PhD

The PhD Learning Journey

You must develop the independence and self-assurance necessary to reach your objectives; they do not just magically materialise. Demonstrate to your scientifically inclined mind that you have what it takes to achieve that project by starting with smaller tasks, possibly in quite unrelated domains. My experiences travelling alone have given me just the kind of proof I required to begin trusting in myself as a self-sufficient researcher. I haven't even scratched the surface of the unknown world or other cultures. Don't let your fear stop you from exploring unfamiliar territory, and don't be scared to travel alone either.

• Appendix 01: Project Management - Managing Projects in the Organisation
• Appendix 02: Project Management Techniques
• Appendix 03: PhD Project Initiation Document
• Appendix 04: PhD Effectiveness and Outcomes
• Appendix 05: PhD Software
• Appendix 06: PhD Meeting Template
• Appendix 07: PhD Student Annual Report
• Appendix 08: PhD Assessment # 1: Initial Assessment
• Appendix 09: PhD Assessment # 2: Confirmation Assessment
• Appendix 10: PhD Assessment # 3: Final Assessment
• Appendix 11: PhD Worldview
• Appendix 12: PhD Audit Trial of Data Collection Process
• Appendix 13: PhD Statistical Analysis
• Appendix 14: PhD Statistical Analysis - Types of Compositional Structure
• Appendix 15: PhD Qualitative Data Analysis
• Appendix 16: PhD University of East Anglia Online Training
• Appendix 17: PhD Researcher Development Programme
• Appendix 18: PhD Review and Synthesis of the Systematic Literature Review
• Appendix 19: PhD Research Process Involvement (Patients, Service Users, Carers, Members of the Public)
• Appendix 20: PhD Research Methodology Description
• Appendix 21: PhD Research Governance, Integrity & Ethics
• Appendix 22: PhD Research Protocol for Ethics
• Appendix 23: PhD Storage and Use of Personal Data during the Study
• Appendix 24: PhD Outputs and Findings
• Appendix 25: PhD Report, Publication and Dissemination
• Appendix 26: PhD Scientific and Statistical Quality Review Assessment 
• Appendix 27: PhD Viva Examination
• Appendix 28: PhD Presentation Slides
• Appendix 29: PhD Examination Sample
• Appendix 30: PhD Intellectual Property Rights in the Research (IRR) 
• Appendix 31: PhD Research Network
• Appendix 32: PhD Research Training Activity
• Appendix 33: PhD Framework
• Appendix 34: Regulations
• Appendix 35: PhD Presentations
• Appendix 36: PhD Personal Development Plan
• Appendix 37: PhD Doctoral Innovation Programme #1 - Making professional presentations
• Appendix 38: PhD Doctoral Innovation Programme #2 - Managing projects in organisations
• Appendix 39: PhD Code of Practice on Research Integrity
• Appendix 40: PhD Publication
• Appendix 41: PhD Ethics - Information Sheet Participation

Appendix 1: Project Management - Managing Projects in the Organisation

• Project Initiation Document 
• Completed Stakeholder Analysis Map 
• Project Communication Plan 
• Risk Management Plan 
• Project Plan (Gantt Chart) 
• Personal Development Plan 

Appendix 2: Project Management Techniques

• Project sponsors, stakeholders and scope
• Work breakdown and product breakdown structure
• Gantt and bar charts, critical path analysis
• Methods of reducing project times and costs
• Resource analysis, and re-scheduling
• Methods to monitor and evaluate project progress and final outcomes, including finance
• Project communication methods
• Links to change management
• Information technology solutions
• Benefits of project management
• Key project management terminology
• Characteristics of project managers
• Organisational structures to support projects
• Types of project; the project life cycle, PRINCE2
• Feasibility studies; risk management techniques
• Project team roles; critical relationships
• Procedures for Project Closure

