Social Enterprise: exploring the nature and experience of social enterprises in a specific country context or from a comparative perspective

Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia) are seeking high calibre qualified graduates to undertake a cotutelle PhD in Social Enterprise.

Successful candidates will receive a full scholarship covering course fees and living costs. Students will study in both Universities and on successful completion will be awarded a PhD by both. The successful applicant will spend the 1st year at Deakin University the 2nd year at Coventry University and the remaining 1.5 years at Deakin University. The supervision team will be drawn from the two Universities.

This PhD project will be situated within the Sustainable Production and Consumption research cluster of the Centre for Business in Society (CBiS) which is the Faculty of Business and Law’s hub for specialist research which focuses on the ultimate goals of living within environmental limits and the attainment of social justice, through the delivery of responsible business and ethical consumption practices.

Our research takes a 'whole supply chain' approach, examining activities, attitudes and behaviours at different points in the lifecycle of products. We are especially interested in work which engages consumers through raising awareness of the imperative for more sustainable lifestyles and decision making.

Project detail
Social Enterprises represent a growing sector of the private sector contributing significantly to employment and the provision of services in the communities that they serve. However, social enterprises remain relatively nascent in terms of the published literature. We are seeking candidates to explore the nature and experience of social enterprises in a specific country context or even from a comparative perspective. The potential study might explore and evaluate the forms and contribution of social enterprise towards the communities in which they are based or examine the factors which influence the success of social enterprises in developing innovative new products and meeting commercial and social objectives. Studies are expected to contribute significantly to the theoretical understanding of social enterprises.

At the International Centre for Transformational Entrepreneurship (ICTE) our research aims to support economic development and policy impact through project engagement and consultancy. Education is at the heart of economic transformation and entrepreneurial education supports socio-economic growth, enhances social capital and reduces inequality

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/international-centre-for-transformational-entrepreneurship-icte/

Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

Essential to be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (England) and Deakin University (Australia)

For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact
• Professor Gideon Maas [Email Address Removed]
• Prof. Alex Newman (Deakin University)
http://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/alexander-newman

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project. Please note that applications must be made to both Universities.

To apply please visit:
For Coventry University https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/
For Deakin University http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/how-to-apply-research-degrees