Bullwhip Effect in Supply Chains Ref: 5513

Supervisors

Primary supervisor  Dr Chaitra H Nagaraja 

Secondary supervisors  Prof Stephen M Disney  Prof Theo Economou

Understanding supply chains—how goods start from raw materials to being sold—is crucial in the modern, global business environment.  The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon commonly observed in supply chains which makes it difficult for companies to manage their inventory.  This project aims to measure and explore this phenomenon starting from a theoretical perspective. This project will be multi-disciplinary across statistics, operations research, and computing.  Knowledge of basic statistics is essential along with some experience in statistical computing or programming (preferably in R).  Skills, such as time series theory and modelling, computer simulation, and an understanding of supply chain and inventory models, will be gained by the PhD student during the course of their studentship. 

For more information about the research project, please contact the Lead Supervisor, Chaitra Nagaraja, at C.Nagaraja@exeter.ac.uk. 

The PhD studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit and will begin on July 1, 2025.   

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in statistics or a related area, such as, but not limited to, mathematics, computer science, or economics.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents

•             CV

•             Personal statement using the following template: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/recruitmentsites/documents/GW4plus_DLTP_Personal_Statement_2025_Final.docx

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•             Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. Have the referees email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on April 16th, 2025.  Interviews will be held virtually the week commencing April 28, 2025.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5513 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary