Responsible AI and Digital Pedagogies for Responsible Management Learning and Education, in the UK

This study responds to current UK policy signals that place digital environments, data, equity of participation, and responsible AI at the centre of quality and student experience, and to REF’s continued emphasis on demonstrable impact - making robust pedagogy-to-impact evaluation both timely and essential.

Award

MRes | MPhil | PhD | MSc by Research

Start Date

Usually February and October - at individual School's discretion

Research Opportunities

Summary

This doctoral study aims to investigate how UK business schools integrate responsible AI and evidence-based digital pedagogies - such as AI-enabled simulations, online and hybrid problem-based learning, connectivist networks, and PRME i5 approaches - to advance Responsible Management Learning and Education (RMLE), with measurable gains in ethical reasoning, sustainability literacy, accessibility, and student engagement. As a global initiative of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), RMLE underscore the relevance of embedding ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility in management curricula. Considering the UK higher education is increasingly shaped by digital transformation, this research project will address urgent questions about pedagogy, ethics, and policy alignment.

Building on Ndubuka (2020), which found the REF can both facilitate and constrain RMLE implementation in UK business schools - yet aligns with Responsible Management Learning and Education via a shared focus and emphasis on impact.

The proposed doctoral study will employ a mixed-methods research design across four phases, including:

Phase 1: A systematic review and realist synthesis of digital RMLE And ethical AI frameworks.
Phase 2: Multi-site case studies across selected PRME signatory business schools using mixed methods (interviews, focus groups, analytics).
Phase 3: Co-design and pilot of an Ethical Digital Responsible Management Learning and Education Pedagogy Framework and toolkits.
Phase 4: Impact evaluation and knowledge exchange with stakeholders (employers, policy bodies, PRME).

Indicative reference: Ndubuka, N. N. (2020). An exploration of the influence of the Research Excellence Framework on the implementation of responsible management education in UK business schools. PhD Thesis, Robert Gordon University.

Ideal Doctoral Candidate

Strong academic background, preferably in management education, digital learning, or educational technology (Master’s level or equivalent).
Interest in Responsible Management Learning and Education and familiarity with related principles (e.g., PRME, sustainability, ethics, equity, social responsibility).
Familiarity with ethical AI principles and frameworks (fairness, accountability, transparency).
Competence in mixed-methods research design and stakeholder engagement.
Interest in policy alignment within UK higher education sector.
Adaptable and collaborative, capable of working with diverse institutions and navigating ethical considerations in AI and data governance.
Be committed to undertake the study on a full-time basis.