PhD Opportunity in Design Innovation
The Centre for Design Innovation has obtained funding under a successful collaborative PRTLI4 that involved the Institute of Technology Sligo and 7 other Higher Education Institute partners. This funding has been made available to the Centre to expand our research activities by allowing the Centre to recruit a PhD student that will study the role of design within the innovation process.Design is a creative process that adds or creates value by putting the needs and desires of the consumer at the heart of innovation. The design process helps to anticipate and understand real human needs as well as social and technological changes and then develops products, services and experiences that address these. Used effectively design plays a strategic role in helping companies to enhance their brand and to shape and deliver innovation strategies and cultures.
‘Fifteen years ago companies competed on price, now it’s quality, tomorrow it’s design’.
Professor Bob Hayes, Harvard Business School
The duties of the recruited PhD student will include:
* Develop case studies that demonstrate the role of design from an economic, social and policy perspective.
* Facilitate in the evaluation of the Centre’s Innovation by Design programme, which includes a number of multi-sectoral companies within the Northwest region as well as developing case studies from the programme.
* Conduct data analysis on existing and future macro datasets with respect to industry attitudes and role of design within business performance.
* Develop design methodologies that can be validated through demonstrating impact on innovation processes.
* Disseminate research findings and outcomes through targeted conferences and journal publications.
* Actively participate in all relevant research activities and seminars of the Institute and collaborate closely with other project partners.
* Any other activity supporting the Centre for Design Innovation as may be determined by the research manager.
Successful applicant will be a registered postgraduate student of the Institute of Technology, Sligo and will receive a stipend of €16,000 per annum plus fees. There maybe an opportunity to supplement stipend income with related project work associated with the Centre for Design Innovation.
Requirements:
* 2.1 Honours degree or masters degree form a design, business, sociological or anthropological background. Experience of working within any of these disciplines would be a significant advantage.
* Strong interest in design and understanding the contribution it can afford both within an economic and social context.
* Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Previous experience of research methods and techniques is an advantage but not essential as guidance will be provided.
* Excellent oral, written and analytical skills are essential.
* Strong knowledge of data management and analysis tools such as MS Excel, MS Access, or SPSS would be a distinct advantage.
* Successful candidate will be expected to be highly self-motivated, highly organised, willing to work flexible hours, and show initiative.
Interested applicants are invited to submit resume by closing date 30/04/08. For further information please contact:
Dr. David Tormey
Centre for Design Innovation
ITSBIC, Institute of Technology, Sligo
Ballinode
Sligo
+353 71 9155496
+353 86 6025159
david@designinnovation.ie
