Phd Workshop Prof Ghassan

RESEARCH WORKSHOPSTips and tricks for a successful PhDMonday 17th November 2008Seminar Room, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Research Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

“How to succeed in doing a PhD: personal experiences”

A PhD is a journey of discovery & fun

Professor Ghassan AouadPro Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and

Internationalisation Brian Meichen, Director of Business Development

University of [email protected]


Confidence!!!• Completed PhD in 1991• External Examiner to 37 PhDs and 4

MPhils• Internal Examiner to 9 PhDs• Successfully supervised17 PhDs, 2

MPhils & 1 Mres over the last 14 years


Why are you doing a PhD?• Is it for the title?• Do you like research/

academia?• Better future prospect• To support your

teaching• To get some

promotion• Out of curiosity

• What is your strategy? (Need to have an overall picture)


Reflections• Robust Methodology• Clear aim, objectives, hypothesis, research Questions • Good data collection and analysis methods• Comprehensive literature review, Critical Analysis• Well presented, Interesting findings• Strong Validation, Good reflections• Good use of appendices• Confidence, Other researchers will use as a reference• Work already published• Original findings• Appropriate structure of chapters (flow)• Writing style (exciting)• Evidence based, Well scoped (focus)• Intellectuality and creativity are evident• Strong theoretical underpinnings• Researching a phenomena• Refereed journal papers as references• Contribution to knowledge clearly described

(Amanda and Ghassan)

Good PhDs


• Weak methodology• Ambiguity in defining the aim, objectives, • Weak data collection and analysis methods

Superficial literature review• Superficial analysis• Badly presented (spelling)• Findings are not clearly reported• No validation• No reflections• Bad use of appendices• Bad Performance at viva• Arrogance and ignorance• Other researchers will not use as a reference• No publications before viva• Expected findings• No structure (flow)• No excitement in the writing style• Opinion based (unsupported statements)• No scope, all over the place• No intellectuality or creativity• Weak theoretical underpinnings• Reporting on a piece of software• Conference papers and reports• Contribution to knowledge is not sufficiently

addressed

Weak PhDs

Reflections(Amanda and Ghassan)


Research Process and Milestones

Identification of the PROBLEM

Definition of the AIM

EstablishObjectives

and Hypothesis

LITERATURE REVIEW

(Information from Existing knowledge)“THE GAP” and “THE RATIONALE OF RESEARCH”

What is your contribution to knowledge?

Develop Research Plan

Write up Conclusion

Identification of the research population

Identification of data to be collected

Contribution to existing knowledge

Contribution to existing knowledge

Identification of means of data collection

Identification of means of data analyses

Development of model/

frame work / and Evaluation

Start

Quantitativequalitative

Questionnaires, interviews, surveyContent analyses

NViVo or SPSS


The first 6months

The 2nd 6months

The 2nd year

The final year

Some Confusion

Some Stability

Good Productivity

Some ImpatienceSome Anxiety

Some Satisfaction

Looking Back

My Own Experience


Useful References


Useful References


AdvancedResearch Methods

in theBuilt Environment

EDITED BYANDREW KNIGHT & LES RUDDOCK

The ultimate book we have all been waiting for


Research Approach• An email with two questions was sent to

around 50 staff/RFs (mainly PhD holders)• Response rate of 56%• Content Analysis (see slides from 40-59)

– Three things we should do as part of the PhD process

– Three things we shouldn’t do as part of the PhD process


Mentoring

Relationship with

supervisor

Keep Reading

Networking

EncouragementOwnership

Dealing with problems

Think out of the box

Good Methodology

DefendingYour PhD

Directions

Rigour

Get organisedGet

published

Never give up

Focus


We all bring (often implicit?!) assumptions and path dependencies to our research!

