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AU

A Socio-Technical Framework for Scaling and De-Risking Enterprise AI

Aston University College of Business and Social Sciences
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Artificial Intelligence 🎓 Information Systems generative ai socio-technical systems mixed methods ai governance enterprise ai ai scaling risk management organizational information processing

Explore how enterprises can overcome the common pitfalls of AI pilot projects and embed AI widely across functions. Identify strategic, operational, and behavioral enablers to manage AI scaling risks and deliver measurable business value.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research tackles the high failure rate of enterprise AI initiatives by addressing the socio-technical and governance challenges that impede scaling. Its outcomes can guide organizations to safely and sustainably embed AI solutions, reducing compliance and reputational risks while maximizing business impact.

Digital Twins Digital Supply Chains Business Models Sustainability

Project Description

Project Overview

This project explores the challenges of scaling Generative AI across enterprises, focusing on the gap between successful pilots and full enterprise integration. It addresses the socio-technical factors causing scaling failures and aims to develop a framework for systematic de-risking at strategic, operational, and tactical levels, ensuring sustainable AI adoption.

What You Will Do

You will employ a mixed methods research design combining Socio-Technical Systems Theory and Organisational Information Processing Theory. The project will involve case studies with industry partners, analysis of organisational processes, and exploration of AI scaling enablers and governance mechanisms across varied enterprise contexts.

Expected Outcomes

The research will produce insight into effective risk orchestration for AI scaling, identify dynamic configurations enabling enterprise-wide AI infusion, and create roadmaps for responsible, sustainable, and scalable AI deployment in industry.

Why This Matters

With over 80% of AI initiatives failing to deliver impact due to socio-technical misalignment, this project addresses critical risks and systemic vulnerabilities in AI adoption. Its findings will help organisations realise durable value from AI, reduce compliance and reputational risks, and secure long-term enterprise viability.

Entry Requirements

A First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, and a Masters degree with Merit or Distinction, both in relevant subjects. Qualifications from overseas institutions considered if equivalent. Understanding of AI or digital adoption processes. Ability to conduct applied research, engage with industrial stakeholders, and execute mixed-methods research including literature reviews and qualitative data analysis.

How to Apply

Applications must be complete with all supporting documents including English language transcripts and certificates for all higher education degrees and a Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area and proposed approach.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

DF
Dr Fatima Gillani
Aston University, College of Business and Social Sciences
531 Citations
5 h-index
Google Scholar

Dr Fatima Gillani is a researcher focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and organizational systems, with an emphasis on how socio-technical dynamics influence AI adoption and scaling in business contexts. Her work employs mixed-methods approaches to address challenges in enterprise technology integration and governance.

Key Publications

2020 269 citations
Implementation of digital manufacturing technologies: Antecedents and consequences
2024 104 citations
Unpacking Digital Transformation: Identifying key enablers, transition stages and digital archetypes
2012 95 citations
Impact of peer pressure and store atmosphere on purchase intention: An empirical study on the youngsters in Pakistan
2024 34 citations
Examining the effects of technology–organization–environment framework on operational performance through supply chain integration of the firm
2024 27 citations
Towards integrative multi‐stakeholder responsibility for net zero in e‐waste: A systematic literature review

Research Contributions

Explored the implementation and impacts of digital manufacturing technologies in production environments.
Contributed to understanding drivers and consequences of digital adoption in manufacturing, influencing both academia and industry practices.
Identified key enablers and digital archetypes within the digital transformation process.
Provided a structured framework that assists organizations in managing and navigating digital transformation efforts.
Studied the influence of peer pressure and store environment on purchase intentions among young consumers in Pakistan.
Offered insights for marketers and retailers to optimize store atmospherics and social influences to boost consumer engagement.
Systematically reviewed multi-stakeholder approaches towards achieving net zero in electronic waste management.
Advocated integrated responsibility models fostering sustainability and environmental impact reduction in e-waste sectors.

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