PhD Studentship: AI-mediated Strategizing – How Generative AI Reshapes Organizational Sensemaking and Strategic Decision-making Cranfield University in United Kingdom

[Full PhD programme fees plus an annual bursary of £20,780 (tax free) for three years for Home or Overseas students.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Cranfield University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate how generative AI is reshaping strategic decision-making, organizational sensemaking, and accountability in contemporary organizations. Sponsored by Cranfield School of Management, the position is open to both Home and Overseas students and provides full programme fees plus a generous annual bursary of £20,780 (tax free) for three years.

The research project sits at the intersection of strategic management, organization studies, and AI governance, with a particular focus on the strategy-as-practice and process-based research traditions. It aims to explore how AI-mediated strategizing transforms the framing, justification, and execution of strategic issues, addressing urgent challenges of judgement, defensibility, and responsibility as organizations increasingly rely on AI-generated logic and insights.

Key research themes include the transformation of core managerial activities such as strategic decision-making, sensemaking, and accountability, as well as the reshaping of evidence construction and authority within organizations. The project is highly relevant for modern business and management, especially in sectors that are highly regulated or operate under intense public and stakeholder scrutiny. Understanding how to maintain judgement quality, transparency, and responsible governance in the age of AI is a critical capability for organizations.

The successful candidate will develop a process model of AI-mediated strategizing, explaining shifts in sensemaking, accountability, human–AI collaboration, and the quality and defensibility of strategic decisions. The project will also generate practical insights and tools to improve AI-enabled decision-making in organizations, examining how AI outputs enter decision processes, how they are accepted or contested as evidence, and how responsibility is negotiated when AI influences strategic choices.

Applicants should hold a first- or second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a related discipline. A research background in strategy, organisation studies, AI, or a related field is particularly welcome. The position is open to Home and Overseas candidates, and a research proposal will be required after submitting the application.

For further information, contact Dr Mehdi Safavi at [email protected]. To apply, complete the online application form at the provided link. Admissions will contact you to request your research proposal once your application has been received.

This studentship is ideal for ambitious scholars interested in AI governance, human–AI decision-making, and organizational strategy, offering the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of management and artificial intelligence.