Skip to main content

Project leadership and Artificial intelligence

PGR-P-2203

Key facts

Type of research degree
PhD
Application deadline
Monday 31 May 2027
Project start date
Friday 1 October 2027
Country eligibility
International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding
Non-funded
Supervisors
Dr Dicle Kortantamer
Schools
School of Civil Engineering
<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being rapidly adopted by projects. This PhD aims to explore the transformative potential of AI for project leadership. The research will evaluate how classic and emerging AI applications may change decision making, problem solving or teamwork processes to develop strategic insights with respect to how the work of project leadership needs to change. The project is designed to be flexible and will be tailored to the background and interests of the PhD student, allowing a focus on specific area within the broad topic of AI and project leadership. <br /> <br /> The PhD student will be part of the Leeds Centre for Projects (LCP) community. The Leeds Centre for Projects is a dynamic knowledge ecosystem focusing on the three pillars of education, research and engagement. It provides a forum for addressing global as well as local challenges and issues and facilitates collaboration between industry, government and academia to advance knowledge, promote good practice and improve project delivery for sustainable futures. We have a vibrant PhD research community which sits at the heart of our research activities. Regular development activities, supervision, mentoring and peer support provide an inspiring research environment which sets the foundation for successful careers in academia or industry after completion of the PhD. Our PhD researchers are a diverse group ranging from MSc graduates to senior professionals who are united by the desire to advance their own skills as well as the knowledge in the field of project management. The topics we supervise in the area of project management are across industries and disciplines ranging from construction to nuclear to fashion. Our work is grounded in social sciences, but frequently intersects with other disciplines such as engineering and we facilitate interdisciplinary supervision.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p><a href="https://lcp.leeds.ac.uk">Leeds Centre for Projects</a> members conduct responsible, relevant and rigorous scholarly research in project management. The work of our members is published in leading academic journals such as the International Journal of Project Management, Project Management Journal and International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. We are editors, guest editors or editorial board members for a number of journals. We collaborate with major industry bodies such as the Association for Project Management and Major Projects Association, as well as various public and private organisations. </p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Civil Engineering Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Project leadership and Artificial intelligence</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/11403/dr-dicle-kortantamer">Dr Dicle Kortantamer</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

<p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dicle Kortantamer by email to <a href="mailto:d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk">d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>