IMPERATIVES OF ALIGNING MEASUREMENT STANDARD WITH INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
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Date
2016
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Publisher
The Department of Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria-Nigera
Abstract
The automation of Quantity Surveyors (QS) traditional quantity extraction and estimating process is practicable in Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, the existing measurement standards used by Nigerian Quantity Surveyors (NQS) will not facilitate electronic information exchange among project team because it is not aligned with any local industry classification systems. This paper examined the need for the measurement standard used in Nigeria to follow local information classification system which could enable it coordinate with other local product information and naming conventions. The research method adopted is literature synthesis, cross-country comparison and analysis of the classification systems that were adopted as basis for developing measurement standards in selected countries. This was followed by open ended interviews to experienced QS working in clients, contracting and consulting organisations. Content analysis was used to analyse the interview questions. The study reveals that different countries adopted different classification approaches based on their country specific classification systems in developing their local measurement standards, which in turn aids electronic information coordination among project participants. It was also found that, NQS can develop a measurement standard that could provide basis for the development of local information classification systems. Such standards will promote electronic information exchange among practitioners, facilitate speedy comparative evaluation of alternative design solution; assist in ICT adoption by QS, promote the use of e-procurement of construction project, reduce pre¬construction documentation period, promote transparency in tender evaluation and promote QS ability to work with other project team members. The research suggests that the construction industry practitioners should collaborate and establish an industry-wide information classification systems that could provide basis for a common ICT platform for project team. Such standard should then form basis for measurement standard development by QS and specification documents by architect and engineers.
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Keywords
Building Information Modeling, Classification Systems, Collaboration, Electronic Measurement Standard, Quantity Surveyors