PhD Scholarship in Strategic Social Entrepreneurship

The fields of social entrepreneurship and strategy have each established rich research traditions. Yet, extant literature at the nexus of these respective disciplines presents a fragmented picture of how social entrepreneurs practice strategy. This project seeks to directly tackle this issue. Using a qualitative, cased-based approach contextualised to the North-East of England, it will develop a more holistic understanding of the ‘doing’ of strategic social entrepreneurship.

The fundamental research question to be addressed is: ‘How do social entrepreneurs practice strategy?’ It is expected that this overarching question will be informed by exploring connected considerations including, but not limited to: who is involved in strategic social entrepreneurship; what tools are used; where does this strategy work take place and by what means; how are internal resources and capabilities leveraged, and; how do external factors shape strategic practice in this context?

From an academic perspective, the findings of this research will contribute to remediating related theoretical shortcomings. For practitioner communities, this study will contribute practical, actionable insights for social entrepreneurs, funders of social enterprises, and additional stakeholders located in the wider ecosystem.

Lead: Dr. Jeffrey Hughes

Smart & Scale

Durham University Business School invites applications from prospective PhD candidates with outstanding academic achievement and research potential, specifically interested in supporting SMEs in the region (i.e., micro, small and medium sized firms, social enterprises, non-profits in the North-East of England). The selected student will benefit from joining a team of academics that has ongoing projects and connections in their topic area. This allows for the development of a rich professional network and access to fieldwork.

Supported by Durham University Business School’s Smart & Scale programme, we encourage research proposals that are academically rigorous but also likely highly beneficial to social enterprises in the region. Specifically, applications involving collaboration with regional SMEs are encouraged as well as inter-disciplinary projects. The final thesis will therefore be of academic importance and practical relevance to advancing business enterprise, innovation, and regional development in the UK. Proposals with no link or just a tangential focus on SMEs/social enterprise in the North-East of England will not be considered.

PhD Programme in Management (with Integrated Studies), Department of Management and Marketing 

Durham University Business School is one of an elite group worldwide to carry three internationally recognised accreditations by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA for the quality of our research, teaching, and environment. We are also a member of the European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration. Our PhD in Management and Marketing (With Integrated Studies) offers access to our vibrant academic community, cutting-edge knowledge, skills development at the doctoral level, and learning and support from internationally renowned researchers to progress successfully in their PhD studies.

Further information

Funding

Applications for this funding are open to full-time UK students only. The successful applicant will have the cost of home tuition fees covered for the full duration of their studies. The scholarship also includes a tax-free stipend, set at £18,622 per year (as per UKRI). This stipend is paid to the student directly and monthly to cover living costs.

Research Team

Dr. Jeffrey Hughes, Smart and Scale Associate, jeffrey.hughes@durham.ac.uk

Prof Jonathan Kimmitt, Smart and Scale Academic Lead, jonathan.kimmitt@durham.ac.uk

Dr. David Johnson, Smart and Scale Associate, david.johnson@durham.ac.uk

How to Apply

The deadline for submitting applications to the PhD programme is 1^st May 2024 for a start in September 2024. In the first instance, it is expected that candidates will contact Dr Jeffrey Hughes (jeffrey.hughes@durham.ac.uk) no later than 10^th April 2024. This should include a CV, awards, transcripts, the first draft of a research proposal. At this point, the Smart & Scale team and PhD director will assess the quality of your application and invite you to apply. After evaluating the full application, interviews will then be arranged.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact: business.phd.mgmt-mktg@durham.ac.uk