This PhD project will focus on how multinational enterprises (MNEs) organize their international operations in the context of the global business environment more generally, including the variety of requirements in different locations related to stakeholder and shareholder pressures, and the changing role of government. The candidate should be interested in exploring issues of coordination and control with respect to overseas subsidiaries, and relationships between headquarters and subsidiaries. Specific topics might include, for instance, which coordination strategies and control mechanisms are used under which circumstances, and for which kinds of activities (e.g., innovation, new market development, corporate social responsibility, or a combination thereof). However, there is considerable scope for the candidate to help define the more detailed focus within the broader realm of MNE strategy and organization in relation to the expertise of the supervisors. The types of MNEs considered may vary from small entrepreneurial firms to large and mature MNEs, and from manufacturing to service firms. The research will require the development of strong academic writing and methodological skills as well as the ability to access and acquire secondary and primary data.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (MSc, MA, or drs) in the area of business (business studies, business administration, management, strategy or marketing) with excellent grades and a demonstrable interest in the area of (international) strategy;
• Interest (and preferably experience) in field research, including studies focusing on organisations;
• Well-developed analytical skills, creativity, precision, and perseverance;
• The drive to publish in top-level academic journals in the field of management;
• Mastery of both written and spoken English.

Further information

This project is part of ABS’ research initiative on corporate governance, which involves senior and junior researchers from various disciplines. The supervisors of this project will be Prof.dr. Ans Kolk and Dr. Alan Muller. Requests for information should be directed to Dr. Muller (E-mail: amuller@uva.nl; Telephone: +31 (0)20 525 4262).

The UvA is located in the centre of Amsterdam. For more information on the Amsterdam Business School and its strategy & marketing section, please visit our website (see te 'Refer To'-section below)

Appointment

The appointment will initially be for 1.5 years, to be extended to a total of 4 years upon excellent performance (two evaluations will be held, one after 10 and one after 14 months). The salary will be in accordance with the University regulations for academic personnel, and will range from € 2,042 (first year) up to a maximum of € 2,612 (final year) gross per month. The collective employment agreement of the Dutch universities will be applicable. The PhD thesis should be finalised within four years. In this period, the candidate will also be expected to do some teaching (20% of the time). Targeted starting date is 1 September 2012, but a later start can be discussed.

Job application

Applicants should send their CV and a covering letter to applications-feb@uva.nl. Please include the job reference number.