7.
0 Barriers to Effective ICT Usage in QS Projects
(Approx. 2 pages, with APA 7th edition in-text citations)
Despite the clear benefits of ICT, many quantity surveyors still struggle with full integration. The
barriers vary across regions, firm sizes, and project types. These barriers slow down productivity,
weaken collaboration, and increase project risks.
7.1 High Cost of Software and Infrastructure
The cost of purchasing, licensing, and maintaining software like BIM, CostX, or Candy is often
high.
Small and medium-sized firms in developing countries face financial limits (Aibinu &
Papadakis, 2006).
Hardware upgrades and stable internet connections are also necessary but expensive.
This limits access and reduces the pace of digital transformation in QS services.
7.2 Skill Gaps and Lack of Training
Many quantity surveyors lack the technical skills to use advanced ICT tools effectively.
Studies show a wide gap between available tools and staff competence (Lee & Yu, 2011).
Firms may resist investing in training due to cost or productivity loss during learning
periods.
This reduces tool adoption and increases reliance on outdated methods like spreadsheets.
7.3 Resistance to Change
There is often cultural and professional resistance to new technology.
Senior professionals may prefer familiar manual approaches, viewing ICT as a threat to
their experience or workflow (Laryea & Ibem, 2014).
Change is seen as risky, especially where errors in cost data carry legal consequences.
This mindset prevents firms from leveraging modern collaborative platforms.
7.4 Limited Local Support and Standards
Many ICT tools are developed in high-income regions with little adaptation to local needs.
Cost databases may not reflect regional material prices or labor conditions.
Support services for these tools may be unavailable locally, making troubleshooting
harder (Olatunji et al., 2010).
Lack of localization makes these tools less practical or scalable in certain markets.
7.5 Security and Data Privacy Concerns
Cloud-based platforms pose data protection risks.
Quantity surveyors handle confidential cost information, and fear of data breaches makes
some firms reluctant to use online platforms (Zhou et al., 2013).
Concerns include unauthorized access, data loss, and compliance with local data
regulations.
This hinders trust in collaborative tools like CDEs (Common Data Environments) or cloud-based
BIM.
7.6 Fragmented Industry Structure
Construction projects involve multiple independent actors. Without alignment, ICT use becomes
disjointed.
If one party uses BIM and others don’t, collaboration breaks down (Khosrowshahi &
Arayici, 2012).
This inconsistency causes errors, delays, and duplicated efforts.
QSs often find themselves reverting to basic tools to accommodate less digitized stakeholders.
Overcoming these barriers requires targeted investment, structured training, and cultural change.
Without this, ICT adoption remains patchy, and its full benefits in QS collaboration and
communication are lost.
References
Aibinu, A. A., & Papadakis, V. (2006). Barriers to ICT and electronic procurement use in
construction: A survey of Australian construction organizations. Australasian Journal of
Construction Economics and Building, 6(1), 36–50. [Link]
Khosrowshahi, F., & Arayici, Y. (2012). Roadmap for implementation of BIM in the UK
construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(6), 610–
635. [Link]
Laryea, S., & Ibem, E. O. (2014). Patterns of technological innovation in the use of e-
procurement in construction. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 19, 104–125.
Lee, A., & Yu, W. D. (2011). Developing a framework for strategic implementation of IT/IS
projects in construction. Construction Innovation, 11(2), 157–173.
[Link]
Olatunji, O. A., Sher, W., & Gu, N. (2010). Building information modeling and quantity
surveying practice. Emirates Journal for Engineering Research, 15(1), 67–70.
Zhou, W., Yang, Y., & Yang, C. (2013). Cloud computing research and security issues. Journal
of Computers, 8(1), 226–232. [Link]
Ready for Section 8.0: Strategies for Effective ICT-Driven Collaboration?
