Research is my passion, but due to monetary reasons I am doing a job along with my PhD. So how can I maintain the balance between my PhD and job? Do I really need to discontinue one of the things? Please suggest some ways through which I can manage both the things without much stress.
Hello everyone
I am getting close to my Viva, which is being held in May. Till now, I haven’t really studied much and I am kind of nervous. How will I pull it off? I am looking for any tips/suggestions as to how should I defend my thesis, also in a really fast way.
Thanks
Put up questions and answer them. I am preparing my Viva too and that’s the strategy that I am applying. I am going chapter wise, writing all the possible questions that can come out of a particular chapter and then I write their answers. It’s like taking notes, and as writing is a more effective method of learning, I find it useful.
Thanks for the reply, but taking notes and making questions is a lot of work. My viva has been postponed to July, thankfully (a much required relief!). But I am still looking for some useful insights. Like what happens in the viva-room, what all can they ask, what do they look for? Something around, how can you win over your examiners?
Examiners look for a way to catch a glitch and then focus on it to make the student really very very uncomfortable. And that’s saying it lightly. My examiners were as bad as they come. And the only way to win over such people is to answer all their questions except when you don’t know. See, do not brag or try to give answer when you know you’re stuck. Giving wrong response is even worse than being quite. Anyway, the examiners have points for each category like timely submission, etc. etc. They don’t judge you on the basis of your viva alone but you’re overall conduct during the course of program. So, if you have been wrong somewhere, prepare some excuses.
It’s important to defend your claims about the novelty of the thesis and its impact to knowledge.
However, no research is flawless, and showing that you have considered what could have been done differently, or even better, is not a bad thing.
So confront your examiners with honesty and confidence. All the best.
In my experience, you should work on your presentation slides. Most of us take time in preparing and studying like book worms, but what we miss is a good presentation. No matter how well we prepare our research, if we are not able to present it proper, then it’s worthless.
Hey, I came across this piece of article given by University of Leicester .The tips suggested by them are worthy of attention! I have shared the link below.
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/presentations/viva
Focus on your presentation skills more, because I guess that the way you can win over them. I read it somewhere, that to impress someone, you need to hone your presentation skills.
Defending thesis is the most-infuriatingly-crucial-thing that has to be taken care of. Though I think that it’s really about the moods of examiners, some precautions can be taken. I am referring to this blog on an editing website (seems quite popular), but the write-up in the blog is what really caught my attention. Have a look yourself:
http://www.24x7editing.com/blog/when-would-the-examiner-tear-apart-your-thesis/
Took an additional month, but finally I am done with my literature review. Now its turn for methodology chapter and like before, I don’t want to make any mistakes. So guys, help me out with this part. For all I know, I need to just explain the methods I adopted and why they were appropriate. What else should I incorporate?
A research methodology is a blueprint of a research incorporating each and everything you want to do for answering the particular research questions. It is something that you have to study in detail as I don’t think anyone can explain all the methods to you here. As you have to start from the start, how about you check out this book:
Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches, by Creswell (2003)
Thanks for the reference. I already know the methods, it’s the way I have to explain and justify why I chose them. I have heard that when students are unable to justify their research methods, the examiners not only reject their thesis but also ask them to use another method. And that is like doing all-the-work, all-over-again. Considering my supervisor, I don’t want to be that situation. So, how to I write the methodology in a persuasive manner?
For justifying your methods, you need to consider all the methods and evaluate why they can’t be good for your research. You can give examples from your literature about the methods adopted by others and also show the significance of your method by highlighting its advantages backed by more literature.
Hey, check out this blog on how to write a methodology chapter:
http://www.chanakya-research.com/blog/the-structure-for-the-methodology-chapter/
Outline your methodology and then present it to your supervisor before writing it completely. If there will be any error, the supervisor will point out and that will save you re-do time. Take a look on this post, on quick writing and see if that works:
http://www.phdstatistics.com/blog/the-quickest-way-to-write-a-dissertation-methodology-section/
From what I gather, the main thing is to support your choices of methods with literature. Which studies should I mention, the ones who used the same methods, or those who didn’t?
I guess you can present both. You can explore the studies that chose a different path with their limitations and the reason why your method can be much better. And you can explore those, which chose the similar kinda method and how that turned out to be fruitful.
Providing justification for your adopted methodology stems solely from the outcome of your literature review. From the review, it may be that the methodologies employed by the previous studies did not adequately explain the phenomenon; 2. It may be that the new methodology in other field of studies may contradict the existing knowledge about the phenomenon and offer fresh insight which you may want to apply; 3. It may be that the way the problem and its associated concepts were approached and defined were problematic; and 4. It may be that the contemporary problem have falsified at the previous claims about the issue you are investigating. On the basis of these arguments you can justify your methodology chapter.
Hello, I am starting to write an empirical paper from my thesis. For that, I am taking 2 objectives and research questions out of 5 from my thesis.
Its turning out to be a tedious task, what do I include, what do I don’t include? As, the objectives are quite interrelated, I am confused as to how should I divide the content. According to my supervisor, I at least need to write 4 research papers. I have also not completed my thesis writing yet and writing one journal paper is turning out to be so time-consuming, how can I write 3 more?
Any advice?
Writing a research paper from thesis sounds easy but it’s not the same. You need to make a complete plan, how are you gonna divide your thesis into 4 papers? Which paper will contain which chapter? How much time will it require? Which ones are going to be empirical or just review paper? I’ll suggest you plan it out with someone, your supervisor perhaps.
Hey, I am starting to do the same thing. I have already written a review paper during my PhD which is now published in a peer-reviewed journal. But now, I have to write papers from my thesis. After my viva, my examiners gave me their advices about the relevant portions of my research that should be published. Though it’s kind of difficult to make these portions into paper.
My thesis is composed of different aspects and scenarios, combining them makes it complete but segregating them requires a lot of additional work. As now I have to work on individual parts. I suggest you ask your teacher on how to go on about it.
Actually my supervisor is not really showing any interest in my work. All she said was “take your time and think about it”, now whatever that means. I am still working on my first paper and it’s too much work.
How about you start working on another paper side by side, like preparing a background plan. And why don’t you go for a review paper? Half of the work will be done from your literature review chapter. In that way, you can get more publications and less amount of time. I have published two papers and this is how I did. While writing one, I make a plan of others. You can surely give it a try.
I am doing my research in medical field preparing research papers. I am not sure whether it will be helpful for you or not, but the following resource explains how to prepare a manuscript on a broad level for medical journals. You can read it though, it’s useful. I am sharing the link:
Writing for scientific medical manuscript: A guide for preparing manuscript for Biomedical Journals
Well, that was somewhat useful. I have been suggested by my friend to start with a review paper, rather than an empirical. I have developed a draft (introduction, literature review) relating to the previous studies done. And for that I have taken my literature review chapter. My doubt is that where do I go from here? What next section do I write? I mean there is nothing new about it. Exploring the studies that have already been done is not new, and I don’t understand its value or contribution to the literature. So, how do I conclude?
You got provide an interesting synthesis of the related literature on the basis of your objectives. It would be better if you use a blend of older and recent literature. As far as the novelty of the paper is concerned, it will be new as it is your interpretation, which has to be different. Just include an introduction section, literature review, conclusion and future direction. You can include graphs and tables to enhance the presentation. I hope you find it useful. All the best!
Good afternoon
I am in first year of my PhD in management studies and need to select an appropriate data collection and analysis method. My problem is that I can’t really understand the methodologies like grounded theory, phenomenology, thematic analysis etc.
What I have thought is to use a mixed method approach for data collection (qualitative + quantitative). For that, I am thinking about conducting semi-structured interviews with the key participants of my study. I settled for this as most of the researchers have used interviews and surveys as the means for data collection. I have also prepared the questionnaire but I am unable to get my head around the theoretical perspective. How will I analyse the qualitative data?
Any help regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hey tedg8, I can very well understand your difficulty as I have too struggled with methodologies. It’s too grey and complex and massive, I must add. There are so many methods that are can be used in management studies. Have you read all the methods? Ever considered observational and case study as data collection methods?
The best means to select the methods is to read the previous researches. Look what methods they opted for. And for the methods you don’t understand, read this amazing book by Creswell, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Sage Publications. All the research methods are clearly defined, which methods to use, when to use, which one is best for which type of study and so on. He has explained with examples and is quite useful and maybe it’ll solve your doubts.
Hi, I am sorry for replying so late. Got a bit engrossed in the studies. I read a lot of literature and the book suggested by you. Thanks for that, it’s quite informational. But I am still facing some difficulties. What if the research method I choose is wrong and my findings turn unreliable due to that? Even after studying so much about it, I am still not sure. Can’t anyone just do it for me??
We aren’t professionals, so no I can’t tell you the correct method. Every research is unique and demands different approaches and it’s the perspective of the researcher that makes the complete difference. As you said, you have read a lot of literature and its still confusing you, then take help from a friend or discuss it with your supervisor. Later on, if you feel you chose the wrong approach, then you can always trace bake to where you started.
Hey all, this is the first time I am initiating a thread and it’s nice to know that there are other people sharing similar difficulties. So, I’ll get to the point. I am having some difficulties getting my head around statistics and methodology.
I have read a lot of books and decided on my methods but the road-block is choosing the appropriate statistical test and the sample size. I am thinking about conducting survey with simple random method and then do regression analysis as it would be most suitable as per my research. But how do I do the power analysis and choose the sample size? How to I justify it? It’s really confusing to me.
Hey minttyt, I can understand how confusing it is to justify your research and statistical methods. If you want to select a sample size, then you can just find an online calculator for that. If you Google ‘online power/sample size calculator’ then you will find a whole load of different ones, so you should find one to suit!
I used an online power calculator, the one at
http://www.danielsoper.com/statcalc/ and also the one at
http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm.
I was using it for a correlation sample size calculation, I’m not sure if it does sample sizes for every different kind of analysis.
Are these calculators efficient? And there’s no formula in it. I think if I use them, it won’t be that conclusive you know? Using a proper formula for the matter can be more valid. Can you refer me any book or paper regarding the same?
Sure, this is the first PDF I got on sample size formulas. Here’s the link:
The formulas available on other sites are similar as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know any other books for calculating sample size, maybe you can ask your librarian? That might help
Hello everybody,
I constructed my thesis research proposal on management related topic where I’ll be analysing the impact of new technologies and social networking on the customer’s relationship in hotel industries. But it needs to be corrected and I am in a desperate need for help!
I have studied the background on the related topics.
I have analysed the methods adopted by other researchers
From the previous researches, I have estimated that technologies and social networking can strongly influence the CRM in hotel industries and they can be used to boost its growth
The teachers who read my proposal said that the topic was below the standards of a PhD course. It lacked the critical analysis and a lot of studies have already analysed the impact of these two variables in the hotel industry. They asked me to present a better argument. Any advice on the matter would be sincerely appreciated. Thank You!
What is your topic? Maybe they want something fancy? Try revising it. And the think the best way to present your literature review is in the form of a concept matrix. It is a tabular form of data that explains the concepts in a research and what all has been discovered by researchers on those concepts. It basically summarizes the complex aspects of knowledge that can be easily understood.
Critically analysing the previous study is essential to find the gap in that research domain. If your examiners are saying that there is no critical analysis and it means that you haven’t criticized the previous studies of your research domain. Well, it shouldn’t be that difficult. Read the literature again, point out their methods and then describe their limitations. Explain what where the researchers lack at, what methods would have been better implemented, stuff like that. And yeah, literature in matrix is quite effective. Good luck!
