Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
This project examines the role of entrepreneurial organising (EO) in promoting the sustainability of regional enterprises within Tasmania's dairy sector. EO, a novel management approach, explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and traditional project management arrangements especially in dynamic and unpredictable markets. It involves practicing corporate entrepreneurship (CE), positive workplace practices and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the organisational structure (Eslahchi 2023; Finn 2021). This encourages innovation, risk-taking, pursuit of new opportunities and adaptability, thus facilitating organisations to drive growth, develop new products or services, and navigate dynamic market landscapes (Viswanathan et al. 2010).
The study seeks to explore whether and how EO elements contribute to the sustainability of Tasmanian dairy markets, aligning with the significance of sustainable rural enterprise development for regional growth, worker well-being and community welfare both in Australia and globally. Given the lack of academic and practitioner insights into how sustainability drives rural innovation and value co-creation for the rural enterprise's comeback and revival (Leick et al. 2022), this research aims to build on the current discussion about the sustainability of enterprises and projects in regional settings, which requires scholars and practitioners to think about new approaches for contemporary management on one hand and stakeholder active engagement and participation in value co-creation on the other.
It is crucial to recognise the significance of these contexts and conduct thorough research to understand their potential social and economic impacts. By focusing on these overlooked aspects, the study will gain valuable insights into ongoing transformations and their implications for dairy industry stakeholders and academia. This, in turn, will facilitate informed decision-making and effective interventions.
The project has two sub-aims: (a) to investigate the local, national, and global risks and opportunities that contribute to sustainable regional market development and (b) to examine positive workplace practices that enhance organisational productivity, worker well-being, and community welfare.
Research questions could include, but not be limited to:
- What is the relationship between entrepreneurial organising and the long-term sustainability of dairy projects in terms of economic viability, social impact, and environmental considerations?
- How have entrepreneurial organising practices developed rural enterprise markets for a sustainable strategic outcome?
- What explains the current role of entrepreneurial organising in transition rural market transformations?
- How is EO associated with dairy enterprise productivity, worker well-being, and community welfare?
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Denni ArliFunding
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 $32,192 per annum (2024 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.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Completion of prior postgraduate study in Business, Management, Project Management, Marketing, Agribusiness
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Completion of postgraduate research (e.g., Honours, Research Masters or MBA with Research specialisation) in Business, Management, Project Management, Marketing or Agribusiness.
- Previous study and/or expertise related to entrepreneurial organising and dairy enterprise sustainability.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Previous research or professional work related to project management studies.
- Relevant publication in academic journals (ABDC A*, A, B or Q1, Q2).Proven track record in survey-based methodologies, and quantitative data analysis techniques (e.g., regression-based analyses and structural equation modelling) with experience in SPSS, R or SAS.
- Proven track record in qualitative research, most notably interview-based methods.
- Have an interest in mixed-method research.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Denni Arli to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- 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.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the 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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