. Someone who assists the client in planning, decision making or implementing

action as determined by the client.

The consultant Quantity Surveyor is the client’s cost consultant and cost

manager for the building process. Quantity Surveyor in consultant firms involved in

construction projects from pre-contract to post contract to advising and assisting client

of the industry. Quantity Surveyor may giving their advice on building engineering

services, civil engineering, and heavy and the like (Maarouf, 2011).

2.3.2 Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

The role of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor is different from the professional or

consultant Quantity Surveyor. Basically, contractors may employ Quantity Surveyors

to look after their commercial and financial interests to ensure that they received the

correct payment at the appropriate time for the work done on site (Ashworth et al.,

2013).

15

A contractor’s Quantity Surveyor has different roles with a consultant Quantity

Surveyor. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyors must act to satisfy external and internal

needs as they work with construction companies at the same time they need to deal

with client’s consultants in the particular project (Towey, 2012). In practice the

quantity surveyor’s work may involve estimating and the negotiation of new contracts,

site measurement, subcontractor arrangement and accounts, profitability and

forecasting, contractual dispute and claims and others matters of management nature

(Ashworth et al., 2013).

Main contractor who carry out construction works also requesting for Quantity

Surveyors services. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyors are employed by main contractor,

sub-contractor and supplier to manage work in the construction projects. Medium

sized and large construction companies many required a number of Quantity Surveyors

(Cunningham, 2014).

Contractor’s Quantity Surveyors are responsible for financial interests of

contractors and use the traditional quantity surveying practices work in conjunction

with the consultant Quantity Surveyors who are acting on client’s behalf (Ashworth et

al., 2013). Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor involved pricing of construction work,

measurement, sub-contract formation, dealing with payments, cash flows and the like

(Towey, 2012).

2.4 Competency of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

Competency from professional point of view is the ability to perform well in a

professional situation that involves the accomplishment of a certain task or the dealing

with a problem, in a manner that can be observed and be judged by others. Others way

16

to say that a competent professional is capable of applying the necessary expertise in

confluence of effective behaviour (Shafiei, 2011).

There have been a number of research studies in the area of Quantity

Surveyor’s skills and competency. Nkado and Meyer (2001) in their study, carried out

a survey of Quantity Surveyor professional practice in South Africa and provided a

relative importance of skills and competencies required for Quantity Surveying

services. The results from the study showing that technically competency were rated

highest among all the competencies.

Competency of Quantity Surveyors must educated with a wide range of skills,

trained, knowledge and understanding about the construction technologies which can

be applied in a range of contexts to complete their duties in an organisation (Hassall et

al., 1996).

The RICS (2017) had sets out the requirements of competencies for the

assessment of professional Quantity Surveyor, by listing the competencies into three

categories: basic, core and optional competencies. All construction professionals

under RICS structure is referred to basic skills. The core skills are uniquely required

of Quantity Surveyors, while the optional competencies reflect areas of specialization

or future career diversification. Table 2.1 shows the competencies required of

Quantity Surveyors for professional competency (RICS).

17

Table 2.1 Categories of Competencies required for Quantity Surveyors

Basic Competencies Core Competencies Optional Competencies

Personal and

Interpersonal skills

Construction Contract

Practice

Arbitration and Other

Dispute Resolution

Procedures

Business skills Construction Technology

and Environmental

Services

Development Appraisal

Data, Information and

Information Technology

Economics of

Construction

Facilities Management

Professional Practice Procurement and

Financial Management

Insurance

Law Project Management

Measurement Project Investment

Funding

Mapping Research Methodologies

and Techniques

Taxation allowances and

Grants

(Source: RICS, 1998)

2.4.1 Soft skills

Soft skills can be defined as intra-and inter-personal (socio-emotional) skills,

essential for personal development, social participation and workplace success. They

include skills such as communication, ability to work on multidisciplinary teams,

adaptability. Soft skills are defined as human relation, interpersonal communication,

and team building. It was then further define as listening, empathy, group dynamic,

sensitivity to others, compassion, integrity, and honesty (Kamin, 2013).

18

The types of soft skills that are commonly mentioned are communication skill,

interpersonal skill, problem solving skill and teamwork ability (Devadason et al.,

2010). Wickramasinghe and Perera (2010) categorized soft skills into various such as

oral communication, writing, reading, basic arithmetic, positive attitude towards work ,

creative and innovative thinking, self-confidence learning skills, decision making,

responsibility/dependability, working as a team member, punctuality, problem solving,

ability to work without supervision and adaptability.

Industry or employers had indicated that the values of employees are not only

evaluated with excellent paper qualification but also those with abilities in performing

their jobs and tasks, namely “soft skills” which could not be obtained directly from

excellent paper qualifications but rather some natural or embedded talents or skills

(Singh and Singh, 2008).

Hence, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (2006) has categorized main

soft skills that must be provided in the academic syllabus to ensure that the graduates

are well developed with those soft skills. They divided soft skills into 7 categories,

where are: (MOHE, 2006):

i. Communication skills

ii. Thinking skills and problem solving skills

iii. Teamwork

iv. Life-long learning and information management

v. Entrepreneurial skills

vi. Ethics, moral and professional skills

vii. Leadership skills

19

2.4.2 Core skills

The core skills are the skills uniquely required of Quantity Surveyors in

construction industry. Core skills are also known as technical skills or mandatory

skills. Core skills refer to part of a person’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ) which are

occupational requirements of a particular job (Jawale et al., 2011). Core skills are the

technical knowledge that can be gained from experience, training and education (Laker

and Powell, 2011). Core skills are a competency skills require in applying a job

because they are a common entrance standard for each of the working area (Lei, 2015).

The principle services of the contractor’s Quantity Surveyor is somewhat

different from that consultant Quantity Surveyor. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor will

be representing their own employer’s interests, for example to ensure that they

contractors will prepare the interim certificates and payments and the agreement of

claim in order to receive the correct payment at the appropriate time for work done on

site. Besides, contractor’s Quantity Surveyor may look into estimating and the

negotiation of new contracts, negotiation the price with supplier and subcontractors

(Ashworth et al., 2013).

Quantity Surveyor often get promoted to a high level of authority because of

their mastery of core skills. In this study, core skills are refer to the knowledge and

enabling capabilities required by contractor’s Quantity Surveyor to perform tasks such

as measurement, contract management and project management. The detailed aspects

of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor work and core skill need will be further discuss in

the chapter.

20

2.5 Career progression of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

Career path available of a new Quantity Surveyor at managerial level in

contractor firm will almost always start as a junior executive Quantity Surveyor. This

is a basic entry-level position where under the supervision of a senior executive

Quantity Surveyor. Once a junior executive had spent a numbers of years as a junior

Quantity Surveyor and gain enough knowledge and experience to take on duties and

responsibilities of a senior executive, contract manager and project manager (Maxim,

2014).

2.5.1 Junior Executive Quantity Surveyor

The specific details of a junior executive’s responsibilities can vary between

companies and industries, but the basics remain the same, which is to act as assistant

and support to higher-ranking senior executives in a company in achieving

organisational objectives (Higgins and Dillon, 2007).

A new entry junior executive Quantity Surveyor are normally assist and

support the senior executive Quantity Surveyor in the daily task. For example

responsibility undertake any task assigned by senior executive Quantity Surveyor or

contract manager in the task like preparation progress claim, site valuation or taking

off quantity/measurement task for certain element of project.

2.5.2 Senior Executive Quantity Surveyor

A senior executive provides a wide range of support services and professional

manner for a high-level department manager. The responsibilities of this role extend

21

beyond that of a junior executive and often encompass organizational and

administrative functions (Higgins and Dillon, 2007).

A senior executive Quantity Surveyor possess the responsibilities in manage a

small team concerned with particular project or complex subjects, Other than that,

senior executive Quantity Surveyor also required mentoring newly recruited junior

executive Quantity Surveyor members and advise poorly performing members.

Besides, senior executive Quantity Surveyor have to maintaining relationships or liaise

with consultants, sub-contractor and client by providing information, support and

guidance and coordinate with project team in administering contractual matters.

2.5.3 Contract manager

Manager is the leader of a group of individuals. This leader empowers to plan,

organize, direct, control, develop staff, and make decision in order to perform the work

given successfully (Fryer et al., 2004). Manager is the one who needs to show

apprehension and understanding for people, built trust, and involve people’s feelings,

for example, in working out difficulties. Effective manager needs to be able to

communicate well, motivate and lead the people towards the accomplishment of the

work (Fisher, 2011). Managers are more likely to perform better or to stay longer in

their position if their personal characteristics meet the requirements of the position

(Mumford et al., 2000).

Roles of construction contracts managers including ensuring that projects are

completed on time and within the specified financial restraints and oversee projects

from the start through to completion, and monitor customer satisfaction with our terms

and conditions and contracting practices. As a contracts manager have to in charge

working on a wide variety of projects, from office developments to houses or schools

and colleges and so on (Cohen, 2008).

22

2.5.4 Project manager

Project manager will be leading a group of matured and experienced

professionals, consequently his leadership will more likely to be democratic rather than

authority. The professionals under project manager are the architect, engineers,

quantity surveyors, main contractor, and specialist contractors (Oke, 2010).

Quantity Surveyor is suitable to fit the position of project manager because of

their objective stance and overview on the entire process of construction, from the

point of view of the problems of the contractor to the architect’s design to the budget.

Quantity Surveyors have valuable view of the project, just like the project manager

(CQS, 2003). Towey (2012) also comments that the contractor’s Quantity Surveyor is

typically answerable to be a project manager.

2.6 Competency skills required by the contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are discuss in two aspect which is soft skill and core skill.

2.6.1 Soft skills

A review of the literature indicates that major soft skills competency required

by contractor firm in recruiting Quantity Surveyor are, communication and language

skills, teamwork skills, lifelong learning and information management skills, and also

computer literacy.

23

2.6.1.1 Communication and language skill

Generally, communication skills can be defined as a process of exchanging

information, from the person giving the information through verbal and non-verbal

method, to the person receiving the information. The most common communication’s

method is verbal, using a specific language where it is a two-way process, with

feedback on the message received. There are many type of communication skills but

generally it involves oral and written skills (Ariffin, 2007). Employers will tend to

look for employee if they can communicate clearly and if they are able to get on well

with existing employees. Furthermore, employee must be able to communicate well

with staff to work effectively, this also includes communicating with other businesses

and organizations (Andrews and Higson, 2008).

In Malaysia, graduate students are expected to be fluent and able to

communicate effectively in both Malay and English language. Graduate should be

able to convey their thoughts with clarity and confidence both in written and oral

communication.

a. Written Communication

Written communication may be in form of letters, notes, minutes of meetings,

newsletters, manuals, notices displayed on notice boards and others. A written

communication is a permanent record. There have a study of written works of 24

undergraduate construction students in International Islamic University Malaysia

(Khairuddin, 2009). It observed that:

a. Students have common spelling errors

b. Students failed to distinguish the differences in usage of words that have

similar sounds but different meaning and application, for example, ‘sit’

written as ‘seat’

24

c. Students have syntax error

d. Students have serious difficulties in communicating their thoughts in

written form.

b. Oral Communication

Oral communication is the process of verbally transmitting information and

ideas from one individual or group to another, in the situation such as training sessions,

interviews, meetings, speeches, discussions through telephone and others. Oral

communication can be either formal or informal. The examples of oral

communications are face-to-face conversations, telephone conversations, discussions

that take place at business meetings, presentations at business meetings, classroom

lectures and commencement speech given at a graduation ceremony (Swarthout, 2003).

