Note: Please upload your research proposal with your personal statement when you submit your application for this PhD studentship. We are unable to consider applications without a research proposal.

This is a unique research opportunity for an ambitious PhD candidate to develop new knowledge by conducting highly applied supply chain research in the field of advanced manufacturing and complex engineering systems. Funded jointly by two globally renowned organisations, Rolls-Royce and the Centre for Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management within Cranfield University's School of Management (SoM) the focus of this research is on developing new insights on how to cascade and deploy agile methodologies to sub-tiers in manufacturing supply chains for advanced engineering systems.

Agile methodology, originally used solely for software development, has evolved, and is now seen as a key success driver for many forms of New Product Development (NPD) (Cooper, 2019) and a real business need for designing and managing advanced manufacturing supply chains. However, there are challenges with scaling it up when individual teams must synchronize their activities and interface with others (Kirkert et al, 2016; Edison et al, 2022). Research to date has focused on scaling it up from the team-level to the firm- level, but not to the interfirm-level. A more agile approach to procurement practices, one that seeks to benefit both parties in the near and long term, has been conceptualised (Opelt, 2013; SAFe, 2021). Yet insight is lacking into its application and use.

To enable advanced engineering systems to be successfully developed, there must be a viable means of delivery including a fit for purpose supply chain design based on the use of agile methodologies which goes beyond the team and firm-level. Research on the use of agile methodologies at the interfirm-level (e.g. for procurement contracts) is scant and this research aims at developing new insights on how to cascade and deploy agile methodologies to sub-tiers in the supply chain.

The project aims to answer the following questions:

  • How the interfirm-level deployment of agile methodologies can be used in NPD for complex engineering systems (e.g. jet engines)?
  • How can the existing challenges of implementing agile methodologies in Procurement contracts for complex engineering systems can be overcome?

This research project is expected to make a significant academic and practical impact. More specifically the expected results are the following:

  • Improved knowledge and understanding of the interfirm-level deployment of agile methodologies in contractual mechanisms for advanced engineering systems.
  • Improved implementation of agile methodologies during sourcing and early supplier engagement in order to facilitate within firm (i.e. cross -functional) and interfirm (i.e. buyers and suppliers) learning using a gamified learning and training approach.

We are looking for a candidate with strong interest and research skills in supply chain management/engineering management studies with the potential of generating high-quality research outputs with significant implications for practice. The candidate needs to be enthusiastic, self-motivated and ambitious with a demonstrable passion for developing actionable research. The right student will be encouraged and supported in taking part in major international research conferences, subject to their submission being accepted.

The right candidate will quickly become an integral part of the internationally renowned Centre for Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management within Cranfield University's School of Management (SoM). With SoM, our research students receive excellent training on both quantitative and qualitative research methods and can take advantage of opportunities to gain experience and develop capabilities relating to many aspects of a future academic role, including presenting at academic conferences. The successful candidate will also contribute to related research projects and teaching sessions which is an essential experience for a future academic career.

At a glance

  • Application deadline07 Jun 2024
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date30 Sep 2024
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK, Europe, Rest of world
  • Reference numberSOM0023

Note: To be eligible for this funding, we require that international applicants can obtain UK security clearance.

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Professor Aris Matopoulos

About the sponsor

The Centre for Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the Cranfield School of Management has an excellent, world-wide reputation, providing highly regarded advanced teaching and research. Our research interests are in the areas of agile and lean supply chains, procurement, interorganisational relationships, supply chain strategy, decision support systems, information systems, sustainability and circular economy, food and retail supply chains, simulation and modelling, and manufacturing supply chain. Our academic colleagues are actively publishing in top ranked logistics and supply chain management journals and are members of numerous editorial boards. They are also developing international thought leadership profiles in their particular fields. We are very successful generating income and run many projects funded by leading research and industry bodies which create significant impact on various stakeholders.

