Research Supervision in UK [taken from MYJamro's e-book]

It is important to understand the need for the supervisors and their contribution towards the research and assistance. More importantly it should be spoken out loud and clear as It has been seen in many cases that in under-developed counties [i.e. Sindh, Pakistan] many misconceptions are making the role of supervisor next to god, this public opinion makes the supervisor in Sindh more arrogant and when they fail to perform their duties accordingly, and therefore in such cases they simple try to hide their ignorance whilst claiming authority on subject. This drives to wrong conclusions. In this regard, it is utmost important for the supervisor to learn to supervise project not to dictate their will or impose their influence or decisions on the research candidates. Therefore research students arriving from such countries are scared of research and the supervisors. Therefore they treat supervisors with very high regards or avoid their regular contact or discussion and get scared when they miss their appointment or make extra-ordinary cautions in meeting.

In UK, the supervisors work within their role designed by research degree committee. It is anticipated that supervisors follow the right code of conduct and are very well organised to provide proper guidance to the research students. Although different research disciplines have different subject matters and therefore the research disciplines are addressed by their common method of generating knowledge. While the degree requirements differ markedly among EngD(4yrs), PhD(3yrs), MPhil(2yrs), Masters(1-2yrs) degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas(1 yr), much of the information required to present to higher degree students is very similar where the candidate must learn about research protocol, available resources and facilities, and the preparation of research outputs.

Doctor of Engineering (EngD) Programmes (4yrs): Engineering Doctorates (EngDs) are a radical alternative to the traditional PhD, being better suited to the needs of industry, and providing a more vocationally oriented Doctorate in engineering. It is a four-year postgraduate award intended for the UK’s leading research engineers who aspire to key managerial positions in industry. This is the view of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which sees the EngD degree as its premier training programme and qualification. It provides at least the intellectual challenge of a PhD within a framework of relevant industrial experience and modules that prepare Engineering Doctors for their future careers.

For general information about different titles of degree in UK <click here>

Research Supervision

A research supervisor may be known as an advisor, a mentor or as a supervisor. The term supervisor is used throughout UK although the supervisor does share the other roles mentioned. However, the primary role of the supervisor is to guide candidates through the process of making their contributions. According to typical handbooks, the process of supervision involves providing advice and instruction, assistance, review and criticism of written material and a sounding board for ideas and plans. The aforementioned points emphasize the contribution being made by the candidates rather than the supervisor, however, supervision is a shared experience in which supervisor and the candidate both have an intellectual investment. So, supervisors must have the theoretical and practical expertise to offer candidates proper supervision, interest in the research projects, and above all adequate time for supervision.  The supervision also involves concern and a measure of pastoral care for the candidate. In the best cases, the relationship between the supervisor and candidate develops during the candidature from one of teacher and student at the outset to one between research colleagues at the end. For example, when one becomes a postgraduate student, the teachers become approachable. Therefore a supervisors need to ensure that s/he deliberately makes this change of role from being classroom lecturer to being a colleague when their undergraduate students become graduate.

Types of supervisors

There may be several types of research supervision but in general these can be categorized for academic (i.e. based on campus/university) in to following types:

Principal supervisor: The principal supervisor takes an active responsibility for the guidance of the research student and is committed to teaching the student research methodology. In this sense, the principal supervisor is responsible for teaching the student how to do research, but not to do the research itself. This is the responsibility of the student. All students should have at least one principle supervisor.

Second supervisor: A secondary supervisor acts as backup for a principal supervisor, providing an alternative source of guidance from time to time. The second supervisor would be involved in initial discussions with the student and the principal supervisor(s) on the student's research project, and will provide backup supervision when the principal supervisor is away. The second supervisor will also provide some assistance at the time of writing the research proposal, and for the writing of the thesis. It is not expected that there be frequent regular meetings with a second supervisor.

Joint supervisors: The joint supervisors are all principal supervisors. Students have joint supervision when they have more than one principal supervisor. The principal, second, and joint supervisors can come from any department of the University.