Communication skills can be further divided into several important items and

the first item is the ability to deliver idea clearly, effectively and confidently through

written or oral modes. Unclear and unspecific information will raise numerous

assumptions from the party that received the information. For example, a contractor’s

Quantity Surveyor who give instruction to supplier to deliver ordered materials “when

necessary” so that the construction works can be carried out continuously. However,

this kind of instruction will lead to misinterpretation from the supplier due to unclear

instruction. Indeed, the contractor should give instruction more clearly and specific

(Azzah, 2010).

According to the research carried out by Edwards, the language used in

communication must be understood by all parties (Bowen and Edwards, 1996).

Moreover, difference of language may lead to communication issues as language is

the most important medium of communication which is often used to differentiate one

culture from another. For example, according to Chen et al. (2009) their research

finding showed that Chinese Construction firm in Africa solve their communication

25

problem by hiring limited local professional and large ratio of professional secured

from China.

2.6.1.2 Teamwork skill

Teamwork skill assist students on how to work with others from different social

and cultural backgrounds to achieve a common goal. Teamwork skills required the

ability to build relationships, interact with others and work effectively. In addition,

students are guided how to undertake the roles between the group leader and group

members interchangeably and able to recognize and respect towards others’ attitude,

Behavioural and belief (Ariffin, 2007).

Teamwork is a process by which a number of individuals pool their skills and

resources to work cooperatively together and perform tasks by interacting with each

other in a team for achieving a common goal with specific roles and within an

organizational context (Salas et al., 1992).

Ability to work effectively in a team is the skill employers most want when

they are recruiting new college graduated. Working in a team enables individuals to

learn from one another’s mistakes. They are able to avoid future errors, gain insight

from differing perspectives, and learn new concepts from more experienced colleagues

(Ellis et al., 2005)

Employers refer the people who can cooperate with other people in work so

that the work will be planned, coordinated to accomplish goals. Teamwork are highly

recommended to be implement or developed by each representative of organization

involved in the project. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor as one of the representatives

of contractor, they have to be adopted in teamwork skills because underpinning any

construction project is a team (Thomas and Martin, 2004).

26

2.6.1.3 Strong work ethic skill

A strong work ethic, especially a positive work ethic, is important from a

business perspective for the confidence it bring in clients. The positive attitude and

dedication to a client's needs or creation of a product can boost the business' reputation

as a company that deals honestly and fairly. Employers normally are emphasize a

positive work ethic which hold themselves to high standards of responsibility and also

keep accountable for getting work done right and on time, and for making good

business decisions that help people and companies succeed the environment (Laal,

2011). A strong work ethic is vital to a company achieving its goals. Every employee,

from the CEO to entry-level workers, must have a good work ethic in workplace to

keep the company functioning at its peak (Ghebllawi, 2011). Grigoryev (2006) clarify

about that the vital skills needed in recruitment including strong work ethic skill as

knowledge can be acquired and skill-sets developed anywhere and learning is

unavoidable and happens all the time.

Graduate in construction industry are expected to have a strong work ethic skill.

Commonly, at the early stage to get a job as Quantity Surveyor in contractor firm.

They are mostly looking for an applicant who can demonstrate an excellent

organisation and planning skills and along with high standards of strong work ethic

especially perform the duties of the job with highly responsibility and attitude along

with honesty and accountability (Azzah, 2010).

2.6.1.4 Computer Literacy

Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and related technology

efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming

and advanced problem solving. By another measure, computer literacy requires some

understanding of computer programming and how computers work (Tobin, 1983).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programming

27

A qualified Quantity Surveyor should be computer literate and have to familiar

with the common uses or applications of computers for example Microsoft Excel.

Skills in uses the computer effectively and good IT skills together with the ability to

analyse the content of complicated documents are important to be a Quantity Surveyor

(Oyediran and Odusami, 2005).

With the growth of IT (Information Technology), modes of communication

have expanded from relying on traditional methods and modified the way to work.

With the introduction of electric systems, data is relayed faster which aids the design

and construction process. For example emails are suitable for issuing files to one or

more recipients at the same time and these including how to save data in a spreadsheet,

letter words document, drawings and scanned portable document format (PDF) files

by Adobe system and so on. As all of this has grown in popularity in construction

industry, thus this required quantity surveyor to be adopted with computer Literacy

skill in order to assist them carry out their work easily and quickly (Towey, 2012).

2.6.2 Core skills

Whereas, the major core skills competency requirement of contractor firm in

recruiting Quantity Surveyor are, measurement skill, claim & payment, contract

management and also construction technology.

2.6.2.1 Measurement skill

There have been a number of research studies in the area of Quantity

Surveyor’s skill and competencies. According to Hiew (2007), taking off quantity

(measurement) is a daily task for a Quantity Surveyor. It refers to the process of

identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This is

28

used to produce Bills of Quantities (BQ) and requires that the design is complete and

a specification has been prepared.

Measurement of construction work is one of the main task for contractor’s

Quantity Surveyor. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor have the responsibilities in

measurement to come out with the actual quantities and values throughout the

construction process in order to the process of checking Bills of Quantities, claims and

payments and variation orders. Quantity Surveyor must be abide by Standard Method

of measurement of Building Works (SMM2) in Malaysia (Towey, 2012). Thus, a

Quantity Surveyor must equipped themselves with a good measurement skills in order

to get employment in contractor firm.

2.6.2.2 Claim and payment

Contractor employ Quantity Surveyors to ensure that they received the correct

payment at the appropriate time for work done on site. The process will be Quantity

Surveyor will submitted the claim to the consultant Quantity Surveyor to carry out the

interim valuation and call upon architect to make decisions and issues the payment

certificate to the contractors. Valuation for the payments must be as accurate as

reasonable to protect clients against the value of work done (Ashworth et al., 2013).

Besides, the responsibility of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor also including

agreeing subcontractors accounts and placing subcontract orders and comparing the

costs of alternative methods of carrying out various operations, so that the most

economical procedure can be adopted (Cunningham, 2014).

29

2.6.2.3 Contract management

Contract management including work advising on the implementation of

contract conditions and different contractual. Different methods.to be performed

according to different project requirement, quality of work required. Contract

documents is formed in order to show every parties’ liability on the projects to reduce

conflict matters happened during the construction stage (Cunningham, 2014).

The conditions of the contract (general, supplementary, and other conditions)

act as a terms and conditions that set the rights and obligations of the contracting

parties. These include ‘general conditions’ which are common to all types of contracts,

‘supplementary conditions’ which are peculiar to a specific contract, and ‘other

conditions’ which listed the condition out of that two mentioned conditions (Harris,

2006). Thus, contractor’s Quantity Surveyor will responsible to prepare contract

document and negotiate the price with the sub-contractor to get the most fair contract

and mutual agreement to enter to the project.

2.6.2.4 Construction technology

Construction technology includes a wide range of constructions suitable for all

classes of society. Commercial construction, domestic construction, industrial

construction, heavy or civil constructions are a few examples that are now displaying

master pieces of construction technologies. Each of these requires different

technological treatments (Wilkins and Barrett, 2000).

Construction technology is one of the core skills competency that Quantity

Surveyor should be familiar and grasp it as this knowledge and skill enable Quantity

Surveyor to understanding of design and construction technology and methodology. It

is considered that an understanding of this is essential in order to appreciate its effect

30

on the cost of a project and to be able to quantify works in order to manage costs

(Cunningham, 2014). Table 2.2 shows that is a summary of the competency skills

required by contractor firm in recruiting Quantity Surveyor.

Table 2.2 Summary of competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting

junior Quantity Surveyor

No

Th

om

as

an

d M

art

in,

200

4

An

dre

ws

an

d H

igso

n,

200

8

Azz

ah

, 2

01

0

Oy

edir

an

an

d O

du

sam

i, 2

00

5

Hie

w,

200

7

To

wey

, 20

12

Ash

wo

rth

et a

l., 2

013

Ha

rris

, 2

00

6

Gri

go

rye,

200

6

Ellis

et a

l.,

2005

Cu

nn

ing

ha

m,

201

4

Communicati

on and

language skill/ / /

Teamwork

skill/ /

Lifelong

Learning and

Information

Management

skill

/ / /

Computer

Literacy/ /

Measurement / /

Claim and

Payment / /

Contract

Management / /

Construction

Technology/

Skills

2Core

Skills

1Soft

skill

31

2.7 Competency skills required by the contractor firm in career progression of

a Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of a

Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager and project manager are discuss in two aspect

which is soft skill and core skill.

2.7.1 Soft skills

A review of the literature indicates that major soft skills required by the

contractor firm in career progression of a Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager

and project manager are, Leadership skills, Negotiable and Decision Making skills,

Critical thinking and Problem solving skills and Communication skills.

2.7.1.1 Leadership skill

According to MOHE, graduated who possessed leadership skill will be able to

lead in various activities. They also should gain knowledge on basic leadership

theories which will enable the graduates to lead a project. Besides, it is important that

graduates are able to understand the role of a leader and a group member be able to

carry out those roles interchangeably (Shakir, 2009). A person with leadership skills

has the ability to influence others to the achievement of project or organization’s

objectives (Sharma and Jain, 2013).

Behavioural theories of leadership provide more definitive answers about the

nature of leadership than the trait theories. Democratic style of leadership, conducted

by University of Lowa; employee-oriented leader, conducted by University of

Michigan; high concern for production and high concern for people (Robbin, 2005).

32

In this study, in order to get promotion to contract manager in construction

firms, it is necessary for Quantity Surveyor equipped themselves with good leadership

skill as according to (Cheung et al., 2007) leadership of Quantity Surveyors must be

build up with good relationship and performance among subordinates. A contract

manager must be able to inspire followers and be a good example and influence people

to achieve goals in contract department.

Whereas, as a project manager have to conduct meeting for the project along

the development process in order to make sure the work executed according to the

planning. In the meeting, any problems or conflicts arise have to be solved by project

managers. So that a project manager must possess a good leadership skills is to

establish direction by developing vision of the future and further align people whose

cooperation needed to achieve the vision. Project manager also need to understand the

organization. Since most of the members of organization are professionals, project

manager should direct the team using more democratic way (Pant and Baroudi, 2008).

Hence, Leadership skills is essential skills that must be grasped by Quantity Surveyor

in order to shows that he or she are ready for promotion to a project manager.

2.7.1.2 Negotiable and decision making skill

Decision making is a process rather than the simple act of choosing between

alternatives. Process of decision-making involved a set of eight steps that begin with

identifying a problem; it moves through selecting an alternative that can alleviate the

problem and concludes with evaluating the decision’s effectiveness. The process can

be also used to describe both individuals and group decisions (Robbins et al., 2008).

