Developing a Digital Transformation Readiness Model for Quantity Surveying Firms in Nigeria

Digital transformation of the quantity surveying profession is accelerating globally, driven by BIM, artificial intelligence, cloud-based cost management, and digital procurement platforms. However, the readiness of Nigerian quantity surveying firms for this transformation has not been systematically modelled. This study develops and validates a Digital Transformation Readiness Model (DTRM) for quantity surveying firms in Nigeria. A pragmatist research paradigm underpins a multi-phase mixed-method design. Phase one involved systematic literature review and expert Delphi study (42 experts) to identify readiness dimensions. Phase two employed a national survey of 265 registered firms to test the model. Phase three validated the model through structural equation modelling and case study analysis of eight firms in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Findings reveal that digital transformation readiness in Nigerian quantity surveying firms is best explained by five dimensions: leadership vision, digital infrastructure, professional competency, client demand, and data governance. Structural equation modelling confirms the predictive validity of the DTRM, with overall readiness score explaining 71% of variance in digital capability outcomes. Only 18% of sampled firms are classified as digitally ready on the DTRM scale. The study identifies an urgent readiness gap particularly in data governance and professional competency dimensions. This research makes an original theoretical and methodological contribution by providing the first validated digital readiness model for the African quantity surveying profession. Keywords: digital transformation, readiness model, quantity surveying firms, Nigeria, BIM