Our research strategy centres on the theme of business and society, emphasizing the transformative potential of business to enhance societal well-being. This transformative role can be examined through various disciplinary and situational contexts, reflected in our four thematic clusters. We seek individuals with backgrounds in fields such as economics, business, management, law, criminology, mathematics, computer science, sociology, humanities, or public administration.
Candidates should have a keen interest in tackling technical, conceptual, or empirical projects at the intersection of accounting, finance, economics, marketing, law, and management. We are looking for passionate individuals who aspire to make a difference and who possess creativity, inspiration, and a positive outlook on future developments.
All postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are registered in the University’s Graduate School and housed in the faculty or department that is most appropriate for the project on which they are working. PGRs working on accounting, business, finance, economics, marketing, or management projects are typically housed within the Edge Hill Business School.
Key research themes and potential projects
Accountancy, finance, economics and corporate governance
A project in this thematic area should encompass a range of themes that emphasise the need for ethical practices, effective governance, and sustainable development to create a positive societal impact and a more equitable economic landscape. Themes may include:
Accounting and Institutional Perspectives: How accounting practices and frameworks interact with market forces to shape institutional behaviour and decision-making, and influence organisational performance and societal impact?
Corporate Governance and Investment: What are the mechanisms that govern organisations, including the roles of boards and management in promoting corporate transparency and accountability? What are the determinants in socially responsible and impact investing, where organisations consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their investment strategies?
Green Finance and Economic Development: How funding can facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, enhance resilience to climate change, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially in developing countries?
Financial Regulations: What are the impacts of regulatory frameworks on financial markets and institutions, e.g., how can regulations promote ethical behaviour and protect stakeholders?
Inclusive Growth Strategies: How strategies be formulated to promote equitable development, ensuring that all members of society benefit from economic growth? What policies and practices effectively address income inequality, improve access to resources, and empower marginalised communities?
Entrepreneurship and innovation
A project in this thematic area should focus on the challenges that Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) face in the 21st century. Key themes may include:
Innovation and Technology Adoption: How might SMEs adopt and leverage digital tools (e.g., AI, blockchain) to improve productivity and competitiveness? What is the role of innovation ecosystems, open innovation, and R&D in SME growth? What are the barriers to technology adoption and scaling in SMEs?
Entrepreneurship and Management in SMEs: What are the drivers of growth, innovation and scaling in the SME sector? What is the impact of leadership styles on SME performance and culture? How does entrepreneurial behaviour influence strategic decision-making in SMEs?
Human Resources in SMEs: What are the challenges in recruitment, retention, and development of talent in SMEs with limited resources? How is diversity promoted and managed in the SME sector across racial, gender, and demographic dimensions?
Access to Finance for SMEs: How can SMEs make better use of financing, such as venture capital, crowdfunding, or fintech? What are the roles of government policies, microfinance, and banks in promoting SME growth?
Marketing and consumer behaviour
A project in this thematic area should emphasise applied research that connects business practices with societal needs, particularly in vulnerable communities. Research should utilize theoretical frameworks such as social marketing and behaviour change models. Potential topics include:
Consumer Behaviour in Marginalised Communities: How do socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and accessibility issues affect consumer choices and behaviours? What impacts do social media and digital marketing have on marginalised consumers? What successful marketing strategies effectively target these communities?
Community-owned Businesses: What innovative models of community ownership exist, and what are the economic and social impacts of community-owned enterprises? What effective strategies can be employed to foster community engagement and support? What role might community-owned businesses play in high street regeneration?
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Policies: What government policies foster entrepreneurship and promote small business development? What strategies facilitate access to capital for startups and small enterprises? What challenges do minority- and women-owned businesses encounter?
Impacts of Marketing on Well-being: How marketing practices affect the well-being of individuals and communities, particularly in terms of mental, emotional, and social health?
Management and society
A project in this thematic area should explore the intersection of management practices and societal issues. Suggested topics include:
Organisational Leadership and Development: How can leaders cultivate a positive organisational culture, enhance performance, and support professional development among employees? What methods can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of leadership development programmes?
Culture and Change Management: What various models of change management exist, and what strategies can help overcome resistance to change? How can organisational culture be assessed, and what impact does it have on change initiatives?
Crisis Leadership and Resilience: How can leaders effectively navigate challenges while maintaining stability and morale? What steps can be taken to develop proactive crisis management plans, foster an adaptable organisational culture, and build resilience through training and preparedness?
Gender and Organisations: How do gender dynamics affect leadership, organisational culture, and employee experiences? What barriers to gender equality exist in the workplace, and what strategies can promote a more inclusive organisational culture?
Sustainability and business
A project in this area should focus on a theme related to business and sustainability, in one or more of its dimensions. Key themese may include:
Business, sustainability and climate change: how can companies develop sustainability strategies on climate change mitigation and adaptation?
Trade and sustainable development: how can international trade act as both a driver and a barrier to sustainable development, and how can the growing connections between trade, climate, and energy policies be addressed?
Environmental impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI): How does FDI affect the environment in home countries vis-a-vis host countries?
Green governance and ESG metrics: how can effective green governance practices build stakeholder trust, improve environmental risk management, and support long-term value creation?
Business model innovation: how can organisations adapt and innovate their business models to create value in a rapidly changing economic landscape that prioritise sustainability and social responsibility?
Circular economy and entrepreneurship: How can entrepreneurship drive the transition to a circular economy through innovative practices, products, and services that promote recycling, reuse, and sustainable resource management?
For enquiries regarding proposed projects related to Business and Society, please contact Graduate School Admissions, copying in Dr Larry Su, Research Degree Contact for the Business School.
