Evaluating quantity surveying firms’ performance

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of quantity surveying firms (QSFs) using the balanced scorecard (BSC) technique. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a survey of 37 QSFs in Lagos State, Nigeria, the paper empirically assessed the performance of QSFs using the BSC technique. The targeted respondents were principal partners and quantity surveyor employees in the selected QSFs and relevant construction stakeholders, including clients, architects, builders and structural engineers, who usually have business relation with QSFs. Findings - The findings of this paper revealed high levels of performance in non-financial measures of the BSC dimensions while low level performance is recorded in financial measure. Practical implications - The exemplified performance measures allow QSFs’ managers to set their own priorities and to seek out improvements along the BSC dimensions of performance measure. The high performance recorded in non-financial perspectives needs to be sustained while a lot of efforts need to be put in place in order to improve the financial performance, thereby sustaining their viability. Originality/value - This paper contributes methodologically through the application of a balance and all-encompassing principles in assessing performance. The use of this measure enables QSFs to structure a balance assessment of their operation, to identify their strengths and weakness, and to target areas for improvement in order to reach their desired business goals.