Sustainability-oriented Digital Lifecycle Management in Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) PhD

Manufacturing as a service is a form of collaborative manufacturing that allows businesses to avoid significant upfront investments in manufacturing infrastructure, equipment, and maintenance costs. Instead, they can make use of the capabilities of specialised manufacturers who already have the necessary resources. On the other hand, this paradigm is not sufficiently oriented toward achieving sustainable manufacturing aims. Therefore, this project will look into the possible tools and methods to achieve this from the perspective of digital life cycle management.

The project aims to develop methods, tools, and frameworks that integrate sustainability principles into the digital management of manufacturing processes in the context of MaaS. The project aims to enable MaaS providers to optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle. The project recognises the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing solutions, therefore, by developing sustainability-oriented digital lifecycle management tools for MaaS, MaaS providers are enabled to meet the demand while offering eco-friendly manufacturing services to their customers.

The successful candidate will join the SMSC, a world leader in the field of manufacturing sustainability that helps companies transition to a low-carbon economy. The SMSC works closely with industry experts, ensuring their research and solutions are relevant and address the real-world needs of businesses. SMSC team are friendly and covers a wide range of expertise which will be available for the successful candidate.

By developing sustainability-oriented digital lifecycle management tools for MaaS, the outcomes are meant to enhance visibility and control over sustainability metrics throughout the manufacturing process. This includes tracking and reporting on sustainability performance indicators, enabling MaaS providers to assess their environmental impact and make data-driven decisions to support eco-friendly practices.

The project addresses a cutting-edge and highly relevant research area at the intersection of sustainability, digitalisation, and manufacturing. Also, The project aligns with the growing global focus on sustainability and the increasing demand for eco-friendly manufacturing solutions. By developing a sustainability-oriented digital lifecycle management system for MaaS, the PhD candidate can contribute to industry practices and help shape the future of manufacturing operations. The project offers excellent prospects for career advancement and professional development. The PhD candidate can become an expert in sustainability-oriented digital lifecycle management, positioning themselves for opportunities in academia, research institutions, consulting, or leadership roles within the manufacturing industry.

Engaging in this project provides opportunities for collaboration with industry partners, MaaS providers, and sustainability organizations. This collaboration can lead to valuable industry connections, access to data, and potential future collaborations or employment opportunities. he project offers excellent prospects for career advancement and professional development. The PhD candidate can become an expert in sustainability-oriented digital lifecycle management, positioning themselves for opportunities in academia, research institutions, consulting, or leadership roles within the manufacturing industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in engineering or management or related discipline.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

Funding

This is a self-funded project, any interested applicants or any potential sponsor (local government or industry) will need to provide their own financial support in relation to tuition fees, research support fees and living expenses.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact: 

Name: Dr Fadi Assad

Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.