PhD Study : Operational intellectual capital configurations and their impact on innovation and operational performance

Summary

Manufacturing and service operations have long been tested by an abundance of internal and external challenges and uncertainties in their operating environments. The legacy of the latest financial crisis and increasing pressure from low-cost competition has forced many companies to respond by focusing more on the Operational Intellectual Capital (OIC): human capital, structural capital and social capital, to enhance their operations and develop their innovation capabilities (Cohen et al. 2014; Onofrei et al. 2019; Zhang et al. 2019).

The services sector, by its very nature, has relatively few assets that are tangible, and therefore much of its success is related to the ability to effectively manage and develop the value of their intangible assets (Menor and Roth 2008; Ettlie and Rosenthal 2011); whereas, in the manufacturing sector, increased globalisation and plant movements to low-income countries has meant that organisations need to use their OIC strategically to generate specialised outputs to compete globally from a small, open economy (Cotter 2004; Ettlie and Rosenthal 2011). Taking the theoretical lens of the knowledge-based view (KBV) (Grant 1996), OIC represents the intangible assets (the knowledge resources, information, experiences, skills, structures, culture and relationships) of a firm which, through their synergies, create competitiveness and innovativeness.

The aim of this research, is to explore the implications of the operational (OIC) for operations and asks how can companies leverage their OIC in order to increase their operational performance and innovation capabilities? The research objectives include: To develop a framework for conceptualising operational intellectual capital dimensions (human capital, structural capital and social capital), operational performance and innovation capabilities; to evaluate the impact of OIC dimensions on operational performance and innovation capabilities and; to evaluate how organisations can leverage their OIC investments to enhance their desired performance objectives.

By means of a positivist, deductive approach (Saunders et al. 2015), the researcher will use data collected through a questionnaire developed in line with previous studies in the field (Ahmad and Schroeder 2003; Kang et al. 2012; Onofrei et al. 2019) and distributed to manufacturing and service organisations throughout the island of Ireland. The data will be tested for reliability and validity and structural equation modelling will be used to assess the measurement model (Roberts et al. 2010). Given the increased dependence of firms on their intangible assets (Rammal et al. 2014), this study seeks to contribute to existing OIC knowledge and literature by providing insights into the configurations of OIC dimensions (human capital, operational and social capital) and proposes the OIC framework as a useful mechanism that can enable companies to improve their operational performance and innovation capabilities. The findings of this research will inform and support Irish companies in their pursuit of competitive advantage.

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
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

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.

• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES

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