PhD in Business and Management - The explanation of consumer choice and marketing behaviour

The explanation of consumer choice and marketing behaviour

Marketing theory 

Supervisor: Professor Gordon Foxall, Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.

Consultant co-researchers: Professor Jorge M. Oliveira-Castro, Institute of Psychology, University of Brasilia. Professor Rafael Barreiros Porto, School of Business, University of Brasilia. 

The project involves philosophical critique of approaches to the psychological explanation of consumer choice and/or the theory of the marketing firm. The inter-disciplinary investigation involves economics and psychology, and other social/behavioural sciences in which the candidate is qualified and interested; It entails the pursuit of a critical stance based on philosophy of social science. Candidates need not be experienced in all of these but should be willing to acquire additional expertise where necessary. They will need to use at least one of the underlying theories that form the focus of the investigation: the role of economic psychology in the explanation of consumer choice or the theory of the marketing firm. Both of these theoretical positions have led to extensive empirical research including case study and statistical analyses.  

Potential research questions are the ontology and epistemology of the target consumer/marketing theory, and the empirical specification and testing of theories of consumer psychology and of the marketing firm. The investigation will be a collaboration between the supervisors and the candidate, geared as far as possible to their expertise and research interests. 

Criteria

• Previous experience in theoretical analysis.
• Marketing degree.
• Philosophical interest.
• Broad social science knowledge.
• Knowledge of marketing theory. 
• Willingness to acquire new knowledge and disciplinary perspectives.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, or appropriate Master’s degree. The University values diversity and equality at all levels and we encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. In line with our commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups, applications from Black British, Asian British, minority ethnicity British and mixed race British candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed. Study is available as either ‘1+3’ (i.e. one full time year of research training Masters followed by three years of full-time Doctoral study), or ‘+3’ (i.e. three years of full-time doctoral study), depending on the needs of the applicant.

Please visit here for further information about the PhD Programme at Cardiff Business School.

Please see references section for further details on how to apply. Applications should be made online, please visit the Business School website and click "apply now" Business Studies - Study - Cardiff University