On Saturday, 11th May 2019, the DoctorateHub provided an introduction to the principles and application of quantitative research to a receptive group of doctoral students and post-doctoral participants. We were taken through the quantitative research method, where the research aims to determine the relationship between an independent variable/s and dependent or an outcome variable in a population. Quantitative research is often used for a descriptive or explanatory or a combination of in the research design and seeks to test theories or hypothesis, although it could also generate theories, addressing the basic principle of realworld = model + error Practical examples […]

The DoctorateHub are delivering the next interactive webinar on Saturday, 11th May 2019, at 12noon GMT (UK) time, to introduce the principles and application of quantitative research doctoral student could use in their thesis. Data analysis could range from being very simple, such undertaking descriptive statistical analysis or could extend to more complex analysis such as using structural equation modelling (SEM). As most students look to undertake analysis as part of their mixed methods research, the webinar will start with the use of descriptive statistical analysis and how to use the three averages and dispersion; how to undertake correlational analysis; […]

On Saturday, 13th April 2019 we ran a hands-on webinar on Mirroring as a means to build up your thesis. As it turned out this seemed to be a quite popular topic with lively discussion. To all those that didn’t make it let me flag one of the key out takes: Mirroring can be a key to REDUCING THE TIME: ‘time to problem understanding’, ‘time to results’, ‘time to key literature’, ‘time to methodology crafting’, ‘time to write the thesis up’, and ultimately ‘time wasted’. Take a look at the image below to see for yourself how mirroring can guide you. The […]

Mirroring is a technique used to guide the thesis crafting and to assure your thesis has just the right coverage. In a nutshell, mirroring is the technique of looking for consistency across the thesis chapters. If your Chapter 4 on the Findings suggests that high fluctuation is in large parts a result of bullying, then your Chapter 2 Literature Review should similarly cover this, and your Chapter 1 Introduction should be setting the scene on the matter. Likewise, your Chapter 5 Analysis should pick-up on this, and Chapter 6 Conclusion should also. It ties the threads together, weaving key messages […]

The doctorate journey and the phenomenon of the ‘silent death’ The doctoral journey is an open-ended journey and there are infinite ways doctoral students could follow. Those on a more structured professional doctorate, like the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), may have formal coursework that provides guidance in the initial phase. But ultimately, this is your research and you need to craft your pathway. There is an endless amount of literature to read, a myriad of methodologies, methods and frameworks to explore, skills and mind sets to trial and adopt; and all against little and vague feedback, and guidance that supervisors or peers […]

On Saturday, 16th March 2019, the DoctorateHub provided a solid understanding of the viva process and what to expect, what the outcomes could be and areas where a doctoral candidate may fail the viva. This generates some discussion around the linking and engagement with literature relative to our research and how we generate our contribution to knowledge and practice. Noting that this is a key area of concern in a number of mock viva’s the DoctorateHub have undertaken as one of their services. There are various thing to do while you wait for your viva date to arrive. Consider keeping […]

The Viva is a make it or break it point. It is the ultimate hurdle between you and the finishing of your doctorate. Consequently, it is a recurrent theme at the DoctorateHub with the Mock Viva Service gaining in popularity over recent months. What are examiners looking for?, How do I understand the motivations around their questions?, and What could be a ‘Plan B’ in case that things don’t go as expected? These are the types of questions all viva candidates have. And while a Viva fail happens on occasion, it is more likely the type of feedback is a […]

On Saturday, 16th February, the DoctorateHub presented Tackling Wicked Problems, creating a lively discussion on participants’ experiences and current wicked problems being faced, how to identify and deal with such wicked problems. Indeed, whether the wicked problem in question can even be tamed. Participants were able to draw on their recent or current thesis, and problems being posed in the ‘Tackling Wicked Problems – how to nail jelly to the wall!’ in their Science meets Business Advanced Training Course. Discussions moved from understanding what is happening, the relationships within the problem and onto how to engage with stakeholders more effectively […]

Tackling Wicked Problems is a tough challenge Tackling wicked problems is perhaps one of the toughest challenges any of us can face. The reason for this is that wicked problems have no ultimate solution. Working with linear cause and effect logic won’t be sufficient to tackle wicked problems as the different cause and effects might have no direct observable relationship. Wicked Problems are sneaky – they like to hide To make things even worse, wicked problems are not only those huge issues, like global warming, but they often hide out in apparent straight forward tiny problems. Wicked Problems constitute a […]

On Saturday, 26th January 2018, the DoctorateHub delivering an interactive webinar to introduce us to the principles and application of using quantitative research. With most DBA students undertaking quantitative studies using a mixed methods approach, the DoctorateHub focused on how the principles of quantitative research applies to a mixed methods study. Areas covered included the design of the research instrument, and the integration of data collection instruments in mixed methods research. A selection of the slides from the presentation are here for reference. Further slides and an interactive area can be found at Peers4Progress. Peers4Progress was set up for us by […]