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Barriers in Adopting Digital Estimation: Evaluating Effects on Quantity Surveyors Across Different Groups – A Comparative Study
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Engineering Management
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714227
Abstract
The construction industry is experiencing rapid digital transformation, significantly influencing the practice of quantity surveying, particularly in cost estimation processes. Despite the availability of advanced digital estimation tools, their adoption among Quantity Surveyors (QS) remains uneven and limited. This study examines the barriers to adopting digital estimation tools among Quantity Surveyors across different professional groups in the Philippines—consultants, contractors, and developers—using a comparative mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through structured survey questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that the most significant barriers to digital estimation adoption are insufficient training, lengthy learning periods, preference for traditional methods, and high operational costs. Technical challenges such as inadequate user guidance and system incompatibility further hinder adoption, particularly among consultants and contractors. Despite these barriers, the study finds that digitalization positively impacts QS roles by improving efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and professional competency, although its influence on decision-making capability remains limited. The study concludes that while digital estimation tools offer substantial benefits, their full potential is constrained by organizational readiness, individual skill gaps, and cost-related concerns. Addressing these barriers through targeted training, management support, affordable technology, and educational integration is essential to advancing digital adoption in the quantity surveying profession.
Keywords
Adoption Barriers, Construction Digitalization, Digital Estimation, Quantity Surveyor
How to cite this paper
@article{1714227,
author = {Josephine D. Alberto, Noel T. Florencondia, Joefil C. Jocson, Marvin O. Mallari},
title = {Barriers in Adopting Digital Estimation: Evaluating Effects on Quantity Surveyors Across Different Groups – A Comparative Study},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {514-517},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714227.pdf},
abstract = {The construction industry is experiencing rapid digital transformation, significantly influencing the practice of quantity surveying, particularly in cost estimation processes. Despite the availability of advanced digital estimation tools, their adoption among Quantity Surveyors (QS) remains uneven and limited. This study examines the barriers to adopting digital estimation tools among Quantity Surveyors across different professional groups in the Philippines—consultants, contractors, and developers—using a comparative mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through structured survey questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that the most significant barriers to digital estimation adoption are insufficient training, lengthy learning periods, preference for traditional methods, and high operational costs. Technical challenges such as inadequate user guidance and system incompatibility further hinder adoption, particularly among consultants and contractors. Despite these barriers, the study finds that digitalization positively impacts QS roles by improving efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and professional competency, although its influence on decision-making capability remains limited. The study concludes that while digital estimation tools offer substantial benefits, their full potential is constrained by organizational readiness, individual skill gaps, and cost-related concerns. Addressing these barriers through targeted training, management support, affordable technology, and educational integration is essential to advancing digital adoption in the quantity surveying profession.},
keywords = {Adoption Barriers, Construction Digitalization, Digital Estimation, Quantity Surveyor},
month = {February},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714227}
}