Appendix 3: PhD Project Initiation Document

• 1. Project Details
• 2. Document Details
• 3. Background to the Proposed Work
• 3.1 Describe the (potential idea or) problem (Problem)
• 3.2 Describe the previous actions/circumstances that have led to this research being carried out? (Personal Position)
• 3.2 What decisions led to you doing this research project? (Background)
• 3.3 Why it needs to be done? (Rationale)
• 3.4 Why it should be done now? (Position of Research)
• 3.5 What is the overall purpose of this research project? (Addressing the Problem)
• 3.7 What is the end result of this research project should be? (Significance of the Project)
• 3.8 What are the Implications of not doing it? (Failure to Tackle the Problem)
• 4. Strategic Objectives
• 4.1 Strategic: Project Aims & Objectives (Expectations)
• 4.2 Strategic: Project Research Strategy (Research Design)
• 4.3 Strategic: Project Success (Deliverables)
• 5. Project Parameters
• 5.1 Project Parameter: TIME
• 5.2 Project Parameter: COST & RESOURCES
• 5.3 Project Parameter: QUALITY
• 6. Project Constraints
• 7. Major Dependencies
• 8. Stakeholders Analysis
• 8.1 Stakeholders Map
• 8.2 Stakeholders Table
• 9. Research Project Organisation
• 10. Communication Plan
• 11. Document Management
• 12. Any other issues specific to this Research Project
• 13. References

Appendix 4: PhD Effectiveness and Outcomes

• How you deal with your supervisor
• How do you structure your study time
• Your attitude in relation to your research
• Dealing with writer’s block or having difficulty writing
• Getting the help you need when you are stuck
• Juggling multiple commitments and never having enough time
• Keeping on going when the going gets tough

Appendix 5: PhD Software

• AMOS (for structural equation modelling)
• Endnote
• Matlab
• MAXQDA
• Mindview 6.0
• QSR NVIVO
• Nvivo: An Introduction to Qualitative Data Management
• Nvivo: Advanced Qualitative Data Management
• Statistical Programming: R+
• RefWorks
• IBM SPSS Statistics
• Reference management software: Endnote
• Reference management software: Mendeley
• Reference management software: Zotero

Appendix 6: PhD Meeting Template

• Student name
• Supervisors name
• Date of Meeting
• Duration of meeting
• Location of meeting (MS Team, Face-to-Face)
• Meeting agenda
• Follow up from last meeting agenda and content 
• Research paper – any comments/interest
• Research methods
• Research direction evolvement
• Research ethics
• Others: first steps to teaching
• Suggested further work (Please list)
• Next steps for development
• Date and time of next meeting
• Student signature
• Supervisors signature

Appendix 7: PhD Student Annual Report

• (a) A concise statement of the research question(s) 
• (b) The rationale and importance of the study 
• (c) A critical summary and analysis of relevant literature 
• (d) An explanation of the conceptual framework to be used and/or a summary of experimental methods and equipment requirements appropriate to the research topic 
• (e) A summary of progress to date, including preliminary data and resources developed
• (f) A proposed schedule and timeline for the phases of the study, including a date for submission
• (g) Research training
• (h) Candidate/student performance
• (i) Supervision
• (j) Panel members
• (k) Publications produced and/or presentation(s) made during Provisional Registration.

Appendix 8: PhD Assessment #1: Initial Assessment

• Abstract
• Background to the project
• Overall aim of the research
• Overview of key literatures
• Methodology to be used
• Further work to be completed to develop the PhD
• References
• Research plan (Gantt chart schedule)
• Research plan (Thesis outline)
• Research plan (Communication)

Appendix 9: PhD Assessment # 2: Confirmation Assessment

• 1. Abstract Introduction 
• 1.1. Definition
• 1.2. Background
• 1.3. Aim of the research
• 1.4. Research objectives
• 2. Literature review 
• 2.1. Subject issues
• 2.2. Subject models and design criteria issues
• 2.3. Subject issues
• 3. Critique / limitations of the literature
• 4. Research gap
• 4.1. Research question
• 5. Theory selection 
• 5.1. Appropriate theory selection - why selected theory?
• 6. Proposed conceptual model framework
• 6.1. Conceptual framework description
• 7. Proposed methodology
• 7.1. Qualitative or Quantitative
• 7.1.2. Sampling
• 7.2. Case study
• 7.3. Research design
• 7.4. Case selection
• 7.5. Study duration and data collection requirements
• 7.6. Data collection (instruments
• 7.6.1. Unit of analysis
• 7.6.2. Sampling parameters
• 7.7. Research study management and materials 
• 7.8. Research study schedule
• 8. Data analysis.
• 8.1. Data validity
• 9 Research rationale
• 10 Ethics
• 10.1. Approval of study documents
• 10.2. Informed conents
• 10.3. Confidentiality
• 10.4 Audit trial of data collection process
• 11. Research timeline
• 11.1. PhD publication agenda
• 11.2. Organisation of the thesis
• 11.3. PhD candidate research interest and contact details
• 12. Endnotes / References
• 13. Appendix

