TU Dublin are offering a fully funded PhD.
PhD Research Project Information
Supervisor name & contact details: |
Dr. Lucia Walsh (lead supervisor) & Dr. Ziene Mottiar School College of Business, School of Marketing lucia.walsh@TUDublin.ie/ziene.mottiar@TUDublin.ie |
Please indicate if the intention is to transfer from the Masters programme to the PhD programme (if applicable) |
No |
Funding Arrangements |
x Fully Funded (ie Scholarship, Fees & Materials funding available) □ Self-Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student. Materials costs not significant) □ Non-Funded (Scholarship not available. Fees & Materials to be paid by the student. Materials costs are very significant) |
Funding Details |
Student Stipend Materials/ Travel etc Fees € 16,000 p.a. € 2,000 p.a. covered |
Title |
Exploring the life-cycle of social enterprises – focus on triggers for growth |
Project Description (max 300 words)
Social enterprises (SEs) foster social innovation with the main objective to solve a societal or environmental issue while at the same time generating profits to sustain and grow their enterprises. The positive impact of SEs on societal issues such as poverty, disadvantaged groups and environmental matters is closely aligned with the UN SDGs (such as SDGs 10, 11 & 12). SEs have been recognised as an important part of the overall entrepreneurship ecosystem (Future Jobs Ireland Strategy) and the publication of the first National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland in July 2019 marks a defining moment in recognition of SEs importance nationally.
The proposed research will address the less-understood, yet strategically important phenomenon of understanding life-cycle stages of SEs: What are the key trigger points leading to growth of a social enterprise? The research will explore the characteristics of those SEs that have pursued growth strategy, identify the triggers for growth and will uncover barriers and reasons for failed growth. In- depth case studies of successful and unsuccessful SEs are most suited to uncover the ‘how’ and ‘why’. Contributions to academic research, international policy (SDGs, EU SE policy), emerging national policy on SEs, support bodies, social entrepreneurs and community will be made.
Student requirements for this project
2.1 Level 8 honours degree or higher in a relevant degree Deadline to submit applications (only for funded projects) 1st April, 2020
If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest and email it to phd@tudublin.ie.
For informal queries, please contact Dr. Lucia Walsh (lucia.walsh@TUDublin.ie)
PhD in social entrepreneurship research opportunity LW250220