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Quantum Level Marketing Models: Rethinking Consumer Engagement and Brand Strategy in a Complex Market Landscape

As markets become increasingly dynamic and consumer behaviour more complex, traditional linear approaches to marketing and consumer engagement often fall short. The "Quantum Level Marketing Model" draws on principles from quantum mechanics to create a flexible, adaptive approach to understanding and engaging consumers. By embracing concepts like uncertainty, superposition, and interconnectedness, this model offers a new way to approach consumer behaviour, brand loyalty, and engagement strategies.

This project seeks to develop a quantum-inspired marketing model that reflects the unpredictable, multifaceted nature of modern consumer behaviour.

The research will examine how quantum-level thinking can enhance brand strategies, promote personalised consumer experiences, and build resilient customer relationships. Key areas of focus for the project include:

  1. Quantum consumer behaviour: Embracing Uncertainty and Complexity: Investigate how the principles of quantum mechanics, such as uncertainty and probability, can help marketers better understand and predict consumer behaviour. This research will explore how non-linear, multi-dimensional approaches to consumer insights can improve targeting and personalisation, particularly in markets where preferences shift rapidly.
  2. Superposition in consumer identity and brand loyalty: Assess how the concept of superposition—where consumers can hold multiple, sometimes contradictory, brand loyalties or preferences—can be applied in marketing strategies. The student will explore how brands can design adaptable messaging and products that appeal to consumers with diverse and evolving preferences.
  3. Quantum engagement: Building Interconnected Consumer Experiences: Explore how brands can use quantum-inspired principles to create interconnected, seamless experiences across digital and physical channels. This includes examining AI-driven, real-time personalisation to enhance engagement and looking at how brands can create adaptive campaigns that respond dynamically to changing consumer behaviour.
  4. Resilience in brand strategy: Preparing for Consumer and Market Volatility: Analyse how quantum-level thinking can support brands in building resilient marketing strategies that withstand market disruptions and rapidly changing consumer trends. The project will focus on flexible, adaptable brand strategies that allow businesses to pivot quickly in response to unexpected shifts in consumer sentiment.
  5. Case studies of quantum-inspired marketing practices: Examine case studies of companies that have successfully implemented flexible, adaptive marketing strategies reflecting quantum principles. This area will focus on best practices for brands navigating complex consumer landscapes, drawing insights from real-world examples in sectors like fashion, technology, and consumer goods.

Research approach

The student will use a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with marketing professionals, quantitative analysis of consumer behaviour data, and case studies of brands using adaptive, quantum-inspired marketing strategies. Experimental studies may also be conducted to measure consumer responses to dynamic, real-time personalised marketing content.

Expected background

Candidates should have a background in marketing, consumer psychology, or business studies, with a strong interest in innovation and complex systems. Knowledge of digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and data analytics will support the project’s objectives. Analytical skills for interpreting quantitative data and qualitative insights will be essential.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

  1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
  2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
  3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Ã÷ÐÇ°ËØÔ offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: /research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Ã÷ÐÇ°ËØÔ alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)


Pantea Foroudi - Pantea Foroudi (PhD, SFHEA, MSc (Hons), MA, BA (Hons)) is the Business Manager and Solution Architect at Foroudi Consultancy and the Director of the Sustainable Digital Economy Area of Excellence. She also serves as the Head of the Research Group in Marketing and Corporate Brand Management, a Member of the School Management Board (SMB), and a Reader in Marketing and Corporate Brand Management. Since 1996, Pantea has built extensive experience in design, branding, and marketing, establishing herself as a creative innovator and practical problem-solver in visual identity, graphic design, and branding across various sectors. Pantea's primary research interests focus on consumer behavior, using a multidisciplinary approach across two key areas: (i) corporate brand design and identity, and (ii) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Her research has been widely published in leading international academic journals, including the British Journal of Management, International Journal of Management Reviews, Regional Studies, Journal of Business Research, European Journal of Marketing, and the International Journal of Hospitality Management. Pantea's scholarly impact has been recognized globally. She was listed as the FIRST in "top scholarly output" in the UK and Europe and ranked FOURTH worldwide for the period 2016–2022 (December 2022). She has also been featured in Stanford University’s Top 2% of Scientists ranking, as per Elsevier’s Scopus database (2024, 2023, and 2022). In addition to her academic achievements, Pantea has extensive editorial experience as an associate and senior editor for renowned journals, including the International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Business Research, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, European Journal of International Management, and more. Her work continues to make significant contributions to the fields of marketing, corporate branding, and sustainability.

Related Research Group(s)

Marketing and Corporate Brand Management

Marketing and Corporate Brand Management - Our research-active faculty are engaged in cutting-edge applied scholarship across a broad spectrum of marketing areas.

Marketing and Corporate Brand Management - copy

Marketing and Corporate Brand Management - copy - Our research-active faculty are engaged in cutting-edge applied scholarship across a broad spectrum of marketing areas.