PhD Study : The Way forward for HR: Becoming Better Partners in the Organization

Summary

Since its inception the HR function has faced challenges in establishing its credentials as a truly central and strategically vital organizational function. For example, an article in the Harvard Business Review in 2015 declared that it was “time to blow up HR and replace it with something new” (Cappalli, 2015). Against this background however, substantial research has been carried out to investigate what role HR professionals play in both strategic and operational activities. For example, In our work investigating HR Business Partners (HRBP) role (see McCracken and Heaton, 2012 and McCracken et al, 2017) we outlined how the implementation of a HRBP approach can enable HR professionals to gain broader business skill sets, allowing them to more effectively, and confidently, influence both strategic direction and the senior management team. We show that many of the HR competencies identified by authors such as Ulrich et al. (2012) can be developed when successfully transitioning to the HRBP model. In addition, we saw evidence that line manager colleagues can gain vital HR skills if the HRBP approach is properly enacted, enhancing opportunities for them to take on other HR roles that can lead to more effective people management.

The purpose of this project is to investigate these issues against the current employment environment which is clearly fraught with challenges, especially linked to labour market imbalances and ineffective performance management. Ultimately, investigation needs to be centered upon the totality of relationships that HR professionals have with other organizational stakeholders.  By better understanding the dynamic interplay of relationships between HR professionals and their line and functional managers colleagues and building a robust evidence base, we should be better positioned to fully appreciate how the HR function adds value in organizations and how it may help to produce more effective solutions to complex HR problems.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living