Chapter 7 Conclusions and recomendations

7.1 Introduction

This chapter outlines the author’s conclusions and recommendations drawn from the dissertation and identifies key areas of the subject that may need to be changed or improved upon based on the author’s findings during the course of his research.

7.2 Conclusions

There is generally a lack of knowledge amongst students graduating as regards to the society, the author feels that the SCS should be more active in its marketing towards colleges, and maybe by implementing partnership with third level institutions like they have done in the RICS can ensure that there is a high level of graduate entering into the society. This helps to maintain the profile and the standards that the society should be aiming for.
In the authors opinion the workplace in Ireland is crying out for a structured training regime to be implemented and upheld as a growing concern, this will also ensure that the highest level of education is achieved within the society as the society themselves should implement the structured training and employ part time regional technical advisors to aid employers across the country to manage their training regimes.
The author feels that far too much of the work is being delegated out by the SCS and they really need to take some of the incentive and start to work together in the whole process.
“For the professional body governing Chartered surveyors there is a unique lack of professionalism when you try to contact anyone regarding the APC within the society” This is a view that appears to be very widely spread amongst the people surveyed during my research.
Several people also commented within the questionnaires that the method the SCS seem to use to regulate the societies members is by trying to shroud the APC with an air of uncertainty so that only those who are truly motivated will pursue and gain their chartership.
During the Author’s research he sent out 2,100 questionnaires one of the replies he received back was from the new incoming chairman of the SCS, he requested that the author forward his findings to him on completion and that he would take a look at them and see what could be done.
As can be seen from the results of the questionnaire analysis the members have spoken in regards to implementing some published material regarding the APC similar to that of the RICS.
Also 91% of people surveyed were of the opinion that the SCS should introduce a computer programme to help track the Diary’s & logbooks etc.
There was an overwhelming response also about the CPD being held in Dublin the author is aware that more than half the societies members are based in the capital, but it would probably do them no harm to drive down and meet us half way some time.

Final Summary

To sum up, the author when he initially commenced this dissertation was of the belief that the new system was far too much work and a major burden of costs and resources as highlighted in Chapter 5. The author now believes if the new system is implemented correctly and the industry takes it on board enthusiastically that it has the potential to lead to a better qualification and higher standards of the members. The hypothesis of this dissertation “The introduction of the new competency based assessment has lead to an increased burden in terms of cost and workload on all the people involved in the APC process with the exception of the SCS” the author believes that he has proven his hypothesis within the dissertation and by surveying the general attitudes of the members he received results to confirm this. There were 3 core questions in the questionnaire that would prove or disprove the hypothesis. Question 6 on all questionnaires which read “Do you feel there is enough support from the SCS in helping probationers become chartered?” 54% of all respondents answered no to this question, the author feels that this needs to be improved within the SCS. Q16 “Do you feel there is a need for additional resources within offices to help probationers become chartered?” this question was asked only of the fellows and associates the answer here were 58% yes. The author is of the opinion that these resources should be supplied by the SCS. Q17 “In your opinion is there a need for training officers within the SCS since the introduction of the new system?” This was perhaps the best response in proving the hypothesis with 66% of fellows and associates recommending that the SCS introduce the training officers as one of the respondents commented “The iarnrod eireann saying could be used “A lot done more to do””.

The author is now in favour of the new system and feels that it will be beneficial to our profession as it encourages, better communication and allows the probationer to get a better range of experience. With a small bit of support from the SCS in implementing training officers to help with the process and implementing structured training as a mandatory practise. The Author feels that the additional costs and time associated with the new system would soon be forgotten about.