Appendix 10: PhD Assessment # 3: Final Assessment

• Chapter 0 Preface, acknowledgement, acronyms, content
• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Literature review
• Chapter 3 Research methodology and design
• Chapter 4 Data analysis
• Chapter 5 Critical analysis and discussion
• Chapter 6 Conclusion, limitations, future work and recommendations

Appendix 11: PhD Worldview

• Interpretivism analysis
• Positivism analysis
• Pragmatism analysis
• Realism analysis

Appendix 12: PhD Audit Trial of Data Collection Process

• Establishing group
• Negotiation time
• Arrangements and organising activity
• Establishing themes
• Capturing data
• Processing data
• Analysing data
• Present data
• Refer to University ethics committee*

Appendix 13: PhD Statistical Analysis

• Associational statistical analysis
• Causal/comparative or Quasi-Experimental analysis
• Correlational analysis
• Decision Trees
• Descriptive statistical analysis
• Discriminant analysis
• Experimental analysis
• Exploratory data analysis
• Factor analysis
• Inferential statistical analysis
• Predictive analysis
• Prescriptive analysis
• Regression analysis
• Time series analysis

Appendix 14: PhD Statistical Analysis - Types of Compositional Structure

• Comparative
• Chronological
• Linear-analytic
• Suspense
• Theory Building
• Unsequenced

Appendix 15: PhD Qualitative Data Analysis

• Qualitative Data Analysis Technique
• Constant comparison analysis
• Conversation analysis
• Classical content analysis
• Componential analysis
• Discourse analysis
• Domain analysis
• Keywords in context
• Latent content analysis
• Manifest content analysis
• Membership categorisation analysis
• Micro interlocutor analysis
• Narrative analysis
• Qualitative comparative analysis
• Secondary data analysis
• Semiotics
• Taxonomic analysis
• Text mining
• Word count

Appendix 16: PhD University of East Anglia Online Training

• Module 1: Academic Writing
• (1) What Should a Literature Review Do?
• (2) Writing Effectively
• (3) Academic Publishing
• (4) Writing & Structuring an Effective Thesis
• 
  
• Module 2: Qualitative Research Skills
• (1) A Comparison of Qualitative Methods
• (2) Qualitative Interviewing
• (3) Analysing Qualitative Data
•  
• Module 3: Finishing your PhD
• (1) Preparing for your Viva
• (2) On the Job: Securing a First Academic Post
• (3) Preparing Impactful Research Proposals & Grant Applications
•  
• Module 4: Teaching Skills
• (1) Preparing & Delivering Seminars
• (2) Preparing & Delivering Lecture
• (3) Assessment, Feedback, & Module Design
•  
• Module 5: Quantitative Research Skills
• (1) A Beginner’s Guide to Quantitative Research
• (2) An Introduction to Scale Development
• (3) An Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling.

Appendix 17: PhD Researcher Development Programme

Domain A: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities

• A Beginners Guide to Quantitative Research
• A Comparison of Qualitative Methods
• Analysing Qualitative Data
• The Art of Qualitative Interviewing 
• Avoiding Plagiarism 
• Care to Write: Writing in the 2nd Year of Your PhD 
• Conducting Focus Groups 
• Effective Use of the Library 
• General Linear Model with applications in ANOVA, Regression Analysis and Factor Analysis 
• Introduction to ‘R’
• Introduction to Scale Development
• Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling
• NVivo: An Introduction to Qualitative Data Management 
• NVivo: Advanced Qualitative Data Management 
• Putting Pen to Paper: Writing in the 1st Year of Your PhD 
• Qualitative Interviewing*
• Questionnaire Design 
• SPSS: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics 
• Systematic Literature Searching
• Thesis Producer: Writing in the 3rdYear of Your PhD 
• Turbocharge Your Writing
• Using Refworks 
• Viva Survivor 
• What Should a Literature Review Do?
• Writing and Structuring an Effective Thesis
• Writing Effectively

Domain B: Personal Effectiveness

• BuildingYourLinkedInProfile
• FinishingYourDoctorate: TheFinalPush 
• GettingStarted: TheFirstYearofYourDoctorate
• KeepingGoingintheSecondYearofYourDoctorate 
• LifeBeyondaPhD: PlanningaCareerinAcademia 
• ManagingStress 
• MarketingMe: CVsandInterviews 
• OntheJob: SecuringYourFirstAcademicPost
• OnetoOneCareersConsultations 
• Preparing to Submit Your Thesis 
• PlanningaforNon-AcademicCareer 
• PreparingforYourViva
• PreparingforJobInterviews 
• ProfessionalismandSelf-Confidence
• SevenSecretsofaSuccessfulPhDResearcher

