Posts Tagged “PhD Scholarships in Bristol”
PhD in Improving project cost estimates using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Introduction
An exciting opportunity to apply for eight fully funded PhD positions in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment, UWE Bristol.
Ref: 2223-APR-CATE15
The expected start date of these studentships is 1 April 2023.
The closing date for applications is 8 January 2023.
Please note: out of the eight projects being advertised for the CATE Studentships 2022. The projects for funding will be selected based on the merit of applicants following the process outlined below.
Studentship details
Construction projects notoriously suffer from poor cost prediction and cost-overrun. Poor cost performance remains a challenge for the construction industry worldwide. Despite recent methodological and technological advances in the field, project-cost overrun remains a significant challenge for the industry. Government has emphasised the need for the industry to transform, from a management-focused change agenda to one that is more technocentric that views digital technologies and other Industry 4.0-enabling technologies as initiatives to enhance the industry.
This doctoral study will propose practical digital solutions that can overcome the challenges and promote the opportunities to improve cost performance of construction projects using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Use of AI has helped to achieve significant enhancement of service processes and industry productivity in recent years, alongside enhance automation, and provides competitive advantage as compared to conventional approaches. This research aims to develop a novel approach which will adopt AI in the interpretation and analysis of cost data that would generate more accurate and reliable order of cost estimates (OCE) and related cost risk assessment for construction projects. It will use AI and Machine Learning techniques to mine historic data of disparate quality and formats to enable its analysis and, to extend the techniques to produce more accurate cost predictions. This approach also has the potential to deliver improved cost management by shining light on the drivers of high costs and providing the evidence needed for improved cost prediction, analysis and reduction.
This project will lie at the interface between built environment and data science/AI, and motivated applicants from disciplines related to either field are welcomed but must be able to work well as a part of a multi-disciplinary team. The scope of the project can be tailored as required and the successful applicant will be supported by a multi-disciplinary team of supervisors.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Centre for Architecture and Built Environment Research Centre for Architecture and Built Environment Research (CABER). CABER seeks to develop innovative approaches, procedures, technologies and techniques that support the design, management, reconfiguration, maintenance and operation of buildings, their fabric and the environments they create. In the recent Research Assessment Exercise 88% of research in ABE was judged to be Internationally Excellent or World Leading.
For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Ndibarafinia Young Tobin at [email protected].
You can also contact Professor Jessica Lamond at [email protected] or Dr Stephen Hall at [email protected] about the studentship programme.
Funding
The studentship is available from 01 April 2023 for a period of three and half years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £17,668 per annum.
In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.
Eligibility
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying/ construction project management/ construction management/ or related construction degree.
Ideally the candidate will have some of the following:
- a Master’s degree or equivalent research experience
- experience in /familiarity with the UK’s construction industry
- a background in workplace design/management
- knowledge of qualitative research methods, research integrity and ethics
- Ability to learn new fields of application of data science.
Relevant experience:
- AI/Machine Learning tools and techniques
- Experience in AI and cost estimating.
A recognised English language qualification is required.
How to apply
Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2223-APR-CATE15.
Supporting documentation: You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.
References: You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.
Location : Bristol
Closing Date : 08 January 2023.
Click Here to Submit your Application on the University Website
Further Information
It is expected that interviews will take place on weeks commencing 20 February 2023. If you have not heard from us by February, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful
PhD in Exploring Decision-making Around Data Access at University of West England
Introduction
College of Business and Law at the University of the West of England in Bristol invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in Data Science on the topic of “Exploring Decision-making Around Data Access”.
Start date of this studentship: 1 April 2023
Studentship details
Greater availability of confidential government data for research has dramatically increased the opportunities for policy-relevant social science analysis. This has been driven by two factors: technological and procedural developments allowing highly secure but researcher-friendly analysis environments, and legislative changes.
However, there are still significant barriers to greater use of public data resources, and these arise partly from the institutional structure of government. These barriers can arise at different stages: at the conceptual level of granting access to data sources, when determining rules for using the data, when reviewing specific applications.
This PhD will investigate these institutional barriers. The PhD proposal may seek to explore the topic from an economic, psychological, organisational or other perspective, but should include a strategic concept of primary research using interviews with relevant parties. The PhD candidate will be able to draw on DRAGoN’s extensive network of contacts, but will also be expected to develop their own sources of information.
The researcher experience is central to an understanding of data access processes. We therefore expect that the PhD candidate will either have experience of using confidential data facilities such as the Secure Research Service, Secure Data Service, eDRIS or SAIL, or would be willing to work with UWE microdata researchers to develop that experience.
The studentship reflect ongoing commitment of the College of Business and Law at UWE to the development of its doctoral programmes.
Prospective student will be based in the Bristol Business School, which is home to several multidisciplinary research groups.
Doctoral students at the College benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from UWE Doctoral Academy, including extensive professional development programme, research skills training and careers advice. Find out more about the Doctoral Academy.
For an informal discussion about the studentship, please contact Director of Doctoral Research, Dr Pawel Capik at [email protected].
For an informal discussion about the project proposal please contact Professor Felix Ritchie at [email protected].
Funding
Studentship is available from 1 April 2023 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress, and includes tax exempt stipend at £17,668 per annum.
Full-time home/international tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.
Eligibility
Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in economics, management or cognate discipline, and preferably Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%, UK grading scale or international equivalent).
A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.
How to apply
- Prepare your research proposal (no more than 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins). This should ideally happen in consultation with the potential supervisor.
- You should contact the potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm they are willing to support your application.
- Submit your formal application online. When prompted use the reference number 2223-APR-FBL05
Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the form.
References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.
Location : Bristol, England, UK
Closing Date : 15 January 2023 18:00 pm (UK time)
Click Here to Submit your Application on the University Website
Further Information
Interviews will take place in February. If you have not heard from us by 31 January 2023, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.