ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Next gen digital objects for resolving energy, behaviour and optimisation paradoxes for sustainable global supply chain systems transitions

The successful candidate will be based in our Orkney campus.

This research project will investigate the needs for sustainability transitions in existing supply chain operations and logistics systems, and aims to contribute to the next generation of digital objects which are designed to instantiate transformational changes from the ground up.

Globalized supply chains are complex economic systems that pose wicked problems for agents seeking transition towards sustainable operations. Supply chains became increasingly global from the 1950’s through containerization, consolidation and international trade agreements. Since 2000, Digital objects like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provided just-in-time logistics which have improved productivity and reduced costs for manufacturers and enterprises. However, the supply chains have behavioural lock-ins that create paradoxes in energy use and unsustainable materials flows. Today a range of digital objects, including block chain, digital twins and physical internet, have been considered for reducing emissions and improve circularity. Technology is under rapid proliferation however, the steps, behaviours and measures to achieve the socio-technical transition of the existing logistics systems to sustainable systems are not well understood for organisations in their quest to decarbonise, and in meeting their net zero and other sustainability-related goals. Sustainability efforts require data exchange with agents throughout the supply chain, the ability to model and evaluate adaptations, and the ability to visualise and map out green energy and circular transitions while also growing new, robust connections with suppliers, agents and regulators through communications.^[]

This research aims to explore the role of digital objects in overcoming multi-level paradoxes for organisations in transitioning towards more sustainable operations in global supply chains. We invite research interest in topics that will work with organisational stakeholders to identify the sustainability paradoxes, design and build the next gen digital objects and technological capabilities needed for a local, just and resilient transition to net zero; and regenerative global supply chains that make sustainable use of resources. 

The research will be carried out in the unique and growing research environment of the Systems Transition Engineering Processes (STEPs) research consortium at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. You will be able to gain from competences and collaboration within the Global Research Institute on Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+); Islands Centre for Net Zero (); Twinning for Decarbonising Transport (); Center for Sustainable Road Freight () and Clean Cooling Network (), all of which are relevant and supporting research environments. You will become an expert in engineering transitions in supply chain systems, and the research will help you develop expertise in the related methodologies at the Transition Lab at the Orkney Campus, but also with Transition Labs across the Scottish Highlands and Islands and in Edinburgh.

M1- Background Research, problem and stakeholder identification

M2- Carry out the Transition Lab InTIME Design Sprint for the wicked problem with a transdisciplinary research and stakeholder team.

M3- Research, develop and design a concept digital object for communicating, mapping out and visualising new sustainable supply chain options.

M4- Implement the concept with stakeholder partners and test functionality.

M5-  Analyse and improve the (DEMO) concept

M6- Critical examination of the results and developing conclusions.

M7-  Conduct stakeholder workshops

M8 – Publish and disseminate the findings, and explore commercial applications

The supervisory team brings the following skill sets to the project:

Operations strategy; Supply chain management; Organisational theory; Digitalisation; Systems Science; Agent-based Modelling; Logistics; New Institutional Economics; International Economics, Transition Engineering.

Funding

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provide an annual stipend (currently £19,237) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

The project will be carried out as part of the Islands Centre for Net Zero () Transition Lab activities based in the Scottish Islands, and located at the HWU Orkney ICIT campus, and with future collaboration with the HWU Net Zero GRI. The project will be part of the Entrepreneurial effort of the ICNZ and will be aimed at bringing change in the participating stakeholders.

Eligibility

This project is available to UK and International students. The successful candidate will have a B.Sc. (2:1 or higher) and M.Sc. (distinction) or equivalent a good background in the social sciences and empirical research methods from within (business) Economics, Industrial Engineering or related fields, and ideally experience of applying skills to disciplines such as Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain Management. You will have good programming skills, preferably in NLP, Python, AnyLogic, ArcGIS, game development or other advanced programming languages. Knowledge of systems science, design science research and agent-based modelling would be beneficial. You will be highly self-motivated and confident enough to seek out solutions beyond the current team if required. You must be able to describe complex issues to the range of stakeholders.

How to apply

To apply you must complete our . Please select PhD Environment. Include the full project title, reference number and supervisor (Prof. Kinra) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once you have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the  under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Prof. Aseem Kinra (A.Kinra@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is 22^nd April 2024, with interviews will begin in late April. Applicants must be available to start the PhD by July 2025 but may start in June.

[1] /research-enterprise/global-research-institutes/inetz-net-zero-and-beyond

[2] 

[3] 

[4] 

[5]