PhD studentship – Digital Transformation in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Award Summary

This PhD will be conducted full-time and is open to both home and overseas students.  

The studentship will cover full PhD fees (home and international) and, as such, are aimed at exceptional PhD candidates (we reserve the right to make no awards). The studentship provides an annual stipend equal to that provided by UKRI studentships (which for 2025/26 is yet to be announced, but for reference it was £19,237 in 2024/25) for living costs, paid to students in regular instalments. Fee increases over the years will also be covered by the studentship.  

Students are also eligible for applying additional funding to support research activities, professional development, and conference attendance.   

Overview

This PhD project aims to investigate the complexities of digital transformation (DT) within the context of Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM). Despite advancements in technology, many companies struggle with the sociotechnical aspects of transformation, including organizational culture, supply chain structures, and strategic alignments. This research will contribute to bridging these gaps by developing a comprehensive understanding of how DT can foster innovation and value creation in dynamic environments. 

The project will focus on exploring key elements of DT, including advanced technologies (e.g., smart manufacturing, AI, digital platforms), the transition from traditional hierarchical supply chains to decentralized, relationship-based networks, and the sociotechnical systems required to support this shift. 

The PhD will involve a mix of methodological approaches. The methodology will unfold in conducting a systematic literature review to compile existing research on DT in OSCM and identify research gaps; conducting both company case studies and a broader scope of survey questionnaire to articulate the in-depth insights of understanding the sociotechnical dynamics of DT in OSCM. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

January 2025 

Award Duration

3-year full-time PhD 

Application Closing Date

Closing date: 29. November 2024 at 16:00 (GMT)   

Sponsor

This project is funded by Newcastle University Business School and is aligned with cutting-edge research in Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Innovation. 

Supervisors

Dr. Haiyan Lu (lead supervisor)

Professor Ying Yang

Dr. Irene Chu

Eligibility Criteria

Essential criteria for this position include:  

1. a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or Business; at a 2:1 degree or equivalent level 
2. IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing, and 6.0 in all other sub-skills or an equivalent level. 

Preferable criteria:  

1. Having pre-acquisition knowledge about digital transformation, innovation and theories in sociotechnological transition.  
2. Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarity with corresponding data analytical tools and methods. 
3. Experience with academic writing and publication. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

In the ‘Course choice’ tab:    

• select ‘Postgraduate Research’ in the ‘Type of Study’ field    
• select ‘Full Time’ in the ‘Mode of Study’ field    
• select 2024 as the ‘Year of entry’ for a January 2025 start date  
• enter programme code 8240F  in the ‘Course Title’ field    
• select Management in the ‘Research Area’ field 
• press ‘Search’    
• Select ‘PhD Newcastle University Business School (full time) – September 2024 ’. Our PG Admissions staff will change the start date to January 2025 after you’ve applied. ‘   
• Save selection    

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:    

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form. This should be around 500 words and should set out your reasons for applying.    
• the studentship code NUBS010 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field    
• a Research Proposal (maximum 2,000 words) – upload a document or write your proposal directly into the application form.  

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section:   

• attach a full and detailed CV.  

You also need to submit your degree transcripts and certificates, in addition to two letters of reference to support your academic credentials. Students who do not provide two letters of reference by the closing date will not be considered for the award.   

Contact Details

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Haiyan Lu at [email protected].