Supervisor Perspective

This chapter addresses the responsibilities, role and need for engagement during the research process. The research process model, depicted in Figure 1 in Chapter 2, is followed in discussing these aspects of supervision. The role of the dissertation committee is also summarized.

Research and Supervision

Doctoral studies are often viewed as a “journey”, with expectations that students will be transformed into independent scholars. Various strategies and approaches are taken to this end, as discussed in Chapter 1. The research performed in doctoral studies is considered by many as the hallmark of such a terminal degree, a type of “rite of passage” for the rest of a scholar's career. This chapter reviews types of research areas, provides a background to mentorship, and engaged scholarship first introduced in research in the social sciences, arts and humanities. The context of research supervision in CS and IT is addressed, and a generic research process is elaborated, with consideration to developing critical thinking in, and imparting knowledge to, a research candidate. Some measures for doctoral research supervision are presented, as well as doctoral level research norms. Frameworks for research supervision are examined, and what is regarded to be successful supervision. Lastly some trends that have emerged in research supervision are reviewed.

Research Contexts

This chapter reviews the various aspects of the research contexts of doctoral research projects, namely the study environments of doctoral students, domains of discourse, technology support structures available at universities, program and department leadership support, professional and research networks, types of inter-disciplinary research, and trends in the contexts that are evident in the contemporary business environment.

Research Candidate Perspective

This chapter considers the perspective of the doctoral candidate undertaking independent research toward the doctoral dissertation, using the research process model and phases of Figure 1 (in Chapter 2), as a basis. The reader could use his/ her own process model, as appropriate. Responsibilities and aspects of doctoral program administration from the candidate's perspective are also addressed. Also identified are factors influencing collaboration between the candidate, supervisor and dissertation committee. The need for a supportive study environment and mature technology infrastructure is discussed.

Some Insights in Computer Science and Information Technology

Research supervision data from graduates and supervisors at a doctoral program in IT were collected and analyzed by the author to complement other insights regarding the supervisor and candidate perspectives given in this monograph. Some issues experienced in practice, and the background to the collected evidence, are described in this chapter. The approach, methodology and data collection are presented, followed by findings of the collected evidence. A Supervision Model and a Multi-disciplinary/ Trans-disciplinary Doctoral Research Framework (MT-DRF) are proposed that may be considered for adoption to facilitate the establishment and sustainable growth of doctoral programs.