PhD Study : A Comparative Analysis of Public Value Generation in Forensic Services

Summary

Overview

This proposed interdisciplinary doctoral research will attach to a research project led by Ulster University in collaboration with the Forensic Services Leadership Board (FSLB). The FSLB provides a layer of governance for forensic services provision within Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) and the PSNI’s Scientific Support Branch. This research project is underpinned by a unique practitioner-academic team involving criminology, economics, and public administration experts from Ulster, and analysts from FSNI, PSNI, FSLB, and the Strategic Investment Board. Public Value Public value theory responds to economic reductionist approaches to public administration and public policy, by developing a set of new conceptual tools that are able to detect the complex ways public services produce value, which can then be quantified, measured and analysed with scientific rigour.

This approach is seen as a new paradigm for decision making and evaluation in the public service that overcomes some of the documented limitations associated with neoliberal models of analysis. With respect to forensic services, public value theory offers a framework for understanding how delivery models, strategy, investment priorities, and public entrepreneurship within forensic services, shape the forms and volume of value felt within the criminal justice system, and by society more widely.

The Team and our Existing Project There are a number of highly innovative interdisciplinary features to this research essential to its scholarly and social impact. First, the research team has developed a mixed public administration methodology grounded in q-method for detecting the diverse forms of public value that forensic services produces for the criminal justice system and its key stakeholders – this methodology will be guided by a criminal justice systems approach. Second, we have built units of analysis attached to these public values forensic services produces, that can be populated with longitudinal data using a range of qualitative and quantitative sources, that will be modelled using analytical techniques drawn from economics.

The Doctoral Project

The PhD researcher will be responsible for conducting a comparative study that draws on these tools to examine how different models of forensic service delivery, impact on the type and volume of public values generated. The proposed case studies are Northern Ireland, Scotland and England/Wales, however, there is flexibility with respect to case selection. The PhD researcher will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team, and a representative from the Strategic Investment Board. Drawing on this support the interdisciplinary project will make a significant contribution to public administration, criminology, and public management, in addition to impacting on the practice of governmental stakeholders in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England/Wales.

Applicants

We encourage applicants with a background in either public administration, public policy, economics, criminology or cognate fields. Mix-methods experience will be an advantage. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Kristian Lasslett in advance of submitting their proposal. The proposal should demonstrate that the applicant has a basic understanding of public value theory, and is capable of designing an appropriate methodology for conducting a comparative study that examines the public value generated through different forensic services models.

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.

• 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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

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