PhD Studentship: Trained to Deliver: The Social Impact of Logistics Training & Provision (PF9)

The University of Northampton is delighted to announce a fully funded PhD studentship in partnership with Goodwill Solutions CIC. The University is committed to research that not only generates new knowledge, but is also designed to help improve people’s lives and the environment. The University also has a strong reputation for supporting our doctoral students which was recognised in positive feedback in the 2022 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) that saw the University ranked third for progression, fourth for research culture, sixth for supervision and seventh for resources. 

Trained to Deliver: The Social Impact of Logistics Training & Provision 

This PhD research project will explore the social impact created by the logistics sector through its operations and also through the education and training programmes delivered. The work of Goodwill through their logistics operations, as well as logistics training programme for ex-offenders, would represent the area of focus, with the research seeking to identify the social value delivered through this programme. The overall aim of the research would be to develop a social impact measurement framework (SIMF) for the logistics sector. 

The research would take the form of a PhD, but with a consultancy research model embedded within it to ensure early wins and outputs that could be used by Goodwill Solutions CIC. Critically, the PhD journey would be designed here to enable a draft framework to be produced in the first 12 months of the project, that could then be commercialised with the data from this market-testing underpinning the evaluation of efficacy conducted within the PhD itself. The PhD research would be supervised by the University’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact (ISII), an international leader in social impact measurement. The successful candidate would be embedded within the Faculty of Business and Law. 

We are looking for a pro-active candidate who can demonstrate a strong interest in researching impact in the logistics sector and related topics – social disadvantage, criminal justice/recidivism and long-term unemployment. Previous experience and knowledge of these areas will be advantageous. This is an exciting project for someone to conduct empirical work that will have real impact in Northamptonshire, the UK and globally. The ideal candidate will enjoy the combination of both practical skills, such as engaging with logistics networks, clients and beneficiaries, while developing their academic skills and knowledge. This can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in academia, logistics and/or related fields. 

Supervisory Team: 

For further information or an informal chat please contact: Professor Richard Hazenberg, Director ISII ([email protected] ) 

Studentship Details 

• Start Date: October 2023
• Keyword: STU19005
• Interview date: w/c 17th July 2023
• Duration of award: 3 years (October 2023 to September 2026)
• Eligibility: This funding is open to UK & EU.
• Funding: Annual bursary of £15,000, plus £1,000 travel expenses. The bursary also includes the waiving of PhD fees (£5,085 per annum). 

To apply: go to our ‘How to Apply’ page for information on ‘Funded PhD Studentships’. When applying, select the relevant degree and use the unique reference code for the project (STU19005) you are interested in, in the keyword search. Applicants are not required to prepare a research proposal but should use their personal statement to indicate their suitability for the post.