Kennedy (1997) emphasises, negotiation means by which people with

different interests can agree on how to reconcile them. As such, it can be seen as

one way of resolving conflict. Thus negotiation provides a potentially useful

mechanism for reaching agreement between parties with different objectives.

33

In this study, good negotiating skill are important to a contract manager as is

initiative to make decisions. A contract manager is responsible for supervise several

project in the same time and have to always attend meeting and dealing with architects,

engineers and consultant Quantity Surveyor which means that the contract manager

would have to listen to the opinions of others as well as giving your own point of view

with a wide variety of people. Because of there are the leader in a particular team, so

he or she must be able to work independently such as decision making on financial

issues, meeting, measurement issue, contract management and so on (Towey, 2012).

According to Zakaria et al. (2006), the report mentioned that the employers emphasize

the need of skills of decision making must be possess by contract manager. Thus,

Quantity Surveyor must equipped themselves with negotiable and decision making

skills in order to improve the chances of getting promotion to a contract manager.

In projects, things are always changing too fast and involved many improbable

combinations of people and organization. Therefore, a project manager will inevitably

face numerous problems throughout the project’s life. From this reason, gathering

information about the problem and issue as clearly and completely as possible leads to

good decision making by project manager. From the study of Dainty et al. (2005),

which noted that a project manager’s decision making ability is the skill to picture,

analyse, and reason to make appropriate decisions.

2.7.1.3 Critical thinking and problem solving skill

According to Cottrell (2011), critical thinking is a cognitive activities

associated with mental thinking processes such as attention categorization, selection

and judgement. He further elaborated that, critical thinking involve reflecting on

issues on a structured way, bringing logic and insight to bear; drawing conclusion

about whether arguments are valid and justifiable, based on good evidence and

sensible assumptions; and presenting a point of view in a structured, clear, well-

reasoned way that convinces others.

34

In construction industry, all professional parties are compulsory to have ability

to identify and analysis problems in complex and make judgment accordingly. For

example in this study, project manager are the person who in charge practically in

certain project and lead a team of personnel in the project. Thus he or she must have

the ability to analysis and identify unforeseen circumstances that will contribute to

project risk according to site condition during undertake a project. To further analysis,

several assumptions can be made such as late material delivery to site, climate factor

that will affect the quality of material on site. These risks can be reduced if the

contractor has proper planning of material delivery (Azzah, 2010). Hence, a project

manager must possess the critical thinking and problem solving skill in order to solve

the problem raise in the project.

2.7.1.4 Communication and language skill

As a contract manager, most of the time spends for communicating. Effective

communication is a vital skill for contract manager in order to get things done. This

includes setting agreement on goals, organizing people, identify and solving problems

(Verzuh, 2015). Communication among Quantity Surveyor in particular project team

or with client and authorities may be done either in verbal or written communication

such as presentation, report writing and public speaking. Thus, Quantity Surveyor

must possess a good communication skills in order to get promotion to become a

contract manager.

Communication is the fundamental activities and channel undertaken by the

project manager to spread and distribute information and knowledge. Project manager

is the communicator between all participants involved in the project. Communicator

responsible to give better understanding and descriptions on the details of the project

with the aim to minimize the frictions and misunderstanding of any personnel involved.

The exchange of ideas, opinions and knowledge are indispensable to improve the

development of project further. The communicator has to assure the delivery of

information and messages is clear and accurately received by others. The

35

communication can either done by written or spoken. In order to be effective and clear,

simple and straightforward language is preferred to use by project manager (Watson

et al., 2008).

2.7.2 Core skills

Whereas, the major core skill required by the contractor firm in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are,

Measurement, Procurement, project management and also contract management.

2.7.2.1 Measurement

Quantity Surveyor must possess the knowledge of the construction technology

to ease the measurement works. Nowadays, measurement has been replaced by

automated electric software such as AutoCAD, Glodon software and BIM. Upgrading

skills of Quantity Surveyors in using software for the purpose of measurement is

fundamental because by applying those software, the measurement works can be

finished in short time (Ashworth et al., 2013). Thus, contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

must grasp and master in using those software in measurement task will provide adding

value to employers and easier to get promotion to senior level if compared to those

who are not grasp the ability in using software technology in measurement task.

Besides, implementation of software technology was claimed important by

employers but not ready possess by manager in contractor firm. A study on software

technology assessment showed that manager in construction industry are not ready for

the new software adaptation. A survey conducted by Jaafar et al. (2007) among

managers in contracting firm in Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia resulting

contractor firm scored higher on software technology readiness. Hence, a contract or

36

project manager will be more competitive if possess the ability in using software on

measurement task.

2.7.2.2 Contract management

Quantity Surveyor also emphasizes on contracts management. Contract

management refers to activity and deals with commercial and contractual matter

(Towey, 2012). Contractual claims may arise where the contractor’s quantity surveyor

assess that they are entitled to additional payments. The reasons of claims are

extension of time, changes to the nature of project, disruption to the regular progress

of works by client or architect and variation to the contract. The claims arise from

those reason is necessary to prevent loss to the contractors.

Contract manager have to leads a team of quantity surveyor in preparing and

presenting documents for tender and preparation of tender submission and pre tender

pricing verifications. So a contract manager must familiar with all contract

management knowledge. Besides, contract manager have to master in contract

negotiate including reviewing conditions of pending awards and negotiable in the main

contract to get the most fair contract and mutual agreement (Mbachu, 2015). Therefore,

a contract management skills is fundamental for a contract manager and it is an

essential skills for a Quantity Surveyor to promotion to contract manager.

2.7.2.3 Procurement

There are now many construction companies who are actively engaged in

design and build procurement method, so, a sound knowledge of procurement is also

vital for the contractor’s Quantity Surveyor. These knowledge are required to ensure

that the project is undergone smoothly (Turner, 2014).

37

Contract manager will assist in the choice of procurement as it is interlinked to

the potential risk in construction projects. The advice given must be relevant and

reliable without consideration of self-interest. Contract manager use their knowledge

on construction cost and contractual procedures to recommend procurement methods

according to the project’s requirement in term of time, cost and quality (Ashworth et

al., 2013). There is design and build procurement system where the contractors take

the responsibility for both design and construction. If contractor enter into the design

and build contract, contract manager are involved starting from pre-contract until post

contract. This is because design and build covers package contracting, develop and

construct (Turner, 2014). Hence, a contract manager must have enough knowledge in

procurement selection method according the different requirement of different project

as there is an increase in the direct employment of contractor for design and build

arrangements.

2.7.2.4 Project management

Project management has a major impact on project productivity and quality. Its

principle and technique help complete projects on schedule, within budget, and in full

accordance with project specifications. At the same time, the project management

helps to achieve the other goals of the organization such as quality, productivity, and

cost effectiveness (Maarouf, 2011).

For project management to be effective there should be formal, written policies

and procedures that explain the role and authority of project managers. The procedures

often constrain the availability of resources or the terms under which resources are

available to the project. This includes carefully monitoring and reporting on progress,

resolving problems as they arise, controlling any changes in the project plan and

managing risk (Maarouf, 2011).

38

Hence, a project manager is employed by contractors provide working

programmes, technical and contractual advice for staff and accept responsibility for

delivering a scheme to a client on behalf of the contractor. Besides, the project

manager is responsible to plan, organize, integrate, control, and lead for a project and

ensure the contractor’s works will be timely and properly executed according to

contract specification and at a fair price. A Quantity Surveyor is suitable to fit the

position of project manager because of their objective stance and overview on the

entire process of construction, from the point of view of the problems of the contractor

to the architect’s design to the budget. Quantity Surveyors have valuable view of the

project, just like the project manager (CQS, 1985). Therefore, understanding project

management skill is important for a Quantity Surveyor to become a project manager.

Table 2.3 shows that is a summary of the competency skills required by contractor

firm in career progression of a Quantity Surveyor.

Table 2.3 Summary of competency skills required by contractor firm in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor

Skills Level of Position

Contract

Manager

Project

Manager

Soft Skills

Leadership skills / /

Negotiable and

Decision making skills / /

Critical Thinking and

Problem Solving skills /

Communication and

Language skills / /

Core Skills

Measurement / /

Procurement /

Contract Management /

Project Management /

39

2.8 Summary

In summary, the competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting

Quantity Surveyor have been discussed in this chapter. With the clarification of the

competency required by contractor firm in recruiting Quantity Surveyor,

undergraduate students and Quantity Surveyor should be able to understand the

competency required by contractor in term of soft skills and core skills in this

competitive market.

Besides, when Quantity Surveyor have been work after a period of time and

gain some experience in contractor firm, a career progression is essential to employees

and it was a process that extremely important to both employers and employee in a

contractor firm. Quantity Surveyor in contractor firm who see a clear progression path

are more likely to be engaged and committed to their job. Thus, the competency skills

required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity Surveyor have been

discuss in this chapter. Therefore, Quantity Surveyor who works in contractor firms

must be continuously upgrade and grasped their competency skills to meet the current

demands that required by contractor firm to be promotion to a contract manager as

well as a project manager in a contractor firm.

41

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

0

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METODOLOGY

Introduction

In this chapter, the research method of collecting and analysing data was

indicated and stated out clearly to achieve the objective of this study, ie: to identify

competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor

and to identify competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of

a Quantity Surveyor. A framework for the research is formed to make sure the research

will achieve the objective as stated in Chapter 1. The research methodology is

designed into five stages, which are:

i. Determined problem statement,

ii. Literature review,

iii. Data collection,

iv. Data analysis,

v. Conclusion and recommendation.

41

Research Design

According to Mohamad (2014), research design should be planned to provide

the structure of the research and ensure that the researcher can understand the process

of research in detail before research has been carried out. A research design is defined

as a plan, structure and strategy of investigation considered to obtain answer to

research questions or problems (Babikir et al., 2009). The research design will be well

planned before the process of collecting data. Besides, proper research design will

lead the researcher to achieve he objectives of research. According to Naoum (2007),

there are two type of research strategies which are quantitative research and qualitative

research.

Quantitative Research

According to Isadora and Carolyn (1998), quantitative research method is

categorized as an empirical study according to its statistical study. Quantitative

method is a deductive approach, which is used to understand the theory part, continue

with the hypotheses, observation and lastly come out with a confirmation. There are

some key features on quantitative approach. For example, the data are usually

gathered by the use of instrument such as questionnaire. Basically, questionnaires

involve larger sample size that represents the population to test or verify a theory,

rather than develop it.

Qualitative Research

A qualitative research is conducted to collect and analyse the qualitative data

such as social behaviour, attitudes, knowledge and practice of a group of respondents

about certain issues (Babikir et al., 2009). According to Naoum (2007), there are three

main data collection methods for qualitative research which focus group, direct

42

observation and in-depth interviews. A focus group is a form of qualitative research

in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and

attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement. Furthermore, direct

observation is a method which relies on either participated respondents or non-

participated respondents. Lastly, in-depth interviews required respondents to be

interviewed individually. It usually is a lengthy interview to obtain detailed

information (Naoum, 2007). In this research, qualitative approach has been applied.

