Digital Transformation and Risk Management in Supply Chains

About the project

Are you driven to explore how digital transformation is reshaping the future of supply chains? We are looking for dedicated PhD candidates interested in investigating how technology can enhance risk management in global supply chains. We invite you to apply for a distinctive opportunity to join our research team.

The "Digital Transformation and Risk Management in Supply Chains" project aims to deliver groundbreaking insights into how digital technologies are enhancing the resilience and adaptability of supply chains in an era of constant change.

As companies face rising challenges from global disruptions, the role of technology in mitigating risks and ensuring operational continuity is more crucial than ever. This project will focus on developing innovative frameworks to understand and manage supply chain risks through the lens of digital transformation.

Research area

Immerse yourself in the specialised field of Digital Transformation and Risk Management in Supply Chains. This area focuses on leveraging digital technologies to enhance the resilience and adaptability of supply chains. You will have the opportunity to develop innovative frameworks using Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, blockchain, digital twins, cloud computing, and IoT.

Project description

We welcome PhD-level proposals that concentrate on the use of Industry 4.0 and digital technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning, blockchain, digital twins, cloud & edge computing, and Internet of Things (IoT)—to predict, monitor, and manage supply chain risks. Proposals could, for example, explore how AI-driven predictive analytics can improve resilience against disruptions, or investigate the role of blockchain in enhancing supply chain management and reducing vulnerabilities within complex, multi-tiered supply chains. Projects may also examine the operational adoption of IoT for real-time monitoring, providing actionable insights that reduce risk exposure in supply chain operations.

Key focus areas

As a PhD candidate, you will focus on:

• AI-driven predictive analytics: Explore how AI can improve supply chain resilience and risk mitigation.
• Blockchain for traceability: Investigate the role of blockchain in enhancing supply chain management and reducing risk exposure.
• IoT-enabled real-time monitoring: Study how IoT can reshape supply chain risk management.
• Technology adoption barriers: Examine obstacles to technology adoption within supply chains, especially for SMEs.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with experts in AI, supply chain management, and digital technologies.

Research approach

This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced digital technologies with supply chain risk management. You will:

• Implement AI algorithms: Develop and refine machine learning algorithms to predict and mitigate risks.
• Conduct real-time monitoring: Use IoT for real-time data collection and analysis.
• Analyze data: Gather and analyze data on supply chain performance and risk factors.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate findings from various fields.

Associated areas

Associated areas within this line of research could include technology readiness in supply chains, data-driven decision-making, and the social and economic impacts of digital transformation on supply chain ecosystems. Further areas might explore the barriers to technology adoption in supply chains and propose solutions to address these obstacles, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in high-risk industries. Projects might also delve into policy implications for ensuring secure, transparent, and technologically resilient supply chains across regions.

Research questions

Here are some helpful research questions to guide your proposal:

• How can AI-driven predictive analytics improve supply chain resilience and risk mitigation?
• What role do digital technologies such as digital twins or blockchain play in improving traceability and reducing risk exposure?
• How can IoT-enabled real-time monitoring reshape supply chain risk management?
• What barriers exist in technology adoption within supply chains, and how can these be addressed, especially for SMEs?
• How can digital transformation create more secure, transparent, and adaptable supply chains?

Who we're looking for

Are you a motivated and passionate individual with a keen interest in digital transformation and supply chain risk management? We are looking for someone like you to join our research team. Your passion for exploring and advancing this field will be crucial, as will your innovative thinking to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Your strong interpersonal skills will enable you to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers. To be successful in this role, you should have a master's degree in supply chain management, computer science, or a related discipline. While previous experience in conducting research, especially in digital technologies or supply chain management, is highly valued, it is not a strict requirement.

Start date

All PhD candidates will begin registration and PhD training in January or September 2025.

Enquiries and applications

For additional information and to apply, please contact Dr Pak Seresht at ashkan.pakseresht@brunel.ac.uk.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.