Mapping sustainable agriculture operations of past, present and prospective

About the project

Design a framework to improve sustainability in the supply chain

If you are keen to develop your career in supply chain and logistics and passionate about improving sustainability practices in the agriculture and food sectors, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM), in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Region.

Our project aims to create a sustainable supply chain and logistics operation framework for the agriculture and food sectors of marine (fisheries and aquaculture), crops and livestock. The goal is to enhance the entire food supply chain by improving resource efficiency and aligning logistics operations with sustainability objectives.

We want to first identify key challenges and opportunities and then identify and further develop practices that help achieve agriculture sustainability. We also want to examine the differences between agricultural operations, such as growing and harvesting, in terms of traditional versus modern methods, considering both epochal and geographical (time- and location-specific) practices.

Then we want to design a comprehensive valuation and appraisal system that assesses the sustainability of food provision. Our goal is to determine how can we remedy current unsustainable practices in agriculture and food supply chains and ensure sustainable operations in the future. 

We hope to contribute to and influence national and international policies related to sustainable agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection. We also want to raise awareness about sustainable food supply chains and foster a commitment to sustainable practices among businesses, governments, and communities.

You will be based within SIRM. Our experienced and collegial researchers aim to develop solutions to global issues in partnership with government and industry. You will benefit from a multidisciplinary, supportive research environment and leadership from worldclass experts. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will use large language models to analyse stakeholders’ perspectives and comments to identify key factors in enhancing commitment to sustainable food-related business practices.

You will also employ spatial statistical analytical techniques such as Geographic Information Systems and other data mining models to compare operational differences across various sectors and contexts.

We will guide you in applying a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach to develop a comprehensive valuation and appraisal system. You will also conduct a pilot project to test the proposed frameworks and valuation systems, facilitating validation and calibration of results.

You will gain experience in the interview survey method to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, policymakers, and consumers, to build a shared understanding and commitment to sustainable practices.
There will be opportunities for you to share your research and gain feedback via seminars, workshops, and conferences. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in SIRM. Our future depends on the increased application of sustainable infrastructure and responsible use of our natural resources. SIRM facilitates this goal by conducting research in three main streams:  natural resources and environmental resilience, innovative infrastructure and asset management and smart communities. 

The construction industry is an essential part of our lives, but it is one of the highest contributors to climate emissions.  SIRM is committed to meaningful research that can help re-shape this industry into a leader in sustainable practices.  SIRM also works directly with the resource sector, particularly water and forestry, to inspire innovative management. 
SIRM brings together diverse research expertise to address significant challenges for industries and the society at the interface of the natural and the built environments at both the macro and micro level to sustainably manage natural and built environments by applying innovative and efficient resource use.

We build resilient ecological and human systems through active engagement of diverse stakeholders and implement circular economy principles (rethink, reduce, re-use, and recycle) and innovative technologies for construction and other built environment sectors. We also promote smart resource recovery and the design and construction of efficient net-zero buildings and support liveable cities and regional communities, tourism and agri-food production. 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. 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. 

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 Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on 07/11/2024.