PhD Studentship in Programme Management, Cranfield University

PhD Studentship
The mindsets of effective programme office managers: A phenomenographic study International Centre for Programme Management

Cranfield School of Management - one of Europe’s top management schools - is offering this PhD studentship within its International Centre for Programme Management, a world-leading hub for research into this important emerging discipline. The studentship is tenable for four years from October 2008.

In business and government, programmes are used to transform strategies and policies into desired outcomes and benefits. The ‘programme office’ is the information hub for the programme, performing on behalf of the programme leadership team a variety of functions associated with programme support. Some programme offices have wider responsibilities for the maintenance of corporate standards and processes.

There is a growing recognition that the role of programme office manager requires an individual with a certain mindset, but little is known about the conceptual attributes that make up that mindset. Phenomenography is an established research approach for identifying and mapping the qualitatively different ways in which people conceive a given aspect of reality, in this case the work of a programme office manager. The approach leads to the identification of the key attributes of conception at a number of levels (usually three of four) that distinguish and explain why some individuals are more effective than others.

Applications are invited from exceptionally qualified candidates for this fully funded full-time studentship under the supervision of Dr David Partington. Applicants should have a good first degree in a relevant discipline. Experience of working on projects and programmes is desirable, although not essential. An MBA or relevant specialist masters degree would be an advantage.

The studentship includes full payment of fees at the UK or overseas rate and stipend of £12,940 per annum.

For an informal discussion about the project, please contact Dr David Partington, tel +44 (0)1234 751122, email d.partington@cranfield.ac.uk, Website http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/research/centres/icpm/

The closing date for applications is 31 July 2008.

Full details of the application process, the PhD programme and other PhD projects are available on the School’s website at www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/phd or from the PhD Programme Manager, Wendy Habgood, on tel +44 (0)1234 754373, email wendy.habgood@cranfield.ac.uk.