RESEARCH SUPERVISION

Dr. M. Saleem Sarki

Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam
• Outline
• What is research
• Importance of research
• Research methodology
• Challenges in research supervision and solutions
• Qualities of Good supervisor

1 2
Critical Questions
• Why did you do research (Ph.D.?)

• Why are you supervising Research?

3
Why Research ?
Discover new things Change our Improve the World
environment around us

Get in touch with our Gives a new perspective Think more creatively
desires

Think more logically Think more Helps to get more

successfully/effectively involved in society

Helps us think more Helps us to think more …………… add your

globally objectively answer……….
1 4
Importance of Research
1. Expands your knowledge base; provides you with the
latest information
2. Introduces you to new ideas; helps you know what you’re
up against
3. Teaches you better discernment; helps with problem-
solving
4. Encourages curiosity; builds your credibility
5. Helps you reach people; builds networks and inroads
within the disciplinary, professional, and social
communities.
5
Research Supervisors: 2 fold agenda
Mindfulness about the aims of Research (outcomes)

Reflect it in their outlook, behaviour, decisions/actions

1 6
• PhD. Supervision challenges
• Less competition for students,
• Budgetary constraints,
• Lesser accountability are the mainly challenges the universities face.

1 7
A supervisor should set clear expectations and academic goals

for their PhD students.

• Collaborate with their students to outline their research

plans.

• Establish deadlines, and monitor their progress.

1 8
• Foster a supportive environment.

• A great supervisor should create a positive and uplifting environment for their

PhD students.

• This includes offering encouragement, constructive feedback, and understanding.

• Encourage open communication.

• Communication is vital to any successful doctoral supervision.

1 9
What do you think is the reason?
So many unemployed Ph.D.s on one side (globally)?

HEIs struggling to fulfill the required numbers of

Ph.D. faculty/supervisor?

1 10
Reflect on Ph.D. Research journeys in
some developed world context?
3 types of Ph.D. educational experience (time, inputs,
requirements etc.)

1 11
Reflect on Ph.D. Research journeys in
some developed world context?
3 types of Ph.D. educational experience (time, inputs,
requirements etc.)

Global decline!
More diversity and range everywhere?

1 12
Search

“Put the Philosophy back into the Doctor of Philosophy”

1 13
Research Supervision (first tier/inner most
circle)
1. What is your vision for Ph.D. Supervision?

A description of 50 words (maximum)

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

This captures everything you’ve said, believed in, or did over the years
as Research Supervisor.
These are traits/ behaviours that define your philosophy, characterize
your research supervision style and solidify your contribution and
impact! 1 14
Research Supervision (Second Tier/Outer
circle)
2. How do you fit your Research Supervision within the
program, institutional, and national vision, goals, policies,
global developments?

a) Vision Statement of the university and program

b) Goals set by the university?
c) Platforms available to showcase your Research output? (all
competitions/ exhibitions/ grants etc.)

d) Global Targets. ( SDGs etc.)

1 15
Research Supervision is ultimately about…
1. Preparing the future human
resource/experts (skillful,
passionate etc.)

2. Developing expertise
required for sustainability What are the outcomes normally
(program, institution, society, seen and targeted?
economic etc.)

3. Influence the future?

16
Principles for Research Supervision

A. Clarity about the:

1. Purpose of Research
2. Critical understanding of the discipline
3. Sophisticated knowledge and skills about Research Methods
4. Research Policies/ regulations (institutional, national, global)

1 17
Principles for Research Supervision

B. Clarity about the:

1. Research Supervision Role
2. Research Supervision Approach/strategies
3. Resourcefulness essentially needed to complete smoothly research
project under any condition

1 18
Principles for Research Supervision

Task : Each university develops one Principle on the same lines

as shown

Hint: These principles may focus on a real problem/ malpractice/

weakness at your university.

1 19
Thank you
1 20