Intrapreneurship in small business settings

Summary

Focusing on Northern Ireland, this PhD study will examine how intrapreneurship manifests in small business settings. Intrapreneurship is usually considered in conjunction with large organisations. Yet, in smaller organisations there is often closer proximity to key stakeholders and a need to do more with less – making intrapreneurial capabilities a potentially powerful resource (Attle, 2024).

Small businesses make an outsized impact to the Northern Irish economy (Department for Business and Trade, 2023, Table 9). However, they may be especially exposed to the rapidly changing business environment. For example, the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act (2022) has established a target of net zero emissions by 2050. Yet, the British Chambers of Commerce (2023) suggest that only 8% of SMEs “fully understand what the Government’s 2050 Net Zero target means for them.”

Despite the significant challenges posed, evidence from Northern Ireland SMEs suggests that environmental and social action can enhance business image and profit opportunities (Luong and Hewitt-Dundas, 2023). Moreover, Hampton et al. (2023) point to the role of staff, suppliers, customers and communities in reshaping SME business towards environmental and social goals. It is this confluence of challenge, opportunity and more holistic vision of business action and change which this project seeks to engage with.

We recognise the “multilevel” nature of intrapreneurship, and wish to explore how it plays out between the individual and the organisation; therefore an in-depth case study approach might be particularly useful (Neesen et al., 2018). A secondary (or alternative lens) might be to explore the conditions that effect intrapreneurial flourishing, such as:
* Alternative organisational design – e.g. cooperatives
* Accreditation schemes – e.g. B-corp certification
* Family business settings

Applicants are encouraged to consider the local business context and DfE economic policy priorities – good jobs, decarbonisation, regional balance and raising productivity (Department for the Economy, 2024).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.