PhD Studentship: Governance and Implementation of Digital Responsibility in the Tech Industry

Project details

Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) refers to the values and norms that guide an organisation’s activities related to digital technology and data. While innovative digital business models offer immense opportunities and can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, they also present a double-edged sword. The impact of these advancements on people’s lives - whether positive or harmful - depends on how digital technologies are designed, governed and used. 

The digital age, marked by rapid technological advancements and the pervasive, adaptable nature of data and technologies, represents a significant leap forward. However, it also introduces novel ethical challenges that go beyond the scope of traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Despite growing pressure from governments and the public for corporations to adopt new responsibilities, little is known about how companies internalize these demands through governance and policies and how they implement CDR in practice.

This project aims to: 

• Identify governance approaches, policies, and frameworks related to CDR.
• Explore internal stakeholders’ perspectives on the implementation of CDR during the creation, development, and maintenance of technologies.
• Investigate potential gaps between CDR policies and actual practices within the tech industry.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Mi Tran

Secondary supervisors: Professor Amon Chizema

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) with a UK master's degree (with an average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Loughborough Business School requires a minimum IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component. Further details are available on the international website.

Funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus University tuition fees.

How to apply

1. Put together your research proposal (between 2,500 to 3,000 words including references).
2. Share your research proposal with the identified supervisor(s) and confirm they are willing to be named in support of your application. You are also encouraged to ask for feedback to develop your research proposal.
3. All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Business School'. Please upload with your application a research proposal, copies of your transcripts/certificates, English language certificate and contact details of two academic references, one of which must be from your most recent degree. Please quote the project reference number: LB25-MT-AC-Funded.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them take a decision on your application.

Contact details

Call: +44 (0)1509 228072

Email: m.tran@lboro.ac.uk 

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