• What knowledge is – ontology• How we know it – epistemology• What values go into it – axiology• How we write about it – rhetoric• The process of studying it – methodology

(Sexton 2002)

Good Methodology


Dimensions of research philosophy: Bringing it all together! (Sexton, 2002)

OntologyEp

iste

mol

ogy

Axiology(Aesthetics,ethics,justice)

RealismA commonly

experienced externalreality with predetermined

nature and structure

IdealismAn unknowable

reality perceived indifferent ways by

individualsPositivismA search for general

laws and cause-effectrelationships byrational means

InterpretivismA search for explanations

of human action byunderstanding the wayin which the world is

understood by individuals

Value neutralResearch is value freeand objective

Value-biasedResearch is value-laden and subjective


Locating some common methodsRealism

A commonlyexperienced external

reality with predeterminednature and structure

IdealismAn unknowable

reality perceived indifferent ways by

individualsPositivismA search for general

laws and cause-effectrelationships byrational means

InterpretivismA search for explanations

of human action byunderstanding the wayin which the world is

understood by individuals

OntologyEp

iste

mol

ogy Objectivist

approaches

Subjectivistapproaches

Action researchCase study

Experiment

Ethnography


A successful PhD - some hints• Never submit a PhD without the approval of your supervisor• Never exceed the number of words specified by the University (Ideal PhD:

200 pages). Read your University regulations.• The introductory and conclusions chapters are the most important- take

great care to manage expectations and understand the limitations• The Research Methodology chapter should be clearly written and justified:

– Qualitative or quantitative– Single case study or multiple case studies– Data collection– Statistical analysis– Research Process Map

• Research findings should be rigorous and statistically proven if possible• The literature review should be comprehensive (Critique and not reporting)• Proof reading is important:

– Minor typographical errors - Acknowledgements– Clear abstract - Referencing– Numbering Research Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

More hints –the Viva• Remember that the PhD viva is a formal examination, but in most cases it

is operated like a discussion• Make sure that you arrange a mock viva before the real thing• Read about your examiners’ work• Be confident, not arrogant and show passion towards your research• Listen to the question you have been asked• Agree with the examiners if you can’t support your argument -don’t waffle• Bring a list of corrections to the viva• Mark up your copy of the thesis in order to find your way easily during the

viva• Don’t read the PhD the night before the viva, try to relax• Typical questions:

– Tell me about the story of your PhD, what is your main contribution?– Why did you choose the topic or this research method?– Give me the names of two experts in this area (well known researchers)– How did you validate your work?– Would you do this research the same way again?– Do you have any questions which you would have expected me to ask?


Getting publishedWhy refereed Journals?• Not commercial: no fees• Status• More weight• More rigour• Researchers refer to• RAE

• Academic Career• Establish a name

• Reputation• Support your PhD

viva• Knowledge dissemination

• Lead to collaboration


How to choose a Journal?• Start with a conference paper• Study carefully a sample of journal papers, this will give you some insights into the

expectations and standards for a paper• Decide on a journal

– Quality: Journal ranking– Speed of publication– Relevance of subject– Ask staff colleagues for help– Visit the web and library, plenty of information– Join mailing lists– Ask the editor of the journal

• Draft an outline of your paper and discuss with supervisor• Produce the first draft• Pass paper to your supervisor for comments• Improve paper• Submit paper


Drafting your paper• Abstract: Concise, to the point, research methodology, main contribution• Introduction: subject matter, introducing the paper• Literature review: comprehensive, refereed papers• Research methodology: very clear, rigorous• Main findings: statistics, etc• Testing and validation: • Conclusions and further work• References: Harvard, etc• Follow guidelines strictly• Respond to corrections (include a covering letter that identify the

corrections)• Never give up• If rejected, improve and send it somewhere else• Good Luck


Some key questions• Readability - Does it communicate the right message? Is it

clear? Is there a logical progression without unnecessary duplication?

• Originality - Why was it written? What’s new?• Credibility - Are the conclusions valid? Is the methodology

robust? Can it be replicated? Is it honest – don’t hide any limitations of the research? You’ll be found out.

• Applicability - How do findings apply to the world of practice? Does it pinpoint the way forward for future research?

• Internationality - Does it take an international, global perspective?


Dr Bingunath Ingirige’s PhD Experience

“A PhD is 80% thinking and 20% doing” (May 2000)

YOU ARE SHOWING AN IMPROVEMENT FROM LAST TIME. BUT THERE IS A LOT

MORE TO DO!!!!


What challenges?• being self motivated, positive attitude• setting your own deadlines• being ruthless with yourself• continuous discussions with peers and

maintain their interest in your work • get the supervisor interested in your

work• Access to companies


Sometimes I felt ….

and my level of interest, enthusiasm, and motivation

Doing really well

I am going nowhere


PhD requires a significant shift in your thinking!!!

