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Self funded opportunities at CBiS

We welcome applications from suitably qualified self-funded or sponsored PhD candidates that relate to our current research themes. If you think you have what it takes to study for a PhD with us and have an idea you would like to discuss before you apply, please contact us. The University has three start dates each year, but interested candidates may contact CBiS at any time. For general enquiries please email our PhD Director, Dr Jason Begley or our Operations Manager Jo Bishop. Otherwise please contact the subject specialists listed below.

If your enquiry relates to PhD study within the wider Faculty of Business and Law, please contact the relevant department or Coventry University's Postgraduate Research Support Office.


Cluster aligned self-funded doctorates

Date, Organisations and Society

The Data, Organisations and Society research cluster applications from prospective doctoral students. We are working to lead research on the impact of the digital environment on business and society. Challenges and opportunities related to the use of Big Data, digital and analytics as a driver of innovation, business strategy development and new business models. Issues such as privacy, trust and data protection, related to the creation, use, management and disposal of data in society are also essential.

We welcome PhD application that focus on the following themes:

  • Data and strategy: Projects that focus on the use of big data, digital and analytics as a driver of innovation, business strategy development and new business models.
  • Data and the digital economy: Projects that consider the uses of personal data in the digital economy and its implications and challenges for organisations. Particular areas of interest include: (1) the use of big data in fields such as marketing (e.g. behaviour change, market segmentation and social marketing), sustainability and strategy; and (2) privacy issues emerging from the routine collection and storage of personal data by businesses.
  • Data and society: Projects that address the challenges around data, including privacy and trust, from the perspective of the individual and society. Proposals that highlight the importance of cyber security management are of interest, but these should focus on the managerial and societal impact of data rather than on the technical aspects.

For all enquiries in the first instance, please contact Professor Maureen Meadows, Professor Sally Dibb or Dr Alexeis Garcia-Perez.

In addition to research proposals relating to the themes highlighted above, our cluster also welcomes applications which fit the individual profiles of our staff. Click on the tab below to explore the list of titles proposed by our researchers. If you would like to find out more about these opportunities, please contact the corresponding Director of Studies.


Economic Development and Inclusive Economies

The Economic Development and Inclusive Economies research cluster focuses on policies and practices for growth and development, and the economic and social outcomes which follow from these; with a particular emphasis on issues of inclusion. We welcome PhD applications which explore a range of topics relating to growth and inclusion. These include city growth, employment policy, social investment and community finance; and the impact of economic development, such as strategies for local and regional economies, including advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship and business models.

The cluster also welcomes PhD applications from suitably qualified candidates interested in pursuing historical research in line with our research themes. The expertise of our cluster members covers the following continents: Africa; Australasia; Europe; Latin America; and North America. PhD researchers are a core part of our cluster and benefit from the opportunity to work with scholars at various stages of their career.

For all enquiries in the first instance regarding the Economic Development and Inclusive Economies research cluster, please contact Dr David Jarvis.

In addition to research proposals relating to the themes highlighted above, our cluster also welcomes applications which fit the individual profiles of our staff. Click on the tab below to explore the list of titles proposed by our researchers. If you would like to find out more about these opportunities, please contact the corresponding Director of Studies.


The Sector, Economic and Financial Studies

The Sector, Economic and Financial Studies research cluster welcomes PhD applications aiming to develop an understanding of how alternative financial institutions - such as credit unions and community development finance institutions (CDFIs) - are shaping the responsible finance landscape in the UK. We are also interested in proposals that look into the attitudes towards financial services, particularly from a young person’s perspective, in order to increase engagement levels in pensions. Finally, we welcome applications that propose panel data econometric analyses of the impact of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on foreign direct investment (FDI).

Proposals for the following projects are welcome:

  • Intellectual property rights protection: the impact on Foreign Direct Investment. An econometric panel data analysis in developed and developing countries (Prof Glauco De Vita).
  • Risk adoption in financial services: understanding consumers’ risk adoption in the financial services sector (Dr Harjit Sekhon).
  • Advocacy behaviour: its role in financial services and the impact on long-term savings such as pensions (Dr Harjit Sekhon).
  • Responsible finance: shaping the alternative economic landscape (Dr Lindsey Appleyard).

For all enquiries in the first instance, please contact Professor Glauco De Vita, Dr Harjit Sekhon, Dr Lindsey Appleyard.

In addition to research proposals relating to the themes highlighted above, our cluster also welcomes applications which fit the individual profiles of our staff. Click on the tab below to explore the list of titles proposed by our researchers. If you would like to find out more about these opportunities, please contact the corresponding Director of Studies.


Sustainable Production and Consumption

The Sustainable Production and Consumption research cluster is interested in supervising research that explores sustainable production and consumption. We welcome topics that take a ‘whole supply approach’, examining sustainable activities, attitudes and behaviours at different points in the lifecycle of products, and work around interventions and changing behaviour that go beyond existing approaches to changing consumption patterns and ethical consumption. We are particularly keen in enhancing our research in sustainability and innovation in supply chain operations. For instance, at present we are exploring the innovative use of modern technology in improving supply chain efficiency and green practices in a complex and dynamic business environment to achieve a sustainability agenda and targets.

  • Innovative technology in the circular economy: Bridging the gap from the current state to achieve and manage the Circular Economy through innovative technology and process re-engineering (Prof Ming Lim).
  • Café culture: Rising café societies? Business diversity, sustainability, consumer cultures and community creation (Dr Jennifer Ferreira).
  • Sustainable businesses: Investigating the links between good ethical/environmental practices and productivity in the South African horticultural sector (Dr David Bek).

For all enquiries in the first instance please contact Dr David Bek

In addition to research proposals relating to the themes highlighted above, our cluster also welcomes applications which fit the individual profiles of our staff. Click on the tab >below to explore the list of titles proposed by our researchers. If you would like to find out more about these opportunities, please contact the corresponding Director of Studies.


Dr Jason Begley will be happy to discuss your research ideas and proposal which link to one of the themes shown above.

All applications must be made online. Please read the details of the online application.

Read the guidance on Coventry University’s PGR eligibility and application process.

Prof Glauco De Vita

Professor Glauco De Vita
Strategic Director of Postgraduate Research
Centre for Business in Society
glauco.devita@coventry.ac.uk

Dr Jason Begley

Dr. Jason Begley
Academic Director of Postgraduate Research
Centre for Business in Society
jason.begley@coventry.ac.uk

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