Postgraduate research opportunities Circular Economy and sustainability in Industrial Packaging
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 22 March 2024
- Deadline: Tuesday 30 April 2024
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 36 months
- Funding: Home fee, Stipend
Overview
The aim of this project is to evaluate models and strategies considered for the adoption of the circular economy in industrial packaging. The research context will be related to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the food sector. The project will compare two geographical contexts, the UK and Spain.Eligibility
We would normally expect candidates to have a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant business or social science related subject. We also normally expect a Masters degree, or overseas equivalent, although we can make exceptions depending on other experience. Strathclyde Business School is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive postgraduate research population.
We make decisions on entry by assessing the whole person and not relying solely on academic achievements. On that basis, please ensure that your application (via your CV and covering letter) can evidence your resourcefulness, commitment and resilience as demonstrated by broader professional and life experiences. This evidence should be centred on your ability to undertake and complete a PhD and contribute to a positive PhD community.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent with no individual element below 5.5.
Your application must include:
- A cover letter presenting your academic path, motivation for doing a PhD and fit with the advertised research project
- An updated curriculum vitae
- Details of two academic referees, including email addresses
- Academic transcripts, which must be certified copies
Candidates for this PhD project will be selected on the basis of this information and interviews with potential supervisors.
Project Details
The aim of this project is to evaluate models and strategies considered for the adoption of the circular economy in industrial packaging. The research context will be related to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the food sector. The project will compare two geographical contexts, the UK and Spain.
Sustainability continues to be a prominent subject within contemporary marketing and management discourse, drawing genuine concern from diverse perspectives, including economic, social, and environmental considerations (Elkington, 1998). More recently, the Circular Economy has become a prominent strategy, characterized by the reuse, recycling, and repair of products and packaging, stands out as a meaningful approach to address the complexities associated with escalating global consumption and contamination (Meherishi et al., 2019).
Over recent decades, there has been a substantial surge in the production and consumption of plastic for packaging, with an annual output exceeding 161 million tons; however, only a fraction undergoes recycling (Bradley & Corsini, 2023, p. 126). The escalation of plastic usage and associated waste is a formidable challenge, which leads to environmental pollution, notably related to impact greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
We propose a qualitative methodology, based on case studies (Yin, 2014) and semi-structured interviews (Kvale, 1996; Vallés, 2002). This will involve:
- empirical research with packing organisations in the UK and Spain to explore the barriers to and opportunities afforded by adoption and implementation of circular economy systems.
- participant observation and depth interviews with key stakeholders within the selected cases and their wider network.
- interviews with actors at a meso level including but not restricted to support agencies and regional government, technology organizations and industry experts.
You will be based at the University of Strathclyde under the supervision of Dr Juliette Wilson and Prof. Beverly Wagner, but will also receive additional supervisory input from Prof. Manuel Morales-Contreras, University of Comillas, Madrid. Your supervisors will work with you to aid in access to relevant experts, data, organisations and network in the UK and Spain.
Further information
This scholarship is offered in conjunction with ICADE Business School/Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid – one of the University of Strathclyde’s strategic partners. The successful applicant will have an external supervisor based in Spain and will be expected to undertake a research visit, of up to 6 months, to Madrid as part of their studies. There may also be a requirement to participate in other activities relating to this valued partnership.
Funding details
Fully-funded scholarship for 3 years covers all university tuition fees (at UK level) and an annual tax-free stipend. International students are also eligible to apply, but they will need to find other funding sources to cover the difference between the home and international tuition fees. Exceptional international candidates may be provided funding for this difference.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Dr Juliette Wilson, Department of Marketing, University of Strathclyde.
Additional Supervisors: Prof Beverly Wagner, Department of Marketing, University of Strathclyde and Prof. Manuel Morales-Contreras, University of Comillas, Madrid
Apply
Number of places: 1
There will be a shortlisting and interview process.
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Marketing
Programme: Marketing