Postgraduate supervision and the early stages of the doctoral journey
Abstract
This article looks at two previous study reports on postgraduate supervision, views, and experiential as well as academic advice from other scholars. It presents the various perspectives on the central phenomenon relationship between the supervisor and the doctoral student at the initial stages of the PhD programme, arguments, suggestions and insights into the nature and substance of PhD supervision, early articulation of expectations and clarifying them; commitment to establishment of clear goals; and developing a study plan and time-table that are consistent with work. It also explores knowledge and a warm, supportive relationship; planning from the beginning, including research mapping and concept charting; proper time-management; and internalising the criteria for examination of a PhD thesis, capacity to relate the research topic to the discipline; encouraging the use of writing as a voyage of discovery. It argues that all these are vital to sustaining the momentum and completion of a PhD by research. It concludes that postgraduate supervision requires that supervisors and doctoral students by research clarify and discuss their expectations at the beginning and on a continuous and regular basis; that differences in perception or procedure can present the supervisor and the student with debilitating challenges that can impede progress and eventually fail to get the coveted PhD.
© 2017 Uganda Martyrs University. All rights reserved.
The JSSD and the individual contributions contained therein are protected under copyright by Uganda Martyrs University and the following terms and conditions apply to their use:
Photocopying: Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed under the Copyright Act. Permission of the copyright owner and payment of a fee is required for other photocopying, including multiple copying, copying for advertising/promotional purposes, resale and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make copies for non-profit educational use. Permissions may be sought directly from Uganda Martyrs University (P. O. Box 5498 Kampala, Uganda; Tel.: +256414690021; e-mail: editor@umu.ac.ug; Fax: +256 (0) 382 410100).
Derivative works: Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles and abstracts for circulation within their institutions but the permission of the copyright owner is required for resale or distribution outside the institution. Permission of the copyright owner is required for all other derivative works including compilations and translations.
Electronic storage and usage: Permission of the copyright owner is required to store and use electronically any material contained in the JSSD, including any article or part of an article. Except as outlined above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Disclaimer: Uganda Martyrs University and the Board of the JSSD make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the Journal. However, the University makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the content and disclaim all such representations and warranties whether express or implied to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the editors, Uganda Martyrs University, the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research or their partners.
Creative commons license: This journal content is publsihed under a CC-BY-NC license.
