Doctoral Research Supervision in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Doctoral study is considered the most popular form of research in the world. Doctoral research supervision is a key element in successful doctoral study.  Supervisor-supervisee relationship is central to effective research supervision.  The multifaceted and complex mechanism of research supervision has several opportunities and challenges.  Exploring these opportunities and challenges was the solo aim of this study. Doctoral student’s perceptions through an in-depth interview were recorded. Fifty doctoral students from 5 selected universities were selected as a sample for this study. Three opportunities and three challenges were identified through thematic analysis which were further divided into different subthemes. Research Identity Development, personalized supervision approaches and networking,  and professional exposure were identified as different opportunities to cope with the identified challenges like Inconsistent guidance framework, resource constraints,  and adapting to diverse doctoral student needs. The result indicates that the identified opportunities were supportive to cope with the challenges. The findings have significant implications for adequate and supportive doctoral supervision practices. Adequate Supervision, as perceived by doctoral students, can play a significant role in shaping a doctoral student the novice,  and a competent researcher.