PhD Studentship in Management and Business - Embedding sustainability goals in values - based healthcare through procurement

Embedding sustainability goals in values - based healthcare through procurement 

Rationale:

This research will help to address the gap between theory and practice – and offers potential for a strong impact case. The student will examine the aims and objectives of legislation and policies, and what procurement can realistically put in place and the longer term impact on the supply chain. There is a recognition that incentivisation in the procurement of construction projects often fails to align the interests of regulatory frameworks, clients, contractors, and subcontractors, and more work is needed. This becomes more complex in the case of achieving social and environmental goals (Gosling, Hewlett and Naim 2020). Wales is the first nation to legislate Well-being and the Act ensures that public bodies including health boards such as VUNHST incorporate Well-being goals into their procurement objectives.

 Aims and RQs:

The aim of the project is to investigate how procurement can facilitate the implementation of sustainability goals and community benefits in contracts with construction suppliers when building a new zero carbon health centre. For example,

RQ: How can sustainability goals and community benefits be incorporated into all stages of the procurement process?

RQ: How can procurement deliver value across a variety of goals that are sometimes at odds with one another, and how can they be achieved in combination?

Literature gap and theoretical contribution:

The research builds on studies of sustainable public procurement (Amann, Roehrich, Essig, & Harland, 2014; Walker & Brammer, 2012), which are emerging in the broader sustainable SCM field, but are dwarfed by private sector studies (Johnsen, Miemczyk, & Howard, 2017) . There is also a need for more research on social sustainable procurement, such as how procurement can incorporate community benefits (Meehan & Bryde, 2015; Wontner, Walker, Harris, & Lynch, 2020), an area of research very much in its infancy. Theoretical explorations of sustainable SCM and procurement are lacking (Touboulic & Walker, 2015). The student will explore the literature and identify an established theory to elaborate through abductive research, that illuminates the project context.

 Anticipated methods:

The qualitative research will involve interviews with key stakeholders, focus groups, action research and participant observation throughout the project. Immersive methods such as action research and participant observation will be encouraged, and the nominated leads will facilitate this interaction and provide desk space. It is envisaged that the student will benefit from a vibrant academic environment and have sufficient interactions with a range of staff from both partner organisations.

What the studentship will cover

Studentship Awards commence in October 2023 and will cover your home tuition fees as well as a maintenance grant (currently £17,668 p.a. for 2022/23 for full-time students); and includes access to an additional Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).

Eligibility for the studentship

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, and preferably an appropriate Master’s degree and with a passion for influencing sustainable outcomes. The University and Welsh Government value 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. 

Cardiff Business School studentships are highly competitive, candidates should have an excellent academic background in the social sciences, holding a 1st or strong upper 2nd class degree.

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.

To apply for this studentship, candidates should be eligible for Home fee status .

Applications welcomed by 30th June 2023.

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". Applications are not accepted via email.