Corruption in large infrastructure projects

Corruption is one of the key issues for public policies and is one of the major impediments to the development of emerging countries and to further improve the quality of life in developed countries. Scholars agree that corruption might be eradicated by enhancing education and with cultural changes.<br /> <br /> Ad hoc policies and regulation can limit corruption by making it riskier and less profitable; therefore, making this practice not value for money even for unethical economic agents. Existing studies have shown the detrimental effect of corruption on the society, economy and environment.<br /> <br /> There are several studies in economics, social science and law about corruption that show corruption can apply to a wide range of activities. There are several examples in the literature, news and judicial cases that show large infrastructure projects are particularly susceptible to corruption. However, the concept of corruption has been under-investigated by project management scholars.<br /> <br /> According to many studies, large infrastructure projects tend to be late and over budget. This poor track record of performance is consistent in different sectors, including Transportation, Water, Energy, Nuclear, Oil and Gas and other industrial projects.<br /> <br /> Although the delivery performance of large infrastructure projects has a poor track record, the explanations from the project management scholars focused on (1) optimism bias, (2) strategic misinterpretations, (3) poor Front End Engineering Design, and others.<br /> <br /> Recently, a seminal research emphasised the relevance of corruption for large infrastructure project performance. Since then, a growing number of project management scholars focused on the concept of corruption in large engineering projects. Nowadays, the topic of corruption is acquiring a growing interest by project management scholars.

<p>The proposed PhD will benefit from the momentum and an established network of expert focused on corruption. This research project will address questions such as:</p> <ul> <li>Which corruption mechanisms apply to large infrastructure projects?</li> <li>Which ex-ante remedies limit corruption in large infrastructure projects?</li> </ul> <p>The candidate can amend these questions to focus on those aspects that are deemed to be more relevant and practical provided the focus remains on corruption applied to large infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is &lsquo;Corruption in large infrastructure projects&rsquo; as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/staff/747/Tristano_Sainati">Dr Tristano Sainati</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><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 class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;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>Please note that you must provide the following 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> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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 style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> 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> &ndash;The&nbsp;<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>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;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><strong>Important:</strong>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under these studentships.</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 regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p</a><a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">hd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Tristano Sainati by email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:T.Sainati@leeds.ac.uk">T.Sainati@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>