Title: Observations on quality in the PhD supervision experience

Authors: Barbara M. Savage

Addresses: Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth PO1 3DE, UK

Abstract: The PhD is a key step in academic development and the training of the next generation of researchers. However, in this age of control and regulation, it remains an outpost of individualism and variation. This paper sets out to explore the issues that surround the supervisory activity and attempts to draw some tentative conclusions about points that may enhance the likelihood of a good outcome for both student and supervisor. It also considers the identification of indicators that may provide early warning of problems. This paper is based on the personal experiences of the author with over 19 years of PhD supervision, supplemented by her observations of the experiences of colleagues and their students. These observations will be contrasted with the findings of other researchers. As such, the paper is presented as a starting point for discussion and future research.

Keywords: doctoral supervision; quality improvement; supervisory relationships; student support; supervisor development; stakeholders; PhD supervision; student supervisors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2013.054306

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2013 Vol.5 No.2, pp.190 - 204

Received: 30 Sep 2012
Accepted: 15 Feb 2013

Published online: 18 Jul 2014 *

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