Investigating Supplier Diversity Programs Within Australian Supply Chains

About this project

Help address diversity issues in supply chains

If you are seeking a challenging career in logistics and procurement and keen to help improve diversity and inclusion in local and global supply chains, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD with world impact within the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE), in partnership with industry and our local community.

Our project focuses on supplier diversity programs and practices within Australian organisations and their supply chains. We will focus on the behavioural and organisational factors that facilitate or hinder the inclusion of diverse suppliers, such as minority-owned and indigenous businesses, disability enterprises, and other socially disadvantaged providers, into supply chains. 

We aim to dissect how current supplier diversity programs are structured, their operational dynamics, and how diversity among suppliers is perceived, promoted, and valued by Australian entities. By offering comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and impact of these programs, our research can potentially shape both practice and policy. It can also help enhance the participation of diverse organisations in supplying goods and services across public, private, and voluntary sectors in Australia.

Our investigation is both critical and timely, promising to forge new knowledge paths in understanding supplier diversity. We hope to foster a more inclusive Australian economy that incorporates more minority businesses, women suppliers, and other disadvantaged groups into supply chains. Engaging with this project positions you as a future expert in an increasingly vital area of study and practice.

You will be based within C-EDGE, which is a research centre dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable business practices globally. C-EDGE embodies a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach, leveraging specialist skills across various fields to address complex enterprise and economic challenges.

Operating across local/national, and international spheres, C-EDGE  aims to produce impactful research that informs decision-making in both the public and private sectors. You will benefit from the facilities and resources and become part of a vibrant academic community that fosters collaboration and innovation. 

This project will provide you with an exceptional research environment that combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, offering you a unique opportunity to advance knowledge in supplier diversity.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will engage in several key activities that will deepen your understanding of how diverse suppliers are integrated into the supply chains of government agencies and small/large companies. 

You will meet with procurement, supply chain, and sustainability officials from government agencies and small/large companies based in Australia to gain insights into their business priorities concerning supplier diversity. This direct engagement is crucial for understanding the real-world context of supplier diversity and will give you important real-world knowledge and experience.

We will help you to develop journal manuscripts and industry reports. You will also be given opportunities to present your research findings at national and international conferences which will help you to develop your communication and networking skills.

There will also be opportunities to travel interstate to meet with representatives from government agencies and small/large company representatives. A potential placement opportunity (subject to availability and approval) may be available with one or more of these entities. 

Under the mentorship of world-class researchers specialising in supply chain management, procurement, corporate social responsibility, diversity, inclusion, and strategy, you will navigate an interdisciplinary research journey aimed at developing actionable, evidence-based strategies to promote supplier diversity programs.

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE). We engage in research and innovation that fosters enterprising solutions for the problems that challenge local, regional and global prosperity. In addition to the membership that spans several disciplines, our members include researchers from The Australian Centre for Asian Business and Centre for Tourism and Leisure Management, now merged to form the new Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE).

We are in a world of uncertainty. Business and government are continually confronted by rapid changes in technology whilst dealing with external shocks. In this environment of dynamism and constant flux, how do organisations, industries, and entrepreneurial individuals, initiate and sustain, innovation and enterprise?

Our unique research addresses that question. We produce high quality, theory-driven research that informs and develops improved practices in dynamic contexts among enterprising individuals, organisations, professions, industries and policy-makers. We provide the tools, methods, and frameworks to influence policy and practice, related to innovation and enterprise. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders.  Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum (2024 rate maximum RTP rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included.  For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally, applicants must address the following criteria:

• What is your motivation for undertaking PhD studies at UniSA? 
• What attracts you to this PhD project, what will you bring to it, and how do you think you can make it a success? 
• What methodological skills would you bring to this PhD project? 
• What are your thoughts on publishing from your PhD thesis along the way?
• What are your key strengths and weaknesses that you believe are relevant to this PhD project?

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate. 

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Friday, 31 May, 2024