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PhD and Post-Doc Bursaries in Innovation for Sustainability

The University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (GSB) is inviting applications for two PhD positions and one post-doc position in our emerging research programme on organisational innovation for sustainability. Successful applicants will become part of a research team led by Drs Ralph Hamann and Warren Nilsson, with direct links to international research networks. The PhD bursaries include at least ZAR 120,000 per annum for three years, while the post-doctoral bursary provides at least ZAR 140,000 for two years (and there are likely to be additional income sources).

There is still much uncertainty regarding the role of business in responding to complex socio-ecological problems, especially in emerging economies such as South Africa. It is also becoming increasingly evident that such responses often require far-reaching innovations in products, processes, business models, or organisational collaboration. In this research programme we seek to respond to the following overarching questions: What are the drivers and contextual factors (within and outside the firm) that contribute to business decision-makers making strategic commitments to sustainability innovation? What are the organisational capabilities that allow sustainability innovations to be implemented effectively, and how are these developed?

The research team will conduct its activities in close interaction with two international research networks, with each of the PhD bursaries linked directly to one of the following:

• The I4S Initial Training Network is a consortium of universities under the auspices of The Academy of Business in Society (EABIS). With European Union FP7 funding, its focus is on researching organisational innovation for sustainability. The I4S PhD candidate will be expected to participate fully in the I4S network, including coordinating and sharing with European colleagues. This project will include a research secondment at Woolworths, one of South Africa's main retail companies, which has received international recognition for its "Good business journey" sustainability programme.

• The Global Organisational Learning and Development Network (GOLDEN) is a global network of leading research centres, corporations and other stakeholders that provides a platform for sharing data, developing knowledge and stimulating action to navigate the challenges to creating sustainable enterprise. The second PhD candidate will receive funding from the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) to conduct research as part of the GOLDEN network with a focus on comparative case studies of companies or collective business initiatives. The post-doctoral researcher will also be supported with NRF funds.

Successful candidates will be expected to commence with research in February 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a two-page research outline to Tamlyn Mawa (tamlyn.mawa@gsb.uct.ac.za) by 5 December. Applicants will be notified by 7 December.