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Current studentships

Enhancing Sustainability in SMEs Supply Chains through Artificial Intelligence in the UK Through the Lens of the Triple Bottom Line

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Studentship code: RDS
Staff name: Dr Sabeen Hussain Bhatti
Research centre: The Institute for Collective Place Leadership
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices within their supply chains. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential by enabling predictive analytics, resource optimisation, and circular economy integration. Recent studies highlight digital technologies and AI’s role in reducing waste, improving logistics efficiency, and enhancing resilience in SMEs (Bhatti et al., 2024; Tathavadekar & Mahankale, 2025; Allam et al., 2025). AI-driven systems facilitate accurate demand forecasting and smart procurement, supporting environmental goals while maintaining competitiveness. However, SMEs must overcome barriers such as limited resources and technical expertise (Carayannis et al., 2025; Le Dinh et al., 2025). This project aims to explore scalable AI frameworks based on Triple Bottom Line Theory (Gimenez et al., 2012) tailored for UK SMEs to foster sustainable supply chain transitions. By leveraging intelligent technologies, SMEs can align with global sustainability standards and make meaningful contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UK’s Net Zero Agenda using the Triple Bottom Line framework (Kannan & Gambetta, 2025). The research provides actionable strategies for AI adoption, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy.

This project aligns closely with the strategic aims of Teesside University and the International Business School’s commitment to responsible innovation and digital transformation. The research supports the development of scalable AI solutions tailored to SMEs, directly contributing to the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) priority areas such as sustainability, digital technologies, and enterprise development.

Funding eligibility

This PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Applications are welcome from UK or international students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant discipline and a masters level qualification in a relevant discipline. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students are subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

When asked to specify funding select ‘other’ and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

If you do not clearly indicate that your application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal, it may not be possible to consider your application for the appropriate funding.

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Selection process

All applications received by the closing date are considered. Successful applicants at the application stage are shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews are held online. Unsuccessful applicants are contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants are contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progress to an offer of a place, to commence in March or May 2026.

About Teesside

We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing.

PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University's wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Academic enquiries

For academic enquiries, please contact s.bhatti@tees.ac.uk.

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact research.enquiries@tees.ac.uk.

After an application has been made, please contact research.admissions@tees.ac.uk.

Key dates

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Interview date: Interviews take place from 19 January 2026
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026