Transitioning to Circular Supply Chains: A Multi-Level Perspective Approach

Eligibility             : Indonesian graduates with the required entry requirements

Funding details : Stipend (up to 3 years) plus full tuition fee waiver

Duration             : Full-Time – three years fixed term

Application deadline      : 6 May 2023

Interview date                 : Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date                         : September 2023

For further details contact: Dr. Anggara Wisesa

Project Details

Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia (ITB) and Coventry University, UK (CU) are inviting applications from suitably qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship to research the transitioning to Circular Supply Chains with a Multi-level Perspective Approach.

A circular economy is seen as a response to improving the efficiency of the global limited resources of our current linear system. Although improving the circularity of the products is needed, there is a lack of discussion about what are the social, material, policy and economic implications, and environmental capacity needed to produce this transformation.

Recent research has discussed various efforts to potentially close resource loops and promote circular supply chains, which subsequently creates a critical pathway to environmental sustainability. However, research predominantly focuses on technical and practical questions for specific sectors. Effectively applying the concepts of circular solutions in a holistic way beyond traditional isolated applications of resource recovery and efficiency (e.g., energy, waste, water), requires concerted efforts. Indeed, a change in the system’s perceptions from isolated supply chains to networks of supply chains and multi-level actors is needed. In this context, the concepts of ‘transition’ are crucial behind this transformation.

This project, therefore, will use the socio-technical transition lens to understand the extant body of literature on the sustainable transition towards a circular economy, to apply the concepts of niche, regime and landscape of the transition theory and explore the use of the theory of change to describe the transition towards circular supply chains.

Details of the PhD project

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Conduct a systematic literature review to rigorously assess the existing body of literature in transition to a circular economy.
  • Apply the concepts of the niche, regime and landscape from the transition theory to conceptualise the transition to a circular economy.
  • Explore the use of the theory of change to describe the transition towards circular supply chains.
  • Design and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify the transformation path towards circular supply chains.
  • Write papers for high-quality journals and national and international conferences.

The PhD project is expected to be completed in 3 years. The successful candidate will be part of the Sustainable Production and Consumption cluster of the Centre for Business in Society (CBiS) to complete the PhD project successfully.

This project and related studentship funding forms part of a dual award PhD between Institut Teknologi Bandung and Coventry University and as such the candidate will be expected to spend up to 12 months in the partner institution (usually in Year 2). On successful completion of the dual award a PhD qualification from both Institut Teknologi Bandung and Coventry University is awarded.

This project will start at Institut Teknologi Bandung, so the expectation is that Year 2 will take place at Coventry University (UK). Year 3 onwards will be in Indonesia.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills from both institutions.

The candidate will be supported throughout the PhD lifecycle. A formal bi-weekly meeting will be arranged with the candidate. The PhD student will be expected to complete the mandatory doctoral research training programme.

Entry Requirements

Candidates to this programme must meet the entry requirements for both Institut Teknologi Bandung (School of Business and Management) and Coventry University. The Entry Requirements for Institut Teknologi Bandung (School of Business and Management) can be found in the admission page. The entry requirements for Coventry University may be different, please consult with the admission office of the university.

How to Apply

To find out more about the project please contact Dr. Anggara Wisesa.

Candidates for this programme must apply to both Institut Teknologi Bandung and Coventry University.

Apply online to Coventry University (UK).

All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus up-to 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.