QSTWORLDWIDE

Mission Statement

'QST' was founded by Graham Nightingale in 1999 when SMM7 still very much the driving force of the profession in the UK although he had carried out 'in-company training' several years before that date.

Since then, less emphasis has been shown on the 'formal measurement' approach, due, partly, to 'old skills' disappearing, colleges concentrating more on 'non-measurement' subjects and 'fastrack methods of contract procurement' becoming the norm.

However, it is absolutely essential that some form of Measurement IS, and always will be, required.

'Builders Quantities' have always been in existence -- and will continue to be. There is nothing wrong with 'referring to anything' in one's own words.

Local terms often come into play and why not ?

A 'rafter' is a universal term whereas SMM7 calls it a 'roof member' -- but BOTH are absolutely fine. In Scotland, a 'projection' in a wall is called a 'scarcement'.

Our belief is that it's very advantageous to use a 'Commercial Quantities' approach -- or, 'common-sense measurement'.

We have produced 25 Lessons -- considered to be the 'core topics' of Building Measurement -- these will be expanded as time goes by, as appropriate, and in line with new practices or products.

Each lesson has been written in a common-sense way -- straight to the point -- measuring in the quickest way possible.

But, we do not advocate that 'our method' or 'any method' is necessarily the BEST or ONLY way.

We believe that the person preparing the quantities should 'change direction' as and when required to achieve a FAST and RELIABLE conclusion.

We believe our system, using EXCEL, is, however, THE QUICKEST way of producing the final measurements ------ AND can then be used for Analytical Estimating alongside the measurements.

The options available in EXCEL are immense and much time saved.

Our aim is to provide Motivation and Enthusiasm in Measurement Skills -- to encourage Creativity -- there is nearly always a Better Way of doing anything -- we advocate 'finding this'.

Training and Learning NEVER ceases -- it is an 'excellent lifetime habit' -- that is our philosophy.

As a student many years ago -- studying Management for CIOB exams -- one thing has stuck in my head all those years AND I have used this both professionally AND privately on many occasions. This is the 'Questions Technique'.

Primary Questions (Aimed at a current situation)

WHAT 'process' is being done at present ?

WHERE is it being done ?

HOW is it being done ?

WHO is doing it ?

Secondary Questions (Looking at the alternatives)

DOES it need to be done ?

COULD it be done somewhere else ?

COULD it be done in a different way ?

COULD it be done by someone else ?

Penultimate Questions (Developing the new concept)

CREATE the new process ?

DECIDE on the best place ?

DECIDE how to do it ?

DECIDE who should do it ?

After Implementation

Ask Primary Questions again !

Qualifications

Clients working through our lessons are monitored via the Course Record file -- we can see the progress made and assess the motivation factor easily.

We expect each person to demonstrate dedication to learning and encourage as many questions (no matter how trivial they may seem) as possible.

We know from comments made -- which are all recorded on the Records files for anyone to see (subject to approval by the client) at any time -- whether the person is motivated or not.

In this respect, on completion of the whole course, we will judge whether the appropriate level of 'desire' has been displayed AND, if YES -- we will provide a Certificate and that person can add the letters 'MQST' (Member of Quantity Surveying Training) after their name on any appropriate occasion. This will be a free lifetime 'statement'.

This qualification means that the person is dedicated to 'lifetime learning of Building Measurement in the most efficient way possible'.