KU – Research Project Training Guide for Supervisors

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KU – Research Project Training Guide for Supervisors

Table of Contents
Related documents .............................................................................................................. 2
Aims of the training sessions .............................................................................................. 2
Objectives of the training session: ...................................................................................... 2
1 Code of Good Practice for Supervisors ........................................................................... 2
2 Responsibilities of the Student......................................................................................... 4
2.1 Students not proceeding satisfactorily ...................................................................... 5
3 Supervisory Meetings ...................................................................................................... 6
4 The Research Project ....................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Project Presentation .................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 8
4.3 Chapter 2. The Review Of Literature ..................................................................... 10
4.4 Chapter 3. Theoretical Framework And Research Methodology ........................... 11
4.5 Chapter 4. Presentation and Analysis of Findings .................................................. 12
4.6 Chapter 5. Conclusions And Recommendations .................................................... 13
5 : Implementing the Results ............................................................................................ 14
5.1 Agitate for Changes ................................................................................................ 14
6 KU Research Project Procedure..................................................................................... 14
6.1 Appointment of Supervisors ................................................................................... 14
6.2 Assessment and Grading......................................................................................... 15
7 VIVA.............................................................................................................................. 15

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Related documents
KU Project Supervision Appointments and Procedures (V1-August07)

Aims of the training sessions

To facilitate potential Supervisors of Research Students to investigate the process of
supervising students and to consider issues affecting the relationship between students
and supervisors.

Objectives of the training session:

• To be aware of the possible learning behaviour of potential Executive Diploma
programmes Research Students undertaking Research Projects.
• To enable potential supervisors of research students to investigate the process of
supervising students the Research Process.
• To consider issues that provide for a code of good practice and guidelines for
Supervisors.
• To consider issues that provide for a code of good practice and guidelines for
Research Students.
• The role of Co-ordinators and Award/s Providers.
•

1 Code of Good Practice for Supervisors

1. General Responsibilities
The Supervisor of a Research Candidate is directly responsible to the Course Leader for
appointment and directly to the Module Leader for each candidate’s progress and
completion (including first marking).

The Supervisor is expected to provide the candidate with advice at every stage in the
planning and conduct of research and in the writing-up, and to ensure that replacement
supervision is available to the candidate during any significant period of absence.

2. Particular Responsibilities
i. Giving guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected the
planning of the research programme, literature and sources, attendance at taught
classes, requisite techniques (including arranging for instruction where necessary)
and the problem of plagiarism.
ii. Establishing, at the beginning of the student's research, a framework for
supervision, including arrangements for regular supervisory meetings. The stages

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which the student will be expected to have completed at various points in the
research should also be agreed.
iii. Being familiar with the standard expected of research studies examiners,
consistent with the guidance laid down by KU and SPACE UTM.
iv. Maintaining contact through regular tutorial and seminar meetings, in accordance
with KU and KU Centre policy and in the light of discussion of arrangements
with the candidates.
v. To undertake no more than six (6) candidates for supervision across all
KU_SPACE UTM programmes concurrently.
vi. Being accessible to the student at other appropriate times when s/he-may need
advice.
vii. Be available and in regular communication with the Project Module Leader via
email or any means of communication.
viii. Ensuring that the project/study falls within the Supervisor's area of Expertise and
a. can be completed with the resources available
b. can be completed within the prescribed period of study
c. is suitable for the Award which the student aims to undertake
ix. Requesting written work as appropriate, and returning such work with
constructive criticism and in reasonable time.
x. Giving detailed advice on the necessary completion of successive stages of work
so that the whole may be submitted within the scheduled time.
xi. Arranging, as appropriate, for the student to talk about his/her work to faculty or
graduate seminars, and to be well briefed about the procedures involved in oral
examinations.
xii. Completing and submitting the Final Review of Progress report for each
candidate in a timely and comprehensive manner.
xiii. Marking the candidate’s final work as the first marker of the project work.
xiv. Ensuring that the candidate is made aware of inadequacy of progress or of
standard of work below that generally expected.
xv. Adhering to the KU Policies and Procedures including timetable and stages of the
monitoring and progress reporting procedures.
xvi. Ensuring each planned meeting with the candidate is held in a suitable
environment and that the supervisor is punctual and gives full attention to the
candidate throughout the meeting.
xvii. At conclusion of each meeting, to document the appropriate Stages Report
ensuring the candidate and supervisor keep a copy of the agreed report form.
xviii. For those candidates working in a potentially hazardous research environment,
ensuring and monitoring that the student possesses adequate technical competence
in any relevant research techniques, so that s/he presents no undue risk to
themselves, others, and/or KU or the Centres’ facilities.
xix. Providing clarification on the guidance or comment that will be offered on the
candidates written submissions.
xx. Submission of the monitoring reports immediately upon completion of each stage.

