Overview
The Project Management (PM) profession is evolving rapidly, becoming more diverse and complex. As career paths within the field expand, project managers face challenges in understanding their professional identity and making informed career development decisions. This PhD research aims to address this need by designing and validating a self-assessment tool that identifies a project manager’s professional archetype, supporting both self-awareness and career planning.
The research will integrate established Human Resource theories with psychological frameworks such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Belbin Team Roles, and related competency models. By leveraging these models, the proposed tool will classify project management styles, offering personalized insights into individual strengths, work preferences, and development needs. This personalized approach can enhance career progression and improve performance in project-based roles.
The project will involve conducting a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant theories and models, followed by empirical research to design and test the tool’s effectiveness. This will include qualitative and quantitative data collection from industry professionals, project management practitioners, and experts. The research will explore partnerships with professional accrediting bodies, such as the Association for Project Management (APM), to pilot and validate the tool in real-world settings.
This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the professional growth of project managers by creating a practical, research-informed tool that can impact both individuals and organizations. The findings could inform best practices in project management training, certification, and career development frameworks.
We encourage applications from motivated researchers eager to shape the future of project management career development through innovative, evidence-based research.
Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society. As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.
Applications for October 2025 intake closes on 1st July 2025 and applications for Jan 2026 intake closes on 1st October 2025.
Staff profiles
Entry qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree or background in Project Management, Human Resources, Business, Management, Psychology, or related disciplines. Applicants should have strong research skills, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, and be interested in applying interdisciplinary approaches to career development in the PM profession. Experience in psychometric testing, career counselling, or professional development will be advantageous.
UK: Successful applicants for the PhD in Nottingham Business School normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may apply if they hold a Master’s degree at Merit level or higher.
International: Successful applicants for the PhD in Nottingham Business School normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may apply if they hold a Master’s degree at Merit level or higher.
International students will also need to meet the English language requirements - IELTS 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores of 6.0). Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university are normally exempt from the English language requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement will normally be asked to complete an English Language course.
How to apply
Applications for October 2025 intake closes on 1st July 2025 and applications for Jan 2026 intake closes on 1st October 2025.
Please visit our how to apply page for a step-by-step guide and make an application.
Fees and funding
This is a self-funded PhD project for UK and International applicants.
Guidance and support
For more information about the NBS PhD Programme, including entry requirements and application process, please visit: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/nottingham-business-school/res/this-year/research-degrees-in-business
Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society. As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.