John Spillane - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by John Spillane

The construction industry requires quality control and regulation of its contingent, unpredictabl... more The construction industry requires quality control and regulation of its contingent, unpredictable environment. However, taking too much control from workers can disempower and demotivate. In the 1970s Deci and Ryan developed selfdetermination theory which states that in order to be intrinsically motivated, three components are necessary-competence, autonomy and relatedness. This study aims to examine the way in which the three 'nutriments' for intrinsic motivation may be undermined by heavy-handed quality control. A critical literature review analyses construction, psychological and management research regarding the control and motivation of workers, using self-determination theory as a framework. Initial findings show that quality management systems do not always work as designed. Workers perceive that unnecessary, wasteful and tedious counter checking of their work implies that they are not fully trusted by management to work without oversight. Control of workers and pressure for continual improvement may lead to resistance and deception. Controlling mechanisms can break the link between performance and satisfaction, reducing motivation and paradoxically reducing the likelihood of the quality they intend to promote. This study will lead to a greater understanding of control and motivation, facilitating further research into improvements in the application of quality control to maintain employee motivation.

The main aim of this study is to investigate the consequences of cross-cultural adjustment in an ... more The main aim of this study is to investigate the consequences of cross-cultural adjustment in an under researched sample of British expatriates working on International Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) assignments. Adjustment is the primary outcome of an expatriate assignment. According to Bhaskar-Srinivas et al., (2005), Harrison et al., (2004) it is viewed to affect other work related outcomes which could eventually predict expatriate success. To address the scarcity of literature on expatriate management in the AEC sector, an exploratory design was adopted. Phase one is characterised by extensive review of extant literature, whereas phase two was qualitative exploration from British expatriates' perspective; here seven unstructured interviews were carried out. Further, cognitive mapping analysis through Banaxia decision explorer software was conducted to develop a theoretical framework and propose various hypotheses. The findings imply that British AEC firms could sustain their already established competitive advantage in the global marketplace by acknowledging the complexity of international assignments, prioritising expatriate management and offering a well-rounded support to facilitate expatriate adjustment and ultimately achieve critical outcomes like performance, assignment completion and job satisfaction.

The construction industry in Northern Ireland is one of the major contributors of construction wa... more The construction industry in Northern Ireland is one of the major contributors of construction waste to landfill each year. The aim of this research paper is to identify the core on-site management causes of material waste on construction sites in Northern Ireland and to illustrate various methods of prevention which can be adopted. The research begins with a detailed literature review and is complemented with the conduction of semi-structured interviews with 6 professionals who are experienced and active within the Northern Ireland construction industry. Following on from the literature review and interviews analysis, a questionnaire survey is developed to obtain further information in relation to the subject area. The questionnaire is based on the key findings of the previous stages to direct the research towards the most influential factors. The analysis of the survey responses reveals that the core causes of waste generation include a rushed program, poor handling and onsite damage of materials, while the principal methods of prevention emerge as the adequate storage, the reuse of material on-site and efficient material ordering. Furthermore, the role of the professional background in the shaping of perceptions relevant to waste management is also investigated and significant differences are identified. The findings of this research are beneficial for the industry as they enhance the understanding of construction waste generation causes and highlight the practices required to reduce waste on-site in the context of sustainable development.

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning

PurposeTo examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value ... more PurposeTo examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 third-level university students enrolled on a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree program in Construction Management in Ireland.FindingsThe results highlight six themes. These include that society appears to be directly and/or indirectly steering students towards university. This is driven by what appears to be a prevailing stigma in that apprenticeships are not seen as an achievement by society. Also, apprenticeships are seen as a limited career choice, while also being one which appears to repel female entrants.Practical implicationsIf the shortage of new skilled workers entering the construction industry continues, construction organisations will not have the necessary resources to tender for, and subsequently, complet...

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research

PurposeThis study aims to uncover managerial representations of achieving competitive advantage i... more PurposeThis study aims to uncover managerial representations of achieving competitive advantage in architectural practices operating within the United Kingdom (UK).Design/methodology/approachA sequential qualitative methodology is applied, underpinned by nine managerial interviews in five architectural practices, which are analysed using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software.FindingsIn all, 108 representations are identified, with highly rated concepts including reputation, client satisfaction, fees and staff resources discussed in detail. The need for architectural practices to develop a competitive advantage within their sector is increasingly apparent, particularly during times of market turbulence. A total of 20 themes identified are clustered into four main groups focused on People (including Calibre of Staff, Attract Graduates; Qualified Staff); Product (including Emphasis on design, Specialisation, Competitive Fees): Process (including Low Overheads, Office Eff...