This is because the objectives for this research are subjective in nature, it more

emphasizes on the opinion and experiences of the interviewees which often described

in verbally. Table 3.1 showed the research design for this study including the data

required to be obtained from the targeted respondents, data collecting techniques, types

of target respondents and data analysis method.

Table 3.1: Research Design

Objectives Data collected Techniques Respondents Data

Analysis

Identify the

competency

skills required by

contractor firm

in recruiting

junior Quantity

Surveyor.

Soft skills and

Core skills of

contractor’s junior

Quantity Surveyor

Semi-

structured

interview

Project

Manager or

Contract

Manager /

Grade 7

contractor

register under

CIDB

Coding

interview

question

and

frequency

distributio

n

Identify the

competency

skills required by

contractor firm

in career

progression of a

Quantity

Surveyor.

Soft skills and core

skills of

contractor’s

contract manager,

project manager

43

Research Methodology

Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem

(Kothari, 2004). It is an important tool to ensure the data collected and analysis of

data is in accordance with the objectives of this study. The research methodology is

designed into five stages which are:

i. Preliminary study,

ii. Literature review,

iii. Data collection,

iv. Data analysis,

v. Conclusion and recommendation.

Figure 3.1 show the flow chart of research methodology in order to achieve the

research objectives which shown in Chapter 1.

44

Figure 3.1: Flow Chart of Research Methodology

Introduction

Problem Statement

Research Objective

i. To identify competency skills required by contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor.

ii. To identify the competency skill required by contractor firm in

career progression of Quantity Surveyor.

Literature review

Literature sources include articles, journals, books,

magazines, conference proceeding papers, Internet

Sources, and relevant reading materials

Data Collection

Semi- structured interview

Data Analysis

Content analysis method

Conclusion and Recommendations

Five Grade 7 contractors under registered with CIDB

Coding/ Frequency Distribution

45

Stage 1- Preliminary Study

The first stage of research process starts with determining the current issue in

construction field then followed by preparing the problem statement for particular issue.

After several readings and discussion with the supervisor, researcher has identified that

setting up practice field has the potential for more detailed research. After that,

subsequently started collecting relevant literature from various supplements such as

journals, articles, books, newspaper and magazines. Other than the previous literature,

researcher can also select a group of individuals to examine the existence of certain

issues (Kumar, 2011).

After collecting some data to justify the existence of the issue, the researcher

proposed the research title and objective to the supervisor. The supervisor advised and

suggested the scope of the study, significance of study, and respondent of research. Then,

researches proceed with the second stage, Literature Review.

Stage 2- Literature Review

Literature review was a necessary part in a research to demonstrate the

researcher’s awareness on the current progress (Hart, 1998). By conducting literature

review, researcher was able to clarify and focus the research problem, improve the

research methodology, broaden researcher’s knowledge base in the research area and

contextualize the findings by comparing them with what others have found out in

relation to the area of enquiry (Kumar, 2011). Some term, such as contractor’s

Quantity Surveyor, competency skills, recruiting, career progression, and etc have

been defined and explained to gain further understanding. Those sources of data were

obtained from database links through Perpustakaan Sultan Zanariah (PSZ) website,

Science Direct online database, past thesis, journals, and books from PSZ.

46

The contents of the literature review are produced after discussion with the

supervisor. The contents are divided into six main parts that is the definition of terms,

roles of Quantity Surveyor, career progression of contractor’s Quantity Surveyor,

competency skills required by contractor in recruiting Quantity Surveyor and

competency skills required by contractor in career progression of contractor’s Quantity

Surveyor. All parts of literature review act as supporting ideas to support the research

tittle.

Stage 3- Data collection

The third stage of research methodology discussed the technique used to collect

the data from respondents. Researcher must ensure the data obtained were relevant to

the objectives of this study. Prior to the process of collecting data, the research design

had to be drafted.

Kothari (2004) explained that the research design is the conceptual structure

within which research is conducted, consisting a detailed plan for the collection and

analysis of data. According to (Creswell, 2014) there are two types of research

strategies in data collection, which are quantitative and qualitative research. Naoum

(2007) defined quantitative research as an inquiry into a social or human problem,

based on an assumption that measure with statistics. On the other hand, qualitative

research is “subjective” in nature which emphasizes meanings, experiences and

description verbally.

Stage 4- Data Analysis

After the data has been collected, the process of analysis data was carried out. Data

analysis is the conversion of raw data into useful information (Naoum, 2007). Data

analysis is a process that requires to manage and organize the raw data. The researcher

47

should keep an overall sense of the project consistently moving between the data and the

research question, aims and objective (Leary, 2004).

Stage 5- Conclusion and recommendation

Conclusion and recommendation will be processed after the process of data

analysis is completed. The chapter of conclusion and recommendation is the end product

in the study of this research, which was to conclude the investigation within the broader

context in the study of this research (Naoum, 2007). The conclusion is deduced precisely

and systematically. Besides that, personal recommendations are provided by the

researcher as to what should and should not be done based on the research findings.

Approach of Data Collection

In this research, qualitative approach was adopted. This is because of

qualitative research is subjective in nature. Moreover, it more emphasizes on

experiences and opinion which often described in verbally, description, and so on.

Therefore, qualitative research is utilized due to obtain the detailed information and

data in order to achieve as stated in Chapter 1.

Techniques for Data Collection

According to Naoum (2007), there are two approaches to data collection,

namely fieldwork (primary data collection) and desk study (secondary data collection).

The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus

happen to be original in character. Whereas, the secondary data are those which have

already been collected by someone else and already been passed through the statistical

process (Kothari, 2004). In this study, the secondary data was collected in the early of

48

the research process and which were conceptualized in the Chapter 2 while the primary

data was collected through the qualitative approaches.

Naoum (2007) explained that there are three approaches used for primary data

collection which are survey approach, case study approach and observation approach.

In this research, survey approach as used to achieve the objectives by gathering data

from a particular sample or population. Survey approach was easy to be conducted

and the data can be quickly collected through questionnaires and interviews.

In this research, the technique used for qualitative research is interview.

Primary Data is collected by semi-structured interview. It is a face to face interview

with most effective technique used for collecting factual information as well as

opinions compared to the questionnaire. The researcher is able to control the

circumstances of the interview, at the same time flexibility is given to carry out the

interview. The purpose of the interview in this research is to gain detailed information

when the interviewees expressed their opinion during interview section.

Research Instrument

Harris (2006) defined the research instrument is a testing device for measuring

a given phenomenon, such as a paper and pencil test, a questionnaire, an interview

questions, a research tool, or a set of guidelines for observation.

Semi-structured interview has been conducted during the third stage which is

data collection. This is because the semi-structure interview techniques is more formal

than the unstructured interview. It involved “open-ended” and “close-ended”

questioning in this interview. Electronic device was used during the interview in order

to avoid the loss of information. Open-ended questions were chosen for this research

because it gave the respondents expressing their opinions or views freely during the

49

interview. Whenever allowed by the respondent, the interview process is recorded so

that the analysis can be more accurate and efficient. The interview questions were

designed and divided into 3 sections as per figure 3.2 showing the interview questions.

Figure 3.2 Interview Questions

Company Name

Company Address

Name of Respondent

Designation/Position

Working Experience

Telephone Number

How many Quantity Surveyor in your company?

What is the soft skill required by your company in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor?

What is the core skill required by your company in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor?

What is the soft skills required by your company in promotion of a

Quantity Surveyor to Contract manager?

What is the core skills required by your company in promotion of a

Quantity Surveyor to Contract manager?

What is the soft skills required by your company in promotion of a

Quantity Surveyor to Project manager?

What is the core skills required by your company in promotion of a

Quantity Surveyor to Project manager?

Background of the respondent

Competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor

Competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity

Surveyor

50

Research Sampling

The term ‘sample’ means a specimen or part of a whole (population) which is

drawn to show what the rest is like (Naoum, 2007). Therefore, in this research, the

respondents will be selected based on the size of the contractor firm which are Grade

7 contractors firm under registered with CIDB in Johor area.

The grade 7 contractor firm are selected because it had direct employed

Quantity Surveyor in the firm. The respondent that is focus on those who are from the

managerial level staffs within the contractor firm such as director, project managers or

contract manager who are take responsibility to recruit new quantity surveyor and

possess the responsibility of making decision in the career progression of Quantity

Surveyor in a contractor firm.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is defined as the method to control and present data, conversion

of raw data into meaningful information where such information is used to achieve the

research objective. According to Naoum (2007), after collecting all the information,

it is very difficult to present and lay out the information. Therefore, the data should be

analysed to produce the key trends that represent the entire data collected.

In this research, the method which has been used to analyse the data is content

analysis method. The content analysis is an analysis which conduct to analyse the

descriptive data that collected during the semi-interview. It was done to make

inference about the behaviours presented through communication. Besides that,

typology method also one of the qualitative data analysis method.

51

Coding Interview Questions

According to Creswell (2014), the analysis of the interview data should be

analysed using the coding technique by assigning symbol to the collected data.

According to Naoum (2007) the best way to analyse open-ended questions asked

during the interview is by using coding method. The principle aim for this method is

to record all the answers from the interviewees in the form of nodes and eventually

categorise those coded data into several themes and categories.

Firstly, the collected data had recorded in a data summary sheet. In this stage,

all the relevant feedback given by the interviewees are being coding. Table 3.2 shows

the example of data summary sheet.

Table 3.2 Example of Data Summary Sheet

Interviewee Statement Feedback Codes

R1 “Excellent command of written and spoken

English”

C1-1

R2 “The way of communication must be understood

by all parties”

C1-1

R3 “Time must be proper managed and allocate the

limited time resources”

C1-2

R4 “Prefer the people who can cooperate with other

people in work “

C1-3

Frequency Distribution

The data are analyzed by using the method of frequency distribution. For

achieved the both objective which is competency skills required by contractor firm in

52

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and competency skills required by contractor firm

in career progression of a Quantity Surveyor, the data is analyzed by using the method

of frequency distribution. According to the coding system and data summary sheet,

tabulation can be done to indicate the frequency of a particular competency skills

required by the contractor. Table 3.3 shows the example for the frequency distribution

used in the research.

Table 3.3 Example of frequency distribution

Interviewee Competency skills required by contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor ( Soft skill )

Frequency

R1 & R2 “Communication is important as QS need to convey

idea clearly through written and oral modes”.

2

R2 “QS must be responsible toward decisions of a group” 1

R4 “Entrepreneurship skill must possess by QS in order to

identify work or business opportunity

1

Summary

The research methodology has been establish to achieve the objective of the

study. This research study will be carried out based on the literature review and semi-

structured interview. At the end of the data collection, the result of data analysis is

edited and described in Chapter 4. Conclusion and recommendation will be derived

from the result of data analysis and discussed in Chapter 5.

CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS

Introduction

Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming and modelling

data with the goal of highlighting useful information, suggesting conclusion, and

supporting decision making (Creswell, 2014). In this chapter, the results obtained

from eight companies through semi- structured interview.