Domain C: Research Governance and Organisation

• Data Protection
• Equality and Diversity 
• Ethics and Research Governance: An Introduction 
• Ethics and Research Governance Drop-in Clinics 
• Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know 
• Preparing Impactful Research Proposals and Grant Applications 
• Project Management: An Introduction 
• Research and Consent Under the Human Tissue Act (2004) 
• Research Integrity (mandatory)

Domain D: Engagement, Influence and Impact

• Academic Publishing
• Assessment, Feedback and Module Design
• Communicating Your Research to a Non-Research Audience 
• First Steps to Supporting Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (HEAaccredited award) 
• Impact Development Series
• Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Training) 
• Preparing and Delivering Lectures
• Preparing and Delivering Seminars
• Presentation Skills I: Introduction to Professional Research Presentations 
• Presentation Skills II: Delivering Professional Research Presentations (practical)
• Producing an Effective Poster
• PURE for PhD Researchers
• Social Media: How to Build and Boost Your Research Profile Online
• Strategies for Getting Published and Editor’s Advice
• Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

Appendix 18: PhD Review and Synthesis of the Systematic Literature Review

• Types of Systematic Literature Review
• EPPI Centre: Dimensions of Difference in Systematic Reviews
• PICO
• 
  

• Stages in a Systematic Review 
• Stages in a systematic review
• Formulating a research question
• Identifying studies
• Searching databases
• Describing and appraising studies
• Synthesis and systematic maps
• 
  
• Systematic Literature Review Format
• 1.1 Systematic Literature Review
• 1.1.1 Step 1: The Systematic Literature Review Aim and Defining the question
• 1.1.2 Step 2: Identification of Keywords and Query Search Strings and Strategy
• 1.1.3 Step 3: Reviewing the Literature: Selection Of Studies And Relevant Ones
• 1.1.4 Step 4: Assessing The Quality Appraisal Of Studies and Data Abstraction and Synthesis
• 1.1.5 Step 5: Advantages Of Systematic Literature Review
• 1.1.6 Step 6: Summary Of Systematic Literature Review

Appendix 19: PhD Research Process Involvement (Patients, Service Users, Carers, Members of the Public)

• Design of the research 
• Management of the research 
• Undertaking the research 
• Analysis of results 
• Dissemination of findings 
• None of the above

Appendix 20: PhD Research Methodology Description

• Case series/ case note review
• Case control
• Cohort observation
• Controlled trial without randomisation
• Cross-sectional study
• Data
• Database analysis
• Epidemiology
• Feasibility/ pilot study
• Laboratory study
• Metanalysis
• Qualitative research
• Questionnaire, interview or observation study
• Randomised controlled trial

Appendix 21: PhD Research Governance, Integrity & Ethics

• Ethics processes - UREC and IRAS
• Research in the HSC/NHS – access, timelines and approvals
• Training needs and provision
• Regulatory matters (Human Tissue Act, Data Protection etc)
• Integrity and misconduct
• Intellectual property
• Working with others - contracts and agreements

Appendix 22: PhD Research Protocol for Ethics

• 1. Background
• 1.1. Aim
• 1.2. Research Objectives
• 1.3. Research Questions
• 1.4. Conceptual Framework and Objective
• 2. Materials and Methods
• 2.1. Sampling strategy
• 2.2. Research Methods
• 2.2.1. Interviews
• 2.2.2. Observations
• 2.2.3. Document Analysis
• 2.3. Data analysis procedures
• 3. Research timeline
• 3.1. Risk Analysis
• 4. Data management, storage and the ultimate disposal of research materials
• 4.1. Data management, preservation strategy, and standards
• 4.2. Controlling access to research data
• 5. References

Appendix 23: PhD Storage and Use of Personal Data during the Study

• Access to medical records by those outside the direct healthcare team
• Access to social care records by those outside the direct social care team
• Electronic transfer by magnetic or optical media, email or computer networks
• Sharing of personal data with other organisations
• Export of personal data outside the EEA
• Use of personal addresses, postcodes, faxes, emails or telephone numbers
• Publication of direct quotations from respondents
• Publication of data that might allow identification of individuals
• Use of audio/visual recording devices
• Storage of personal data on any of the following:
•  - Manual files (includes paper or film)
•  - NHS computers
•  - Social Care Service computers
•  - Home or other personal computers
•  - University computers
•  - Private company computers
•  - Laptop computers

Appendix 24: PhD Outputs and Findings

• Discovery
• Synthesis
• Mechanical
• Innate
• Visual
• Kinaesthetic

Appendix 25: PhD Report, Publication and Dissemination

• Peer reviewed scientific journals
• Internal report
• Conference presentation
• Publication on website
• Other publication
• Submission to regulatory authorities
• Access to raw data and right to publish freely by all investigators in study or by Independent Steering Committee on behalf of all investigators
• No plans to report or disseminate the results
• Other (please specify)

Appendix 26: PhD Scientific and Statistical Quality Review Assessment

• Independent external review
• Review within a company
• Review within a multi−centre research group
• Review within the Chief Investigator's institution or host organisation
• Review within the research team
• Review by educational supervisor
• Other (please specify)

Appendix 27: PhD Viva Examination

1. INTRODUCTORY CONTEXT

• 1.1. How far do you think you can generalise your work?
• 1.2. How did your research questions emerge?
• 1.3. What was the theoretical underpinnings of your work?
• 1.4. What are the motivations for your research?
• 1.5. In what way is your thesis original?
• 1.6. Explain your thesis, in two minutes
• 1.7. What is the area in which you wish to be examined?
• 1.8. How did you maintain your objectivity during the research process
• 1.9. Why did you narrow your focus of enquiry to this?
• 1.10. Which previous studies and researchers influenced your work?
• 1.11. Who, or what was most influential on your thinking?

2. METHODS, DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

• 2.1 How did you decide what literature to include in your literature review?
• 2.2 Why did you select this sample? Were there any limitations to it?
• 2.3 How did you choose your methodology? Were there any constraints?
• 2.4 How did you manage the data you collected?
• 2.5 Talk us through how you analysed your data
• 2.6 What steps have you taken to minimise researcher bias in your work?
• 2.7 What were the ethical issues in conducting this research?
• 2.8 Did you encounter any problems with applying your chosen method of analysis?
• 2.9 If you could start again, what would you do differently?
• 2.10  If you could start again, what would you do the same way?

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

• 3.1 Please describe your main findings in a few sentences
• 3.2 How do your findings support the literature in this field?
• 3.3 How do your findings challenge the literature in this field?
• 3.4 Do you think the data collected were the most appropriate to answer your research question?
• 3.5 What are the weakest parts of your work?
• 3.6 What are the strongest parts of your work?
• 3.7 What aspect of your research did you find the most interesting?
• 3.8 How did your thinking develop as you went through the research process?
• 3.9 How have you evaluated your work?
• 3.10 Which part of the process did you enjoy the most? Why?
• 3.11 Where did you do wrong? What did you learn from it?
• 3.12 How long do you expect your work to remain current?

4. IMPLICATIONS AND UTILISATION

• 4.1 Who is your audience?
• 4.2 What are the research implications of your findings?
• 4.3 What are the practice implications of your findings?
• 4.4 What are the theoretical implications of your findings?
• 4.5 What are the policy implications of your findings?
• 4.6 What are you most proud of, and why?
• 4.7 How do you intend to share your research findings?
• 4.8 How has your work been received so far? E.g. conferences, publications, blogs
• 4.9 Is there anything you'd like to share or discuss we've not asked you about?
• 4.10 How would you like this research to be followed up and taken further?
• 4.11 What are the research contributions?

5. PhD Examination Sample

• 5.1. Getting the student settled
• 5.2. Introduction, justification of the study, aims and objectives; scope of the study
• 5.3.  Definitions, context, and literature review
• 5.4. Research philosophy, methodology and methods
• 5.5. Ask the student questions at random drawing from the thesis itself (from the first page to the last page)
• 5.6 Model, framework, guidance/guideline, tool-kit
• 5.7 Checking to make sure that the research questions/hypotheses, aims, and objectives of the study have all been successfully addressed
• 5.8 What are the main contributions of this PhD study to the following stakeholders (as appropriate)?
• 5.9 Conclusions and Recommendations
• 5.10 Encourage the student to ask any final questions
• 5.11 End of viva questions and deliberating on student’s performance
• 5.12 Welcome the student and the supervisor back

