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Massey University Doctoral Scholarship (College of Health)
Research topic: Realist analysis of the efficacy of ACC’s Musculoskeletal Discomfort, Pain and Injury Programme
A PhD scholarship is available for research on evaluation of a national workplace health intervention programme to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, pain and injury (MDPI), with a specific focus on New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) programme “Discomfort pain and injury”. The PhD will investigate how the ACC MDPI programme, originally developed in 2006, was disseminated and implemented in organisations, the external and internal factors facilitating and hindering the implementation, changes implemented in participating organisations and finally the effect on MDPI and risk factors for developing MDPI. Key components of this research will be to: identify and develop methods, and use them, to identify the underlying ‘programme theory’, and: to assess the efficacy of the programme in terms of its dissemination, uptake and implementation as well as its effect in organisations and on MDPI. The first year of the PhD involves development of a credible research plan and human ethics application. The second year includes recruitment of participating organisations and individuals and data collection. The third year focuses on writing up the findings in the form of journals papers and as a PhD thesis. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with ACC. The supervisory team consist of an engineer specialising in evaluation of occupational health and safety programmes and an ergonomist.
Eligibility: The scholarship is intended to support an academically excellent student undertaking full-time doctoral studies at Massey University based in Palmerston North. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with appropriate Honours or a Master’s degree in organisational studies (e.g. organisational behaviour, human resource management, occupational health and safety), sociology, public or occupational health, psychology, ergonomics or suitable related fields. Some prior research experience in the above areas will be advantageous. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 7.5 or better (on a 9 point scale, or greater than 3.33 on a 4 point scale). This is above an average grade of A-. The successful applicant has to fulfil all conditions of the Massey University Doctoral Scholarship and enrol for a PhD at Massey University, including payment of tuition fees. Further details can be found at: Massey University Doctoral Scholarships.
Financial support: The scholarship includes a stipend of $NZ 25,000 per annum for a maximum period of 3 years.
Advantages of this project: You will work in a supportive multidisciplinary team of leading researchers in Ergonomics, and Occupational Health and Safety Management, in the Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health at Palmerston North campus. This is a novel project with strong scientific foundations, and the opportunity to influence future workplace interventions to improve health of the working population.
Selection criteria:
Status and application process: This project is available for an immediate start after 1st January 2015 and must be started before 1st August 2015. Applications close on 30 November 2014, and the PhD student should be enrolled at Massey University by 30 April 2015. Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, including their academic record, a statement of interest and the names and contact details (Tel and Email) of three referees to: Dr Kirsten Olsen, (Tel: +64 (0)9 356 9099 Ext: 84921), Email: K.B.Olsen@massey.ac.nz
Research topic: Realist analysis of the efficacy of ACC’s Musculoskeletal Discomfort, Pain and Injury Programme
A PhD scholarship is available for research on evaluation of a national workplace health intervention programme to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, pain and injury (MDPI), with a specific focus on New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) programme “Discomfort pain and injury”. The PhD will investigate how the ACC MDPI programme, originally developed in 2006, was disseminated and implemented in organisations, the external and internal factors facilitating and hindering the implementation, changes implemented in participating organisations and finally the effect on MDPI and risk factors for developing MDPI. Key components of this research will be to: identify and develop methods, and use them, to identify the underlying ‘programme theory’, and: to assess the efficacy of the programme in terms of its dissemination, uptake and implementation as well as its effect in organisations and on MDPI. The first year of the PhD involves development of a credible research plan and human ethics application. The second year includes recruitment of participating organisations and individuals and data collection. The third year focuses on writing up the findings in the form of journals papers and as a PhD thesis. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with ACC. The supervisory team consist of an engineer specialising in evaluation of occupational health and safety programmes and an ergonomist.
Eligibility: The scholarship is intended to support an academically excellent student undertaking full-time doctoral studies at Massey University based in Palmerston North. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with appropriate Honours or a Master’s degree in organisational studies (e.g. organisational behaviour, human resource management, occupational health and safety), sociology, public or occupational health, psychology, ergonomics or suitable related fields. Some prior research experience in the above areas will be advantageous. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 7.5 or better (on a 9 point scale, or greater than 3.33 on a 4 point scale). This is above an average grade of A-. The successful applicant has to fulfil all conditions of the Massey University Doctoral Scholarship and enrol for a PhD at Massey University, including payment of tuition fees. Further details can be found at: Massey University Doctoral Scholarships.
Financial support: The scholarship includes a stipend of $NZ 25,000 per annum for a maximum period of 3 years.
Advantages of this project: You will work in a supportive multidisciplinary team of leading researchers in Ergonomics, and Occupational Health and Safety Management, in the Centre for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, School of Public Health at Palmerston North campus. This is a novel project with strong scientific foundations, and the opportunity to influence future workplace interventions to improve health of the working population.
Selection criteria:
- Strong academic record (GPA of 7.5 or above is essential)
- Ability to conduct research within an interdisciplinary team environment
- Familiarity with mixed research methods (particularly qualitative methods)
- Strong initiative, interest, enthusiasm
- Good time management and organisational skills
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills
- Ability and willingness to work with different stakeholders in organisations which may require travel and stay overnights in different part s of New Zealand
Status and application process: This project is available for an immediate start after 1st January 2015 and must be started before 1st August 2015. Applications close on 30 November 2014, and the PhD student should be enrolled at Massey University by 30 April 2015. Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, including their academic record, a statement of interest and the names and contact details (Tel and Email) of three referees to: Dr Kirsten Olsen, (Tel: +64 (0)9 356 9099 Ext: 84921), Email: K.B.Olsen@massey.ac.nz