Sample PhD Abstracts
Abstract 1 – Global Finance
Title: Digital currencies and their impact on the global financial stability: a banking sector perspective
The purpose of this study is to examine the emergence of digital currencies and their impact on the global financial stability. The thesis reviews the theoretical and practical aspects of digital currencies including the central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). By reviewing the recent advances in CDBC research, the study explores the potential of digital currencies in reshaping the monetary system, altering the dynamics of global finance and influencing international economic policies. The research begins with a comprehensive analysis of different types of digital currencies. As blockchain is the fundamental technology used in digital currencies, the research further investigates blockchain and its impact on financial infrastructure and security. The research uses a mixed-methods approach. It combines quantitative data collected from the financial industry along with the qualitative case studies from 2014 to 2024. Evidence collected during this study suggests that CBDC adoption has a significant impact on emerging economies as compared to advanced economies. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital finance. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions and academics. The research highlights the different challenges faced by economies to adapt an effective model based on digital currencies. However, the study highlights a need for more comprehensive studies to understand the opportunities and risks associated with the implementation of digital currencies in different sectors.
Written by Keith J
Abstract 2 – Business Process Management
Title: Impact of digital supply chain management on the organisational performance
The rapid increase in the implementation of technology in different business processes has led to a rise in manufacturing industries opting for digitisation. Especially in the supply chain and logistics department, digital technologies are used to enhance efficiency and speed up operations. However, there is limited evidence about the impact of digitisation in supply chain management on organisational performance. To fill the gap in the literature, this thesis aims to investigate the impact of digital supply chain management on organisational performance.
The objectives of this study are achieved via a mixed-method research design. A sample of 126 large-scale manufacturing firms was selected from the European Union. The online survey questionnaire of key stakeholders was followed by in-depth interviews with selected experts. Primary data were collected from supply chain managers and project managers.
The research findings reveal that firms with high levels of digitisation in supply chain management experienced a greater increase in operational efficiency, a reduction in supply chain costs, a decrease in inventory holding costs and an improvement in demand forecasting accuracy. While the research focused on large-scale manufacturing firms, it also observed that small manufacturing firms faced multiple challenges in implementing digital supply management practices. As a result, further research with a focus on small-scale manufacturing companies is essential to expand the study of the effects of digital supply chain management on organisational performance. With its findings, the research offers valuable insights for managers considering adopting digital practices in supply chain management. It also provides a foundation for future research in the rapidly evolving field of supply chain and logistics.
Written by William P
Abstract 3 – Psychology
Title: Effect of physical activity on mental health – A focus on university students
The existing literature on mental health highlights a positive relationship between physical activity and the mental health of individuals. Factors such as age, gender, occupation and level of physical activity are considered major contributors in the research area. With rising issues related to stress, depression and isolation in young adults, it is essential to understand factors affecting the mental health of university students and identify ways to overcome these challenges. Thus, this study aims to analyse the relationship between physical activity and mental health levels in university students.
The research is a cross-sectional study examining mental health, well-being and level of physical activity in university students. It explores the potential benefits of regular exercise on the mental health. The sociodemographic data and body mass index of students were collected from 12 different universities. All participants completed a survey that consisted of questions related to anxiety, depression, stress, level of physical activity and type of physical activity. From the selected sample, 84 students were then assigned moderate to intense levels of physical activity for 3 months. Using a standardised self-reporting method, students noted the effect of regular physical activity on their mental health challenges and coping strategies.
The results indicate a significant inverse correlation between regular physical activity and symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Students engaging in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week showed a 32% reduction in depressive symptoms, a 17% decline in stress level and a 28% decrease in anxiety levels as compared to sedentary peers.
The research can be used as a context for future studies exploring the relationship between physical activities and mental health. While the research observed a positive relationship, future research is essential to identify negative psychological effects of physical activity on university students.
Written by James L
Abstract 4 – Human Resource Management
Title: Impact of cross-cultural mergers and acquisitions on employee performance
As globalisation continues to drive international business expansion, it is important to understand the effects of cultural integration on workforce productivity and satisfaction for organisational success. This thesis examines the complex dynamics of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and their impact on employee performance.
The study examines key factors involved in cross-cultural M&As that include cultural distance, leadership styles, integration strategies, communication effectiveness and human resource management practices. Additionally, it analyses the performance of employees based on different indicators such as productivity, satisfaction and retention rates. For this purpose, the study combines quantitative analysis of performance metrics with qualitative data collected from interviews. The research focusses on case studies of cross-cultural M&As across in Europe and Asia that occurred during the last five years. As a part of the research, 450 employees from different organisational levels were selected for the survey.
