Digital technologies and business model innovations for the circular economy, Engineering Management – PhD (Funded)

About the Award
The University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship to commence in Sep 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £14,777 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Location:

Streatham Campus, Exeter, UK
Academic Supervisors:
Dr Miying Yang, University of Exeter

Project Description:
Digital technologies and business model innovations for the circular economy
Most of the current production and consumption systems are linear, adopting a “take, make and dispose” model and thereby contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To achieve sustainable growth, firms need to shift from linear to circular economy models. Circular economy refers to an industrial system that is “restorative and regenerative by design” according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The circular economy requires firms to develop disruptive technologies or business models that can improve the circularity of the supply chains through activities of reduce, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishment and recycling. Also, making supply chains circular cannot be achieved by a specific firm. It requires collaboration between organisations across the supply chains and other stakeholders from similar and/or diverse sectors.

This project will investigate how to use disruptive digital technologies (e.g. internet of things, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, 3D printing and cloud computing) to achieve circular economy; and which new business models and innovation strategies are required for circular economy. The project will also develop practical tools to support intelligent design of circular economy models.
The suitable candidate will have demonstrable skills of engineering or computer science and with interest in the management field.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 22 March 2018.

This award provides annual funding to cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. The award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £14,777 per year tax-free stipend.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3.5 years of full-time study to commence in Sep 2018.