Call for Applications | Doctorate (PhD) in Business Administration

The University of Nicosia announces the opening of one (1) funded position for admission to the Doctorate (PhD) in Business Administration – Department of Digital Innovation, for the Fall Semester 2024.

The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research project focused on the impacts and applications of blockchain technology. While the primary research theme is centered on how blockchain technology affects businesses and the professional landscape, candidates are encouraged to propose their own related research topics within the broader context of blockchain and digital technologies.

Research Theme: Exploring the Impacts and Applications of Blockchain Technology Across Various Sectors

Background Information

University of Nicosia (UNIC)
The University of Nicosia is a research-oriented university committed to teaching, research, innovation, sustainability, societal engagement, and contributing to culture. It offers more than 100 programmes at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree levels, both on-campus and online, to more than 12,500 students from over 100 countries. It is the largest university in Southern Europe that teaches primarily in English, with particular strengths in medicine, health sciences, blockchain, law, accounting, business, architecture, international relations, education, computer science, and engineering.

UBRI Project
This PhD position is funded by the University of Nicosia and the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) Project, funded by the Ripple’s 483 Impact Fund, a fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, under Grant 2021-244121), a collaborative project designed to support and accelerate academic research, technical development, and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital payments. UBRI partners with leading universities worldwide to advance the understanding and application of blockchain technology. The PhD will be funded for a period of 3 years, which is the minimum period required for a student to receive their PhD. 

Research Theme

The era of digital transformation is fundamentally reshaping workplaces across various sectors through the integration of advanced digital technologies. In an environment where digital advancements are occurring at an unprecedented pace, blockchain technology, as a horizontal technology, aims to disrupt every sector by fundamentally altering traditional processes and practices. Blockchain has the potential to enhance organizational efficiency and create new professional landscapes, but it also presents challenges related to skill acquisition and systemic adoption.

This PhD project aims to investigate the broad impacts and applications of blockchain technology. The research will address several key questions, including but not limited to:

  • How does blockchain adoption influence various business sectors?
  • What are the barriers to and enablers of blockchain technology uptake within organizations?
  • How can training systems be optimized to support blockchain integration?
  • What socio-cultural factors influence the perception and adoption of blockchain technologies?

Research Areas

Candidates will have the opportunity to explore a variety of research areas within the blockchain ecosystem, including but not limited to:

  • NFTs and Virtual Economies: Investigate the role and impact of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in virtual economies, including their business model innovations and economic and societal implications within the blockchain ecosystem.
  • Blockchain Integration in FinTech: Explore the integration of blockchain technology in financial technology (FinTech), including real-world applications, regulatory challenges, and the development of new financial products and services.
  • Educational Methods for Blockchain Adoption: Develop and assess educational methods and training systems designed to support blockchain integration in various professional sectors, addressing the skills gap and promoting effective adoption.
  • Cybersecurity in Blockchain: Analyze cybersecurity challenges and solutions in blockchain technology, focusing on threat detection, mitigation strategies, and the development of secure blockchain frameworks.
  • Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Study the policy and regulatory aspects of blockchain technology, providing strategic recommendations for governments and organizations to facilitate blockchain adoption while ensuring compliance and security.
  • Metaverse and Digital Assets: Research the intersection of blockchain technology with the metaverse, focusing on the creation, management, and regulation of digital assets within virtual environments.
  • Sociocultural Factors in Blockchain Adoption: Examine the sociocultural barriers and enablers that influence the perception and adoption of blockchain technologies, considering factors such as trust, cultural attitudes, and community engagement.
  • Socio-Economic Impacts: Examine the broader socio-economic implications of blockchain technology across different industries, including the impact on employment, economic structures, and societal change.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • An outstanding academic record, including a Master’s degree in a field relevant to the research.
  • Proof of English proficiency.

Optional Qualifications:

  • Previous research experience on Blockchain topics.
  • Practical experience or knowledge of blockchain.
  • Background in case study or other empirical research methods.
  • Experience in academic writing.
  • Record of scholarly publications.

Personal Qualifications:

  • Ability to work independently and accurately.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and high-quality output.
  • Excellent organizational, analytic, and interpretive skills.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
  • Self-motivated and able to tackle challenging, complex problems individually or in a team setting.
  • Inquisitive and a self-learner.

Required Documentation:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • A letter of motivation/research statement (500-1,000 words) detailing your interest in the PhD position and potential contributions.
  • Copies of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If the master’s degree is not completed, provide a transcript of courses completed and the estimated date of completion.
  • Copy of English language certificate.
  • One letter of recommendation, including names and contact information for references.
  • Research proposal (max 2,000 words) outlining the proposed research topic, objectives, methodology, and timeline (three years).
  • (Optional) Publications and other scientific work.

Applications

How to Apply: For a formal application, please submit your application and all supportive documents through the following form. 

Deadline for Applications: The position will remain open until filled.

Privacy Notice: Your privacy is important to us. All personal data shared during the application process will be handled in strict accordance with GDPR guidelines.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. 

Additional Information 

For questions or clarifications, please contact Professor George Giaglis at [email protected].