Problem and solutions

The main problems affecting the performance of a PhD student at any university and the possible solutions can be [1]:

Common problems

A list of common problems known to exist in academic instructions that a research may encounter as suggested in ref [3] can be given as under:

Exercise: In how many of these areas should/could/shouldn't the supervisor help? How many of these areas are motivational problems? Which are knowledge problems?

A simple check-list of a feasible project

Before accepting a Higher Degree Candidate, the potential supervisor must verify the followings that the would be project is; meaningful, a good vehicle for research training, something that can be completed in the set time, supported by adequate facilities and resources, likely to lead to an appropriate research degree and above all the project budget is correctly estimated.

Induction program

Before Higher Degree candidates commence their research programs, each should attend an induction program arranged by their Department. This would include; an introduction to the nature of research, in particular the nature of research in their discipline, a description of the facilities available in the Department and the University, and a departmental programme of seminars. The following matters should also be discussed: the candidate's responsibilities and rights as a research higher degree candidate; the nature and process of supervised research in the discipline, and the characteristic stages towards completion of the thesis; the role of the supervisor and others involved in the candidate's supervision;

ethical matters in relation to research, and the Code of Conduct in Research; intellectual property, and authorship of publications; the grievance procedures, under which the candidate may make representation if significant difficulties arise during the candidature; safety procedures appropriate to the discipline; any special conditions which apply, such as restrictions on disclosure of research outcomes associated with sponsorship of the candidature or the research project.

Figure. Official Full-time PhD time-Line management for Universities in United Kingdom

A student is asked to go according the plan shown in time-line management in a disguised way supervisor is observe ring student's progress and push-pull when required to see his/her results. A suitable way of keeping the research plan on the track the above table provides the necessary information. is shown in Table given below;

Table: Fitting the PhD time-line into your schedule

Assessing the progress of candidate

As described in PhD timeline the milestones used to measure the progress of the candidate will differ according to the year of study of the candidate.

First Postgraduate year

Provide research students with a structured introduction to show the facilities available to them and to introduce them to research issues. Throughout the first year there should be a requirement to attend the University and Departmental Research Methodology Courses, typically for three hours a week. At a suitable time into the project (usually at the end of the first term) each student should give the supervisor(s) an account of progress to date, including a statement of the aims of the project. It also contains a list of courses being taken, a timetable for the work and a summary of the literature review.

Second Postgraduate year

During the second year, full-time students should be required to give a talk or seminar on the project to a suitable forum, where practical.

Third Postgraduate year

Full-time students should be required to give a formal presentation on the work to a session open to the whole department, where practical. A draft of the thesis will normally constitute a report, but if not, the annual report form should include a timetable of expected progress and date of completion. For part-time students, a more flexible interpretation of the above scheme is required.

Forth Postgraduate year

In some cases the candidate cannot complete research (or write-up) within three years. There may be several reasons but the supervisor and the candidate must closely discuss the time-efforts-problem triangle to minimize the further distraction. In many cases the university may ask student to enrol as a part-time student where home-student fees will be acceptable that will be significantly less than an overall overseas full-tuition fees. Converting the full-time status (Currently, full-time overseas students enrolled at universities/ colleges in United Kingdom (excluding EU students) can legally work for maximum twenty (20) hours a week) to part-time may however has some concerns for use of the on campus resources other than visa and work (part-time job) issues. This is why it is always discouraged to overseas students to extend their three years research into forth year. In some cases the university may exercise the special power to grant the degree of MPhil instead. These special powers under certain circumstances are described in the university terms and condition that are often ignored by supervisor or candidates. It is therefore insisted that the candidate and supervisor must read and complete all the application form(s) carefully in conjunction with the rules and regulation of the university.

 Effective research & project supervision

A good postgraduate research training experience at an academic institution is the result of several factors. These factors must show a strong commitment to research, and to postgraduate research, within the department / faculty. In addition to these the skills and commitment of the supervisor(s), the ability and commitment of the student are equally important for effective research. Furthermore the establishment of clear policies at institutional level and of effective mechanisms for handling problems is also necessary for better project supervision.

