UTILIZATION OF QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES IN DECISION MAKING AMONG CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: Quantitative techniques are relevant in practically every aspect of production to assist in decision making for optimal use of resources. This study aimed at providing reasonable insight into the existing level of application of different decision techniques, as well as the prioritization the factors militating against their adoption with a view to enhancing construction projects delivery in Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria in general. Design/methodology/approach: The aim of the study was achieved through, a cross-sectional survey of, Architects, Builders, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, who practice as construction project managers in Akwa Ibom State. Data were collected using questionnaire administered on 150 staff, consisting of six managers chosen from each of the 25 purposively selected construction companies operating within Akwa Ibom state. The six managers comprised one top manager, two middle managers and three supervisory managers from each company. Twenty-one quantitative techniques and nineteen factors inhibiting the application of quantitative methods were identified and presented to the managers for evaluation, while quantitative analytical designs were utilized in the analysis and discussion of findings. Findings: The result showed on the whole that there is inadequate utilization of quantitative techniques in decision making among construction managers, as not up to 50% of the identified quantitative methods are utilized by the construction managers, while the adoption of quantitative techniques are seriously plagued by many factors. The significance attached to, poor awareness by the supervisory managers may not be unconnected to their lower educational level and experience. The middle managers attached the most significance to, inadequate skills and knowledge attributable to inadequate training and experience. The top and middle managers rated data unavailability and inadequate training curriculum very high, attributable to poor data management by many companies, as well as inadequate course content to guide the teaching of these subjects in institutions. Research limitations/implications: The limitations include the use of only perception of respondents from selected companies in Akwa Ibom. The contribution to knowledge is that this study established the current level of application of different forms of decision making tool, as well as the insight to prioritization the solution to tackling the factors militating against the adoption of the techniques. Practical implication: It is recommended that construction managers should be encouraged through organisational polices which support the development of data bank, adequate training and skills. Government agencies should also ensure that quantitative method curricula