A Complex Adaptive Systems Approach to Data Collection and Interpretation in Large Organisations using Mobile Platforms (Advert Ref: RDFC17/CIS/SICE)

The last few decades have seen advancements in science, and trans-disciplinary synergies have rendered a shift from reductionism to a more holistic paradigm. Insights from theories of complexity and systems biology suggest that human systems exhibit self-organising and emergent properties, i.e. function as complex systems.

It is possible for a complex system to move towards an ordered system or a system exhibiting completely random behaviour when constraints change. Functioning as a complex system, however, is needed for adaptation and innovation and is the underlying capability for sustainability and wellbeing in individuals and in organisations.

The theory of complex systems suggests that the very nature of many interacting and continuously changing relationships and constraints of the system prevent precise prediction of behaviour over longer periods of time. This has important implications for measurement. Measurement in human systems requires describing the system in real time, its state of being in the now and its tendency and direction towards possible change. Both first and third person accounts of the state of the system are important and in large human organisations a distributed ethnography approach assists understanding and facilitates culture change. Developments in Information and Communication technologies and Mobile platforms provide an opportunity for the collection of data and its direct interpretation in real time.

The aim of the proposed research is to develop an integrative framework for data collection, analysis and interpretation, for facilitating multi-level culture change and leadership in large organisations. This will include:
- integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches;
- developing mobile platforms and interfaces for data collection with real time
feedback;
- user-centred data interpretation;
- innovative approaches to data analysis and data presentation allowing for maximum involvement of users in data interpretation.

The proposed research will contribute to knowledge creation under the umbrella of ‘Innovation in Big Data and Data Analytics’ as well as ‘Innovation in Design and Implementation of Human Computer Interfaces’, and the ‘Application of Complexity Theory to Human Systems Management.

The prospective PhD researcher would have an undergraduate degree in computing, digital media, digital art, or alternative and an MSc or MA. .

Interpersonal skills, as well as curiosity, integrity, motivation and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team, are essential.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Deadline for applications: 3 September 2017
Start Date: 2 October 2017
Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.