Note: when applying for this PhD Studentship please include the following reference number: SOM0016 along with your research proposal otherwise we may not be able to process your application.


Designing an effective sustainability performance measurement system plays an important role in driving and improving firms’ sustainability performance. This fully funded PhD studentship project investigates how firms can develop an effective sustainability performance measurement and management system to drive and improve sustainability performance.

The research will improve the theoretical understanding of using measurement systems to drive sustainability performance, as well as developing a practical tool for supporting managers to design an effective sustainability performance measurement system. Candidates should demonstrate skills in management studies and the potential of generating high-quality research, ideally with experience in performance measurement or sustainability-related roles in industry or the public sector.

This project seeks to investigate how firms can develop an effective sustainability performance measurement and management system which drives and improves sustainability performance. The research will be an initial attempt to study this with the purpose of improving the theoretical understanding of using measurement systems to drive sustainability performance, as well as developing a practical tool for supporting managers to design an effective sustainability performance measurement system.

We envisage that the findings from this research will be submitted/published in leading management journals (Journal of Operations Management, International Journal of Operations & Production Management), and also have wider relevance in general management literature. The findings will provide practical tools and guidance for managers in industry or the public sector to design effective sustainability measurement and management systems. The tool will also be used in teaching on executive courses at Cranfield University and will benefit the Higher Education sector.

We are looking for a candidate with strong research skills in management studies and the potential of generating high-quality research outputs. The candidate needs to have a passion for sustainability, ideally with experience in performance measurement or sustainability-related roles in industry or public sectors. The proposed research will involve deep engagement with executive managers embedded in a diverse range of organisations.

The ability to communicate effectively, build long-term, trusting relationships with individuals, and recognise the sensitivity of the research and workload faced by these individuals is essential. There is a potential career path from this PhD studentship into an academic role in the Sustainable Business group for a high-performing candidate.

The right candidate will quickly become an integral part of the influential and fast-growing Sustainable Business group and have access to resources of the Business Performance group. The student will receive excellent training on both quantitative and qualitative research methods and will 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 essential experience for a future academic career.

At a glance

  • Application deadline28 Apr 2023
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date25 Sep 2023
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of World
  • Reference numberSOM0016

Supervisors

1st Supervisor: Dr Miying Yang
2nd Supervisor: Dr Rosina Watson
3rd Supervisor: Professor Mike Bourne


About the sponsor

This PhD project is funded by Cranfield School of Management (Cranfield University) and will be supervised by academics with expertise in sustainability and performance measurement. The output from this PhD will achieve Cranfield School of Management’s mission – improving the practice of management and transforming knowledge into action.

Entry requirements

PhD applicants are required to hold a first or upper-second-class UK Bachelor's degree, a taught Master's degree, or an equivalent international qualification, in a related discipline. The project would suit a student who demonstrates strong research skills in management studies and the potential of generating high-quality research outputs (e.g., academic papers in top management journals). The candidate needs to have a passion for sustainability, ideally with experience in performance measurement or sustainability-related roles in industry or the public sector.

All candidates need to submit a research proposal for this 3-year project to investigate the research question “how can firms develop an effective sustainability performance measurement and management system which drives and improves sustainability performance”. Ideally, the candidate will propose a tool for designing effective sustainability performance measurement and management systems.

Funding

This Studentship is available to both UK and Overseas students. The funding will cover the tuition fee and a stipend of £17,668 per annum.

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: when applying for this PhD Studentship please include the following reference number: SOM0016 along with your research proposal otherwise we may not be able to process your application.


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

Candidates are required to prepare a research proposal for this opportunity. Please upload your research proposal and personal statement in the same document on the Applicant Statement section of the application form. We have a research proposal template for candidates to use for this purpose. The template can be downloaded here.

For further information please contact: 

Dr Miying Yang
E: miying.yang@cranfield.ac.uk

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.