진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

PhD Scholarship

Duration: 4 Years/48 Months

Status: Full-time

Funding information: SETU 2025 Presidents Scholarship Programme

Value of the scholarship per year for four years:

Stipend: €22,500 per annum

Fees of €5,750 per annum

Research costs- €2,000 per annum

Closing date and time: Wednesday, 22 April at 4pm Irish-time

Interview date: To be confirmed

PhD commencement date: To be confirmed

Project Key Words:Marketing Capabilities, Micro-Food Enterprises, Business Networks/Networking Capabilities.

Post summary

Micro food firms involved in the production and processing of food play an important role in generating economic and societal value, particularly within rural and regional economies. Despite their importance, these firms frequently operate under significant resource constraints, including limited marketing capabilities, which are a key source of competitive advantage and firm performance. Networks offer an important mechanism through which micro food firms can access knowledge, resources and support that may assist in developing such capabilities.

This research project aims to explore the role of network capabilities in the development of marketing capabilities within micro food firms. The study will adopt a qualitative research design, involving semi-structured interviews with key informants from micro food firms engaged in food production and processing. A network picture approach will also be employed to capture participants’ perceptions of their business networks and to examine how these relationships influence capability development.

The research will develop a framework identifying the marketing capabilities most relevant to micro food firms and will provide new insights into how network capabilities support their development. The findings will contribute to academic knowledge in the areas of small business marketing and network capability development, while also offering practical guidance to micro food firms and informing policy initiatives designed to support the growth and sustainability of the artisan and small-scale food sector in Ireland and comparable European contexts.

As a researcher you will be integrated into the BRIM (RIKON) research centre, a nationally recognised research unit, housed in the Faculty of Business in SETU Waterford as part of a team of PhD students.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

· An interest in and some knowledge of academic research and what it entails for the researcher.

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience in at least one of the following:marketing strategy/marketing capabilities, business networks, inter-organisational relationships, agri-food sector, rural enterprise, micro-firms, qualitative (interpretive methods).

Desirable

· Relevant professional experience in marketing (micro-firm).

· Knowledge of the Irish agri-food sector, artisan/speciality food producers/processors.

· A demonstrable competence in academic theory in dynamic capabilities, marketing capabilities, network capabilities.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

· Applicants should hold, as a minimum, a 2.1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Business, Social Science or related areas at undergraduate or professional level.

· Applicants should have demonstrable experience in conducting research at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.

· Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice

· In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application.

· Aptitude for project planning and management.

· Ability to build rapport with project stakeholders.

· Strong communication and presentation skills (written and verbal).

· Teamwork and group facilitation skills.

· Self-motivation, time management skills and focus to fulfil the research process.

Desirable

· Applicants should hold or expect to attain a Master’s Degree in Business, Social Science or related discipline.

· Applicants who have relevant postgraduate research experience.

· Experience and/or training in qualitative research methods.

Further information

For any informal queries, please contact Dr. Anne-Marie Ivers on email anne-marie.ivers@setu.ie

Application procedure

Complete the online Application Form from the SETU website quoting the advert reference code SETU_2025_04_WSCH.

Please ensure that you upload all supporting documents as part of your submission.

Please note that applications must be submitted by this route.

For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email researchadmissions@setu.ie or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.

University Website: https://www.setu.ie

The University will short-list and interview those applicants who provide the most suitable information in terms of experience, qualifications and other requirements relevant to the scholarship.

SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (SETU) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER