INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORAL
CONCEPT NOTE AND
PROPOSAL
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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STEP 1
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Why should I do an
DPhil/MPhil?
ISSUE
Necessity of
doing a DPhil
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Professional growth
• Alternatives
• Feasibility
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STEP 2
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What is the relevance
of my research area
and is it important?
ISSUE
Importance of
research area
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Investment in time
and energy must
have maximum
benefits
• Fit into a research
theme
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STEP 3
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Does supervisor have
right academic skills?
Can I work with
him/her?
ISSUE
Choice of right
Supervisor
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Department where
you will register
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STEP 4
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What resources are
available for my
research area?
ISSUE
Available
resources
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Direction of research
in the Department
• Other research
being done in the
field
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STEP 5
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What are the
University rules and
regulations for a
DPhil/MPhil?
ISSUE
University
requirements
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Familiarise with
rules and
regulations
•
Have your papers
ready
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STEP 6
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What are the
important issues to
highlight?
ISSUE
Develop
concept note
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Good writing skills
• Focus-oriented
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STEP 7
QUESTIONS TO ASK
ISSUE
SALIENT FACTORS
Assessment of
concept note
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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STEP 8
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What issues were
raised in the concept
note?
ISSUE
Development
of full proposal
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Be able to explain
everything you
include in the
proposal
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STEP 9
QUESTIONS TO ASK
ISSUE
SALIENT FACTORS
Registration
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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STEP 10
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What are the
milestones in my work
plan?
ISSUE
Project
Implementation
Presented by R. M. Jingura
SALIENT FACTORS
• Stick to work plan
• Do progress reports
• Look out for
emerging issues
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WHAT IS A CONCEPT NOTE?
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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• Also known as a concept paper
• A summary of a proposal
• An abridged version of a proposal
• Ideally about 3 pages long
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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FORMAT
1. Title page
2. Introduction
2.1 Background to the study
2.2 Statement of the problem
2.3 Justification of study
2.4 Objectives
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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3. Review of Literature
4. Methodology
5. Work plan
6. Budget
7. References
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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PREPARATION OF A CONCEPT
NOTE
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sections are not linear
Easier to start with the objectives
Then inputs (helps with budget)
Followed by activities
Then work plan
Do the budget
Then do the rest
Reorganise at the end
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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PLAN
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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• Objective: Attain a PhD by 2015
Timeframe (months)
Activity
1-6
Identify research area
Identify suitable supervisor
Literature review
Seek for possible funding
Establish external contacts
Develop project concept note
Register for PhD
Publish review article
TARGET OUTPUT
ACTUAL OUTPUT
VARIANCE
Presented by R. M. Jingura
7-12
13-18
19-36
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END
Presented by R. M. Jingura
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