Objective:

To develop a stronger understanding of behaviours, intentions and perceptions of businesses in the Australia – USA trade relationship.

Issues to be explored:

•  Perceptions of ‘Sydney’ and ‘Australia’ as brands and their value proposition to US businesses that are either currently or intending to export to and/or invest in Sydney/Australia. Perceptions would include regulation, barriers, culture, challenges, opportunities and risks.
•  Perceptions of the USA and its value proposition to Australian businesses that are either currently or intending to export to and/or invest in the US. Perceptions would again include regulation, barriers, culture, challenges, opportunities and risks.
• Role of these perceptions in past and future decisions to export to or invest in Australia and the USA by businesses in these countries.
•  Relative importance of these perceptions vs. factors relating to firm/managerial characteristics, objectives, strategy as well as the business environment, when making export and investment decisions.
• Links between the variables mentioned above and measures used on high profile city brand studies e.g. Anholt, FutureBrand, Mastercard indexes.
• Performance drivers and inhibitors of Australian and US firms exporting and/or investing in the USA and Australia.

The scholarship is offered by the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and funded by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.  It will provide support for 3 years on a full-time basis for a research project leading to a PhD; studied for at the Faculty of Economics and Business.  The objective of the research project is to develop a stronger understanding of behaviours, intentions, perceptions and experience in Australia-US business relations.  Applicants should have an Honours 1 or 2A degree in business or economics. The scholarship stipend is $25,365 (tax exempt); with an additional amount for conference travel and other research related expenses.

This project provides an ideal opportunity for a PhD student to work on a project that is not only conceptually interesting and relevant, but also important to business and government.  The project will likely include travel to the United States and interacting with leading figures in the Australia US trade relationship.  The student’s experience working with business and government will provide them with unique skills to facilitate an outstanding research career.

For further information, contact:
Professor Styles
Phone: +61 2 9036 5334
E-mail: c.styles@econ.usyd.edu.au

Applications, including curriculum vitae, a copy of an academic transcript, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, the names and contact details of at least two referees should be sent to:
Professor Chris Styles
Management Education Office,
Faculty of Economics and Business
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Closing Date: Oct 31, 2007