PhD Studentship - Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Engagement in Transformative Value Creation within the Service Ecosystem

The research project aims to explore the complex process of transformative value creation within service ecosystems. Through the integrated perspectives of relationship management and learning theory, the primary objective is to analyse the multifaceted interactions among direct/indirect stakeholders, seeking to uncover how they collaborate and interact to create and foster transformative value within service ecosystems. Employing a mixed-method approach, the project will centre its investigation on refugee communities and the established service ecosystems catering to their needs in both the US and UK. Refugee communities, often underserved and understudied, rely heavily on both formal and informal networks to adapt and thrive in their host countries. By exploring how transformative value can be created within these ecosystems, this research aims to contribute significantly to refugee integration and societal well-being. Such insights are not only critical to academic understanding but also have profound implications for shaping effective public policies.

An ideal candidate possesses a strong aptitude for both qualitative and quantitative research design, ideally with a background in Service Marketing, Business-to-Business Marketing, Transformative Service Research, or a related field.

This international collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Texas State University (TXST) is a joint project that will significantly advance the growing field of Transformative Service Research (TSR). This will offer the PhD candidate an opportunity to work closely with researchers from the Behavioural Research for Inclusivity, Sustainability and Technological Transformation (BRISTT) research cluster at University of Sheffield, TXST and ServCollab.

This scholarship lies within the research cluster Behavioural Research for Inclusivity, Sustainability and Technological Transformation (BRISTT). For informal enquiries, please contact the first supervisor Dr Saeed Najafi-Tavani ([email protected] ).

This is a fully funded 3.5 year studentship covering Home or International tuition fees, and a stipend of £19,237. To support the international dimension of this project an enhanced  research and training support grant of £7,250 is available to support research costs. Applicants are required to develop a project proposal of 3000 words and are welcome to contact the first supervisor in advance to discuss their ideas. Details about entry requirements and how to apply here can be found on the Management School website here: - www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/phd/scholarships .