Preparing for the Transfer

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Preparing for the Transfer John S.A. Edwards,
PhD., Dr honoris causa (Örebro University,
Sweden) Professor of Foodservice Foodservice
and Applied Nutrition Research Group Bournemouth
University Editor Editorial Board Int. J. of
Contemporary Hospitality Management
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Outline

• The purpose of the transfer
• The process of the transfer
• Preparation for the transfer
• The dreaded day
• The outcomes

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What is a PhD?
To have demonstrated

• The creation and interpretation of new knowledge,
  through original research of a quality to
  satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the
  discipline, and merit publication
• A systematic acquisition and understanding of a
  substantial body of knowledge which is at the
  forefront of an academic discipline
• The general ability to conceptualise, design and
  implement a project for the generation of new
  knowledge, applications or understanding at the
  forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the
  project design in the light of unforeseen
  problems
• A detailed understanding of applicable techniques
  for research and advanced academic enquiry.

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The Purpose of the Transfer

• Identify and demonstrate progress made to date,
  to include any results findings obtained
• Outline, explain and justify follow-on research
  to be undertaken leading to submission
• Ensure and demonstrate the PhD worthiness of the
  research topic
• Identify any potential issues that might arise
  and any skills training needs.

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The Process of the Transfer

• Takes place approximately 18 months after
  registration for full-time and 36 months for
  part-time students
• Preparation of a written report
• A Transfer Viva.

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Preparation for the Transfer
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The Written Report

• Approximately 10,000 words (including
  appendices)
• 500 word abstract

• Table of Contents
• Introduction include project questions, aims
  objectives
• Literature review
• Research plan include description of
  methodology and approaches used/to be used
• Progress to date summary of results, findings
  any difficulties
• Conclusions
• References and perhaps bibliography
• Why/What makes this a PhD

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Preparation for the Viva

• Know your way around the thesis
• Read through and try to anticipate likely
  questions/difficulties and formulate responses
  in your mind
• Have a run-though with friends
• Find out about your examiners
• What are your publication plans?
• Remember, you are (or will shortly be) the
  subject expert
• Bullt Baffles Brains try to be confident

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The Dreaded Day

• Membership
• Independent Chairman
• Two Independent Academics
• Supervisory team

• Process
• Chairmans introduction
• Try to relax!!
• Questions two way process
• Deliberations
• Outcomes

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Questions That Might be Asked

• Why this research topic?
• Why is this topic important?
• Can you summarise your research/methodology?
• What are the main weaknesses of your research?
• What other work has been undertaken in this
  field?
• What is/will be your unique and significant
  contribution to the body of knowledge?
• Why is/what makes this a PhD?
• What else have you learned/gained so far from
  this PhD journey?

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Examiners Dilemma

• Is this your own work?
• Has satisfactory progress been demonstrated?
• Is the proposed plan/course of action appropriate
  and likely to lead to success?
• Did the candidate show that he/she has the
  ability (academic/motivation etc) to complete?
• What makes or will make this a PhD?

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The Outcomes

• Transfer/register for PhD
• Undertake additional work on the transfer report
• Do not transfer withdraw

• Examiners recommendations
• Discussed with you supervisor

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Summary and Conclusions
Go off and Celebrate