One of the most important functions of a university is to provide training in research. Many organizations, engage in research, but universities have the unique responsibility to provide research training. Higher degree programs should encourage the development of independent research skills in the candidates. Such skills include the ability to formulate a significant problem, mastery of skills appropriate to tackle the problem, and the ability to relate the research to the broader framework of knowledge in the area. The award of a research higher degree by the University depends on the candidate satisfactorily completing, within a prescribed period of time, an approved research program under the guidance of a supervisor. The candidate contributes to the selection of the research program but experienced researchers must approve it as suitable for research training. The program should be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor with skills in the field of study because this is the suitable way to provide research training. The university only allows a finite period (i.e. 3-6 months) for completion because it is necessary to assess the ability of the candidate to make a significant contribution in a limited time.

The results of the research are incorporated into a thesis submitted for examination. The PhD degree is then awarded for a substantial original contribution at the best contemporary international standard as judged by impartial experts. Candidature for a higher degree by research is a time of dedication and hard work, and the candidate's determination to succeed is vital. Research is a creative activity and, like all such activities, different people approach it in different ways. Within the overall framework of the program, a candidate has considerable freedom to choose his or her own work style but with that freedom inherits responsibility. A great deal of assistance and support is available during candidature, but it will often be up to the candidate to take the initiative.

The role of higher degrees committee

The Higher Degrees Committee is the executive committee responsible for managing higher degree candidature by research. The important function of the Committee is to monitor the quality of supervision of candidates. It is anticipated that the committee will exercise its power to perform following tasks to bridge between candidate and the institution.

Approval of the admission as a candidature,

Approval of the  project proposals,

Appointments of the supervisors,

Monitoring the progress of all candidates,

Appointments of examiners, and

To determine whether or not candidates should be awarded degrees.

Hypothesis

Creativity in the thesis and hypotheses

The word thesis has two common meanings; it is the theme of the research, or it is the main product of the research, ‘the book’. Building the thesis-theme requires creative thought. So too, the thesis-book also requires creative thinking to express the findings of the research in the clearest, most concise and most convincing way. If researchers are to create themes or books, it implies that creative thinking is required. Sadly, where research themes and hypotheses come from is the research supervisor's best kept secret! This material reveals the secret that the thesis-themes and hypotheses come from creative thinking. Researchers need to be creative in formulating their concepts, thesis-theme, hypotheses, methods, data sources, variables and the theory. So, researchers have to be shown how think creatively. After years of regurgitating textbooks and lecture notes as undergraduates, it is difficult for them to make the transformation to become creators of knowledge.

New researchers need to be reminded to create as many ideas as possible. The quantity of initial ideas is important. This means that choosing as many starting points as possible. After having generated a large stock of ideas they can filter through them later on. One starting point may be to formulate a question which seeks to make a comparison. Some may consider that all research starts from a comparison-type question, however, a list of about six independent and good starting points for thesis questions is described as given by [2].

The aforementioned starting points and prototypical research questions allow the best to survive, however, one cannot not stop there but will always think creatively about the other possible ways of improving the ideas. To help a simple list of such "morph words" for an example can make a total of nine morph words. When used in conjunction with the six starting points, the surviving research question can be chosen from 6x9 = 54 starting points.

Example: How to create hypotheses?

In order to create the hypotheses of the candidate using the starting points model as given in ref [4] is explained in a tabular form given as under. The second column retrospectively elaborates according to model described in ref [2].

Use of analogies: Whether a person is teaching, or trying to learn something his/herself or trying to solve a problem, one of the best way for doing that is to compare the unfamiliar, unknown, or problematic with something familiar and understandable. This is the method of analogy, to find a familiar thing or process that seems somewhat like the idea or problem to be clarified. In creative thinking, analogies are used for their suggestive qualities, to see what ideas they can break loose, and especially for helping to examine the problem better. By searching for several points of similarity between the analogy and the problem, new aspects of the problem are revealed and new approaches arise [5]. It is expected to teach new researchers to overcome their ignorance and lack of knowledge by deciding the possible starting points which can be used to form the thesis.

