The rise of China, India and Brazil as economic and political ‘drivers’ of the global economy is subject to both academic research and policy deliberations (Lauder, Brown, and Brown 2008). These economies not only have managed to sustain growth despite the economic downturn but have also turned out to be drivers of economic change that challenge established wisdom of both economic performance and development. This project will look at the following issues:How firms from rising powers may be disrupting the current paradigm of global competition and are thus changing the ‘rules of the game’ (Zeng and Williamson 2007).

Rising power firms are increasingly becoming global players, taking on more substantive roles in global production networks or becoming lead firms in their own right (Schmitz 2004). Which factors facilitate this development, how can firms upgrade their position.Furthermore, rising power firms often address ‘bottom of the pyramid’ markets or engage in entrepreneurial innovation that is unprecedented and alleviates social problems (London, Anupindi, and Sheth 2010). This project seeks to identify drivers and outcomes of this economic development process.
ValueThe three-year, full-time award covers tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend of approximately £13,000 per year.
EligibilityApplicants should ideally have a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline and have obtained or expect to complete by autumn 2011, a Masters degree in a relevant business and management subject.

The research will involve both theoretical development and empirical field-work. The candidate should have good inter-personal skills, be willing to travel to collect data and have excellent writing skills. The candidate will be required to apply methodology flexibly and competently, including both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Applications are invited from UK, EU and international candidates.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 April 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application