Project leadership and Artificial intelligence

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.

<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>

<p style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Civil Engineering FT</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Project leadership and Artificial intelligence</strong></em> 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 and <em><strong>in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <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> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 3 March 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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.

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.

<p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 March 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(now closed for October 2025 entry).</strong> The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does<em><strong> not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<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> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk" title="Email School of Civil Engineering">phd@engineering.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>