Construction management and quantity surveying students perceptions towards production analysis and measuring quantities for construction purposes

Students' pre-course perceptions of a module provide insight relative to their understanding and appreciation of a module and challenges that the lecturer may encounter. Furthermore, post-course perceptions can be compared with pre-course perceptions to determine the impact of the presentation of the module, if any.The purpose of the study reported on is to determine the pre- and post-course Production Analysis / Quantities perceptions of construction management and quantity surveying students, and the impact of the completion of the module, based upon a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in a South African university. The students were surveyed at the inception and the completion of the presentation of the module at first year level. The results showed that both construction management and quantity surveying students regarded the quantities competencies (knowledge and skills) highly important for Quantity Surveyors and Construction Managers. The results further revealed that the Production Analysis / Quantities module will assist students in other modules such as Quantity Surveying, Site Surveying, Construction Management and Project Management. Students are also of the opinion that the Production Analysis / Quantities module will assist them further in measuring, material management, estimating and cost control activities.Based upon the findings it can be concluded that students have a degree of understanding and appreciation of the module Production Analysis / Quantities prior to exposure thereto, the presentation of the module had an impact on their perceptions, and they understand and appreciate the importance and role of the modules to their programmes and disciplines.It is recommended that such research be conducted on an annual basis, and a preparatory lecture module 'The role and importance of Production Analysis / Quantities' should be evolved for first time Production Analysis / Quantities students.