54

Background of companies

In this section, the background of the eight companies’ details which have been

collected through semi-structured interview will be presented. In this research, the

companies are focus on contractors who under registered Grade 7 with CIDB. The

details that required are included of company year, registered grade under CIDB,

respondent position, total number of Quantity Surveyor (QS). Table 4.1 shows the list

of companies that have been interviewed.

Table 4.1 Details of company

No

Company

Grade

Company

Year

Respondent

Total

number

of QS

1 A 7 35 years Contract manager 10

2 B 7 23 years Contract manager 3

3 C 7 21 years Project Executive 4

4 D 7 20 years Contract manager 4

5 E 7 4 years Project director 2

6 F 7 20 years Contract manager 4

7 G 7 16 years Contract manager 4

8 H 7 23 years Contract manager 6

55

Company A

Company A is a G7 construction company which had established since 1983.

In this company, there have total of 12 full time Quantity Surveyor. The structure of

contract department were divided into two part which is residential department and

infrastructure department and each department are leading by a contract manager.

Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts, which is competency skills required by

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and competency skills required

by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity Surveyor.

Competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company A in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skills competency required by Company A in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are communication and language skill and computer literacy.

i. Communication and language skill: A Quantity Surveyor must be good in

language especially English, because all the contract document are written in

English. Junior Quantity Surveyor will fail to understand the contract well due

to poor English. Moreover, understanding and able to talk smoothly with

English is crucial as all the meeting is using English as a communication

language. Besides, good communications skill is necessary to express opinions

56

via verbally as well as on paper because QS need to deal with many parties like

sub-contractor and clients.

ii. Computer literacy: Computer literacy or computer software is important for a

Quantity Surveyor for example like a junior Quantity Surveyor must be able to

use Microsoft Excel for taking off purpose. When doing the measurement

through Microsoft Excel, junior Quantity Surveyor have to beware the formula

of each element and suit to current project instead of copy directly from

previous project.

Core skills

Core skill competency required by Company A in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are measurement skill.

i. Measurement skill: Measurement skill is the basic and a most important skill

must be grasp by a Quantity Surveyor. Furthermore, with the aids of

construction technology skill, Quantity Surveyor must have a good imagination

and be able to forecast the actual situation in the site in order to carry on the

entire construction process for the purposes of checking Bill of Quantities,

claims and payments and variation orders.

57

Competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of

Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company A in career progression of

Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are discuss in the

aspect of soft skill and core skill.

Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company A in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to contract manager are including critical thinking and problem solving skill

and teamwork skill. Whereas, core skills competency required by Company A in

promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are contract management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Critical thinking and problem solving skill: As a leader among the group of

Quantity Surveyor, a contract manager must equipped with critical and

problem solving skill. In some particular situation, client could verbally

requested QS to do the job scope that is not stated inside contract. However

when come to claim, client may complain and denied the work done.

Therefore, a contract manager have to solve this kinds of issue arise.

b. Teamwork skill: Company A agree with the soft skill of teamwork skill are

important and required for QS in progression to a contract manager. This is

because in the moment contractor award a project, contract manager have to

lead all the QS together to proceed with a project, including tender part,

costing, claim and payment. When contractor get a project, contract manager

58

are responsible to wisely allocate the job to their QS team according their

strengths in order to create a strong working team.

ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: Contract manager in Company A have to familiar

and understanding every clause which state in contract. This is because

contract manager have to lead a team of Quantity Surveyor in preparing and

presenting documents for tender and preparation of tender submission and pre

tender pricing verifications. Thus, a Quantity Surveyor who wish to promotion

to a contract manager must familiar with all contract related knowledge.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company A in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are including leadership skill and critical thinking and

problem solving skill. Whereas, core skills competency required by Company A in

promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skill: Project manager as a team leader, have to be confident on any

decision made because in order to achieve the client’s requirement in

constraints of time, quality and budget. Thus, in Company A, Quantity

Surveyor must showing that he or she have the ability to coordinate with all

parties and look after sub-contractors and work with the consultant QS in order

to progress to become a project manager.

59

b. Critical thinking and problem solving skills: Project manager have to forecast

the situation before start the work and amend it if aware that there have

problem. For example in the case if project manager fail to detect it earlier,

Project start as usual and only notice that is a problem when the work done.

Contractor have to demolish and construct it again, this situation will create

another problem as well as will drag the whole time frame. Hence, in order to

promotion to be a project manager, Quantity Surveyor should possess the

critical thinking and problem solving skills in Company A.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: in company A, Quantity Surveyor with experience

in project management skill are eligible to promotion to be a project manager.

For example project manager have to plan and lead for a project and ensure the

contractor’s works will be timely and properly executed according to contract

specification and at a fair price.

Company B

Company B is a G7 construction company which established since 1983 and

mainly focus and undertook infrastructure project especially expertise on earthwork

project. In this company, there have total of 3 full time Quantity Surveyor in contract

department. Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts, which is competency skills

required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and competency

skills required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity Surveyor.

60


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company B in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skills competency required by Company B in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are computer literacy.

i. Computer literacy: Company B agreed to the computer literacy is very

important soft skill when recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor. Microsoft excel

and Microsoft project is both important skills that junior QS have to grasp as it

can help company drastically increase project efficiency. Microsoft project is

important in Company B, the responsibility of project team and contract

department are interrelated, because in some particular situation, when tender

a project, project team will needs advice from QS to carry out the time frame

to prepare the schedule to showing that how we carry out a work. Therefore,

it need expertise in using Microsoft Project.

Core skills

Core skills competency required by Company B in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including measurement skill and tender document preparation skill.

i. Measurement skill: It was the main core skill that Company B expected from

a junior Quantity Surveyor. The main task for junior QS is to carry out the

61

quantity throughout the construction process in order for the purposes of

checking Bills of Quantities, claims and payments and variation orders.

Besides, junior QS must also have to learn the type of software to be use in

taking off quantity for earthworks for example like “terramodel”.

ii. Tender document preparation skill: Company B required junior QS to possess

the skills in preparing BQ by following the format and description provided

from SMM2. In particular situation when the deadline is around the corner,

QS must have the ability to prepare a simplified BQ together with the costing

part to fill in to the hard copy of BQ which prepare by consultant in order to

submit tender.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company B in career progression of

Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are discuss in two

aspect which is soft skill and core skill.

Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company B in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to a contract manager are including negotiable and decision making skill and

communication and language skills. Whereas, Core skills competency required by

Company B in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are including

measurement skill and contract management skill.

62

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: Contract manager are leader in a

particular team, he or she must be able to work independently such as decision

making on financial issues, meeting, measurement issue, contract management

and so on. In Company B, a Quantity Surveyor have to show the ability and

dare to make decision for example in drainage works, in some particular

situation the nature of soil is soft, contract manager have to give advice to client

regarding how to strengthen it. However some client may due to cut cost

problem refuse to accept the advice by QS. Hence, contract manager have to

make a quick decision to overcome this issue.

b. Communication and language skill: Without any doubt, contract manager in

Company B must be able to have a strong ability in speaking and writing in

English as contract manager need to go through a lot of letter writing document

related to sub-contractor and clients.

ii. Core skills

a. Measurement skill: Contract manager in Company B must be familiar with all

the features of the measurement software for earthworks for instance

“Terramodel” to measure the volume of total soil to cut and fill. Besides,

contract manager must have an idea on award the works while doing

measurement to prevent the sub-contractor suddenly charge higher fees.

b. Contract management skill: Contract manager in Company B will emphasizes

on contract management to handle the complex contract issue in prepare and

analyse cost data and perform contract administration including evaluate

63

interim payments to contractors, charge variations and claims and settle

contract accounts.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company B in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are communication and language skill. Whereas, core

skills competency required by Company B in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a

project manager are project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Communication and language skills: A good communication and language

skills is important in order to promotion to be a project manager in Company

B as project manager most of the time are spends for communicating. Effective

communication is a vital skill for project managers in order to get things done.

This includes setting agreement on goals, organizing people, identify and

solving problems. Communication among members of project team or with

client and authorities may be done either in verbal or written communication

such as presentation, report writing and public speaking.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: Project manager in Company B daily duties

including scheduling, controls sequences of works on sites, create critical path

analysis and other to ensure the project is managed properly and ensure project

is undergone smoothly. Thus, in order to undertake the role of project manager,

Quantity Surveyor must have sufficient knowledge in project management.

64

Company C

Company C is a G7 construction company which had established since 1989.

Company C is a dynamic civil engineering and construction company providing vital

support to key industrial sectors such as infrastructure development, building,

construction, telecommunication and M&E works. In this company, there have total

of 8 full time Quantity Surveyor. Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts, which is


and competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity

Surveyor.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company C in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skill competency required by Company C in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are computer literacy skill.

i. Computer literacy: Company C agreed to the computer literacy is very

important soft skill when recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor. This is because

between the project parties in a construction project there are a lot of

information need transferred by using computer technology software. For

example progress claim in Company C are executed using “Lotus note domino

expenses” software. It can minimises administration costs, such as time and

65

maximises productivity. Thus, if the applicants who expert in using this

software, it was an advantages for he or she to get employed in Company C.

Core skills

Core skills competency required by Company C in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including measurement skill and construction technology skill.

i. Measurement skill: Company C agreed to the measurement is very important

core skill when recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor. A Quantity Surveyor

should be familiar with the common uses or applications of computers for

example Microsoft Excel. A Quantity Surveyor in Company C are allowed to

create own formula in taking off quantity as long as he or she are able to explain

and convince to superior that the new formula is more effective than previous

formula.

ii. Construction technology skill: Company C required a Quantity Surveyor who

are knowledgeable in construction technology as it will direct affect the

affordable of a Quantity Surveyor in understanding construction drawing.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company C in career progression of



66

Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company C in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to contract manager are including negotiable and decision making skill and

communication and language skills Whereas, Core skills competency required by

Company C in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are

procurement skill and contract management.

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: In Company C, negotiable and decision

making skill is important for a contract manager. As we all know contracts

managers need to be able to establish strong working relationships with a wide

range of people. However, in particular situation, contract manager need to be

able to use own initiative and make own decisions as well.

b. Communication and language skill: It is an essential skill for a contract

manager in Company C to keep project managers informed about the contract

process, guide them through any tasks these persons must perform and train

them on contracting practices and procedures as required. This also involves

an organizational element as the contract manager needs to coordinate

communication and ensure they are adequately across all relevant details.

ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: Contract manager in Company C are mainly in

charge in preparing contract document to deal with client and negotiate the

price with the sub-contractor to get the most fair contract and mutual agreement

67

to enter to the project. Therefore, contract manager must be familiar with all

the clause that enter into a particular project. For instance when come to claim

for extension of time, contract manager have to confident and proving to client

the clauses that indicated the terms and conditions of extension of time. Hence,

Quantity Surveyor must be familiar with all the clauses in order to increase the

changes to promote to be a contract manager.

b. Procurement skill: Contract manager in Company C may require to review

procurement programme schedules and liaise about supply of materials and

specialist requirements and deliver the correct message to sub-contractor so

that orders can be placed in time to meet procurement programme. Besides,

contract manager also responsibility on manage procurement of sub-contract

packages, labour only packages, consultants and suppliers.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company C in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are communication and language skill. Whereas, core

skills competency required by Company C in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a

project manager are project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Communication and language skills: To becoming a project manager,

Company C will expect applicants to be excellent communicators. All the

necessary information will be delivered effectively to the different parties such

as supplier and installer. Besides, in order to ensure the success of the

construction process, the request for obtaining the information and create an

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environment where the people are comfortable and happy to talk during the

conversation with different parties are very important.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: In Company C, project manager is very important

when managing the IBS projects compared to the conventional projects. In

IBS construction process, managing time as per schedule is important to ensure

the delivery of the components is within the estimated time. This is because,

the plants and machinery are ready to receive the components. In case if any

delay in delivery schedule will affect the usage of plants and machinery,

indirectly incurred cost. Thus, Quantity Surveyor must equipped with project

management skill in order to promote to be a project manager.

Company D

Company D is a G7 construction company which had established since 1998.

Company D are established CIDB G7 and ISO 9001 Construction Company, a main

contractor for the construction and housing development in Johor. Structure

discussion will discuss in 2 parts, which is competency skills required by contractor

firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and competency skills required by

contractor firm in career progression of Quantity Surveyor.

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Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company D in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skills competency required by Company D in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including computer literacy and strong work ethic skill

i. Computer literacy: In Company D, the application must be familiar with the

computer software for example in using Microsoft excel in measurement, have

to know the way on how to setting the formula and manipulate in different

project, a junior Quantity Surveyor cannot just rarely follow the previous

template of taking off. For example when taking off for a wall, the previous

project wall height are 3.5m but for current project are 3.1m, Quantity Surveyor

have to beware and change it to 3.1m instead of 3.5m to avoid any mistake

occur in quantity.

ii. Strong working ethic skill: A junior Quantity Surveyor in Company D must

showing the good attitude in term of the way of completed task given by

superior, a junior Quantity Surveyor have to ask immediately instead of keep

it silence when encounter the problem in measurement. Furthermore, Besides,

QS shall not rarely to finish taking off as fast as possible. A QS shall go

through and understand the drawing, specification again when there is not sure

such certain matter and prepare a checklist or bulk check to make sure the

quantity are accurate.

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Core skills

Core skill competency required by Company D in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including measurement skill.

i. Measurement skill: According to the respondent in Company D, Measurement

skill is the basic for a junior Quantity Surveyor to proceed the others basic

services to employer. For example, Variation Order, claim and payment.

Junior Quantity Surveyor in Company D required to justify the work done on

site and doing the Variation Order calculation in order to showing to client for

the claim purpose.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company C in career progression of



Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company D in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to contract manager are including negotiable and decision making skill and

communication and language skill Whereas, Core skills competency required by

Company D in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are contract

management skill.

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i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: Respondent in Company D indicated

that the contract manager must equipped with negotiable and decision making

skill as contract manager always involve in the different situation of execution

of contract includes claims due to change in design and drawing, delays in

handing over site or delay in issuance of drawings from appropriate party. A

contract manager have to solve the problem with appropriate manner to avoid

any misunderstanding among different parties.

b. Communication and language skill: Quantity surveyor in Company D, a

successful contract manager must to be a good communicator, he or she have

to communicate effectively with every members of the team. Besides, A good

contract manager also needs to be able to listen to what the suppliers and client

requirement and linking the right people to the right contracts to enable the

construction process will be done accordingly to client needs.

ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: In Company D, the respondent are indicate that a

contract manager is a must to familiar with all contract clause related matter

for example dispute resolution process, claims and payment process, contract

analysing and planning process. This is because this responsible will protect

the two parties and provides benefits in terms of business strategies and

procedures. For example when come to claim and payment, contractors must

submit adequate supporting document and proper invoices on time to let clients

pay all invoices promptly.

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Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company D in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are leadership skill. Whereas, core skills competency

required by Company D in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are

project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skills: In Company D, leadership skill is very important for a

Quantity Surveyor in order to promoted to be a project manager as project

manager have to deal with different parties on site, for example local authority

TNB, SAJ, Majlis Perbandaran, CIDB and so on. When the person in charge

come to site carry out inspection for the requirement purpose, Project manager

are the front man to explain to them the work done. Thus, leadership skll is

very important that must be equipped by project manager.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: In order to promoted to be a project manager in

Company D, the applicant have to possess the project management skills which

is the crucial skill in site management or site planning to ensure the project are

carry out smoothly accordingly to the design team or client requirement and

control for site wastage, For example, to make sure the ordered material will

be deliver to site on time because this will indirectly affect the cost of labour

as if the material unable to deliver to site on time, labour will nothing to do on

that time. However, client still have to pay for the wages. Thus, Project

manager have to coordinate with site supervisor to avoid the situation

happened.

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Company E

Company E is a G7 main contractor company which is located in Johor Bahru,

establish since 1998. Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts which is competency

skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and

competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity

Surveyor.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company E in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skills competency required by Company E in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including communication and language skill and strong working ethic

skill

i. Communication and language skill: Junior Quantity Surveyor in company has

the change to interact with the site employees and employees from

subcontracting organisations. This is because contractor will distribute the

works to subcontractor. Thus, Junior Quantity Surveyor have manage go site

for valuation the completed work done by sub-contractor and arranging

payments. Thus, have to equip with good communication and language skill

in order to ease the works.

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ii. Strong working ethic skill: A good Quantity Surveyor is a must to have a strong

sense of responsibility towards theirs works does. This is because in Company

E, there need Quantity Surveyor to works for overtime in some particular

situation for example rushing a tender project, junior Quantity Surveyor must

willing to sacrifice theirs time to completed the task before deadline instead of

merely going back home on time everyday even though there a running out of

time to submit the tender.

Core skills

Core skills competency required by Company E in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are measurement skill and construction technology skill

i. Measurement skill: Company E indicated that the most important core skill for

a junior Quantity Surveyor are measurement skill. The understanding of junior

Quantity Surveyor must be according to SMM for building works for the

purpose of preparation of Bill of Quantity and estimating.

ii. Construction Technology: Company E would expect that the applicants to be

possess a good understanding on construction technology for various type of

construction. For example: construction process of high rise building,

industrial, commercial and familiar with the techniques of construction of sub-

structures, superstructures an finishes in order to use it in quantity surveying

daily job scope for instance cost and financial management, and contract

administration.

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Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company E in career progression of



Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company E in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to contract manager are negotiable and decision making skill. Whereas, Core

skills competency required by Company E in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a

contract manager are contract management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: In Company E, contract manager have

to always communicate with a lot of parties for example: architects, project

manager, mechanical and electrical engineers and so on. Hence, a good

negotiation skills are very important as it is important to make decisions on

own initiative. Besides, contract manager must negotiate with a variety of

people, which means that contract manager should listen to others opinions and

give their own opinions. Thus, in order to promote to be a contract manager,

a Quantity Surveyor should possess a good negotiable and decision making

skill.

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ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: As a contract manager in Company E, have to fully

knowledgeable in construction contract related matters. For example must

know the pre-contract phase regarding the contract condition in tender

document and during contract execution phase must ensure the final contract

document are well prepared for execution and the last is post award phases

which contract manager have to make sure the on-going work are compliance

with condition of contract. Therefore, a Quantity surveyor have to familiar

with whole contract related matters in order to get promote to be a contract

manager.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company E in promotion of a Quantity


problem solving skill Whereas, core skills competency required by company E in

promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are project management skill

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skills: In order to be a project manager in Company E, the applicant

need to show a good attitude with outstanding leadership skills as project

manager is contractor representative who responsible for ensuring the suitable

steps and procedures undertake to achieve the project objectives and client

needs. For example, in order to ensuring all individuals or party are willing

and work in a team, all the party have to be monitored and controlled by the a

project manager with good leadership skill.

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b. Critical thinking and problem solving skill: In Company E, project manager

also required to solve any conflicts arises within and external the project mainly

on budget, specification and scheduling. Project manager cannot too extreme

or dictatorship, because it will create a bad environment with team members.

In contrast, project manager have to always have a critical thinking and create

a comfortable environment for other people to give ideas and opinions

regarding the issues.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: Project manager must equipped with a good project

management skill which can develop either from experience in the field or

academic knowledge. By understanding of basic technical knowledge that

involves methods, processes, procedures and techniques. From experience of

similar project, the project managers are able to train and develop skills on

planning and scheduling, basic technical knowledge of the field and cost

control. The skills on forecasting techniques, material procurement, estimating

and tendering, and quality control can be established through academic

training.

Company F

Company F is a G7 main contractor company which is located in Johor Bahru,

establish since 2014. Currently Company E mainly doing high-rise building project

based in Johor Bahru. Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts which is competency

skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and


Surveyor.

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Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company F in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skill

Soft skills competency required by Company F in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including communication and language skill and strong working ethic

skill

i. Communication and language skill: Company F will expect applicants for

junior Quantity Surveyor to be an excellent in communication and language

skill. This is because all the contract and official document letters with client

and sub-contractor all are written in English. Junior Quantity Surveyor must

able to write clear and precise letter which can relate complex information in a

letter for example letter of award to sub-contractor. Besides, Quantity

surveyors have to communicate with all kinds of people, from sub-contractor

to directors/client, project manager and even architect, so a Quantity Surveyor

must effectively deliver the message to them weather in speaking or in writing

forms.

ii. Strong working ethic skill: As a junior Quantity Surveyor who had shown a

passion for construction industry and responsibility toward the work done will

mostly make Company F take notice. As a junior Quantity Surveyor, does not

mean that he or she cannot give their opinion on certain things. This is because

junior Quantity Surveyor will be involved in a project from the start, preparing

estimates and costs of the work. When the project is in progress, will keep

79

track of any variations to the contract that may affect costs and create reports

to show profitability. Therefore, an applicant who are willing to put the time

and effort to get the work done and meanwhile increase the value as an

employee within company will be more advantages to get employed in

company F.

Core skill

Core skills competency required by Company F in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor including measurement skill and construction technology.

i. Measurement skill: Generally, junior Quantity Surveyor in Company F will

assist contract manager in taking off the quantity when bit for a tender project.

Contract manager will prepared all the tender document while required junior

Quantity Surveyor assistant in calculate the required quantity for each element

for the entire project and end up key into Bill of Quantity. Thus, a junior

Quantity Surveyor are expected to be equipped with basic taking off skill or

measurement skill.

ii. Construction Technology: Company F are looking for the junior Quantity

Surveyor who are excellent in construction technology. This is because the

daily task of Quantity Surveyor will unable to perform without a good

construction technology skill for example the measurement for a service

apartment building work, it normally consist of 16 elements to be take-off

which including work below ground level until roof , and every element have

their own special component and construction process. Thus, a Quantity

Surveyor who familiar with those knowledge will increase the working

efficiency.

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Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by contractor Company F in career progression

of Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are discuss in two


Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company F in promotion of a Quantity


skills competency required by Company F in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a

contract manager are contract management.

