Quantity Surveying and the artificial intelligence (AI) challenges ahead

Quantity surveying is a profession within the construction industry that involves managing and controlling costs related to construction projects. It encompasses various tasks, such as estimating project costs, preparing tender documents, conducting cost analysis, and managing project finances.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities for the field of quantity surveying. Here are some of the AI challenges that the profession may face in the future:

1.         Automation of tasks: AI technologies can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks in quantity surveying, such as quantity takeoffs and cost estimations. While automation can increase efficiency and accuracy, it may also raise concerns about the potential displacement of human workers and the need for upskilling.
2.       Data management: AI relies on vast amounts of data to learn and make predictions. Quantity surveyors need to adapt to the challenges of managing large datasets, ensuring data quality, and integrating AI systems into their existing workflows. They may need to acquire new skills in data analysis and data management.
3.       Ethical considerations: AI systems, including those used in quantity surveying, must be developed and used ethically. Quantity surveyors need to consider issues such as data privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the potential impact of AI on employment within the profession. Ethical guidelines and regulations will likely evolve to address these concerns.
4.       Adaptation and upskilling: Quantity surveyors will need to adapt to the changing technological landscape by acquiring new skills and knowledge related to AI and data analytics. This may involve learning how to work with AI systems, interpreting AI-generated insights, and effectively integrating AI into their decision-making processes.
5.       Collaboration with AI systems: As AI technologies become more advanced, quantity surveyors may need to collaborate closely with AI systems and algorithms. This collaboration may involve using AI-generated insights as inputs for decision-making, validating AI outputs, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated data.

Despite these challenges, AI also offers several opportunities for the quantity surveying profession. AI can enhance accuracy in cost estimations, improve project risk assessment, facilitate better decision-making through data analysis, and enable faster and more efficient project delivery.

To stay relevant and harness the benefits of AI, quantity surveyors should embrace ongoing learning and professional development, actively participate in industry discussions around AI ethics and regulations and explore ways to integrate AI technologies into their workflows while leveraging their professional expertise.

Reference.

• "The Future of Quantity Surveying: How AI Will Change the Profession" by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• "Artificial Intelligence in Quantity Surveying: A Review of the Literature" by the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
• "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Quantity Surveying Profession" by the American Society of Professional Estimators (APSE)
• "How AI Is Changing the Construction Industry" by McKinsey & Company
• "The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in the Quantity Surveying Profession" by the Quantity Surveying Journal

ChatGPT and the usages in the profession of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management

 Introduction

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought significant changes in various aspects of human life. ChatGPT is one of the AI technologies that has been developed to assist individuals in communication. In this essay, we will discuss the usages of ChatGPT in the profession of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management aspects of build environments. We will analyze the pros and cons of using ChatGPT in these fields.

Pros of using ChatGPT in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management

One of the key advantages of using ChatGPT in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management is enhanced communication. ChatGPT can assist in communicating with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders in these fields. This enhanced communication can lead to better collaboration, which can result in improved project outcomes.

Another advantage of using ChatGPT is that it can assist in the automation of routine tasks. Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management involve a lot of repetitive tasks, such as data entry and calculations. ChatGPT can automate these tasks, freeing up time for professionals to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.

ChatGPT can also assist in data analysis, which is a crucial aspect of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. AI technologies like ChatGPT can analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns and trends that would be difficult for humans to detect. This can lead to improved decision-making and more informed project management.

Cons of using ChatGPT in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management

One of the main disadvantages of using ChatGPT in these fields is the potential for miscommunication. ChatGPT is an AI technology and it may not always understand the context or nuances of a conversation. This can lead to misunderstandings, which can have serious consequences in the field of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

Another disadvantage of using ChatGPT is the potential for bias. ChatGPT is only as unbiased as the data it is trained on. If the data used to train ChatGPT is biased, then the AI technology may also be biased, leading to unfair or inaccurate decisions.

Finally, ChatGPT may not always be able to provide the level of personalized service that clients or stakeholders require. In Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, personalized service is often crucial to building relationships and maintaining client satisfaction. ChatGPT may not always be able to provide this level of service, which could lead to negative outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in the profession of Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, but it is not without its drawbacks. The advantages of enhanced communication, automation of routine tasks, and data analysis can lead to improved project outcomes. However, the potential for miscommunication, bias, and lack of personalized service must also be considered. Professionals in these fields should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of using ChatGPT and other AI technologies, and ensure that they are being used in an ethical and responsible manner.

Bias Melayan Diri

Kecenderungan mementingkan diri sendiri ialah kecenderungan orang ramai untuk mencari maklumat dan menggunakannya dengan cara yang memajukan kepentingan diri mereka. Dalam erti kata lain, orang sering secara tidak sedar membuat keputusan yang memberi manfaat kepada diri mereka sendiri dengan cara yang mungkin dilihat oleh orang lain sebagai tidak dapat dipertahankan atau tidak beretika.

Kajian menunjukkan bahawa kita boleh melihat dengan mudah cara kecenderungan mementingkan diri sendiri mempengaruhi tindakan orang lain, tetapi kita menghadapi kesukaran untuk menyedari cara ia mempengaruhi tindakan kita sendiri.

Sebagai contoh, doktor cenderung untuk mempercayai bahawa mereka kebal daripada pengaruh hadiah yang mereka terima daripada syarikat farmaseutikal. Tetapi kajian menunjukkan hadiah tersebut mempunyai kesan yang ketara ke atas ubat yang ditetapkan oleh doktor. Satu kajian mendapati bahawa 64% daripada doktor percaya bahawa hadiah percuma yang mereka terima daripada syarikat farmaseutikal mempengaruhi doktor lain. Walau bagaimanapun, hanya 16% daripada doktor berpendapat ia menjejaskan tindakan mereka sendiri.

Oleh itu, kecenderungan mementingkan diri sendiri sering membutakan kita kepada cara-cara di mana kita berprasangka memihak kepada diri kita sendiri. Malah, ia boleh menyebabkan walaupun orang yang paling berniat baik daripada kita terlepas pandang sepenuhnya terhadap tindakan buruk kita sendiri.