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In addition, Research Candidates may reasonably expect their Supervisor/s to:

i. treat them professionally, ensuring proper credit for their work.
ii. give early advice about the nature of research and the standard expected in order
to achieve the award for which the students are aiming.
iii. arrange a 'Supervision Meeting' as soon as possible after registration. This would
normally be within the first week.
iv. ensure that the first meeting covers the areas set out in the section of this 'Code on
Good Supervisory Arrangements and Practice' or that , if this is not possible, that
these areas are covered in another way.
v. if requested, provide some directed reading before registration. This might be
general background reading o that the student can discuss the topic with the
supervisor/s soon after registration, or might form the start of a literature review.
vi. provide advice on literature sources and other research resources available.
vii. deal promptly with any research problems.
viii. take an active role in introducing the student to meeting's of learned societies,
seminars, conferences etc. and to other researchers in the field.
ix. provide advice on publication of research work.
x. put the student in touch with specialists inside or outside the Centre where the
student's work goes outside the supervisor's expertise.
xi. provide support by encouragement and positive advice as well as criticism and
negative comment.

2 Responsibilities of the Student

Research Students are expected to take an active part in the intellectual life of the campus
centre, which includes regular attendance at appropriate seminars. The relationship
between the Supervisor and the Research Student is a reciprocal one. Students are
expected to;
1. work conscientiously and independently within the parameters of the guidance
offered. While it is important to keep the Supervisor/s informed and to show work to
them, student should be self directive.
2. discuss with the supervisor the type of guidance and comment which s/he finds
most helpful, and agree upon a schedule of meetings.
3. take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties, however elementary they
may seem, and before they become too serious.
4. attend supervisory meetings well prepared and with a clear agenda for the
meeting.
5. plan a research project which is achievable within a schedule consistent with
normal expectations and maintain progress in line with that schedule.
6. maintain the progress of work in accordance with the stages agreed with the
Supervisor, including especially the presentation of written material as required in
sufficient time to allow for comments and discussion before proceeding to the next stage.

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7. within the specified period, have prepared their Research Outline containing: a
definition of the area of research, evidence of their acquaintance with the background
knowledge required, a literature review or annotated bibliography, a provisional
framework for the future progress of the research together with a timetable for its
completion.
8. adhering to the timetable of the monitoring and progress reporting procedures set
out in the student guide.
9. inform the Supervisor and the Module Leader of any lengthy absences from the
programme.
10. ensure that the standard of written English is sufficient for the presentation of a
Reasearch Project.
11. deciding when s/he wishes to submit the project, taking into account the
Supervisor's opinion, which is however only advisory, and of the need to take account of
the KU requirements regarding length, format and organisation of the project.
12. for the safety of themselves and others, students working in a potentially
hazardous research environment must take the initiative to ensure that they are competent
in any relevant research techniques to be used.

2.1 Students not proceeding satisfactorily

A student who considers that his/her work is not proceeding satisfactorily for reasons outside
his/her control should discuss the matter with the Supervisor and failing satisfaction, with the
KU Representative or Module Leader if the student feels that s/he is not establishing an
effective working relationship with the Supervisor, bearing in mind;
• that should it be deemed necessary or advisable to change Supervisor, that there may
be difficulties in finding a replacement with expertise in the subject area,
• that any alleged inadequacy of supervisory or other arrangements during the period of
study would not constitute grounds for an appeal against the result of a research
examination unless there were exceptional reasons for it not having come to light
until after the examination , in which case it might be considered.

In addition, Supervisors may reasonably expect students to inform their Supervisor/s of other
people with whom they discuss their work, recognise that their Supervisor/s may have many
competing demands on their time.

The student should hand in work in good time and give adequate notice of unscheduled
meetings. The need of adequate notice also applies for requests for reference from the
Supervisor/s.

Any formal grievance should be discussed with the KU Representative or Module Leader
who will, if appropriate, advise on the procedures to be followed.

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3 Supervisory Meetings
Supervisory Meetings should be regular meetings between student and supervisor/s at which
academic advice is given and through which progress is monitored. This is particularly
important at the outset of the research to ensure that the student's project starts well. The
frequency of the meetings will depend on whether the student is full-time or part-time and on
the nature and stage of the research project.