•Get the PhD thinking going!!!Linking and Narrowing Down – The funnel

• Why ?• Why not ?• How ?• What ?• So What ?

focus


Research Problem & researchquestions

Level of resolution

Research hypothesis / hypotheses

Overall Methodology

Individual / company access

to collect data

Substantial completion of field research

Analysis

Substantial Write up

Contribution to knowledge

Achievement of major milestones / major areas


Can’t do it any more. Please give me the doctorate!!!

Overheard…….“Sometimes I feel, why I

started it in the first place”


But, look at the bright side….Generally speaking success rate is very high


Concluding remarks• A good problem identification underpinned by

a sound methodology will take you through• Read books such as “how to get a PhD”, quite

earlier on in your process – gain insights • No ‘silver bullet’ – but commitment and

endurance• Several alternative paths available


Snow White and the Seven Ph.D. Students

Two years later you’re sick (Sneezy), tired (Sleepy), and irritable (Grumpy).

At first you’re Bashful and Dopey.

Finally, everyone calls you Doc, and then you’re Happy.

Dr Richard Haigh’ s PhD experience


Mot

ivat

ion

Time

“I’m going to make a real contribution to science”

“Why did I ever start this?”

“Just give me the Doctorate”


Your supervisor• Your supervisor may be your “best” friend - your

success is their success !• Unlike marriage, they expect (and want) you to leave,

to see you stand on your own feet - more like children? • The dream supervisor…

– A good knowledge of the topic in year one– Interested in your subject– Excellent knowledge of research methodology – Provides feedback timely, fast and consistently– Promotes their academic and publishing contacts– Agrees to meet frequently– Second supervisor offers an alternative perspective but is not

fundamentally opposed to the firstResearch Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

Be part of a community if you canResearch Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

Research Ethics• Your PhD is publicly available• The sensitivity of the research topic• Please consult with research ethics

committee



“DO”• Define a POA (plan of action) from day one!• Find a topic that you are really interested in • Work with your fellow PhD students • Work closely with your supervisor to get full support• Undertake a thorough and critical review of the literature • Present papers at conferences and publish in high quality

refereed journals so as to improve your writing skills and obtain early critical comments from external reviewers and peers

• Take over – PhD ownership is important • Try to become an expert in both, the research topic and the

research methodology. it will remain with you forever, wherever you go and whatever you do in your life

• Write and keep on writing, it cements your thoughts • Reward yourself when significant milestones are achieved• Be confident (not arrogant) in yourself and you can

convince the worst critique!Research Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

• Prolong your PhD • Take long breaks ( it is difficult to start again)• Depend 100% on your supervisor• Be forced down a specific theme / methodology route just to fit in

with the supervisor's interests• Think the supervisor knows everything.• Have poor time management• Lose focus or direction • Let any third parties or your supervisor control it• Plagiarise• Underestimate the writing up period• Ignore the importance of meeting your supervisor in the first 2

years• Take criticism negatively, but as a challenge!

“DO NOT”


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Thank you for listening• Q/A• Presentation will be made available if needed

(e-mail [email protected])• Good luck with your PhDs• Always remember that a PhD is an opportunity

for you to be trained as a researcher• Always remember, that you are not alone,

thousands of PhDs are in the same position


Raw data• 28 respondents• Proper Content Analysis is needed• Use findings as a guide and not as a bible• Every PhD is different


Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process1. work on areas that you are not very interested. 2. Drag the PhD for too long. 3. let research project control your PhD direction • Don't keep yourself loose on your PhD and don’t’ engage your mind with issues other than PhD during the PhD study

in particular in the early years of PhD. For example, if a student don’t’ give effort sufficiently with full concentration on the PhD in the early years, it is very likely that the PhD will require extension to complete. As a result, student may face to finish it in 4,5 or 6 years time, which could be demoralising for the student.

• Don't do PhD on a subject you are not sure and you don't like. Some may want to do PhD in order just to have a PhD

degree just like degree students most of whom are actually aiming at having a degree for securing their life. therefore they should bear or cope with some subjects although they are not interested in. as a result, they just put afford to pass the modules and that is it.

