| Summary: | The shortage of skilled quantity surveyors in South Africa can have a detrimental
affect on the property sector, a sector that represents 70% of global wealth. It has
been suggested that regardless of economic circumstances, quantity surveyors make
a crucial contribution to the national and global economy (Wortmann, 2009). People
of this profession have a profound influence on all levels of the property sector, on
individuals and communities, small enterprises, global corporations and
governments.
Quantity surveyors therefore need to make an important contribution towards
withstanding financial storms with their unique skills and expertise (Wortmann, 2009).
The need for this study arose from the national and governmental demand for
quantity surveyors and the concomitant need to identify factors contributing to the
current alleged shortage.
A survey was conducted by means of questionnaires that confirmed the alleged
shortage of affordable, competent quantity surveyors. A mixed-methods approach
was used to conduct an empirical exploration which included quantitative
(questionnaire) and qualitative (comments and interviews) research. Qualitative
responses to the questionnaire supported the quantitative results, which were
analysed by means of a thematic content analysis. A mixed-melh6d approach
constitutes both a method and methodology for conducting research that involves
collecting, analysing, and integrating quantitative and qualitative research in a single
study. The purpose of this form of research is that qualitative and quantitative
research in combination provide a better understanding of a research problem or
issue than either research approach alone; it allows for 'multiple angles' that provide
different 'pictures'; and it is more naturalistic in the sense that 'its more intuitive' (by
basically mirroring 'real life') (Creswell, 2008).
The results confirmed the hypothesis that there is indeed a shortage of quantity
surveyors in South Africa.
Contributing elements were identified as:
• Educational causes •such as mathematics training at school, lack of
communication skills, business skills, level of standards of education, institutionsnot being accredited and a lack of educational personnel, exacerbated by a lack of
academic and financial support. Also, many students do not pass the council exams.
• Government legislation, BBEE interference, political interference, non-payment of
professional fees by the government, and escalating crime rates are also
problems in this regard.
• Generation gaps causing communication and team and mentoring problems
were identified, as well as competencies not receiving the attention these require
before candidates register.
• The marketing of the profession and study field to the private sector, the property
sector, government and at school level should receive attention.
• The quantity surveying profession not enjoying the protection it needs and
quantity surveyors are not aware of the available protection measures.
In the study it became clear that the quantity surveyor profession is under threat, as
resources are limited and will become more limited as economic elements even out
over the next few years.
The educational problems should be addressed in cohesion with all the stakeholders
of the build environment which includes Government. However, it is suggested that
there is no single, short-term solution to the skills shortage.
The previous government had a very successful resource based strategic plan until
1994, and it is recommended that this plan should be revisited and implemented to
reduce the shortage of professional people as well as setting a higher standard for
education. === Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010
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