Yousefzadeh, S., Spillane, J. P., Lamont, L., McFadden, J., & Lim, J. (2015). Building Informatio... more Yousefzadeh, S., Spillane, J. P., Lamont, L., McFadden, J., & Lim, J. (2015). Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software Interoperability: A Review of the Construction Sector. In A. B. Raiden, & E. Aboagye-Nimo (Eds.), Proceedings of the 31st Annual ARCOM Conference (pp. 711-720). ARCOM. http://www.arcom.ac.uk/abstractsresults.php?title=Building%20Information%20Modelling%20(BIM)%20&author=&keyword=&p=8514#8514

International Journal of Architectural Research: Archnet-IJAR, 2013

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current design and delivery approaches of a selected ... more The purpose of this paper is to explore the current design and delivery approaches of a selected INGO operating in the field of post disaster housing design and delivery in developing country contexts and clearly map out their approach from inception to completion of a housing project. The research utilizes a case study analysis involving a leading European INGO operating in post disaster housing delivery in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The research highlights the main challenges and opportunities in relation to the design and delivery of low cost sustainable housing in developing countries as identified in current literature on the subject. An in depth analysis of the selected INGO’s overall design and delivery approach was undertaken utilizing a causal mapping interview procedure with lead designers within the organization who were involved in the project’s design and implementation. The results identify and discuss the specific approaches, challeng...

The purpose of this research is to identify and assess the opportunities and challenges of implem... more The purpose of this research is to identify and assess the opportunities and challenges of implementing a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) on projects irrespective of size. In the UK, construction and demolition waste accounts for a third of all UK waste. There are a number of factors that influence the implementation of SWMPs. In order to identify and analyse these factors, 4 unstructured interviews were carried out and a sample of 56 participants completed a questionnaire survey. The scope of the study was limited to UK construction industry professionals. The analysis revealed that more needs to be done if the industry is to meet government targets of reduction in construction related waste going to landfill. In addition, although SWMP may not yet be legally required on all construction projects, clients and contractors need to realise the benefits to cut costs and implement best practice by adopting a SWMP. The benefits of implementing a SWMP will not only help to achieve this ...

The Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations (2007) is one of the most important set ... more The Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations (2007) is one of the most important set of health and safety regulations in the construction industry today. The aim of this research is to examine critical success factors for CDM compliance in small to medium size contractors in the UK construction industry. The objectives of the research include the identification of critical barriers in doing so along with the identification of success factors where CDM is incorporated. A mixed method approach is adopted in the identification and categorisation of the various factors encompassing a literature review, interviews and questionnaire survey. The key finding which emerge is the lack of knowledge and understanding with regards the CDM regulations with the recommendation to encourage small and medium contractor compliance through illustrating the benefits attainable. The practicality of the research is evident based on the significant uptake in the CDM by larger contractors, yet t...

Due to the high degree of international and economic integration across the globe, the 2007 globa... more Due to the high degree of international and economic integration across the globe, the 2007 global financial crisis quickly spread, causing recessions and widespread credit restrictions in advanced nations. During recessions, economic fluctuations cause dramatic changes to the market structure of industries, in particular, that of the construction sector. These structural changes can be further influenced by government strategies and policies; which if used incorrectly, can serve to fuel and exacerbate downturns. In contrasting form, during an economic recession, government strategies and policies can also be used to aid in exiting such economic turbulence. From an extensive review of literature it became apparent that very little research offered a comprehensive and systematic overview of Irish and UK construction related government policies and strategies adopted during recessions; hence the emergence of this topic. As part of an ongoing research PhD, the purpose of this paper is ...

Cross-border co-operation can foster learning and contribute positively to business performance a... more Cross-border co-operation can foster learning and contribute positively to business performance and social cohesion. This paper considers construction firms' economic motivation for co-operation around the Ireland Northern Ireland border. This area, while impacted by the Brexit uncertainty, shares many of the economic and developmental characteristics of border areas throughout Europe. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of Brexit on cross border trade by the construction sector in Ireland and investigate the current tensions and barriers to that sector. A qualitative methodology adopted a literature review and semi-structured interview strategy. Data was collected from purposively selected contractors in the North and South of Ireland, who have recent experience of cross border construction. Qualitative analysis identifies themes and issues arising which enabled examination of commonalities and differences between the respondents. Differing regulatory regimes,...

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors relating to the integration and compl... more PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors relating to the integration and compliance of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (BC(A)R 2014) in large Irish construction organisations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the aim, a mixed method approach is adopted, initially, providing a critique of the literature review, followed by a combination of 7 semi-structured interviews and 30 questionnaires from industry practitioners.FindingsFindings demonstrate that BC(A)R has had a significant positive effect on the industry, eliminating previous bad practice, by increasing the accountability for professionals signing-off on new buildings, and highlights the emphasis on certification in successfully achieving practical completion on projects.Practical implicationsThe findings provide further justification on the need for compliance, and integration, of BC(A)R in the Irish construction sector, offering further evidence, where needed, on the benefit of its adoptio...