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: A contract manager in Company F have

to able to negotiate and do the right decision with different party. For example

would be responsible to negotiate with client or sub-contractor and agreeing

extra work to be done on a contract and helping to resolve any disputes which

come up. Therefore, in order to undertake the position as a contract manager

in Company F, the applicant must be have a good negotiable and decision

making skill.

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ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: Generally, a contract manager in Company F are

responsible in the matters related to construction contract issue which is

prepared the contract document in order to show every parties’ liability on the

projects to reduce conflict matters happened during the construction stage.

This is the very important task and have to beware on the clause which state

inside the contract as it will directly cause a monetary lost when agree amount

is sign by both party especially when the project are executed. Thus, in order

to promote to be a contract manager, Quantity Surveyor must make sure that

he or she already grasp the contract management skill.

Project manager

Soft skills competency required by Company F in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are leadership skill. Whereas, core skills competency

required by company F in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager is

project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skills: A strong proven interpersonal skill to interaction with on-

site team and worker or sub-contractor are very important. This is because

project manager are the team leader and motivator to leading a group of people

to accomplish the project objective. Hence, a Quantity Surveyor who equip

with outstanding leadership skill will increase the probability promote to be a

project manager in Company F.

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ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: Without any doubt, The role and responsibility of a

project manager in company F are leading the construction team at multiple

project in the same time to ensure that the completion of the project are within

the schedule while maintaining with high quality and don’t burst the budget.

Thus the ability of project manager to multi-tasking are very important. Added

with the good project management skill to monitor the progress and submit the

weekly programme and report to company. Thus, in order to promote to be a

project manager, Quantity Surveyor have to master in project management

skill.

Company G

Company F is a G7 main contractor company which is located in Johor Bahru,

was incorporated in Malaysia on 2002 as a private limited company. To date,

Company G has completed a wide range of projects ranging from earthwork, general

infrastructure works to steel structural building work. Structure discussion will discuss

in 2 parts which is competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor and competency skills required by contractor firm in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company G in recruiting junior Quantity


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Soft skill

Soft skills competency required by Company G in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are computer literacy.

i. Computer literacy skill: The use of computer software for Company G in

construction industry has focused on measurement and BQ since these two

have been the main core activities of contractor Quantity Surveyor works. In

term of BQ production, Microsoft Excel is widely used for doing taking off

and preparation of BQ. Traditional spreadsheet measurement sheet have the

ability to reduce the burden of time wasting and squaring.

Core skill

Core skills competency required by Company G in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including measurement skill and claim and payment.

i. Measurement skill: Junior Quantity Surveyors in Company G must have the

ability to study and fully understand the basic drawings. Besides that, Quantity

Surveyors are also required to have knowledge of the construction technology

to ease their measurement works. Manual measurement has been replaced by

automated electronic system. In Company G are using AutoCAD to open the

drawing and measure the quantity using Microsoft Excel. Therefore, possess

the skills of creating formula of Microsoft Excel for the purpose of

measurement is fundamental because by applying those software, the

measurement works can be finished in a short time.

84

ii. Claim and payment skill: Contractual claims may arise where that they are

entitled to additional payments. The reasons of claims are extension of time,

changes to the nature of the project, disruption to the regular progress of works

by the client or architect and variation to the contract. The claims arise from

those reason is necessary to prevent loss to the contactors.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company G in career progression of



Contract Manager

Soft skills Competency required by Company G in promotion of a Quantity


skills competency required by Company G in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a

contract manager is contract management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: Negotiable and decision making skill is

very important for a contract manager in attending site meeting when the

project encounter any problem or issue regarding cost and contract. Besides,

in costing part contract manager have to negotiating the contract pricing, terms

and conditions with sub-contractor for the best deal technically and

commercially.

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ii. Core skills

a. Contract management skill: Contract manager in Company G have to

knowledgeable in contract management part. For example, able to prepare a

sub-contract document for sub-contractor without any previous project

reference and use their experience and professional views to set the terms and

conditions of contract, LAD amount and so on. Sub-contract documents is

formed in order to show the projects to reduce conflict matters happened during

the construction stage between Company G and sub-contractor.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company G in promotion of a Quantity


problem solving skill. Whereas, core skills competency required by company F in

promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager is project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skills: As a project manager in Company G, project manager

responsible to leads the team in effective and efficient way to achieve the

project goals. A good project manager will listen the words of employees till

they communicate their views. By way of listening, the team will feel that they

are also important only will showing the good commitment in complete the

work as a teams. Thus, a Quantity Surveyor should possess a good leadership

skill in order to get promote to be a project manager.

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b. Critical thinking and problem solving skill: Project manager will be the leader

on site. On many occasions when working on a project, client may request to

change the material or alternative method to carry out parts of the woks. In this

case if the project manager are familiar with the costing matter, project

manager can direct spot the problem and giving advice to client on it. This can

save the time that need to refer back to contract manager. Thus, a Quantity

Surveyor have to equip with critical thinking and problem solving skill on site

in order to get promote to be a project manager.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: Project management skill are the essential skill that

must be grasp by a project manager in Company G which emphasizes on

scheduling, sequences of works, critical path analysis and other to ensure the

project is managed properly. In real construction site, site supervisor arrange

the worker whereas project manager will be in charge in monitor the overall

progress of project.

Company H

Company H is a G7 main contractor company which is located in Johor Bahru

established since 1995. Structure discussion will discuss in 2 parts which is


and competency skills required by contractor firm in career progression of Quantity

Surveyor.

87


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company H in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skills

Soft skill competency required by Company H in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including communication and language skill and computer literacy.

i. Communication and language skill: From the beginning of the project,

communication is very important. Good listening and expression skills are one

of the communication process. Junior Quantity Surveyor together with entire

team have to be on the same page, and junior Quantity Surveyor must be able

to demonstrate their understanding of the project requirements and express

their views on certain matters. Thus, a communication and language skill is

important for an applicant who wish to work in Company H.

ii. Computer literacy: Company H indicated that the application who are master

in computer literacy and information technology skills will be an added

advantage in the daily work task such as measurement and quantification. In

this case, Microsoft Excel is the most important skill must be grasp by

application as it was the measuring and estimating plus a tools in generating

Bill of Quantity for most of the contractor company.

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Core skills

Core skill competency required by Company H in recruiting junior Quantity

Surveyor are including measurement skill and construction technology skill.

i. Measurement skill: A contractor Quantity Surveyor final goal is to ensure that

a construction project turns a profit. Monitoring changes to designs, variations

works and updating of projects. Thus, in order to claim with employer any

changes occur during the construction process which omission or substitute

than the original scope of works, contractor Quantity Surveyor required to

submit a claim using standard format which attach with the taking off of the

actual quantity of the works. Thus, measurement skill are very important.

ii. Construction technology skill: In order to complete the measurement task,

junior Quantity Surveyor required a good imagination to forecast the actual

situation of construction process. Hence, deeper knowledge of the construction

technology in relevant process involved in the construction are very important

for a junior Quantity Surveyor.


Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by Company H in career progression of



89

Contract Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company H in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to contract manager are negotiable and decision making skill and teamwork

skill. Whereas, core skills competency required by Company H in promotion of a

Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager is contract management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Negotiable and decision making skill: As Company H is a main contractor,

there have hire a certain number of sub-contractor that may specialize in

different area that can ensure that the project are deliver in good quality.

However, sometime may occur the conflict on the work done by sub-

contractor. Contractor expect sub-contractor will provide the priced quote item

if that may cost extra than original amount, or just specifically excluded from

their scope of work. Thus, an experienced contract manager know what to

expect and negotiate with his sub-contractors on this matter and what details

may writing in the contract clearly.

b. Teamwork skill: Contract managers need to be able to establish strong working

relationships with a wide range of people. Thus, a team work us essential for

a contract manager in company H. For example provide guidance on contract

matters to project managers or other operational staff, including giving training

to new project managers and other employees in contracting practices and

procedures.

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ii. Core skill

a. Contract management skill: Without any doubt, contract manager in company

H must be understand all aspects of the contracting process from initial stage

of project until completion stage plus a good technical building requirements

knowledge. Contract manager are also responsible in co-ordinate and supervise

the activity of contract or tender and liaison with account department. Thus, an

application of Quantity Surveyor to be a contact manager must possess the

contract management skill in construction field.

Project Manager

Soft skills competency required by Company H in promotion of a Quantity

Surveyor to project manager are including leadership skill, critical thinking and

problem solving skill and communication and language skill. Whereas, core skills

competency required by Company H in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project

manager is project management skill.

i. Soft skills

a. Leadership skill: Project manager in Company H have to lead meeting

effectively. Project managers have to conduct meeting for the project along

the construction process in order to make sure the work executed according to

the planning. Thus, in order to undertake the role of project manager, Quantity

Surveyor must have sufficient experience in leading a construction team

toward a completion of a project.

91

b. Critical thinking and problem solving skill: In the meeting, any problems or

conflicts arise have to be solved by project managers. Project manager have to

act as negotiator if there is any disputes between the members. Thus, a Quantity

Surveyor in company H must equip with critical thinking and problem solving

skill in order to get promote to project manager.

c. Communication and language skill: As a project manager in company H, most

of the time spends for communicating. Effective communication is a vital skill

for project managers in order to get things done and make sure all the party are

striving hard moving forward with the same vision. For example, project

manager who are familiar with different languages such as local language in

respective area are also advisable to smoothen work during communicating

with the client. It is because, many of the party who involve in construction

are more likely to talking with local language for instance Hokkien or Hakka.

ii. Core skills

a. Project management skill: A project manager in Company H could be in

charge in several project in the same time. Hence, project manager must have

the multi-tasking ability in carry out daily job scopes. Project manager will

monitor the entire project by applying best practices and technique regarding

the design of the project management process, and the application of project

management methods with the aids of past experience to manage projects

professionally to ensure that the project will be carry out smoothly.

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Analysis of all company

Finally, the frequency distribution method used to identify the competency

skills required by contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and the


Surveyor among the eight companies. The frequency distribution are prepared based

on the feedback that obtained from the companies and present it into a table form.

Objective 1: Competency skills required by contractor firm in recruiting


The competency skills required by all companies in recruiting junior Quantity


Soft skill

Table 4.2 shows the analysis of the soft skills competency required by eight

contractor firms in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor.

Table 4.2 Analysis of the soft skills competency required by contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor

A B C D E F G H

1Communication

and Language skills / / / / 4

2Strong work ethic

skill / / / 3

3 Computer Literacy / / / / / / 6

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

93

Based on table 4.2, the most significant soft skill competency required by the

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor are computer literacy. Six out

of eight companies are mention this skill during the interview session. It was explained

that nowadays the use of computers are rapidly growing in majority of construction

firms, it can increase the efficiency of a Quantity Surveyor works. Therefore, it was

become a most important skill that required by contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor.

Core skill

Table 4.3 shows that the analysis of the core skills competency required by

eight contractor firms in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor.