Appendix 28: PhD Presentation Slides

Slide Description
1 Title of PhD; Name of Student; Date and Year of viva 
2 Statement of the problem/justification for the study 
3 Research Questions/Hypotheses/Aim(s) and Objectives 
4 Scope and boundary of the study; unit of study; limitations and de - limitations of the study
5 Contribution to knowledge
6 The approach taken to review the literature; and evidence of breadth, depth, key schools of thought, and literature that had the greatest influence on the study. 
7 Conceptual research framework (if this is developed as part of your PhD) 
8 Clarity of research philosophy, methodology & methods adopted 
9 Present how data was analysed (including the main analysis techniques employed); and how data was presented. 
10 Present the final framework; model; guidance, etc... developed; and how this was validated (if this was set out to be done as part of the study) 
11 Present selected findings/conclusions; and Recommendations. Make sure that, at least, these follow the research questions/hypotheses; and the main research objectives of the study. Check to see how you have provided conclusions and recommendations on each of the study objectives
12 Acknowledgement and thank you

Appendix 29: PhD Examination Sample

5.1. Getting the student settled

• 1. Please kindly tell me about your previous educational/and working background. 
• 2. How has your background or interest influenced your choice and motivation to do a PhD in "this area/topic"?

5.2. Introduction, justification of the study, aims and objectives; scope of the study

• 1. Why have you done a PhD in this area? 
• 2. Why have you chosen to focus on a particular area (e.g. a particular country; particular domain/subject area/sub-sector)? 
• 3. Elicit answers from the student on what the (i) PhD set out to achieve (ii) how the candidate set out achieving this (iii) and the main conclusions/findings/outputs and recommendations 
• 4. Ascertain the scope/boundary of the PhD work (what is in and what is not in) 
• 5. Ask the student to clarify exactly what the aim of the study is. 
• 6. If the student has documented Research Questions; Research Hypotheses; Research Proposition; ask the student to explain the thinking that went through documenting research question/hypotheses and Research Aims and Objectives. What was first considered – research questions before research objectives? 
• 7. What are the main limitations/de - limitations of the study? 
• 8. What is/are the main unit(s) of the research study (Is it organisation, project, teams, Individuals? Is/are there embedded unit of study – if relevant? 
• 9. What contributions would this PhD make, and how is this PhD different from previous PhDs in this area? 
• 10. Ascertain what aspects of the PhD the student is most proud of; and what aspects they are least proud of.

5.3.  Definitions, context, and literature review

• 1. Ask the student questions on (i) key operational definitions used in the study and (ii) the key assumptions made in the study. Make sure that the student is very familiar with the definitions and the assumptions used in the study. And that these are "reasonable" and "defendable". 
• 2. Ask the student to explain the process that was adopted for the literature review (Whatarticles were targeted; What areas were covered and which was covered first and why/ how was the literature review started and how did it end; how did the student know that a thorough review of literature was conducted/completed; how did you know when to stop the literature review?) 
• 3. Ask questions to ascertain the depth and breadth of understanding of the literature. Ascertain both the national, regional, and international perspectives of literature coverage (making sure that seminal works and current literature have covered).
• 4. Ask questions on gap the student has established through the literature 
• 5. Ask the student to name five (5) articles that informed the study the most; and made the greatest impact on the student and the work undertaken. Ascertain the main schools of thought, and what writers/authors have influenced the PhD work and why? (What are the underpinning theoretical bases/foundation for the study)

5.4. Research philosophy, methodology and methods

• 1. What is the research philosophy? (Epistemology, Ontology, Axiology) of the study 
• 2. Elicit from the student various issues surrounding the choice of research methodology; reasons for choosing what was finally adopted; benefits, etc. 
• 3. What is the methodology (Qualitative, quantitative)? 
• 4. Is your research approach inductive or deductive – or both; and why? Did you start off with deductive or inductive and why? (As the case may be)? 
• 5. The student needs to be able to explain how the research philosophical position informed the methodology, and in turn how the methodology informed the research methods/techniques used.
• 6. The student needs to be able to show how the review of literature has helped/ informed the research philosophical position(s) 
• 7. Be able to discuss the sample choice in your study? 
• 8. How was the data (i) obtained, and (ii) analysed? 
• 9. What data analysis techniques were used for analysing the data, and why were they used? 
• 10. Ascertain reliability, validity, and replicability of the data used (as appropriate) 
• 11. Ask questions to ascertain the student's command of his/her work – Also, period/time when the research started; time when the Questionnaire/ and or interviews commenced and when they were both completed (as applicable).
• 12. How can we have credibility, validity in the data you have used in your work?
• 13. What major difficulties/challenges did you face in doing your work, and how did you manage these (e.g. difficulty in obtaining data, etc...). How did you manage these challenges? What did you do to increase response rate/participation of respondents in the study – interviews/postal questionnaires/focus groups; etc?

