Irish Academy of Management

PhD Scholarships

Doctoral Research Opportunity in Sustainable Production Models for SMEs

Ref: SPM (please quote reference on application form)
Project Title: FutureSME—Sustainable Production Models
Funding Agency: European Commission—Framework 7

Description
FutureSME is a 4-year, 26-partner project, led by the University of Strathclyde, which aims to develop new business models and tools to support the development of SMEs in the EU. GMIT is one of the primary partners. The primary objective of FutureSME is to develop a new practical business and manufacturing model for SMEs in Europe, which will enable them to compete successfully at a national, European and global level. A senior researcher will also be working on the team.

The student will investigate Sustainability, Lean Thinking and Corporate Social Responsibility models for SMEs, with a view to developing innovative methods, tools and/or systems to help SMEs to:

incorporate proactively, environmental, regulatory and social needs and best practice, and assist in compliance to regulations such as ELV, WEEE, REACH, etc.
develop and adopt life-cycle based manufacturing (from initial concept through design, production, installation, distribution and field support to end of life disposal), and measure life-cycle cost
determine the environmental impact of design options for their products or processes (including carbon footprint).

Background/Requirements
This is an EU funded research project to ascertain the future Sustainable Production Models for SMEs. The successful candidate will be pursing a Masters Programme with an option to transfer to PhD.

The successful candidate will ideally hold an Honours Degree (2.2 or higher) in Business, Industrial Engineering, or Environmental Systems Management or their equivalents, and have broad experience of business and industrial engineering models. Experience in the area of environmental systems would be an advantage. Good written and communication skills are also desirable and the student will need to demonstrate the capability to self manage, work in a team and finish a project.

Project Start Date: February 2009
Project Duration: 4 years
Conditions: €16,000/€17,000 per annum

Postgraduate fees for EU students and any travel costs incurred during the project will also be covered.

Please Note: Candidates from outside the EU are eligible to apply, but may be expected to provide evidence of sources of additional funds to cover excesses associated with Non-EU fees.

Closing Date: 1 p.m., Thursday, 12th February 2009

Please forward completed GMIT application form by post to: Research Office, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway.

Application forms (which must be forwarded by post) are available at http://www.gmit.ie/research/vacancies.html or on requesting by phoning +353 (0)91 742754 / (0)91 742759.

(Please note that applications forwarded by email will not be accepted)