PhD Studentship: System Optimisation and Performance Measurement in Network Industries

Application details
Reference number: SBE-MNDS17
Start date: 01 July 2019
Closing date: 12 April 2019

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Professor David Saal
Secondary supervisor: Dr Maria Nieswand or another as appropriate for the successful candidate

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/


Project Detail
The School of Business and Economics’ Centre for Productivity and Performance (CPP) seeks applications for a PhD studentship focussed on system optimisation and performance measurement in network industries characterized by multistage production processes. Such research is relevant for internal cost benchmarking, and for policy makers seeking to incentivize and improve economic, environmental, and consumer outcomes in network industries.

Applicants should have a strong background in economics, operational research, mathematics and/or statistics. The project will first develop a understanding of economic, managerial, and engineering factors influencing optimal system design; then integrate this understanding into an economic model of system costs; and finally apply his model using econometric and/or nonparametric data analysis methods.

While the project will develop generalizable methodologies, applied work will be in in the water and wastewater sectors: This is to allow the successful candidate to benefit from CPP’s existing capabilities, and to also actively take part in its existing collaborative partnerships and/or access databases in both the UK and internationally (Japan, Australia, Germany, and/or Spain).
The successful applicant will join a thriving international research community. Your supervision will be led by Professor David Saal ([Email Address Removed]) who should be contacted to discuss your potential research agenda before applying.

Find out more:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/sbe/research/phd-mphil/studentships/

Entry requirements
UK Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%) or International equivalent. English Language requirement of IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component.

Contact details
Name: Professor David Saal
Email address: [Email Address Removed]

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Business School

Please quote reference number: SBE-MNDS17

Please upload all the supporting documents listed below:
• A curriculum vitae
• A 500 word personal statement explaining your interest in, and aptitude for, the topic of this research project. In particular we would like to learn about what qualities do you feel you can bring to the project.
• 2-3 samples of writing such as MSc dissertation, journal or conference article, essays from your MSc degree
• Copies of your transcripts/certificates
• Two academic references.