Sustainable entrepreneurship

Unlocking the potential of entrepreneurial CSR in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 October 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

There is occasionally a confusion and misunderstanding between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable entrepreneurship (SE). SE is tied to conventional, environmental, and social entrepreneurship (Ahmed & Abdul Wahab, 2018). In order to enhance sustainability, SE entails identifying, developing, and seizing economic possibilities that benefit communities on a social and environmental aspects (Rosário et al., 2022). Besides, CSR is viewed as a means by which businesses articulate their long-term goals for sustainability (Sreenivasan & Suresh, 2023). This prompts an examination of CSR, and in particular, entrepreneurial CSR (E-CSR), as a distinct variable and its effect on SE. SMEs unsustainable business practices exacerbate societal effects and environmental degradation (Ahmed & Abdul Wahab, 2018). Given that it incorporates CSR principles into entrepreneurial programmes, E-CSR is anticipated to be extremely important to SE (Rosário & Figueiredo, 2023). Entrepreneurship and CSR are combined in E-CSR to promote sustainable development and create social and competitive benefits (Gallardo-Vázquez et al., 2023). However, it is currently unclear how these different capabilities affect the link between E-CSR and SE and how these factors are linked to improving E-CSR and SE. Given these facts, this study is to investigate the direct and indirect influence of E-CSR on SE under different conditions of the use of entrepreneurial competencies, technology entrepreneurship, and transformational entrepreneurship. This research can be approached from different perspectives, and we invite applicants to propose a theoretical and methodological approach consistent with their research experience and future career plans.

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Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Desmond Ayentimi

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • A research proposal that defines the research problem to be addressed and the broad theoretical and methodological approaches to be applied in this research project
  • Interest or experience in entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility research
  • Experience of conducting quantitative or qualitative research, evidenced by an Honours/Masters dissertation or equivalent
  • Evidence of excellent written and verbal English and scientific communication skills
  • Background in subject areas relevant to the project (e.g., management, entrepreneurship, business management, and social science related background

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Evidence of an ability to understand, apply and critique theory
  • Demonstrated capacity in critical thinking
  • Evidence of academic writing/presentation via at least two SJR ranked journal publications

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Desmond Ayentimi to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 October 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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