The study evaluated the experience of employees working in cross-cultural environments. It revealed that companies with higher cultural distance face more decline in employee productivity as compared to the companies with low cultural distance mergers. However, companies following comprehensive cultural integration models witnessed a significant improvement in employee satisfaction and retention rates. Additionally, the study provided an overview of different challenges faced by companies for integrating a cross-cultural model into their existing workplace practices.
The study identifies critical success factors essential for effective cross-cultural integration in M&As. With its empirical data, the research suggests a framework for enhanced employee productivity and better management of cross-cultural practices in M&As. While the study focusses on data collected from the M&As that occurred in the European and Asian markets, future studies are recommended to expand the findings by focusing on emerging and developed countries from other parts of the world.
Written by Linda M
Abstract 5 – Sustainable Energy
Title: Exploring the role of hybrid renewable energy systems in urbanisation – A focus on the MENA region
The depletion and scarcity of non-renewable energy sources has raised the need for cities to look at sustainable ways for energy conservation. With buildings consuming a significant amount of global energy, using hybrid renewable energy systems can be a positive step towards sustainable urbanisation. While several studies in the past claimed a positive relationship between adopting hybrid renewable energy systems and climate change, there is scant research on its adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Due to hot and humid weather conditions, these countries are the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This research aims to explore how transitioning to hybrid renewable energy systems can be helpful in the urbanisation of the countries in the MENA region.
The study examines the cities that have adopted hybrid energy systems in the last decade. It explores the challenges faced by the cities during this transition and the impact of making this change on their urbanisation. With the help of an augmented mean group algorithm, the study identifies the factors driving urbanisation, economic growth and financial development in the MENA region. Evidence suggested that multi-energy buildings prefer to use a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy systems. This use of hybrid renewable energy systems allowed for minimisation of their thermal and electrical loads. The study also identified solar and wind energy as the highly preferred choices for energy conservation in urban buildings.
Based on these findings, the research suggests potential frameworks for hybrid renewable energy systems that can be adapted by cities in the MENA region. It provides a holistic approach for the management of complex building architectures. However, to make a noteworthy change, it is important to conduct comprehensive research that also takes into consideration the opinions of city planners, policy makers and energy experts.
Written by Caroline W
Abstract 6 – Business Administration
Title: Evaluating the long-term effect of mentoring on the efficiency of new entrepreneurs
A growing number of new entrepreneurs fail during their initial years due to lack of knowledge and experience. Both developing and developed markets have highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and innovation. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to long-term entrepreneurial success. While existing literature focusses on the role of education in entrepreneurship, there is little data about how mentoring before and after the start of an entrepreneurial journey can be fruitful for new business owners. This thesis evaluates the long-term impact of mentoring on the operational efficiency and success rates of new entrepreneurs.
The research adopted a longitudinal field experiment with a pre-test and post-test design. A sample of 247 young entrepreneurs was selected across different industries, and their entrepreneurial journey was observed over a period of five years. The participants were assigned structured mentorship programmes. The study observed positive effects of mentorship on business performance. Entrepreneurs who received mentorship reported a greater increase in their revenue, innovation and customer satisfaction as compared to their counterparts in the control group. Additionally, entrepreneurs who received support from mentors demonstrated improved resilience, better networking skills and flexibility.
During the research, it was observed that the success of a start-up can be measured in three different stages. The foundation stage is the first stage, followed by the growth stage and the maturity stage. While the study obtained positive results during the first two phases, it could not measure the success rate of mentorship on entrepreneurs in the maturity phase. Using current research as context, the study highlights the need for advanced longitudinal studies that can observe the long-term impact of mentoring on the efficiency of new entrepreneurs.
Written by William P
Abstract 7 – Science and Technology
Title: Evaluating the advantages and challenges of cloud computing in healthcare data management
Cloud computing has emerged as a game changer in implementing technology in healthcare. It offers unique opportunities for innovation, collaboration and efficiency in healthcare data management systems. This study aims to evaluate the advantages and challenges of cloud computing in healthcare data management. The research seeks to provide a context for healthcare institutions to improve patient care, operational efficiency and data security by opting for cloud-based solutions.
To meet the objectives of this research, a systematic literature review was conducted. Based on the previous studies, the research identified three major intersections of cloud computing and healthcare data management systems. These include cloud-based electronic health records, cloud-based health information exchanges and big data analytics in healthcare. Furthermore, data was collected from 74 healthcare institutions across the United Kingdom over a period of three years. Semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and cloud technology experts were conducted to understand their perspectives and experiences.
