Barriers in Adopting Digital Estimation: Evaluating Effects on Quantity Surveyors Across Different Groups – A Comparative Study

References

[1] Agyekum, K., Ayarkwa, J., & Acheampong, A. (2015). Barriers to the adoption of information technology in the quantity surveying profession. International Journal of Construction Management, 15(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2015.1012134

[2] Akinshipe, O., Aigbavboa, C., & Oke, A. (2022). Digital transformation in the construction industry: Drivers and barriers to implementation. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 20(2), 523–540. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-04-2021-0205

[3] Al-Yahya, M., & Panuwatwanich, K. (2018). Digital technology adoption in construction project management. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 25(6), 812–831. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2017-0035

[4] Cartlidge, D. (2006). New aspects of quantity surveying practice. Butterworth-Heinemann.

[5] Emmanuel, O., Owolabi, J., & Omuh, I. (2018). Challenges of ICT adoption in construction cost management. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(3), 04018002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001441

[6] Eze, E. C., & Ugulu, R. A. (2021). Digitalization barriers in quantity surveying practice. International Journal of Construction Management, 21(9), 891–903. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1696956

[7] Granjal, J., Monteiro, E., & Silva, J. S. (2015). Security challenges and solutions for cloud computing adoption. Journal of Internet Services and Applications, 6(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13174-015-0020-8

[8] Haupt, T., & Naidoo, K. (2016). Barriers to ICT implementation in construction organizations. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 6(1), 1354–1368.

[9] Hong, Y., Sepasgozar, S. M. E., & Ahmad, I. (2016). Barriers to implementing digital technologies in the construction industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(5), 04016009. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001094

[10] Hussain, A. (2016). Data security and privacy challenges in digital construction systems. International Journal of Information Security Science, 5(2), 25–34.

[11] Jamal, K., Mohammad, M. F., & Hashim, N. (2019). ICT adoption challenges among quantity surveyors. Built Environment Journal, 16(1), 45–58.

[12] Khanna, A., & Sharma, D. K. (2019). Cybersecurity issues in digital construction environments. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 52, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2019.01.001

[13] Luthra, S., Mangla, S. K., & Chan, F. T. S. (2018). Adoption of smart technologies in construction: Barriers and enablers. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 142, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.09.003

[14] McGraw-Hill Construction. (2012). The business value of BIM in construction. McGraw-Hill.

[15] Reddy, K. P. (2015). Cost implications of ICT adoption in construction firms. International Journal of Construction Management, 15(4), 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2015.1075194

[16] Reddy, K. P. (2018). Management resistance to digital transformation in construction. Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 18(3), 1–15.

[17] Ryan, J., & Watson, R. (2017). Return on investment considerations for digital technologies. Information Systems Journal, 27(3), 297–330. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12124

[18] Stanley, R., & Thurnell, D. (2014). System integration challenges in construction ICT adoption. Automation in Construction, 45, 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.05.002

[19] Taher, M. (2021). Digital skills gap in construction education. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 34(3), 45–52.

[20] UPITDC. (2020). Digital infrastructure challenges in construction projects. Uttar Pradesh Infrastructure Development Corporation.

[21] Yap, Q. Y., Abdul Majid, A. S., Aziz, N. M., & Lee, W. Y. (2023). Digitalization among the quantity surveyors: Strategies to embracing the change. Journal of the Built Environment, 20(2), 45–60.

[22] Zainon, N. (2018). Challenges in implementing digital technologies in quantity surveying practice. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 23(2), 85–101.

@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}
  }