PhD Studentship: Identifying High Performing Faculty in Academia

The focus of this PhD research project will be on the broad theme of Identifying High Performing Faculty in Academia. Exploration of this theme might include, for example, focus on:

1. Perception of excellence across multiple dimensions of performance in higher education institutions
2. Difference in the perception of high performance between disciplines
3. Difference in perceived and objective performance

While research explored multiple aspects of hiring exceptionally high performing employees (also called stars), scholars paid less attention to the question of how the stars are identified and perceived by different stakeholders within organisations and professions. Yet the question “who is a high performer (at individual and organisational level)?” is not as straightforward as it might seem. For example, we have seen the proliferation of rankings, which use different measurement approaches to identify academic excellence. There is an ongoing debate about the qualities of research that count, with priorities varying across different stakeholders in academic ecosystem. This project seeks to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide insights into the perception of academic high performance in complex multidisciplinary organisations. The particular focus of this project is on the interplay between perceptions of excellence at different levels of analysis, such as individual, organisational, professional, and societal, amongst others.

Applicants will be expected to submit a proposal that is rooted in the theme outlined above.

Value of the Scholarship

The scholarship will entail a fixed maintenance award of €18,500 per annum and full annual tuition fees support for four years of study. The successful candidate will be enrolled on the PhD programme of the School of Business under the supervision of Professor Peter McNamara and co-supervison of Dr Olga Ryazanova.

Application Process/Additional Information

Applications should be via the School of Business application process, details of which are provided at the end of this document. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Informal enquiries concerning the advertised PhD scholarship position, accompanied with the CV, can be made to Professor Peter McNamara (peter.mcnamara@mu.ie).

Closing Date: 20 October 2022

Commencement Date: Students are expected to commence their PhD studies in January 2023.

Qualifications, Expected Skills and Competencies

1. PhD applicants must hold at least an upper second class honours Bachelors or Master’s degree in Business, Management or a related discipline.
2. Highly proficient English language skills. Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native speakers based on IELTS (or TOEFL internet/paper based) score of 6.5 (or score of 95/585) is essential to be available no later than 15th of October 2022. Duolingo test is also accepted, with the minimum score of 110.
3. Ability and willingness to work under supervision.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills.
5. Excellent organisational skills, attention to details and the ability to meet deadlines. 
6. Ability to think logically, create solutions and make informed decisions.
7. Ability and willingness to work both individually and collaboratively in a research environment.
8. A strong self-motivation and commitment to their own continuous professional development.

Strong preference will be given to suitable candidates wishing to relocate to Ireland from Ukraine or those who have recently moved to Ireland from Ukraine.

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