[chisigmail] Research opportunity at the Open University, UK

[S.Minocha]

Full-time PhD Studentship

Closing date for applications: 22nd February 2008

Centre for Research in Computing (http://crc.open.ac.uk), The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

Influence of 3-D Virtual Worlds on Expectations in 2-D E-Commerce Environments

This PhD studentship is jointly funded by the Faculty of Maths, Computing and Technology and the Business School of the Open University (OU). You will join the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) group in the Department of Computing of the OU.

The research project aims to examine the effect of 3-D multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) such as Second life (www.secondlife.com) on consumers' expectations, behaviours, and satisfaction with 2-D e-commerce environments. Specifically the research will investigate questions such as: Whether and how the expectations and behaviours of consumers with experience of 3-D MUVEs differ from those of consumers without such experience? How avatar-based consumption behaviours in 3-D MUVEs can influence the choices and behaviours of consumers in 2-D e-commerce environments? How 3-D MUVEs can be integrated within the service design of 2-D e-commerce environments for a positive seamless consumer experience with 2-D e-commerce?

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research we would like to hear from candidates who have a Masters Degree in HCI, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline, and have an outstanding research potential and a keen interest in Usability, Consumer Behaviour and 3-D virtual worlds. Informal enquiries about the proposed research can be made by e-mail to Dr. Shailey Minocha (S.Minocha at open.ac.uk).

The studentship provides a standard living allowance (of £12,600 per annum and tax-free) for up to three years subject to satisfactory progress. For detailed information and how to apply go to http://www.computing.open.ac.uk/research-degrees/studentships; contact the postgraduate admissions tutor, Dr. Leonor Barroca (l.barroca at open.ac.uk); or email the Research School (http://www.open.ac.uk/research-school/). 

Closing date for applications: 22nd February 2008.