Challenges and Issues in PhD

Research
With
Prof. Mohamed Sulaiman,
School of Management
USM
Common Complaints by Examiners
Research gaps not clearly identified
Research significance in doubt
Research problem not clear
Subject of research not of current interest
Underlying theory not appropriate
Literature not exhaustive, current,
coherent
Local literature not reviewed
Literature review not critical enough
 Common Complaints (cont.)
Seminal works in literature not included
Related theories left out
Research design – quantitative, qualitative, experimental
design - justification
Link between literature and research framework not strong
Theoretical support for the research framework is weak
Link between phenomenon under study and dependent
variable
Definition of variables, why these variables
Factors to explain phenomenon and how they are
operationalized
Measurements of variables
Hypothesis, too general, not directed, not testable
Common Complaints (cont.)
Unit of analysis not clear, not
appropriate
Bias in sampling
Credibility of respondents/data
Coding, integrating, analysis of data
Statistical tools not appropriate
Interpretation of results
Presentation of results
 Common Complaints (cont.)
Discussion not in depth
Implications for theory not clear, not related to
research results
Implications for practice not clear, not related to
results
Limitations not clearly spelt out
Conclusions too skimpy
Missing references in bibliography
Standard of language, grammar, spelling,
sentence structure
Abstract too long, not summarizing study
accurately
Title not reflecting contents of thesis
 Let’s get to the basics
(How do you get a PhD?)
Why do we do research?
How do we get knowledge?
Use of Scientific Method
What level of knowledge is worthy of PhD?
What is meant by significant contribution?
PhD evaluation process
Supervisor-student relations
 The Research Process
Literature -----Real world
Gaps in theory-- Gaps in practice
Research problem
Research questions, research objectives
Research framework, research design
Variables and measurements
Hypothesis statements
Population, sample, respondents
The Research Process (cont.)
Research instruments
Data collection
Data analysis, results
Discussions & conclusions
 Issues
Scientific method – robustness,
honesty and integrity
Ethical issues –questions asked, info.
Disclosure
Plagiarism
 Keys to Success
Hard work (reading) and sacrifice (collect
material, money and time)
Critical thinking (analysis) and creativity
(synthesis)
Networking (colleagues and friends)
Support from supervisor and school
Support from family
Personal motivation and perseverance
Self confidence and language proficiency
 Q&A
Time to help release your pent-up
tensions
 I Wish You All Success in Your
Quest for PhD and Future Career

Thank You