Public procurement accounts for a significant proportion of demand for goods and services in the UK economy. In 2012/13, just after the financial crisis, the public sector spent a total of £230 billion on procurement of goods and services (including capital assets); this accounted for 34% of total managed expenditure (Parliament 2014). It is also widely recognised that public expenditure in regions and sub-regions represents a highly significant direct input into the local economies that sustain communities across the UK (McLean Report 2003). The resources used in the delivery of public services are therefore substantial, but there is relatively little systematic information concerning the impact of public procurement on local economies (Connolly 2004).
The 2008 financial crisis and the significant contraction of public expenditure that followed hit thousands of local businesses and communities, many suffered important losses not only in relation to commissioned work, but also about the shrinking of business opportunities available within the local supply chain. The impact of these changes was felt in many communities until, more recently, the disruption brought by Covid19, combined with the implications of Brexit, further exacerbated the context. As a result, several local economics are now struggling to recover in the current situation, making government’s objective of pursuing a sustained economic growth in the post-pandemic era challenging to achieve.
This research project focuses on the role of public procurement and purchasing in shaping local economies and communities in post-crises times. The project will examine issues related to procurement practice and procedures at different administrative levels. The overall objective of this study is to map and measure the economic impact of public procurement in terms of minimising waste and ‘plugging the leaks’ in the retention of resources at a local level, capturing lessons in terms of resilience or ‘bounce-back’ effects.
This proposal brings together two areas of policy-related research that have until now been mostly considered as separate issues: public procurement and local economic stimuli; these concern the assessment of the impacts of public expenditure on local economies and the efficiency benefits of procurement processes within public authorities. Findings are likely to be of relevance to businesses, practitioners, and policymakers, and therefore the project is expected to achieve positive societal impacts.
In terms of methodology, applicants would be expected to outline one potential methodological approach, either qualitative or quantitative, and justify its potential appropriateness to the study (including its strengths and limitations). The Supervisory Team will be led by Professor Ignazio Cabras, Head of the Accounting and Financial Management Department. The supervisory Team will include Professors Joyce Liddle and John Shutt, from the Department of Leadership and Human Resources Management.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Prof Ignazio Cabras. For informal queries, please contact [Email Address Removed]. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions.
Funding Information
Home and International students (inc. EU) are welcome to apply. The studentship is available to Home and International (including EU) students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2022/23 full-time study this is £17,668 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis over 5 years (0.6 FTE, stipend £10,600 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Please also see further advice below of additional costs that may apply to international applicants.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 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 they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
Please note: to be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- have settled status, or
- have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence, and be aware of the following additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship.
- Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
- If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to the information on https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. It is important that you read this information very carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application otherwise your visa may be refused.
- Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19
- Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be borne by the university. Please see individual adverts for further details of the English Language requirements for the university you are applying to.
How to Apply
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/
For applications to be considered for interview, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. RDF23/…).
Deadline for applications: 27 January 2023
Start date of course: 1 October 2023 tbc
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers.
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