Sustainability Implications of New Business Models in Circular Economy (RDF20/BL/MOS/LI)

Sustainability has become an urgent issue for businesses and governments. To address the environmental challenges, the UK government has reshaped its industry strategy by migrating towards a circular economy in its latest ‘25 Year Environment Plan’ in 2018. The goal of circular economy cannot be achieved without companies closing their supply chain loop. To ease the product return, many companies have started to change their traditional sales model to new service business models, for example, car subscription, sharing business and so on.

These business models themselves are beneficial for re-activities (reuse, remanufacturing, recycling etc.) since the companies own the products. However, what are the effects of new business models on the closed loop supply chain decisions? What does it take to make them better serve the circular economy? This project will investigate the sustainability implications of these new business models. In specific, the following two questions will be studied:

1. What are the optimal strategic and operational decisions under the new business models and their impact on supply chain members?
2. What are the implications of the decisions on the environment? If they are beneficial to the environment, what are the rationales, otherwise, how to make the better for the circular economy?

The successful applicant will demonstrate an understanding of the key operations and supply chain management regimes, i.e., inventory management, supply chain relationship management, the interface between marketing and operations, sustainable supply chain management, environment economy and a willingness to investigate across those areas. A strong quantitative background or mathematical modelling skills will be desirable.
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.
- Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

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 note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF20/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: Friday 24 January 2020.

Start Date: 1 October 2020.

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.