A special supplement in which T.Southgate describes the scope of the profession today; R.Steer explains how a QS can help a client from the planning stage of a project through to post-completion work; L.Relph-Knight describes how Bimingham based QSs Bucknall Austin have moved into project management as a means of gaining influence and control over its building operations; P.Bill discusses the relationship between the private QS practice and the contractors` QS; D.Hoar describes life cycle cost planning and analysis; M.Hubbard describes how a quality assurance system must be carefully planned if it is to be successfully implemented; G.Hunt explains what the contractor stands to gain from computerised QS methods for appraisal, construction and post-contract work; G.Ashworth presents a historical review of developments over the last 20 years; and G.Ridout presents a range of current opinions on the subject of competitive fee tendering .