Corp Social Responsibility in maritime

How commitment to corporate social responsibility can improve the performance of companies in the maritime and logistics industries

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 2023

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

About the research project

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's commitment to contribute to sustainable development by making a positive impact on the economy, society and environment. In recent years, CSR has become increasingly important to companies as consumers, investors, employees, and other stakeholders expect businesses to take more responsibility for the impact of their operations on the society and environment.

Existing research has found companies that have strong CSR commitment are likely to be able to improve their business performance and competitiveness. First, engaging in activities that benefit the community, the environment, and other stakeholders enhances the company's reputation. A strong reputation can improve the company's customer loyalty, brand recognition, sales and profits. Companies with more reputation and commitment to CSR are also more likely to win new business partners. CSR can help companies to attract investors and lenders. It can help companies to attract and retain top talent that would contribute to improve business performance.

Companies engaging in CSR activities are more likely to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with their operations and to take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks and gain the benefits. They are more likely able to reduce energy consumption, waste generation and pollution, and are more ready and quickly in adopting new technologies that lower costs and increased efficiency.

The primary aim of this project is to evaluates the commitment of maritime and logistics companies to CSR and its impact on their business performance. The study's primary research question is "How can commitment to corporate social responsibility can improve business performance in the maritime and logistics industries?". The project will use both primary and secondary data collected from companies across Australian states. Primary data will be collected from companies in the Australian maritime and logistics industries. State-level comparison analysis results and recommendations are expected to improve companies' performance, competitiveness and contribution to sustainable development.

Primary Supervisor

Meet AProf Oanh Nguyen

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Previous degree/s in maritime, logistics, supply chain management, management, economics. Knowledge and skills in statistical analysis

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Skills in statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R and Stata

Application process

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, AProf Oanh Nguyen to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.

Following the application closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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