• However, PhD is much more delicate and fragile study. it is like a sensitive girl who needs continuous care and

attention and delicacy and love and enthusiasm. while doing PhD, the student should live with this girl (PhD) at least 3 years. if you don't like this girl, it could be a nightmare and potentially break-up with her (PhD) and giving up completing the PhD study.

• As a result, don't do PhD study on a subject you are not interested in. • Although PhD study includes individually independent learning and you are on your own most of the time apart from

the support and communication with your supervisor, Do not isolate yourself from your subject related community don't sacrifice your social life completely. Your supervisor can be the gateway to reach other academic and researchers in your subject area and don't hesitate to talk to your supervisor on anything relevant to your PhD subject. Don't lose your regular and continuous contact with your supervisor because it is likely that your supervisor could be the person you meet most often unless you are married. If you are married, your supervisor is the second person you see after your wife.


Three things we should do as part of the PhD process1. Find a topic that you are really interested 2. Work with your fellow PhD students 3. Work closely with your supervisor • Please select a subject you are really interested in and you have passion on the

subject to learn as a result while progressing on your PhD, it will also satisfy you personally and makes you happy and more interested in

• Clearly identify the challenge you want to tackle in your PhD (your research

question), identify your research methodology and make sure to justify why your methodology is the best approach to tackle the challenge. To my mind, this is the most important gain of a PhD study. this is because a PhD student is gaining a critical skill which is independent learning. this will also help gaining self confidence and reflect this skill on other challenges and problems in life.

• Be demanding and open to your supervisor for knowledge and facilities and don't

hesitate to discuss your thoughts with your supervisor. Try to establish a network of people in your subject area with your supervisor support through attending workshops, publishing in conferences and journal magazines. Behave always constructive and collaborative manner. Be always focus on your subject. There might be ups and downs during the study so make sure to be consistent and give your study priority because it is very delicate. Once you lose your concentration, it may be difficult to gain the same focus and it cause losing time.


Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process1. You should not look for job before finishing your PhD. It is definitely not good for your PhD, but maybe good for your finance and family;2. You should never send out anything you write, before you review it at least once; This is especially for foreign students. 3 . You should not lose your confidence about yourself, no matter what difficulty is on the way of your pursuing your PhD.

Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Writing more papers. It has better to write one / two papers during your PhD. This really helps

your PhD writing up. 2 Doing your best to finish your PhD on time; 3 Getting well along with his supervisor, make sure that you get fully support from your support;

PhD candidates should: - know that the right information will

never come to them unless they go and search for it.

- know that nobody will come for help unless they ask for it

- find and create time for social activities and networking which will (in)directly contribute to their success

PhD candidates should NOT: - think that their PhD will make this

world a better place. Just focus on one subject. There are more subjects surrounding the issue and they need to find those who are working on those other issues with whom they can collaborate;

- think that finishing the PhD is the end of it. It is just a start!

To be continuedResearch Workshops 17th November 2008 UTM

Do:-acquire a solid and in-depth historical understanding of the evolution of your subject area - remember that methodology is not a toolbox but requires creative development efforts similarly to other aspects of research

- take a critical attitude to established wisdom.

Do not: - try to initiate a paradigm shift in your thesis - it is just an entry ticket to your scientific career - take a break from your PhD studies - it is difficult to start again - stop your studies if you feel that your supervisor is an idiot, despot, etc. - many, if not most PhD students have such feelings at least occasionally but successfully graduate and then stay friendly with the supervisor

Three things that a PhD student should do:1. Undertake a thorough and critical review of the literature on the state-of-the-art in your

chosen problem area, develop a strong case for the research, and a robust research proposal within the first six months of starting your PhD

2. Read widely and outside your subject area for inspiration3. You should aim to present papers at conferences and publish in high quality refereed

journals so as to improve your writing skills and obtain early critical comments from external reviewers and peers.

Three things that a PhD student shouldn't do:1. Should not select a topic that they do not enjoy.2. Appear blank at supervisory meetings and expect their supervisor to provide all the answers

or do their PhD. for them.3. Should not fall out with their supervisor but should seek to maintain a good working

relationship throughout.


Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process: 1 Give the impression that supervision is a chore that staff have to do as part of their job;2 Fail to respond quickly to students queries;3 Take on too many candidates at the same time. Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Become a critical friend and colleague rather than supervisor2 Set aside plenty of time for 'general' discussions not just PhD specific3 Be prepared to innovate within the PhD process - get the student involved in wider studies and other publications.

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Take over (drive it ourselves) – student ownership is important2 Leave things to chance (always project manage events – to alleviate risk)3 Engage nepotism [you may want to leave this one out] Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Be supportive, and empathise with the student throughout (share experiences – good/bad)2 Constantly reflect3 Encourage peer review (conferences, colleagues, journals, seminars etc)


Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1. Delay our response, and give them a shallow feedback, or none respond at all.2. Block their ideas, by dictating to them what they should be doing. 3. Pretend that we know all the answers. Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1. Understand their culture and background. Not all educational cultures differentiate between aims, objectives and methodology. These are vital to give them a head start.2. Mentor them to develop a writing style, by encouraging them to publish, this helps them shape their writing style.3. Allow them to make mistakes, if they insist that this is the right approach, then challenge them to prompt them in the right directions. Any other hints are welcome - Must not compare them with their peers, but create a positive sense of competition.- Get them to present in front of others, encourage them to attend seminars and build their confidence.- Don't meet them casually between meetings (unless there is a burning issue). Allocate a special time for research and researchers. Students are sensitive to supervisor's attitude, and they can take it personally


Two things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 don't take on too much part-time non-related work 2 don't choose a topic for any other reason except that you are interested in it Two things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 read widely and deeply - you will be under pressure not to - no matter what your future job2 understand/develop the theory/theories of your subject area...- it is at the theory/concept level that your work will be most transferable

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1. Do not think that 3-year time period is a long period; it will pass very quickly. 2. Do not think, getting PhD is a difficult process but at the same time work hard to get it out of your way as soon as you can, sooner the better! 3. you should not become dependent on your supervisors; the aim of any studies should be to make yourself independent researcher. supervisors are there to guide you not to dictate you.


Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1. Try to publish, start from conference papers but make journal papers your target. imagine the impression you will create in the minds of your external examiners if you have referred to your own journal papers in your PhD thesis! 2. Share your knowledge with other students in the similar research area and try to know what they are doing. Specially find out what your supervisors' activities are in that area i.e. teaching, research and enterprise. 3. Try to become an expert in both, the research topic and the research methodology. it will remain with you forever, wherever you go and whatever you do in your life. Three

Things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Focus students’ thinking on the research area 100% to give the ability to think out of the box2 Provide them with a direct solution to a problem without giving the opportunity to investigate the problem3 Meeting them on a weekly basis! Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Provide continuous guidance and support2 Train students to be independent3 Help them to be thinkers


Two things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Never give up!2 Close your mind! You may not be right and/ or there are other ways! Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Talk about your research with your supervisor, fellow researchers, peers etc – you never know they maybe able to help!2 Read/ attend as many related material/ meetings as you can – you never know what you may learn! Focusing too deeply restricts your learning/ thinking.3 Write and keep on writing, it cements your thoughts. Any other hints are welcomeEnsure that you have the best supervisory team in the world!

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 'Force' the student down a specific theme / methodology route just to fit in with the supervisor's interests. 2 Lose contact with the student for any prolonged period and make the student feel neglected. 3 Omit to give appropriate feedback.


Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Allow the student to believe that the supervisor knows everything (To give the student confidence in the supervisor). 2 Allow the student to believe that the supervisor doesn't know everything (To allow the student to develop their own expertise in their subject). 3 Encourage. Encourage. Encourage.

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 The light at the tunnel is very far (3-4 years). Do not allow this to the influence your determination. 2 not to confuse Methods with Methodology3 not to leave the organisation of referencing to the end. Three things we should do as part of the PhD process

1 Pay as much attention to refining the Aim as necessary and not to confuse it with objectives. 2 Produce documented abstracts of literature review by focusing on the abstract and conclusion only. 3 Provide a system for documentation at early stages so everything could be placed in its right place


Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 narrow down the focus of the work too soon2 demoralise the student3 be too instructive when tempted to provide answers Three things we should do as part of the PhD process

1 Incentivise the student and realise their full potential2 be available (open door policy) and provide timely feedback on drafts and queries3 encourage the consideration of various perspectives

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process

1 Be overly critical in the early stages of a PhD student’s journey – students undertake a steep and tough learning curve as they get to grips with the literature and the general ‘academic culture.’ Supervisors need to be supervisors, mentors and counsellors all at once!2 Expect all PhD students to be the same! Every PhD student has different expectations, different learning styles, different norms and values – we, as supervisors, need to recognise this, and to work closely with students through open dialogue to manage mutual expectations. Too often, I have seen misunderstandings on both sides result in entrenched positions to the detriment of both! Relationships need constant and explicit maintenance!


Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 PhD focus – unless part of a funded research project, etc. the student should be given the room to develop his or her own research question. A core part of the PhD experience and outcome is self-directed researchers. In my experience, supervisors who ‘dictate’ too much the research topic area stifle students’ curiosity about the world, and their motivation and creativity in its exploration and understanding.

2 PhD methodology – PhD students must firmly ground his or her work in an ontological and epistemology context. Too often supervisors and students forget that the PhD award is a ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ – not an award in innovation management or process management, etc. This philosophical dimension is tough work – but is absolutely essential to developing rounded, critical thinkers and practitioners.

3 PhD outcomes – PhD students should be encouraged to expose their work as soon as possible to (and on an ongoing basis) to their national and international peers – to locate and calibrate their work with others, to build their confidence in their work and in themselves, and to develop networks of contacts.

1: be dogmatic 2: be used as proof readers to overcome lazy work by students3: allow students to drift around with ill defined aims and objectives Three things supervisors should do as part of the PhD process 1 support students and encourage them like a good sports coach2 be available at times of crisis3 provide effective leadership in the subject area OR if this is not possible arrange for an advisor who can give such leadership Any other hints are welcome A good methodology is the almost certain route to heaven. Alla be praised!!!

Four things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process1. Poor time management 2. No focus or direction 3. Fear of failure / taking risks 4. Laziness / lack of motivation

Three things we should do as part of the PhD process1. Diligent 2. Hard working 3. Motivated 4. Competent

Three things you should do (not in the order of importance):1. Demonstrating that it is your PhD and you are always in control of it. Don’t let any third parties or

your supervisor to control it.2. Manage information from inception to completion of your PhD so that you can capture any

significant departures from your original position at any time. 3. Getting into a mindset that doing a PhD is significantly different to getting through a taught

programme and that you need very long endurance and self-sustenance. Therefore the importance of rewarding yourself when significant milestones are achieved and understanding that you need to sustain your spirit while sustaining the enthusiasm of your supervisor to meet the challenges.

Three things you should not do (not in the order of importance)1. Depending 100% on the supervisor – not demonstrating your personal commitment2. Meetings with supervisor: Either show up late to meetings, frequent cancellations of meetings or

not turning up to meetings at all and then forgetting that you were supposed to meet the supervisor on a certain day / time – frequent occurrences of this nature will easily switch off the connection between you and your supervisor.

3. Getting easily demoralised when you are told by your supervisor that “you have a long way to go”.

Two things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Do not cancel or otherwise avoid attending previously agreed meetings with our PhD students

(unless we give timely notification and rearrange the meeting)2 Do not try to be overly forceful in imposing our own ‘demands’ on the student – it is after all

their theses - ‘warts and all’. If a thesis significantly changes direction as a result of the supervisors own interests then the student may well lose some of the passion that drives them to succeed.

Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Meet with the student on a regular basis. Clearly, this depends on circumstances but face to

face meetings are so much more personal and supportive than an over reliance on email discussions.

2 Encourage students to be creative and to ‘think outside the box’ – this may well require them to attend workshops and seminars but will be well worth it

3 Encourage students to not be afraid to question what they see, hear and read – subject experts are not always right!

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Rush and think too much about publications / the thesis before you have done any research!2 Aim for perfection3 Try to deal with problems alone / panic Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1 Have a plan and keep moving steadily but cumulatively2 Use the contacts expertise around you3 Keep a sense of the whole (in terms of content but also methodology)

As a PhD student, you should:- know when to stop (reading, researching and writing)- start writing on day 1, whether it’s a section from a literature review chapter or a conference or journal paper- take any opportunities to present either your work or your conference papers. It is scary at first, but everyone has to do it and the confidence you develop makes the viva a whole lot easier.