Rolls-Royce is renowned globally for developing and delivering complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a first or upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree, a taught Master’s degree and an IELTS test minimum score of 7 or an equivalent international qualification. The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering management, supply chain management/procurement or operations management with a strong interest in project management for complex systems. The applicant’s academic writing ability will be evaluated based on the proposal submitted. The candidate should demonstrate self-initiation and self-learning. The applicant must satisfy the general requirements for a PhD at Cranfield (numerical reasoning, critical thinking tests and an interview) and will need to command the necessary social skills to engage with senior managers/practitioners and to communicate the research outcomes to Cranfield and stakeholders from the industry, academic researchers and other relevant and interested audiences.

Funding

Sponsored by Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £19,237 per year (tax free) plus fees* for three years.

This funding opportunity is open to UK and International students. To be eligible for this funding, we require that international applicants can obtain UK security clearance.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

Note: Please upload your research proposal with your personal statement when you submit your application for this PhD studentship. We are unable to consider applications without a research proposal.


If you are eligible to apply for this scholarship, please complete the online application form.

Apply now

Candidates are required to prepare a research proposal for this studentship. Please upload your research proposal and a personal statement when you submit your application. We are unable to consider applications without a research proposal. For more information and support on writing your proposal, please see our research proposal writing guide.

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

Please ensure that your fully completed online application form is submitted by the application closing date. All requested documentation should be uploaded to the online form before submission. Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information, please visit the Applying for a research degree page.

For further information please contact:

Aris Matopoulos
aris.matopoulos@cranfield.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1234 758560

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

English language requirements

To study for a formal award at Cranfield you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. Full details of how you can meet this requirement can be found on our English language requirements page.

Approved English tests for our research degrees

Please note that:

  • We verify all test scores with the test providers.
  • We are only able to accept tests taken within two years of the course start date.
  • All elements of the test results must be demonstrated in one test, we are unable to accept a combination of scores across two or more tests.
  • In extremely rare circumstances we may reject a test score if one element of the test has a very low score. This would only occur if we believed this would impact on your ability to study with us or if the score did not meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements to study in the UK.

IELTS
IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS Indicator1 (we also accept IELTS One Skill Retake tests) - 7.0 overall and minimum skill component scores of 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening, 6.0 speaking and 6.5 writing.

TOEFL
TOEFL iBT (we accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition) - 100 total and minimum skill component scores of 20 reading, 20 listening, 21 speaking and 23 writing.

Cambridge Assessment English
Any Cambridge Assessment English test meeting the required scores will be accepted. The following are recommended as being within the scale score range: Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency - Cambridge English Scale score of 190 overall and minimum skill component scores of 175 reading, 175 listening, 175 speaking and 180 writing.

Duolingo
Duolingo English Test - 130 overall and minimum integrated skill component scores of 120 literacy, 110 comprehension, 95 conversation and 85 production.

Kaplan
Kaplan Test of English2 - 505 overall and minimum skill component scores of 440 reading, 440 listening, 440 speaking and 475 writing. Cranfield applicants and offer holders are entitled to a 25% discount. Register for a test using this form to benefit from the discount.

LanguageCert
LanguageCert Academic (approved by UKVI as a SELT exam) - 75 overall and minimum skill component scores of 65 reading, 65 listening, 65 speaking and 70 writing.
International ESOL C1 Expert (two separate exams are available: Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking). These exams can be taken together or independently, however both exams must be taken to meet our requirements):

  • Written and Spoken exams together - Pass overall and 33 in all skill components.
  • Written exam - Pass overall and 33 in each skill components.
  • Spoken exam - Pass overall and 33 in speaking skill component.

Password
Password Skills Plus - 7.0 overall and minimum skill component scores of 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening, 6.0 speaking and 6.5 writing.

Pearson PTE
PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, PTE Academic UKVI - 68 overall and minimum skill component scores of 62 reading, 62 listening, 62 speaking and 65 writing.

Trinity College London
Integrated Skills in English - ISE III (C1) - Overall Pass outcome.

1 Only available in China.
2 Formerly Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE).