The Transfer Report

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The Transfer Report Project PlanningAlison
CrerarFaculty Research Training
Coordinator(these slides contain notes pages)
Transfer Review
other
MPhil
PhD
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Aims of the first part of the seminar a) to
explain the transfer review process b) to
discuss the expected contents of the transfer
report c) to provide examples of completed
reports for study d) to encourage
contributions and questions from students
in different fields of research
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Purpose of the MPhil/PhD transfer stage

• To check that the work undertaken in the first
  year of study
• Reflects a mature understanding of the field of
  enquiry
• Is of an appropriate quality
• That the research planned is suitable for a
  doctorate
• That if work continues at a similar pace the
  student will complete on time
• That an appropriate work plan has been created

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The Transfer Panel are asked to assess

Please provide here a brief summary of the
research project, explaining the nature of the
proposed contribution to knowledge. The
panels assessment of the Transfer Report Please
comment on the standard of presentation and
structure awareness of the topics wider
context and the frontiers of knowledge the
literature review references awareness of
alternative approaches and engagement with
ethical issues (if relevant). Is a realistic
work programme set out, likely to enable the
candidate to attain the degree sought? See QAA
skills list for insight into the qualities you
should be exhibiting
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The Possible outcomes


the candidate should be registered for the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy the candidate should be
registered for the degree of Master of
Philosophy the candidate should be registered
for the degree of Masters by Research the
candidate should resubmit the Transfer Report by
the candidate should withdraw from the
programme of research.
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Typical contents of a Transfer Report
Title page Abstract Contents page List of tables
and figures Introduction Literature Review Work
completed Proposed Research Work
Plan References Appendices
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Resources
Advice on referencing check with your
Supervisor for local variations. http//www.dcs.na
pier.ac.uk/hazelh/gen_ho/apa.pdf There are many
good university web sites offering sound
guidance, e.g. Imperial College See pages 37
38 of QAA code of practice for postgraduate
research programmes 2004 To get an insight into
the characteristics sought. Sections A, C, D, E
particularly. http//www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrast
ructure/codeOfPractice/section1/postgrad2004.pdf

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Aims of the second part of the seminar a) to
promote the importance of good organisation
b) to introduce key project management concepts
c) to share tips for efficient organisation
d) to encourage students to reflect on their
current practice and to go away with
some new techniques
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PhD Project Management
Why is it necessary?
The PhD is a large project (3/4 person-years
work) It is a huge intellectual effort It
requires considerable coordination
PhD inspiration perspiration ORGANISATION

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Key Concepts
Task decomposition Prioritisation Milestones De
liverables Deadlines Critical
path Slippage Idle time Concurrency
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Task decomposition
PhD
Formulate topic
Do empirical work
Analyse results
Write up
Discussions
Do literature review
Critical reading
Write lit review
Locate sources
Record sources
Take notes
File copies
Learn Endnote
Timeline
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Critical path


m4
t3
t1
D
E
t2
t2
m3
m1
m5
A
F
B
C
t4
t3
m2
m milestone t unit of time A, B etc
activities
critical path
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Gantt Chart

Example from OU Learning Space
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Tools (the simpler the better)

scheduling

Excel PowerPoint Outlook
remembering
Do-lists notebooks
documenting
Log book
Dont have to be computer-based, paper can work
well, a combination Is probably best.
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Logbook
Recommended for all students, whatever the
discipline.


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Summary of Faculty structure and grad student
numbers
Electronic post-its (short to medium term do
lists)
Year at a glance major events, holidays etc.
USB stick for home/work transfer
Smart phone Calendar, contacts etc.
Attendance list for last training event
Current PhD training events schedule
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Tips

Set deadlines and milestones first and plan to
meet them Minimise reliance on others Think about
concurrency, this reduces overall elapsed
time Identify a productive working pattern and
stick to it Always leave your work at an easy
pick up point Identify how you waste time and
avoid this Never lose sight of the end goal, nor
belief you can achieve it Build in relaxation and
rewards Eat well, sleep well and take regular
exercise
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Resources
Post-its for the computer screen Stickies Task
management from anywhere Remember the milk MS
Outlook calendar, notes, task list Your year at
a glance Year planner OU Postgrad study
skills UK Grad Programme managing your
research Sharp, J. A., Howard, K. 1996. The
management of a student research project. Gower.
Chap. 3. Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., Tight, M.
1996. How to research. Open University Press.
Chap 5. Acknowledgement photo of logbook from
http//www.lib.berkeley.edu/SSEAL/AsiaExhibit/barr
ow.gif