It is important that the following points are considered early on in the supervision:
• role of supervisor (or supervisors if joint)
• frequency and timetable of future meetings
• arrangements for- seeing and commenting on written work
• monitoring procedures
• any relevant safety issues
• research infrastructure available
• availability of, and requirements to attend, training programmes or courses
• a general framework for the whole research programme
• a detailed plan for the early stages of the programme
• the research timetable should be committed to paper so that the supervisor/s can
monitor whether datelines (often speculative) have been met.
• the length of meetings (an hour for full-time and longer for part time students) will
vary depending on circumstances and frequency
• supervisors must keep a written record of supervision meetings, especially noting
what has been agreed with respect to subsequent meetings using FORM C (project
progress report). These records should be copied and available to the student.

4 The Research Project

4.1 Project Presentation

4.1.1 Covers
Executive Diploma

The Research Project shall be bound in hard maroon covers with gold lettering

The Front Cover should include The Title of the Research, The Full Name of the Candidate,
the Institution/ University and the Date [YEAR] of submission.

[TITLE] [CANDIDATES FULL NAME][University Teknologi Malaysia][YEAR]

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The Spine of the document should include The Name of the Candidate, The Title of the
Research, The Course/Year.
[CANDIDATES FULL NAME] [TITLE] [COURSE]][YEAR]

4.1.2 Contents
The following should be bound in with the Research Project as contents of the bound
Report:

Title page –
The Title of the document
The Author's Name
The statement "Dissertation submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements of Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia for the Executive Diploma in [appropriate specialisation title]
Month and Year of submission,
The Supervisor's Name and Signature,
Knowledge Universe - [appropriate name of Campus], and

The WORD COUNT.

*The title in itself is a summary of the Research Project: while it should be kept concise it
should attract the reader.

Acknowledgements page
Acknowledgements page
The Acknowledgements Page enables the author to express his/her thanks to those who have
helped him/her in providing data for the study.

To be explicit:
the individual's names, followed by
the job title and name of their organization from where data were obtained.

Research Project tutors, or other members of the college staff do not expect their names to
be included in this section.
Abstract –
Also known, as an executive summary of approximately 150-200 words - is a summary of the
whole report including
purpose,
approach,
findings,
conclusions and recommendations.

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The abstract is intended to give potential readers an overall picture of the entire report and
the opportunity to decide whether to read and study it, more.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices

4.2 Chapter 1. Introduction

INTRODUCE the subject or problem to be studied.
This might require the identification of key managerial concerns, theories, laws and
governmental rulings, critical incidents or social changes, and current environmental issues,
that make the subject critical, relevant and worthy of managerial or research attention.
- to inform the Reader (stylistically-forthright, direct, and brief; 5 to 7 pages),
- the first sentence should begin with `This Study was intended to’….’ And immediately tell
the Reader the nature of the study for the reader's interest and desire to read on.

Questions to be answered:
• What is the subject area of study?
• What is the background of the subject studied?
• Why is it important and worthy of study?

THINK OF: *The Nature of the Study: - the Problem to be investigated

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM:

What is the statement of the problem? The statement of the problem or problem statement
should follow logically from what has been set forth in the background of the problem by
defining the specific research need providing impetus for the study, a need not met through
previous research. Present a clear and precise statement of the central question of research,
formulated to address the need.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:

What is the purpose of the study? What are the RESEARCH QUESTION/S of the study?
What are the specific objective/s of the study?
Define the specific research objective/s that would answer the research Question Is of the
study.

THE RATIONALE OF THE STUDY:

Why in a general sense?

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One or two brief references to previous research or theories critical in structuring this study
to support and understand the rationale
The importance of the study for the reader to know, to fully appreciate the need for the study
- and its educational significance
Own professional experience that stimulated the study or aroused interest in the problem.
The Need for the Study - will deal with valid questions or professional concerns to provide
data leading to an answer - reference to literature helpful and appropriate.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

Clearly describe the significance of the study.
Justify why the subject requires attention.
Identify key contributions of the research that can be achieved.
Highlight the contributions that the study seeks to achieve towards – management practices;
theoretical and methodological applications; governmental procedures, policies and laws;
nation building.

THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

Break general Research Problem down to specific Sub problems and results.
Major analysis of the data exposed as one of sub problems.
Re-read Introduction Chapter before writing Results Chapter (may have to amend
Introduction Chapter to include unanticipated analysis of data not stated in original
introduction or noted among the sub-problems).
Identify the dimensions of the subject that you plan to study.
Discussion on issues such as types of data the subjects or sources of information utilised, the
time period involved and the geographic locations covered in the research may be discussed
in this section.
What aspects of the subject do you intend to study? What are the key questions to be
investigated?

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Define the terms used in the study that are not usually encountered by readers, generally.
If the study focuses on only one institution or company then a short background history of it
should be included in this chapter.

SUMMARY
A synopsis of the contents of the chapter that leads on to the introduction of the following
chapter.

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4.3 Chapter 2. The Review Of Literature

Identify the appropriate academic and/or professional fields.

Evaluate and critique the literature - challenge the assumptions.

Be highly selective, and include only those aspects of the Research Literature and
nonresearch or Conceptual literature that are relevant to developing the foundation of
the current study.

Must serve a specific study-oriented purpose.

Each major previous study is discussed in a separate paragraph/s with the findings
summarised collectively - same as with non-research or Conceptual literature by authorities
who hold similar views.

A review of literature should read as a synthesis, written by some one who has read all of the
literature and so is able to look across it all, select the highlights, and synthesise these into a
totally integrated section in the context of the current study, for further use when writing the
discussion of the results and conclusions.

History of Research:
Provide a brief history of the empirical research on the subject. - Pioneering studies, - Thrust
of prior research on the subject, i.e. which issues have received attention? – Theories
explored and viewpoints expressed - Research methods typically used.

Review of key studies

Identify and summarise the key empirical studies that have a bearing on the research.
Provide a tabular summary of the subjects, issues studied, research methods used and other
pertinent details relating to the studies,
Summarise the findings of the studies.

Evaluation of Key Studies:

Evaluate the findings of the studies in the light of your concerns,
What has been accomplished and what remains to be done?
How do you intend to use the experience of these studies in your research?

SUMMARY:
A synopsis of the contents of The Hypothesis/Research Questions and the rationale -
derived from the researcher's experience and from the readings of Research and Conceptual

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Literatures should be stated effectively at the conclusion of the review of literature chapter
that leads on to the introduction of the following chapter.

4.4 Chapter 3. Theoretical Framework And Research Methodology

THEORETICAL / CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK - using material from the previous
chapter, produce the working definitions of the main concepts you will use in your study. If
possible, form them into a conceptual framework of theory or hypothesis to be tested.

Research Methodology
Discuss the nature of the questions you are asking and choose an appropriate methodological
stance for answering them.
Justify the research methods you are using.
Describe the practical and technical aspects of conducting the research.

Theoretical Framework
Identify the Variables investigated in the study. Illustrate how the Variables interact with
each other as hypothesised in the research by the aid of diagram/s (if possible)

Research Approach
Describe the approach adopted in the study, justification for using the approach and issues
related to adopting the approach.

Research Subjects
Provide details about the population and sample used.
What sectors of the labour force, industry or groups is the sample drawn?
What are the characteristics of the population sample?
What are the strong points and limitations of the sample?
What is the justification of choosing the sample?
Can the findings be generalised to the population?

Questionnaire
Describe the questionnaire used in the study
Background of the Questionnaire
Is it original?; if any items are taken from existing questionnaire,
Identify the sources.
Describe the question categories.

Describe the scaling methods used and state the reasons for choosing them.
Issues on validity and reliability.

Administration of the Questionnaire

Describe how the questionnaire was administered
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Discuss problems encountered, if any, that affected the results relating to sample
characteristics and their potential impact on reliability and validity of the data.

Statistical Methods
Discuss the Selected Descriptive Statistical and Inferential Statistical methods [as in the
SPSS] used in analysing the results. Having selected the variables for your study, you assume
that they would either help to define your problem (dependent variable/s) and its different
components or that they were contributory factors to your problem (independent variable).

The purpose of data analysis is to identify whether these assumptions were correct or not, and
to highlight possible new views on the problem under study.

The ultimate purpose of analysis is to answer the research questions outlined in the objectives
with your data.

SUMMARY
• A synopsis of the contents of what has been written about in the Research
Methodology used;
• The description of the sample used
• Descriptive data about the instrument used
• The design of the study and the way data were collected
• The way data were analysed - assumptions and limitations of the study.

4.5 Chapter 4. Presentation and Analysis of Findings

Describe what you found out and what it means.

Refer back to the Literature Review and your Theoretical / Conceptual Framework.

Present the Data in the form of Tables, figures, charts or other illustrations as needed and
sequenced in terms of the Research Questions or Hypotheses tested.

Discuss your findings in terms of what the data actually means in terms of each segment or
cell of data gathered.

