Hello colleagues

 

Could you please kindly cascade this PhD studentship within your networks? We are open to applications from those with a master's degree as well as candidates with a strong undergraduate degree who are interested in a 1+3 PhD pathway. The selected candidate will benefit from comprehensive postgraduate training provided by the ESRC doctoral programme. 

 

 

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Aston Business School, as part of the Midlands Graduate School, is excited to invite applications for a fully funded Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Studentship in the Business Studies and Management pathway, in collaboration with project partner United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), to commence in October 2024. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in quantitative social science or related fields, including economics, business and management studies, social statistics and applied mathematics. A master's degree is not mandatory as comprehensive postgraduate training will be provided as part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) programme. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Cher Li and Professor Jun Du at the Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston Business School, alongside collaborative input from UKAS.

 

 

Research Project Overview

 

Economic Analytics in Focus: Charting the Course of UK Business Competitiveness through Standards and Certification Insights

 

The research project addresses the pivotal role of standards and certification in bolstering UK businesses, focusing on management, productivity, innovation, performance and resilience. It employs extensive firm-level data to critically evaluate trade policies, highlighting the crucial role of accredited certification and international standards in amplifying the UK's export potential. Positioned at the intersection of economic analysis and industrial policy, this project will bridge critical knowledge gaps, generate impactful research while offering the PhD candidate an unparalleled opportunity for substantial academic and professional growth. In close collaboration with UKAS, the project is dedicated to devising robust strategies and policies, guiding the UK industry adeptly through the post-Brexit economic landscape. The research methodology may encompass a broad spectrum of techniques including panel data analysis, policy evaluation, causal inference, text analysis and field experiments, among others. While prior familiarity with these methods is beneficial, comprehensive postgraduate training will be provided to equip the candidate with the necessary skills.

 

Placement Activities

 

The PhD candidate will have placement opportunities at UKAS, merging academic research with practical industry and policy applications. The placements will encompass rigorous economic analysis, data management, applied research, policy advisory, dynamic knowledge exchange, comprehensive capacity building and active stakeholder engagement, ensuring a rich, professionally rewarding experience.

 

Support Offered

 

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

 

Apply here

 

Application deadline: 17:00 GMT, 29 February 2024 (Thursday), interview to take place in one week.

 

More details about this project and how to apply can be found here