Project Title: Hybridity and construct of meanings

Supervisor: Dr Alec Fraser, Dr Clare FitzGerald

Year of Entry: 2023, Full-time

Emilia Tshimanga is a PhD student in the Public Services Management & Organisation department at King's Business School, where she also serves as the student representative. Her research focuses on the intersection of public management and policy innovation, with a particular emphasis on the role of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) in advancing public-private partnerships for social service delivery. Emilia’s work explores the power dynamics within these innovative financing mechanisms, examining how they influence the evaluation of social outcomes. Her research aims to equip governments and policymakers with practical tools to address complex social challenges more effectively.

Areas of Expertise:

• Public Management and Policy Innovation
• Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) and Impact Investing
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Evaluation of Social Programs and Outcomes
• Political Science and Governance

She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Liège and began her PhD in October 2023. During her studies, Emilia has been recognised for her research contributions, including receiving the Ann Lawrence Durviaux Prize for the best master's thesis.

As a student representative for the PSMO department, Emilia actively participates in dialogues to enhance the student experience and represents the interests of PhD candidates within the department.

Before starting her PhD at King's Business School, Emilia completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Liège, where she developed a strong foundation in political theory, governance, and public management. She also worked for a year as a research assistant at the SPIRAL research centre at the University of Liège, contributing to the evaluation of public programs, including a Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) project. This experience has deepened her understanding of innovative financing mechanisms and their potential to transform public service delivery.