Developing research project proposal for a student

Supervisors play an important role in helping the student to produce a draft of detailed and coherent research proposal. They can help by insisting e.g., that full time PhD students submit a written research proposal and conduct a preliminary seminar on it within the first few months (i.e. within 6 months). The proposal should give a specific description of what research is proposed with the ultimate aim of forming a binding contract. The proposal is a starting point for discussions with the supervisor to give shape to the topic, method and provide detail of the proposed research. The modern tendency is towards a longer, thorough proposal. The idea is that there should be no risk in allowing the student to undertake the research. Any competent researcher should be able to take up the proposal and complete the research! Basically, a good proposal gives enough clear detail for another competent researcher to replicate the study.

The proposals are almost pre-writes of the thesis: The proposal demonstrates that the researchers have mastered the field, have read extensively in the literature and can write in the scholarly format. Relevant references that the researchers have read are carefully listed and ordered at the end of the proposals. How can any funding or academic authority refuse such a proposal? There is risk to the authority! The researchers have proven that they can do the work and know the scholarly way of writing. One purpose for the proposal is to show that the researcher has already mastered the techniques of library research and scholarly writing. If the proposal is sloppy, so too will be the thesis; if care is demonstrated by the student in details such as proper punctuation in the proposal, the supervisor can expect a meticulous thesis.

The contents of the project proposal must be concise and accurate. For example; in a social science proposal a paragraph reads as; "Each participant will be interviewed three times, each time for the length of a 30-minute tape". One can see the precision in the description! The project is not yet started, yet the researcher knows exactly the best way to do it. Just as the decision to pass a research student will be based entirely on the thesis, so too is the decision to permit a student to undertake research based entirely on one document (i.e. the proposal). The proposal is a foretaste of the thesis, so the standards of thesis writing apply also to the proposal. The research proposal is a document for decision. It is the document that finally establishes the need for the research study.

The supervisor should therefore contemplate the:

Researcher: Does the student clearly show the necessary background in education and experience to be able to do the research successfully? What is the research candidate's:

ability to grasp concepts and to reason analytically?

motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives?

capacity for independent thought?

organizational skills?

independence as a learner?

self-confidence?

work experience: its nature and relevance?

previous training in research: its nature and extent?

likelihood of establishing a good working relationship with the supervisor and others working in related areas?

language skill? — particularly important for English Second Language candidates.

Research: The proposed research should be appropriate to this university / department

Merit: The proposed research should be significant, useful, timely and original

Proposal: The proposal should carefully be written and neatly presented

The research student should imagine that he is tendering for a competitive research contract through the medium of the research proposal. While the student will spend much time working on the content of the proposal, the student should also pay attention to the appearance of it. First impressions do count. The proposal format should be reader friendly and feel familiar to the reader.

Many people do not recognize that research is very time consuming [6] as research is non-linear process where the dead-ends to be tested, and uncertainty and circularity with which we must contend [7]. It is necessary then to encourage research students to finish the project proposal as expeditiously as possible. In doing so, they will get practice and feedback in writing in the research style. (See the example for details).

The student is ready to record the plan of research in a clear research proposal once the student has:

decided on a research area,

defined a research question,

refined it until it is crystal clear,

subdivided it into a set of sub-questions, and

devised appropriate methods of seeking answers.

The proposal is a carefully designed plan for the proposed research.

The research project proposal is a very important document, which is sometimes referred to as the research prospectus containing the research protocol. It is the first formal statement of what the researcher aims to do, and it gives away the sound plan of action for tackling the problem. It contains evidence that the problem is of interest, and can be solved....

continue.........References will be provided  and more will be added soon...

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