5.5. Ask the student questions at random drawing from the thesis itself (from the first page to the last page)

• 1. Questions for clarity, questions on explanation of inferences drawn from Tables and figures
• 2. Seek explanations on possible inconsistencies; lack of depth and breadth in certain areas; issues of completeness and robustness of different aspects of the work (including literature review; analysis of data); and grammar and syntax and omissions. 
• 3. Students must be able to answer questions on all the Tables and Figures and Equations provided. Pick these at random and get the student to explain.
• 4. Ask questions to test the student's level of originality, critical thinking and understanding of previous works in the area; and the extent to which the student has compared his/her work with previous work in the area. 
• 5. Ask questions to make sure that the work is the student's own work – and that the student knows where certain things are in the work/in different chapters and sections of the work 
• 6. Ask specific questions to ascertain where in the main body of the thesis the research objectives/research questions/hypotheses (as applicable) have been satisfactorily addressed. 
• 7. Ask questions, which clearly show that you are seeking the extent to which the PhD appears strong/ weak; well integrated or less integrated, structured or unstructured, and incoherent/cohesive 
• 8. Ask questions on the different techniques the student has used in analysing qualitative/quantitative data. Get the student to explain other techniques that could have been used.

5.6 Model, framework, guidance/guideline, tool-kit

• 1. If a model/framework, guidance or toolkit is produced as part of the deliverable of the PhD, ask questions on:
• 2. When was the idea of model/framework/guidance/toolkit first conceived?
• 3. Why and how was it developed? What processes/stages were involved in its development? When was it completed?
• 4. How was the framework/model/guidance/toolkit validated/tested (If at all)?
• 5. What was the outcome of the validation (If this was done)? If not, why was it not validated/tested? Who was involved in the validation/testing, and how were they chosen?
• 6. How was the view of those involved in the validation/testing finally incorporated and integrated into the model/framework/guidance/toolkit (as appropriate)?
• 7. How will the model/framework/guidance/toolkit be used?
• 8. What might be the benefits of the model/framework/guidance/toolkit?
• 9. What are the weaknesses/limitations of the model/framework/guidance/toolkit?

5.7 Checking to make sure that the research questions/hypotheses, aims and objectives of the study have all been successfully addressed

• 1. How can you show and assure me that you have addressed the main aim(s) and objectives, research questions/hypotheses of your PhD Study?

5.8 What are the main contributions of this PhD study to the following stakeholders (as appropriate)? 

• To industry
• To academics and researchers
• To policymakers 
• To organisations 
• To individual professionals 
• To decision-makers generally 
• To training providers (if at all) 
• To the community at large

5.9 Conclusions and Recommendations

• 1. What would you say are the five (5) main conclusions and five (5) main recommendations of your PhD? 
• 2. Ask the student question to explain the extent to which the conclusions in the last chapter of the thesis reflected what was in the thesis. 
• 3. How does the candidate propose to take the study area forward, if at all? Also, ask the question on how the student proposes to disseminate the outputs of the study? 
• 4. What lessons have you learned from doing the PhD? 
• 5. If you were to do the PhD all over again, what will you do different, if at all?

5.10 Encourage the student to ask any final questions

• 1. Ascertain from the student if they consider that the VIVA has been fair. 
• 2. Ask the student if there are any questions they would like to ask the examiners, or issues you would like to rise in connection with?

5.11 End of viva questions and deliberating on student’s performance 

• 1. Please, can I ask you (student) and your supervisor to leave the room for us to deliberate on the VIVA? We’ll call you back into the room shortly.

5.12 Welcome the student and the supervisor back 

• 1. Inform the student of the outcome of the VIVA 
• 2. Provide clarity to the student on what the outcome/verdict means as per the University regulations (including any necessary corrections and duration for finalising and submitting revised thesis after correction)

Appendix 30: PhD Intellectual Property Rights in the Research (IRR)

• Copyright
• Patent
• Patents for business methods and computer programs
• Trademark
• Industrial design
• Confidential information
• Inventions
• Moral rights
• Database rights
• Works of authorship
• Trade secrets

