Research Interests

System Dynamics
System dynamics is the study of the theory of complex dynamic systems and its application as a decision support tool. Simulation modelling, in the system dynamics feedback tradition, has now developed into a profession and represents a growth area in management science, particularly in the USA, where managers utilise computer models in the formulation and evaluation of policies in both business and educational settings

Environmental Management
The emergence of environmental awareness as a separate management discipline, existing standards and legislation, and resulting responsibilities/opportunities for manufacturing and service companies - particularly within the context of sustainable development.

Integrated Environmental Management/Research
For many years economic growth was considered separate from its environmental and social consequences. Until recently, environmental policy design took place without consideration of the likely impacts on industrial and social development. There is currently a movement towards integrating these concerns into environmental policy by involving industry and the public in policy design.

Mining and Quarrying
The evolution of mining practice from the perspective of environmental responsibility and the use of clean technologies as a mechanism for meeting environmental obligations. The examination of the impacts of host government policies on the behaviour of the extractive industry in order to arrive at the best policy mix to achieve the goals of industry, government and environmental groups.

Current Activities

Developing Best Practice Environmental Management System Guidelines for base metal mining in Ireland. This work is funded by the Irish mining industry and will be published as a book later this year. This book is being written in collaboration with Dr. Anthony Leddin (Economics) and will be titled Irish Minerals Policy.

Three projects under the Irish Environmental Protection Agency Environmental RTDI Scheme:

Working with John Barnett & Associates (JBA), Geological Survey of Ireland to develop a best practice Environmental Management System for the surface and aggregate mining industry in Ireland.

Working with Teagasc to research and model phosphate movement in the environment. Primary involvement is in the report on remediation measures for the prevention of eutraphication from agricultural sources.

Just completed a Report with the  University of Manchester Centre for Urban and Regional Ecology (CURE) on methodologies for the extimation of sustainable settlement size for the Environmental Protection Agency and Irish National Spatial Strategy Unit .

Publications