Table 4.3 Analysis of the core skills competency required by contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor

Based on table 4.3, the most significant core skills competency required by

contractor firms in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor are measurement skill. All the

eight companies are agree and mention that measurement skill is the most significant

A B C D E F G H

1 Measurement / / / / / / / / 8

2 Claim and Payment / 1

3Tender document

preparation / 1

4Construction

Technology / / / / 4

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

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skill that required by contractor firm in recruit junior Quantity Surveyor. This is

because, it is an important part of cost estimating process. Taking off is did based on

all available engineering or architectural drawing, it must be as accurate as possible to

avoid distinction result between estimation costs and authentic construction costs.

Analysis of drawings and specifications allows the Quantity Surveyors to prepare a

taking off list, which lists down all of the individual elements that comprise the works.

Objective 2: Competency skills required by contractor firm in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by all contractor company in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are

discuss in two aspects which is soft skills and core skills.

Contract manager

i. Soft skills

Table 4.4 shows that the analysis of the soft skills competency required by

eight contractor firms in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager.

95


promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager

Based on table 4.4, the most significant soft skill competency required by

contractor firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are negotiable

and decision making skill. Seven out of eight companies are agree and have the same

point of views on that. Because, negotiate including reviewing conditions of contract

and negotiable with the client in the main contract in order to get the most fair contract

and mutual agreement to contractor company.

ii. Core skills


eight contractor firms in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager.

A B C D E F G H

1

Critical thinking

and problem

solving skills/ 1

2 Teamwork skills / / 2

3

Negotiable and

decision making

skill/ / / / / / / 7

4Communication

and Language skills / / / 3

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

96


promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager

Based on Table 4.5, the most significant core skill competency required by

contractor firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are contract

management. All the eight companies are having the same point of views and mention

it during interviews session. Contract documents will be prepared with the successful

tenderer after completion of tendering procedure. Contract documents including work

to be performed, quality of work required, condition of contract, cost of finished work

and construction programme. Besides, contract manager must also be able to prepare

the sub-contract document when award the execution work to sub-contractor. In

addition, all the companies are mention that there doesn’t have a certain working

duration in the career progression because it was depending on the experience and

contribution toward the company.

Project manager

i. Soft skills

Table 4.6 shows that the analysis of the soft skills competency required by

eight contractor firms in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager.

A B C D E F G H

1Contract

management / / / / / / / / 8

2 Measurement skill / 1

3 Procurement / 1

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

97


promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager

Based on the Table 4.6 the most significant soft skill competency required by

contractor firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are leadership

skill. Six out of eight companies are mention it during interviews session. They think

that construction projects are not single-person events, thus, a project manager have to

provide leadership instead of just order others to carry out the works for example

selecting different workers with alternate duties to perform according to their

strengths.

ii. Core skills


eight contractor firms in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager.


promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager

A B C D E F G H

1 Leadership / / / / / / 6

2

Critical thinking

and problem

solving skills/ / / / 4

3Communication

and language skills / / / 3

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

A B C D E F G H

1Project

management / / / / / / / / 8

No Skills

Companies Number of

Frequency

98

Based on the Table 4.7 the most significant core skill competency required by

contractor firm in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are project

management skill. All the eight companies are agree and mention it during interview

session that a good project manager will adding value to contractor firms. Without

any doubt, a project manager must master and utilize the project management skill to

ensure projects are completed within the schedule and meanwhile control the best

quality of the work done. In addition, all the companies are mention that there doesn’t

have a certain working duration in the career progression because it was depending on

the experience and contribution toward the company.

Summary

In the Chapter 4, it was clearly analyse all the data that obtained from the eight

Companies by interview. The two research objectives are achieved throughout the

semi-structured interview method. The feedback or result obtained is obviously clear

and being coded and frequency distribution for discussion. The conclusion,

recommendation and future research will discuss later on in the next chapter which is

Chapter 5.

99

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Introduction

In this Chapter, the conclusion from the findings and analysis in Chapter 4 was

discussed. Besides, discussions on the limitations and problems encountered in the

research and some recommendations for future research are presented and discussed

in this chapter as well.

Conclusion

The aim of this research was to identify the competency skills required by

Contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor and competency skills required

by Contractor firm in career progression of a Quantity Surveyor. This study provides

concerning to the construction players especially contractor’s Quantity Surveyor about

100

the awareness on competency skills that required by contractor company in the

construction industry Malaysia

Each objectives of the research will be discussed on this section. For the first

objective, the aims is to identify the competency skill required by Contractor firm in

recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor. While for the second objective is to identify the

competency skills required by contractor company in career progression of a Quantity

Surveyor.

Objective 1 - Competency skills required by Contractor firm in recruiting


In this research, the most significant soft skill competency required by the

contractor firm in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor are computer literacy. Six out

of eight companies are mention this skill during the interview session. It was explained

that nowadays the use of computers are rapidly growing in majority of construction

firms, it can increase the efficiency of a Quantity Surveyor works. Therefore, it was

become the most important skill that required by contractor firm in recruiting junior

Quantity Surveyor.

Whereas, the most significant core skill competency required by contractor

firms in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor are measurement skill. All the eight

companies are agree and mention that measurement skill is the most significant skill

that required by contractor firm in recruit junior Quantity Surveyor. This is because,

it is an important part of cost estimating process. Taking off is did based on all

available engineering or architectural drawing, it must be as accurate as possible to

avoid distinction result between estimation costs and authentic construction costs.

Analysis of drawings and specifications allows the quantity surveyors to prepare a

taking off list, which lists down all of the individual elements that comprise the works.

101

Objective 2 - Competency skills required by Contractor firms in career

progression of a Quantity Surveyor

The competency skills required by all contractor company in career

progression of Quantity Surveyor to be a contract manager and project manager are

discuss in two aspect which is soft skill and core skill.

Contract manager

The most significant soft skill competency required by contractor firm in

promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are negotiable and decision

making skill. Seven out of eight companies are agree and have the same point of views

on that. Because, negotiate including reviewing conditions of contract and negotiable

with the client in the main contract in order to get the most fair contract and mutual

agreement to contractor company.

Whereas, the most significant core skill competency required by contractor

firm in promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a contract manager are contract management.

All the eight companies are having the same point of views and mention it during

interviews session. Contract documents will be prepared with the successful tenderer

after completion of tendering procedure. Contract documents including work to be

performed, quality of work required, condition of contract, cost of finished work and

construction programme. Besides, contract manager must also be able to prepare the

sub-contract document when award the execution work to sub-contractor. In addition,

all the companies are mention that there doesn’t have a certain working duration in the

career progression because it was depending on the experience and contribution

toward the company.

102

Project manager

The most significant soft skill competency required by contractor firm in

promotion a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are leadership skill. Six out of

eight companies are mention it during interviews session. They think that construction

projects are not single-person events, thus, a project manager have to provide

leadership instead of just order others to carry out the works for example selecting

different workers with alternate duties to perform according to their strengths.

Besides, the most significant core skill competency required by contractor firm

in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to a project manager are project management

skill. All the eight companies are agree and mention it during interview session that a

good project manager will adding value to contractor firms. Without any doubt, a

project manager must master and utilize the project management skill to ensure

projects are completed within the schedule and meanwhile control the best quality of

the work done. In addition, all the companies are mention that there doesn’t have a

certain working duration in the career progression because it was depending on the

experience and contribution toward the company.

Limitation of study

Throughout the entire process of research, there was no exception for this

research to carry out without hindrance. The research was subjected to the following

limitations:

103

i. This research scope is only limited to the Grade 7 contractor but not applicable

to others small and medium contractors.

ii. Others than that, finding from this research can only applicable to the Quantity

Surveyor who works in contractor firms but not applicable to Quantity

Surveyor who works in consultant firm and developers.

iii. The research findings are based on the materials obtained from semi-structured

interview. The problem encountered during the interview section is the absence

of direct, exact, precise, or certain answer to the question. The analytical

capability from the interviewer must very strong to filter the opinion from

respondents.

Recommendation for Future Research

The recommendations that could be made for future research are as the following:

i. The scope of this study could be expanded to all the states in Malaysia for a

wider range of data and subsequently lead to improvement in findings.

ii. To identify the competency skill required by developer in recruiting Quantity

Surveyor.

104

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APPENDIX A LETTER OF PERMISSION

114

Appendix A- Letter of permission

115

APPENDIX B INTERVIEW FORMS

116

DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

UNIVERSITY TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

Appendix B- Interview Forms

INTERVIEW QUESTION

TITLE OF RESEARCH:


SURVEYOR

Objectives of the Study:

i. To identify competency skills required by contractor’s firm in recruiting

junior Quantity Surveyor.

ii. To identify the competency skills required by contractor’s firm in career


Prepared by:

NAME : CHU CHIN KIAT@JOHNY

IC NO : 941208-01-6779

Year : 4 SBEQ (Bachelor of Quantity Surveying)

MATRIC NO : A14BE0014

EMAIL : [email protected]

NO HP : +6016-7875468

SUPERVISOR: SR. DR. MOHD SAIDIN BIN MISNAN

NOTE: All Information given is CONFIDENTIAL and it is used for research and

academic purposes only.

Your cooperation is highly appreciated.

Thank you

55

SECTION A: COMPANY AND INTERVIEWEE BACKGROUND

Company Name : _________________________________________________

Company Address : _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Year of company : _________________________________________________

Name of Respondent : _________________________________________________

Designation/Position : _________________________________________________

Working Experience : _________________________________________________

Telephone Number : _________________________________________________

Date : _____/_____/2018

Company stamp:

Signature :

56

SECTION B: IDENTIFY COMPETENCY SKILLS REQUIRED BY

CONTRACTOR FIRM IN RECRUITING JUNIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR.

1. How many Quantity Surveyor in your company?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. In your opinion, what is the soft skills competency required by your company

in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor? (Please explain further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, what is the core skills competency required by your company

in recruiting junior Quantity Surveyor? (Please explain further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

List below is provided for references.

Soft Skills

Communication and Language skills

Teamwork skills

Lifelong Learning and Information Management

Skills

Computer Literacy

Core Skills

Measurement

Claim and Payment

Contract Management

Construction Technology

57

SECTION C: IDENTIFY COMPETENCY SKILLS REQUIRED BY

CONTRACTOR FIRM IN CAREER PROGRESSION OF A QUANTITY

SURVEYOR.


in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to Contract Manager? (Please explain

further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to Contract Manager? (Please explain

further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to Project Manager? (Please explain

further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


in promotion of a Quantity Surveyor to Project Manager? (Please explain

further )

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

-END OF INTERVIEW-

Thank you very much for your time and cooperation.

58

APPENDIX C RESPONDENTS LIST

59

Appendix C-Respondent list

No Code Respondent List Area

1. Company A Hwa Hin Sdn. Bhd. Johor

2. Company B Jasin Construction Development

(M) Sdn. Bhd.

Johor

3. Company C Gerbang Nusajaya Sdn. Bhd. Johor

4. Company D Yicai Construction Sdn. Bhd. Johor

5. Company E Tay Hup Brothers Construction

Sdn Bhd

Johor

6. Company F Eco Builder & Construction Sdn

Bhd

Johor

7. Company G Prosmier Construction Johor

8. Company H TSK Construction Sdn. Bhd. Johor

chu chin kiat@johny universiti teknologi malaysia

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