Appendix 31: PhD Research Network

• Academia.edu
• ORCID
• ISNI

Appendix 32: PhD Research Training Activity

• Research Integrity
• Research Methods (SOCIAL SCIENCES) - Online
• Research Methods (SCIENCES) - Online
• Research Methods (ARTS and HUMANITIES) - Online
• Project Management in the Research Context - Online
• Planning your Research Career (Sciences) - Online
• Planning your Research Career (Arts, Humanities & Social Scs) - Online
• Getting Published (SCIENCES) - Online
• Managing your Research Supervisor or Principal Investigator - Online
• Entrepreneurship 1, 2 and 3
• Epigeum online courses ( Get Pub Arts, Lit Rev, )
• Selecting a Conference, Presenting and Networking - Online
• Research Ethics 2: Working with Human Subjects - Online
• Research Ethics 1: Good Research Practice (Research Governance) - Online
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Research Context - Online
• “Effective Progress”: Making Progress in Your Doctorate for Second Years.
• Writing To Learn: Improving your Writing Skills
• Academic Integrity : Avoiding Plagiarism
• Planning your Research
• Developing Information Skills for Effective Research (Business and Management) PhD only.
• My Doctorate - Let's get started!
• Introduction to Refworks v2
• Doctoral Innovation Programme (DIP) Workshop 1 Project Planning, Implementation & Control: (Day 1)
• Introduction to Learning and Teaching for Postgraduate Tutors and Demonstrators
• Doctoral Innovation Programme (DIP) Session 2 'Project Planning - formulating the project plan' (1st years, and 2nd years)
• Essentials of Qualitative Analysis
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Understanding and getting organised for academic research

Appendix 33: PhD Framework

• PRISMA 
• Vitae

Appendix 34: Regulations

• General Data Protection Regulation GDPR 
• Data Protection Act 1998

Appendix 35: PhD Presentations

• 100 Day Viva Presentation Internal Panel 
• Confirmation Viva Internal Panel 
• Final Defence Formal Confirmation of Outcome
• Conference Presentations
• Industry Presentations

Appendix 36: PhD Personal Development Plan

• Goals - goals #1, 2, 3, Next 12 months, Next 3 years
• Strengths and weaknesses / gaps
• Priorities - priority #1, 2, 3
• Learning activities
• Record of professional development activities
• Forthcoming professional development activities
• Time allocation (home, studies, work, social)
• Weekly schedule
• Resources 

Appendix 37: PhD Doctoral Innovation Programme #1 - Making professional presentations

• -

Appendix 38: PhD Doctoral Innovation Programme #2 - Managing projects in organisations

• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), 
• Stakeholder Analysis Mapping, 
• Project Communication Plan, 
• Estimating, 
• Scheduling, 
• Feasibility Study, 
• Risk Assessment & Management

Appendix 39: PhD Code of Practice on Research Integrity

• Practical planning
• Authorship
• Dual submission and self-plagiarism
• Maintaining the accuracy of the research record
• Peer review
• Acknowledging contributions
• Publication and citation data

Appendix 40: PhD Publication

• Openness
• Health and Safety
• Regulatory approvals, licences and permissions
• Research ethics
• Conflicts of interest
• Maintaining quality and consistency
• Research data and supporting records

Appendix 41: PhD Ethics Information Sheet

To make sure the research upholds its ethical and legal obligations, the components stated below must be included in your information sheet. It will not be standard practice to omit any of the following components; such decisions will only be made in exceptional circumstances (and with a good justification).

• Introduction to the research
• Tell the participants what the project is about and why they have been invited to take part.
• You have been invited to be involved with/take part in/work with [project]. You have been contacted because [insert details].
• Data Protection
• Describe how you will collect, store, manage and dispose of participant data.
• We would like to assure you that the University takes its data protection responsibilities seriously, and has procedures in place to protect privacy. The project team will [describe the actions you will take].
• Examples of information sheets covering data protection are available here: 
• (i) GDPR Compliant Participant Info Sheet 
• (ii) GDPR Compliant Research - Records Management and Information Governance 
• (iii) Best practice - About the University 
• Confirmation of status
• Be clear about the status of the participants - are they volunteers or workers?
• Make it clear that individuals engaged in a voluntary capacity are able to stop their involvement at any point without any negative consequences.
• Make it clear to anyone who agrees to participate or be involved in the research that they are free to step away at any time. They are not obliged to give a reason for this. You can simply request that they let you know.
• Example text for participants in research: Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may decline to participate or withdraw from the study at any time. You do not need to tell the researchers why you do not want to take part, and your future treatment will not be affected negatively. You are free to withdraw from the study without having to give a reason and without affecting your future treatment negatively.
• Financial information
• Will you pay participants for their involvement? 
• Will you cover their expenses (for example, travel, parking or childcare)? If so, how? 
• Example wording: You will be paid £X for your involvement in this research using [cash/vouchers/bank transfer/other form of payment] / The research team will pay for expenses associated with your involvement in this research.