As a PhD student you should not:- ever think that your thesis will be perfect; this holy grail does not exist! - feel guilty about your failure to spend every spare minute in every 24 hour period working on your PhD-underestimate how long university procedures take – especially if you have your heart set on graduating in a given year.

Three things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process From a student’s perspective:1. do not take much longer than 3 years to complete – it’s too big a time investment2. do not think you are alone and do not think you are the most miserable person in the world, YOU ARE NOT!3. avoid plagiarism


Three things we should do as part of the PhD process 1. Plan realistically – think of what you can do as well as what you would like to do2. Focus, Focus, Focus3. ALWAYS ask why and think about the readers’ perspective while writing4. whenever possible, discuss your research topic with other students, with researchers, academics, etc

I did a presentation on this many moons ago. One of the things I raised was “do you want to get an easy PhD – then go for the conventional methodologies and a narrow focus OR do you want to make an impact – if so try and rethink the domain and paint a broad picture of what needs to be done and explore the methodologies to do it. My experience suggests that the latter is much more interesting but it is more difficult. Where does wisdom lie? I am not sure! I think it depends on the ability of the student and supervisor.


Things to do (student perspective)?1. Maintain regular contact with supervisor (especially in the early stages).2. Careful planning with identifiable milestones against which to measure progress.3. Ensure the area of research is of real 'personal' interest. Things not to do (student perspective)?1. Underestimate the writing up period.2. Become or feel isolated - maintain contact with other Ph.D. students, those with a similar research interest, etc.3. Become too demoralised/frustrated at inevitable low/slow periods - discuss concerns with supervisor, others, etc. Things to do (supervisor perspective)?1. Allocate quality time for regular productive meetings (especially in the early stages).2. Motivate/reassure especially during periods of uncertainty.3. Ensure feedback on work in a realistic and agreed period. Things not to do (supervisor perspective)?1. Make assumptions in terms of students' abilities, understanding, etc.2. Allow students to become too reliant.3. Allow students to leave meetings without being sure they are completely happy with moving forward and any concerns have been addressed


Two things we shouldn't do as part of the PhD process 1 Do the PhD for the student – strong steers on PhD approaches can led to a

confused approach that is half supervisor and half student.2 Ignore the student for the first 2 years – the supervisor should be a sounding

board for ideas and point out potential pitfalls in proposed approaches Three things we should do as part of the PhD process

1 Provide encouragement especially in the writing up period - also to recognise the pressure the student is under.

2 Support our excellent programme of workshops for PhDs 3 Explain the cultural differences between western research and other research -

see belowThese cultural differences may not be obvious at first but are often deep seated. For

instance the Chinese approach to research is to do something innovative and then to state what was done. Reflection and explanation of process (methodology) do not come naturally to many highly intelligent PhD students from overseas.

Also in some cultures humility is a virtue and thus it is difficult for the student to claim innovation in their work. However, when I pointed this out to a student she then rewrote a chapter of her PhD is such a way that it was more like an advertisement for her work than coolly objective research – she had taken in western culture as she perceived it through the prevailing media! It made me realise that this is an area that supervisors need to consider carefully


Things to do (student perspective)?1. Maintain regular contact with supervisor (especially in the early stages).2. Careful planning with identifiable milestones against which to measure progress.3. Ensure the area of research is of real 'personal' interest. Things not to do (student perspective)?1. Underestimate the writing up period.2. Become or feel isolated - maintain contact with other Ph.D. students, those with a similar research interest, etc.3. Become too demoralised/frustrated at inevitable low/slow periods - discuss concerns with supervisor, others, etc. Things to do (supervisor perspective)?1. Allocate quality time for regular productive meetings (especially in the early stages).2. Motivate/reassure especially during periods of uncertainty.3. Ensure feedback on work in a realistic and agreed period. Things not to do (supervisor perspective)?1. Make assumptions in terms of students' abilities, understanding, etc.2. Allow students to become too reliant.3. Allow students to leave meetings without being sure they are completely happy with moving forward and any concerns have been addressed


THANK YOU


Documents

Phd Workshop Prof Ghassan