Construction Management and Economics, 2019

The United Kingdom (UK) Brexit vote of June 2016 has created unprecedented uncertainty in the con... more The United Kingdom (UK) Brexit vote of June 2016 has created unprecedented uncertainty in the construction industry in Ireland but little research to date has been undertaken on existing construction trading patterns and the potential effects of regulatory divergence and other nontariff barriers in Ireland in this context. In response, this study uses mixed methods to fill this gap in knowledge. The experience of nine construction industry interviewees is probedfive based in Northern Ireland (in the UK) and four from Ireland, which will remain in the EU after the UK leaves. The researchers' analysis of the qualitative data generated themes which were tested through investigation of the 101 eligible responses gathered through an online questionnaire. Our findings demonstrate that the construction trade in Ireland is highly mobile, currently trading extensively North-South and East-West. The physical barrier of the Irish Sea is less of a hindrance to trade than the regulatory barrier of the Irish border. Trade from peripheral areas is drawn to economic centres in Dublin and GB. In the view of the respondents, Brexit will impose further non-tariff barriers, although it is difficult to predict and plan for these barriers.

Construction Economics and Building, 2012

Increased globalisation within the British AEC (Architectural Engineering and Construction) sect... more Increased globalisation within the British AEC (Architectural Engineering and Construction) sector has increased the need for companies to transfer their staff to manage their overseas operations. To be able to perform abroad, expatriates must harmonise themselves to the conditions prevailing in the host country. These include getting accustomed to living, working and interacting with the host country nationals. The process is commonly referred to as ‘cross-cultural adjustment’. Various factors influence the process of adjustment. In order to identify these issues, a qualitative study was undertaken, which mainly comprised of a comprehensive literature review and interviews with British expatriates working on international AEC assignments in Middle Eastern countries. The current study focuses on exploring the role of the organisation, host country, work related factors and their ability to dictate a British expatriate's adjustment. The findings suggest that success of expatriat...

International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management, 2011

The aim of this paper is to identify the various managerial issues encountered by UK/Irish contra... more The aim of this paper is to identify the various managerial issues encountered by UK/Irish contractors in the management of materials in confined urban construction sites. Through extensive literature review, detailed interviews, case studies, cognitive mapping, causal loop diagrams, questionnaire survey and documenting severity indices, a comprehensive insight into the materials management concerns within a confined construction site environment is envisaged and portrayed. The leading issues highlighted are: that contractors’ material spatial requirements exceed available space, it is difficult to coordinate the storage of materials in line with the programme, location of the site entrance makes delivery of materials particularly difficult, it is difficult to store materials on-site due to the lack of space, and difficult to coordinate the storage requirements of the various sub-contractors. With the continued development of confined urban centres and the increasing high cost of ma...

International Journal of Information Technology Project Management, 2013

The aim of this paper is to identify and classify the numerous managerial issues encountered in t... more The aim of this paper is to identify and classify the numerous managerial issues encountered in the management of personnel in confined site construction. For the purpose of this research, a confined construction site is defined as a site where permanent works fit the site footprint, extending to levels above and/or below ground level, leaving spatial restrictions for other operations (e.g. plant and material movements, materials storage and temporary accommodation etc.) and require effective resource co-ordination beyond normal on-site management input. A literature review and analysis, case studies incorporating interviews and focus groups, and a questionnaire survey were used in order to gain a comprehensive insight into the issues of management of personnel in a confined construction site environment. The following are the top five leading issues highlighted; (1) Accidents due to an untidy site, (2) One contractor holding up another because of the lack of space, (3) A risk to pe...

Increased globalisation within the British AEC sector has augmented the need for transferring UK ... more Increased globalisation within the British AEC sector has augmented the need for transferring UK nationals to manage overseas operations. To be able to perform abroad, expatriates have to harmonise themselves with the conditions prevailing in the host country which includes getting accustomed to living, working and interacting with the host country nationals. This process is commonly referred to as 'crosscultural adjustment'. To identify key factors influencing adjustment, a qualitative study was undertaken which mainly ...

ARCOM, Sep 6, 2021

The health, safety and well-being of the construction industry workforce has received increased a... more The health, safety and well-being of the construction industry workforce has received increased attention in recent years, particularly when considering productivity on-site. However, one area that has often been neglected in construction health-related research is nutrition and diet, especially the factors influencing dietary habits. In Ireland, eating habits and lifestyle choices are changing, but when coupled with organisational factors, an unhealthy culture among construction industry operatives remains. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyse the factors that influence dietary habits among on-site construction workers in Ireland, and document the effects, if any, diet has on their well-being and productivity. The research method undertaken is qualitatively based, encompassing ten semi-structured individual interviews with construction workers on two case study projects located throughout Ireland. Five main themes that influence dietary habits were identified: a lack of education when considering diet; time management when eating before and during working hours; peer pressure and being influenced what to eat by others; a poor standard and lack of eating facilities on-site; and the cost of food. Also, findings highlighted strategies that can be implemented to improve dietary habits, such as training and educational programmes to increase awareness of the health benefits of a balanced diet and lifestyle; improved eating facilities on-site; and employers providing subsidised nutritional meals. Overall, the key contribution of this research illustrates that many factors influence the dietary habits of Irish construction workers on-site, and with appropriate opportunities and suitable training, productivity can be increased, and the health and well-being of the workforce can be maintained, on construction sites in Ireland.