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The research should cover the analysis of two value chains ideally located in different countries, identifying opportunities and gaps in the value chains under study.
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The value chain analysis includes the mapping of stakeholders: public sector, civil society and (most importantly) private sector actors.
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For the research proposal and Mphil-thesis, a systematic, extensive review of relevant scientific literature is required. The main objectives of the literature review are developing a coherent research model, identifying any gaps in the literature and understand how the research will contribute to knowledge. The final research proposal needs to be relevant and innovative, and contribute to market development, job creation, sustainability and gender equality.
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Ideally the research proposal includes a competitiveness analysis of the region (province; district) in which the value chain analysis is done.
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The defense of the proposals will take place toward the end of 2008. The supervisors have to approve the proposals before they can be accepted for defense.
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Round Table Africa will organize round tables per industrial sector (among others agriculture, mining, tourism, supermarkets, bio-fuel, manufacturing and services). All relevant stakeholders will be invited to join these meetings in which the DBA candidates are the experts in their specific field. The first Round Tables are scheduled for end 2008, early 2009 in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya or Zambia. By 21 May 2008, DBA students will present their preliminary results in
Pre-Round Tables organized in Maastricht
. Presentations should focus on studied value chains, opportunities, gaps, issues and particularities of the analyzed value chain/ sub-sector under study, relevant to stakeholders. They allow DBA students to interact as experts with public, private or civil society actors. Matchmaking between these actors, ultimately resulting in sustainable business and more jobs in Africa, is an important objective of the Round Tables.
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Based on the research proposals and the identified gaps and opportunities in the analyzed value chains, Round Table Africa together with the students will develop and define sustainable projects, which are of interest for stakeholders. These projects will be developed one to two months before the actual Round Tables in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders. Seed capital is available to support the best potential sustainable projects.
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