Digital Twin in Real Estate, Virtual Valuation and Participatory Decision-making

About this project

Establish innovative techniques for property valuations 

Seeking to make a difference in the field of housing economics and interested in developing innovative approaches to valuations? The University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a cutting-edge project-based PhD within UniSA Business. This innovative project aims to create novel practical methods that progress housing valuations from a conventional expert-based paradigm to an immersive technique-based paradigm. It expands on previous multidisciplinary projects established in the areas of augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) and digital twin (DT) between UniSA STEM and UniSA Creative.

You will engage with representatives of the public (property clients), valuers, AR/VR researchers, and the government to describe the hierarchy of priorities for applying DT in real estate. You will join a vibrant cohort at UniSA Business and the DT Lab and have access to world-class facilities and expertise. Experience using state of the art equipment and learning cutting-edge techniques will give you a competitive advantage in the jobs market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will gain valuable job-ready knowledge and skills in housing economics, property valuation, and prototyping. You will also develop skills in coding, modeling and landscaping techniques, AR/VR/DT, and virtual participatory planning. A well-established and high-profile research team will provide you with outstanding guidance and mentorship. You will learn about a variety of externally funded research projects employing similar and related methods to the scope of the PhD research. We will support you to attend at least two conferences, which will help build your research and industry network and expand the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

Where you’ll be based

You’ll be based at UniSA Business. We develop career-ready graduates, and positively affect communities and environments locally, nationally, and globally. We offer a suite of innovative programs in disciplines including business, accounting and finance, marketing, management, tourism and events, and property, as well as our Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Education programs. UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS).

Our researchers are thought leaders who engage in world-class research and share their insights with students, industry, and government partners. Our findings translate directly into results that transform businesses and affect communities for the better. Our reach extends beyond the classroom. We offer advice in taxation and marketing at our free clinics, giving students valuable opportunities to apply their skills and make an impact in their community.  People, technology, and the global marketplace are all changing rapidly. UniSA Business is for strategists, disruptors, and entrepreneurs who are ready to lead from the front. 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 $46,653 per annum (2023 rates). A fee offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included.  For full terms and benefits, please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time. 

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to application from domestic applicants only. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD degree. Applicants who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:  

• Have completed an Honors or Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields: Economics/Business/Marketing/ Computer Science/Applied Mathematics/Statistics/Industrial Design/Design/Architecture/Civil and Environmental Engineering/Urban and Regional Planning/Spatial Science/Geography obtained before September 30th, 2022.

The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in a number of the following topics:

• A proven experience in coding (e.g. C#, C++, Python, Java).
• A proven experience with modelling and statistical analysis.
• Working with databases (e.g. MongoDB) and cloud spaces (e.g. GitHub) is a plus.

Commitment, team spirit, a critical mind, autonomy, and motivation are skills that are more than welcome.

• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.
• A short proposal on the topic is required (word limit=2000).

A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate. The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and 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, Sunday 4 June 2023.