The findings of this research highlight multiple advantages of cloud computing in healthcare data management. These include better scalability, improved data accessibility and reduced costs. The study observed that cloud-based solutions have the potential to accommodate the growing volume and complexity of healthcare data. However, transitioning to complete cloud-based systems poses different challenges, such as data privacy concerns and security risks. Additionally, the study highlighted the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals in integrating cloud systems with existing healthcare IT infrastructure and resistance from staff as potential obstacles in transitioning to cloud-based systems.
Due to the limited availability of relevant literature and publicly accessible data, the study draws conclusions based on the data collected from industry experts. However, further empirical research is necessary to validate the results in new contexts. As the cloud computing landscape is evolving at a fast pace, in the future it may introduce new challenges and opportunities that were not covered in this research.
Written by Jason T
Abstract 8 – Agriculture and Food security
Title: The impact of climate change on food security in the Middle East
Climate change is a global concern that is gradually affecting the food security of several countries. Especially in the Middle East, countries have been facing extreme temperatures, water scarcity, political instability, high population density and socio-economic challenges. This has further led to an increase in the shortage of food supplies. Studies in the past have identified the Middle East as a prominent hotspot for climate change. However, there is limited evidence about the impact of climate change on the food security of these countries. This thesis examines the complex relationship between climate change and food security in the Middle East.
The research conducts a comprehensive review of existing information on water scarcity, greenhouse gas emissions and global warming in the Middle East. Using these factors as indicators of climate change, the study examines the effect of climate change on their food systems. During the research, it was observed that ecological limitations, rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events are significantly affecting crop yields and livestock production in the Middle East. As several Middle Eastern countries heavily rely on food imports, countries facing social and political instability are more vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions induced by climate change. The research also explored the steps taken by developed countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to ensure food security in the region.
The research contributes to the existing literature on climate change and food security by conducting a detailed study of the factors affecting food security in the Middle East. The research highlights key factors affecting food production and import and evaluates the efficiency of strategies used by Middle Eastern countries to protect food security. However, there exists uncertainty regarding the effective implementation and long-term benefits of these strategies. A region-specific analysis can be helpful in proposing a framework to enhance food security in countries dealing with climate change.
Written by Caroline W
Abstract 9 – Education
Title: Globalisation and its impact on STEM education in emerging countries
Globalisation has played a crucial role in the blurring of geographical boundaries and bringing diversity in educational resources and practices. It is considered one of the significant drivers leading to a transition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. In emerging countries, globalisation has presented both opportunities and challenges for educators as well as students. Existing research claims the benefit of STEM education in improving competitiveness and innovation among students. However, there is limited research on the globalised aspects of STEM and its impact on social and educational outcomes for students. This study aims to investigate the complex nature of globalisation and its impact on STEM education in developing countries from Asia and Africa.
As a part of this research, longitudinal data was collected from science and engineering universities in emerging Asian and African countries. The research observed the role of globalisation in changing the landscape of STEM education in emerging countries. Universities offering globalised curriculum reported an increase in social awareness, cultural tolerance, career growth and innovation among students. Moreover, students experienced enhanced critical thinking and better job opportunities. However, the research also noticed a gap in skill levels between different institutions and countries. For example, Asian countries witnessed a higher student interest rate in STEM fields as compared to African countries.
The current research uncovered significant challenges faced by emerging countries in adapting to globalised STEM learning. These include resistance to change, lack of interest and inadequate resources.
Written by Sandra K
Abstract 10 – Finance and Computing
Title: Unified Payment Interface – A digital revolution and its impact on economic development in India
This thesis presents a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system and its impact on the economic development in India. Launched in 2016, UPI has rapidly transformed India’s digital payment ecosystem. Its success story is defined by its innovative approach, rapid acceptance and inclusivity. Several developed and developing countries are now planning to implement a similar real-time payment system. This raises the need for identifying factors that led to the success of UPI in India and its contribution to the economic development of the country.
The research employed inferential statistics and regression analysis to examine the relationship between UPI adoption and key economic variables. It analysed data collected from financial reports and online government databases. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between UPI transaction volume and economic development in India. It was observed that cities with higher UPI penetration experienced an increase in bank account openings as compared to cities with a lower penetration of UPI. Similarly, small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs adopting UPI saw an increase in revenue and improvement in profit margins. However, the study highlighted that the convenience and ease of digital transactions through UPI have led to overspending among youth in the country.
The study concludes that apart from driving economic development and providing benefits for small and medium enterprises, UPI is contributing to the financial literacy and financial inclusion. One of the limitations of the research is the lack of the comparison of UPI effects in different industries and sectors. A comprehensive study based on data collected from industries of different sizes is needed to get a better overview of the impact of the UPI adoption in the country.
Written by Keith J