SUMMARY:
State the conclusions as concretely as possible in terms of each segment or cell of data
gathered to answer the Research Questions and Hypotheses.

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4.6 Chapter 5. Conclusions And Recommendations

As an introduction to the chapter, Summarise [recapitulate] the argument of the Research
Project in terms of what you attempted to find out and what you accomplished i.e. address the
Research Questions/Hypothesis(es).

The FINAL CHAPTER is entitled `Conclusions and Recommendations'

Conclusions here mean that for each of the findings that address the Research Questions J
Hypotheses, the Researcher draws a conclusion.

Recommendations mean that for each Conclusion, the Researcher suggests a

recommendation.
CONSIDER:
DISCUSSION:
Discuss the findings of Study in terms of the main Research Questions and Hypotheses as
well as the Title of the Research and relate the findings to the Literature Review.

In addition, try to explain the significance and non-significance of the results using available
theory, data and facts as well as the validity and reliability of the findings and arguments in
the Research Project as a whole.

IMPLICATIONS:
What are the substantive implications of the experience for; - Management, Unions and other
interest groups; for public policy; Nation building. - The Methodological or procedural
implications of the experience for other researchers.

LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH:
Describe the possible limitations faced in the study especially from the methodological
perspective.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER OR ADDITIONAL RESEARCH:

Provide concrete suggestions for FURTHER RESEARCH in the field or additional research
(if possible) in the research methodological areas encountered in the study. The researcher's
last Recommendation will be Suggestions for Further Research'.

The FINAL CONCLUSION to the Chapter addresses the TITLE of the Research as the title
reflects the whole study.
Discuss how the objectives and research questions of the study have been met with the
research.

Highlight the key findings, implications, etc. that the research has revealed.

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5 : Implementing the Results

5.1 Agitate for Changes
In Programme, Policy, or Organisation as suggested by the Findings.

The Researcher may not be recognised and even considered ill-mannered but the Researcher
must believe as being part of the process of social change involved in the discovery of the
better way.

Take the responsibility for implementing it in own setting and agitating others to do the same
or else change based on Research will not take place the Researcher decides if and how
change should occur.

6 KU Research Project Procedure

The following procedure describes the steps to be followed in the selection, approval, support
and assessment of the Research Project.

The Candidate commences work on the Research Project, by attending the compulsory

Research Methodology Workshop

The Candidate should be advised to start working on his/her PROPOSAL at a period during
his module studies. The timing of starting a Project is determined by the Course Leader and
varies from programme to programme but always commences after the Research
Methodologies Workshop has been completed.

6.1 Appointment of Supervisors

The KU Policy and Procedures for appointment of Supervisors is described in the Policy
Document for Project Development.

Upon KU giving approval for a supervisor to supervise the candidate after submission of
FORM A, The Supervisor and candidate first meeting should be arranged.

The process of development is set out in the KU Project Supervision Policy and Procedures
document.

On notification by KU of the formal commencement of the Project (candidate submits

FORM B), CANDIDATE and his/her SUPERVISOR will have meetings to develop and
complete the 6 Stages of the project thesis.

1st Stage Meetings – Chapter 2. The Review of Literature - discussion on Review of

Literature associated closely with the Topic/Title and the writing up of Draft Chapter 2.

2nd Stage Meetings – Chapter 1. Introduction - discussion on the contents of Chapter 1 and
Chapter 3 and the writing up of Draft Chapter 1.
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3rd Stage Meetings — Chapter 3. Theoretical Framework and Research Methodology -

discussion on Instrumentation, Data Collecting and Statistical Analysis and the writing up of
Draft Chapter 3.

4th Stage Meetings — Chapter 4. Presentation and Analysis of Findings

- Collection of Data and writing up of Draft Chapter 4.

5th Stage Meetings— Chapter 5. Conclusions and Recommendations

- Discussion on contents of Chapter 5 and the writing up of Draft Chapter 5.

6th Stage Meetings — Final Draft

- Discussion on the whole report or thesis and preparation of 3 softcover copies of the thesis
for submission to KU.

Events following project completion:

Intention to submit for Examination (FORM D) and Supervisors Final Review (FORM E)

Only after KU has approved the submission of forms D and E should the supervisor
commence marking the Project.

6.2 Assessment and Grading

KU Centre Representative to forward a copy each to the 1st Examiner [the Supervisor] and
the 2nd Examiner for Assessment and Grading.

The Candidate’s own Copy will be sent to the KU Course Leader at KU Offices Petaling
Jaya.

7 VIVA
No VIVA would be required at the Executive Diploma level.
.

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