Fully-funded ESRC PhD Scholarship: Uncovering Hidden Preferences in Route Planning with Data Science

Reference: PHD-ULMS-Liverpool DS-CASE STUDENTSHIP 2024/25

Funding: Funding is available for a (1 + 3.5) MRes and PhD OR a (+3.5) PhD OR a (+3.75) PhD OR a (+4) PhD (dependent on training needs of successful candidate)

- Payment of tuition fees

- Annual Maintenance Grant (£19,237 for academic year 2024/25)

Closing date: Monday 12th August 2024, 5pm (UK Time)

Interview date: To be confirmed

Primary Supervisor: Prof Tolga Bektas (University of Liverpool Management School)

Co-Supervisors:

Dr. Huadong Yang (University of Liverpool Management School)

Dr. Burak Boyaci (Lancaster University Management School)

Contact:

For further information about the studentship please contact Prof Tolga Bektas at T.Bektas@liverpool.ac.uk

Project description:

Fleet planning in the transport and logistics sector has advanced significantly, improving the efficiency of vehicle operations for deliveries and pickups. Digital technologies have enabled the development of algorithmic tools for route planning that not only minimise distances but also reduce fuel consumption, meet delivery deadlines, and manage vehicle load capacities. However, these algorithms may miss subtle details or “hidden preferences” known to experienced planners, who often adjust algorithmic recommendations based on local nuances and driver inclinations. Understanding why planners deviate from algorithmic routes is crucial for logistics businesses.

This project aims to uncover planners’ hidden preferences by examining manual adjustments to algorithm-generated plans. By understanding the factors behind these adjustments, the project will enhance existing algorithms with both data-driven insights and human expertise. Using data science, advanced analytics and machine learning, the project will identify patterns, trends, and correlations in datasets, create predictive models that incorporate human insights, and ultimately result in improved prescriptive tools for decision-making in fleet planning.

Partnering with one of the leading fleet management solutions providers, this project will contribute to bridging the gap between algorithmic efficiency and operational realities. Using vast amounts of data, including real-time vehicle tracking, driver performance management, fleet compliance, and route optimisation, the project will leverage data science, advanced analytics, and human insight to develop an integrated route planning solution that enhances technology and boosts productivity.

Academic Entry Requirements:

1 + 3.5 (Masters + PhD Funding inc. 3 month placement and 3 months further training)

For the 1+3.5 studentships, you should have an appropriate first degree of class 2:1 or above; International qualifications will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines. You will be required to initially register on the MRes in Research programme.

+3.5 (PhD Only Funding inc. 3 month placement and 3 months further training)

+3.75 (PhD Only Funding inc. 3 month placement and 6 months further training)

+4 (PhD Only Funding inc. 3 month placement and 9 months further training)

In addition to the above, for the +3.5, +3.75 and +4 studentships you should also typically have a first class or 2:1 Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, Management Science, Operational Research or a related discipline. You will be required to complete taught modules in Research Methods during the first year.

Personal Qualities:

These include the ability to work independently and a high degree of motivation necessary to complete a PhD within the timescales required.

Details of the Scholarship:

An NWSSDTP Studentship consists of:

• Payment of academic fees, at the standard UKRI Home rate

While NWSSDTP Studentships only fund tuition fees up to the Home rate, the University of Liverpool is committed to waive increased tuition fees for international NWSSDTP students. Therefore, International students recruited to NWSSDTP Studentship will not be expected to pay any additional tuition fees themselves.

• Annual Maintenance Stipend (£19,237 for academic year 2024/25)
• Access to a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for reimbursement of research related expenses including - but not limited to - conference attendance, training courses and payment of participants.
• Opportunity to apply for additional funding towards:

• • Fieldwork costs (usually only permitted when need for fieldwork is outlined at this initial application stage)
  • Overseas Institutional Visits
  • Internships with non-HEI Partners

Method of Application: Applicants must complete all sections of the University Postgraduate Study Application Form. Applications to be made via the University of Liverpool Apply Online, system, selecting programme of study Management Studies.

In the Finance section select funding source Sponsor and insert ‘PHD-ULMS-DS-CASE’ in the box below. Also include this as the first line of your Personal Statement. Alongside the completed application form and Personal Statement, applicants should submit the following supporting documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two academic reference letters, signed and on letter headed paper
• University transcripts
• English Language qualifications

All applicants are expected to demonstrate that they have reached a minimum required standard of English language (IELTS 7.0 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in each component), and, where relevant, are required to provide evidence of this. Qualifications accepted by the University include GCSE English; GCE O level English; AS Level English; A Level English Language; IELTS; Cambridge Proficiency etc. Please refer to the full list at Management - University of Liverpool. If you are unsure if your English qualification meets requirements then please check with the ULMS Research team (ulmsphdteam@liverpool.ac.uk) before applying.

• Degree certificates
• Personal statement highlighting the direct relevance of your skills, expertise and experience to the topic, how this makes you ideally suited to undertaking the research specified, and what added value you will bring.
• Equal Opportunities Monitoring form (available at nwssdtp.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/equal-opportunities-monitoring-form.docx)

Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. Please ensure you submit all of the above documents with your application.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Further enquiries: If you would like to discuss the studentship further please contact Prof Tolga Bektas (T.Bektas@liverpool.ac.uk)