Hey thanks for the replies! My topic is “Internet technology and social media as tools in CRM.” I have read about concept matrix but can you critically analyse the previous studies in a matrix? I mean, aren’t we supposed to just present the concepts and the work done in those domains?
Of course you can critically analyse the literature review in the matrix form. The only difference that I feel in using matrix is that it’s more presentable. And your topic looks too broad, try to use words like “assessing impact” and “analysing”. Also, in which industry are you going to study these tools? Mention the name! The topic should be precise yet give elaborative!
I am in a PhD program and can’t seem to write a literature review! It’s been 7 months since I enrolled in this program and maybe I am new at this, that’s why I can’t get it. But I am fed up! After selecting my topic and extensively reading different papers related to my field, I am told to prepare a draft on literature review (which I heard for the first time). My self-righteous guide didn’t bother to explain how to write an LR or what the heck that is! All I got to know from here and there was that, you write about other researches.
Failure 1: I just took the abstract of other research papers and simply ‘put’ them in my draft, which was a super failure, no doubt.
Failure 2: I re-wrote the abstracts (pretty stupid of me for which I got to hear my guide’s bickering for two painful hours!!).
Failure 3: I included more references and instead of writing in paragraphs about one research, I wrote in sentences. For example, Mr. X stated this, Mr. Y stated that (advised by my guide and still the sicko rejected it).
Failure 4: I divided the literature review into sections and did a little bit more explaining (my smart-ass guide wanted a critical analysis, without explaining it to me!!).
Failure 5: So, I revised the document according to the ‘critical analysis’ and still got rejected!
Why? Because now, that imbecile wants me to make a concept matrix and also, he wasn’t satisfied with my critical analysis! What the heck is a concept matrix? I am so damn tired of making revisions! What do I do?
I am so sorry to hear this. Some advisors are just non-cooperative and yours is ‘stupid’, I guess. He should just tell you what he wants, instead of moving you around. Anyways, have you identified the different theories from your literature review?
Theories as in the findings of the researchers? What they proposed? That’s what you mean by theories, right?
Well, concept matrix is a way to present your literature review by displaying the different concepts interpreted by different researchers! For example, your research topic is something like, “evaluating the impact of social media on CRM”, a possible concept can be “social media has a positive impact on CRM”, then you need to present the ideas and methods that the other researchers have applied to evaluate the positive impact of social media on CRM. It has to be in a tabular form. I think I am unable to clearly explain it you, so have a look at the following link of a pdf. It might help:
I think your problem is your supervisor and not the literature review! And it’s the most common problem that we all share. Try making him understand, don’t just listen to him and make the corrections. If he has stretched your LR for this long, god only knows what he’ll do when you move onto research methodology!
I know that the problem is my overcritical supervisor, but that is something I can’t solve. So I abide by his rules, after all, he got my marks.
@davidbergeviin what I learnt is that I need to identify the concepts from my research and write the discoveries of other researchers on those concepts. I did accordingly and mailed it to my supervisor. I hope he finally approves.
Hey all! I am pursuing my PhD in Environmental and resource economics from Ohio State University, in Columbus, United States. I am at the last stage of my course. I submitted my thesis 3 months ago and I am waiting for my viva now and I am pretty nervous about my thesis too.
• What if they reject my work?
• How do the examiners make decision?
• What ‘weight’ do they give?
So, yeah, I am pretty curious and writing to simply ‘know more’!
Well, I don’t know about your university policies, but in mine, external examiners are appointed to review our thesis. They are also provided with guidelines to help them review but I don’t really thing they do so. Who has the time to go through all the pages? They usually concentrate on the abstract, methods used, findings and conclusion, at least my guide does.
But really, you should concentrate more on your viva. Sometimes if your viva is good, then you place a good impression on the examiners and they might not ‘critically’ review your thesis.
Go through your institution policies and practices. They all vary!
My examiners are external and my supervisor says that thy focus on the findings of the research and how much it contributes to your domain. That’s about all I know.
@sharonbaneey1 How should I prepare my viva?
Well, you need to be the’ expert in the room’ on your research topic. For that, re-read your thesis and keep track of all the latest technologies or new in your area of research. Be up to date with all the research papers that are being published since you have submitted your thesis and gain the additional knowledge.
The examiners are usually chosen on the basis of their expertise in the field of your research work. As it’s basically about impressing them, study their contribution in the field. You’ll get to know about their knowledge and anyways, the papers written by them will be related to your field, so it won’t be a waste of time.
When I was in my viva, the examiners were totally onto me, they asked everything man. And not just asking, they literally probed on everything I said or ‘didn’t say’. Like they asked the limitations of my study and I only mentioned the usual ‘time constraint’ and what a mistake it was!! They counted off every single limitation there could be in this world! why did you choose this method, how will you justify it, why didn’t you go with this approach? The 1-hour-exhausting-frustrating-bite-my-nails viva killed me, but I did pass, though not with good marks :(. Anyhow, it was a relief, pheww!
What I understand is that, it all depends upon the state of mind the examiner is in! A piece of advice: Viva is about defending your thesis or dissertation, so carefully consider what and how you are going to defend and what you will concede to. Also, don’t hide your limitations, like never!
@Robertmaxeey Sorry to hear about your marks. Other than thoroughly reading my research, what else can I do to impress my examiners?
Focus on your contributions, practice on how you will explain them in a clear manner. Don’t be silent, and you’ll be good to go. And yeah, try to have fun, the moment won’t last for long!
I wanted to ask for some advice on the process of dissertation writing. With my engagement, marriage and lots of travelling during my environmental PhD, I have only written 10 new pages this entire semester! I am certain my University is going to kick me out if I don’t complete my dissertation before May of 2016!
My dissertation has six chapters namely, introduction, literature review, research methodology, analysis, results and discussion, conclusion. I am done with the first and second chapter and have been writing research methodology for as long as I remember! I can’t seem to figure out the problem, maybe it’s due to so many interruptions, with my marriage and all. But now, when I sit down to write, I am blank, like I am so tensed, I can’t even write! Is it normal to get struck by a paralyzing writing anxiety?
If anyone has a similar kind of problem with writing and could advise me on the same, I would really appreciate it!
Hey, I am writing up too! Although I am not facing the kind of problem you are but maybe I can help you get out of this writer’s block. But first, tell me, do you submit individual chapters or the complete draft to your supervisor? Because if you submit chapter-wise then it will take more time as the supervisors usually takes time to check.
I think you are really stressed due to the time-constraint issue, and that is what making you restless and anxious and thus interrupting your writing! Well, you got nearly 4 months to complete your dissertation and I think it’s doable! So, first relax, talk to your supervisor and I am sure it’ll all work out.
Hey Sophiaw740, I have to submit my dissertation chapter-wise. My supervisor is neutral, I mean she’s neither strict nor lenient, and I don’t even think she reads my chapters, so that’s not an issue. But, yes, time maybe as I am unable to write and I have limited time.
I am not officially writing up but soon I’ll sail in the same boat 🙂
I have heard that writing is quite overwhelming and so I have been preparing for it. I am reading this book, ‘How to write a better thesis’ by David Evans and it’s really encouraging. The author has pointed out interesting tips for every phase of a thesis, such how to go on with abstract, what to include, what to exclude, different styles of writing, writing in chunks etc. You can refer to this book to get out of this ‘stuck-up’ phase, it’s easily available on Amazon.
Thanks for the responses guys. @davidbergeviin the book is too costly and funding is also a concern for me. Will the funding stop if I am unable to complete my dissertation on time?
I don’t really know much about funding, I guess it depends upon the scheme you took. If you have any doubts then clear them before hand, but funding or not, completing dissertation on time is crucial you know, at least for better marks!
If book is out of the question, you can always find few tips on writing or how to write on internet. I came across few blogs the other day, about thesis writing, pointing out some tools that can be used. Check them out at:
http://www.phdthesiswriters.com/write-your-phd-thesis-in-2-months/
https://www.thesispal.com/blog/5-tips-for-masters-thesis-writing/
I hope, they are of some use! Good luck to you!
Discuss your Dissertation 
davidm34 10:51 am on April 18, 2016 Permalink |
Hey, have you heard about PhD studentship? These are basically jobs related to your PhD like teaching or researching. So, if your finding it difficult to work out with both job and PhD, then maybe you can switch your job to something that is related with your PhD research.
alexoliphaant 7:38 am on April 28, 2016 Permalink |
If you are unable to manage both the things, then why don’t you leave your job? Once you have your degree with good marks, you can always land another job. If you have funding problem, then you can apply for scholarships or funding programs?
adamflindeers 9:47 am on May 6, 2016 Permalink |
I have been working for 6 years now. I am the only son and my father is physical disabled, and that is the reason I joined PhD, to help me boost my career. I don’t find it as a good option to leave my job or look for something else. I hardly get time to sleep, don’t wanna waste in in job hunting.
sophiaw740 9:18 am on May 17, 2016 Permalink |
That’s a crappy situation to be in. You must be a part-timer. A PhD will definitely boost your career and do wonders in the long run but as your finding it difficult with your job, why not talk to your boss? Maybe you can change your schedule? And even better, have you tried consulting your college administration or counsellor? There are a lot of students who face such kinds of problem. With their consultation, I am sure you can find out a way.
dolliejgandy 4:27 am on May 18, 2016 Permalink |
I know it’s tough to balance a job with PhD but the only thing which can sort all your worries is ‘Time Management’. You need to divide your time and stick to it like a parasite. One of my friend who has just completed her PhD was working as a waitress but still with her hard work and determination, she was able to make her dream come true. You can use software like Zotero or Mendeley for planning your work.
adamflindeers 6:57 am on May 26, 2016 Permalink |
I would really like to sincerely thank you all for your advices.
I have been talking to my college administration and they are ready to help me work it out. The solution is to extend my time, or you can say deadlines. So it’ll take more years for me to complete my course but I hope it’ll be less stressful.
leatriceamar 11:55 am on June 22, 2016 Permalink |
Hi all. I was reading this thread and I am in a similar kind of situation. Instead of creating a new thread, I thought to continue on this one. Umm…I am actually quite disturbed with my job and part-time PhD. I enjoy my work (9 to 6) and it is important for me. At first, things were slow and smooth but now as I am in my second year, it’s getting kind of ‘tedious’. My supervisor was also okay at the start but now he wants more participation and I think that’s why he won’t settle for my procedure of collecting data and keeps poking. For my research I settled for conducting interviews with the chief security auditors at banks, 3 of them to be particular. I know it’s less, but at least it would be simpler for me. But my supervisor thinks survey method would be more appropriate or rather more interviewees will do the trick. The hitch is that I don’t have that much time on me. If I take more participants:
A. I’d have to take out more time into conducting those
B. The analysis will be more difficult
C. I don’t think I’ll do justice to my research as less participants means more efficiency
I am looking for a solution to manage all the things, which will not affect my performance at work and at research.
dolliejgandy 10:47 am on June 28, 2016 Permalink |
Determining the scope of the research is quite important and you should do that. 3 participants are however less and I think you should consider your supervisor’s advice. Maybe you can increase the count to 8 or 9? That should suffice, as per my views.
alexoliphaant 11:59 am on June 30, 2016 Permalink |
Hey show your guide this:
http://www.thesishelpcenter.com/blog/the-pitfalls-of-large-sample-sizes/
It’s a tip really, for NOT taking a large sample size. I am not sure if as per your study 3 is less or more, but I do know that people can take whatever sample they want, if they can justify it. You have a right to choose judgmental sampling and justify your reasons for it.