INCORPORATING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN QUANTITY SURVEYING PRACTICE IN GHANA: CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS.

This paper aimed at examining challenges and benefits associated with the incorporation of information technology in Ghanaian Quantity Surveying practice. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to solicit the views of 45 Chief Quantity Surveyors of quantity surveying firms in Kumasi and Accra on the issue under investigation. The findings from the study revealed that the Microsoft project, Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, Masterbill, In-house software, QSPlus and QS Elite are the six most frequently used Quantity Surveying softwares in quantity surveying practices. The results further showed that 'inadequate training and education in the use of IT tools', 'high cost of innovation/learning a new technology' and 'low margins resulting in little scope for investment in IT innovation and learning are the topmost challenges to the adoption of IT in QS practices. Increase in productivity through streamlined data entry and management', 'increased productivity through automated quantities and cost calculations and improved savings in operation cost are among the benefits perceived to be associated with the adoption of IT in Quantity Surveying practice. Identification of the challenges and knowing the benefits associated with the adoption of IT should encourage industry practitioners to embrace the future prospects of IT adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]