The Centre for Regional Economic and Enterprise Development (CREED), based at Sheffield University Management School, is seeking applications for a fully funded PhD from exceptional UK/EU/International students with an outstanding academic record (distinction/high merit or equivalent), as well as a proven record in research training.
Productivity is one of the most important concepts in social science research. Productivity reflects how resources and factors are utilized in the production of goods and services, including all of the interactions with, and roles played by, the market, technological, institutional and cultural settings. National productivity is the observable outcome of all economic relationships operating between people, firms, organisations and institutions. While the specific research questions will be developed by the successful candidate in conjunction with the supervisory team, potential questions might include but are not limited to:
• What institutional factors influence the productivity of firms between different places and sectors, and why?
• What is the role of business support in fostering the growth and productivity of small and micro-businesses?
• How does the leadership and management of small firms effect their growth and productivity?
• What is the impact of employee relations on the growth and productivity of small and micro-businesses, and why?
• How do the capabilities and capacity of firms to innovate effect their growth and productivity across different places and sectors?
• What is the role of national and regional policy in supporting the growth and productivity of small and micro-businesses?
The supervisory team may include two of the following academics: Dr Chay Brooks, Professor Philip McCann, Professor Tim Vorley, and Dr Robert Wapshott. The selection of supervisors would depend on which project(s) is pursued and staff availability.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a 1000 word research proposal which directly addresses the theme and/or specific topic to which they are applying. The proposal should contain a brief background to the topic, which demonstrates knowledge of existing work in the field, and potential contributions to knowledge. It should also explain the proposed research methods and include a plan of the research, and a timeline.
Closing date for applications is 17.00 (UK time) on Friday 13 July 2018. Interviews will be held week commencing 6 August 2018
For more information and to submit an application, visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/study/researchdegrees/fundedprojects
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