... I invite you to come to my house tonight!
• How could I guide you to get there?
• Think of any possibility ... no limits!
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... there are limits! You have:
• A tight budget
• Limited time
• Personal limits
• To learn how to get there yourself
• What would change in how I guide you to get there?
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• Graduation rates for PhD Programmes
– Delays are common  < 30% finishes within deadline
– Some never graduate  4 – 16 % dropout estimate
• Causes for delay or dropout
– Procedural problems  supervision, candidate aptitude
– Practical problems  data collection, delimitation
• Ideas about supervision
– Subject expertise is the most important factor
– Peer exchange not necessary, unless you have issues
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reasons for delay
• Productrelated
– Tunnelvision
– Lack of focus
- Lack of limitation
- Unclear about direction
• Processrelated
– Timemanagement
– Insecurity
- Conflicting supervisors
- Private issues
– Relationship with supervisor
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reasons for delay
• Lack of process management and coaching
– Insufficient contact time
– Only product related feedback
• Position of PhD candidate
– Dependence – independence paradox
– Candidate torn between conflicted supervisors
• Lack of commitment or interest
– Cancelling appointments
– Lack of active interest in PhD´s research track
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• A good project start
• PhD candidate´s individual needs
• Relationship development with supervisor
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• Thorough recruitment and selection
• Thorough project plan
• Agreements and clarity on
– formal structure
– roles, expectations and responsibilities
– moments of evaluation
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for PhD candidates
• Life stage
• Relationship with supervisor(s)
• Self-confidence
• Skills in research and writing
• Network
• Career development
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expected model
PhD candidate time
CAPHRI Day - April 3rd 2012 supervisor
3 yrs
Source: Heinze Oost

reality ideal time
CAPHRI Day - April 3rd 2012
3 yrs
Source: Heinze Oost

PhD candidate time
CAPHRI Day - April 3rd 2012 supervisor
3 yrs
Source: Heinze Oost

• Get to know each other
– Personality, ambitions, competences, etc.
– Be explicit on interdependency and stakes
– Involve everyone in the project team
• Be aware of shifting needs for supervision
– Quality and quantity
• Evaluate process and supervision regularly
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for supervision meetings
• Monologue on subject  not listening
• Focus solely on contents
• No meeting agenda
• Sudden shifts of advise, method or plans
• Shallow problem analysis
• Solution orientation  taking over
• Cancelling (parts of) meetings
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• … is also process-oriented (not just product)
• … is based on expertise and personal relation
• … includes training on the job
• … is included in contract & planning
• … is available and committed (time, attention)
• … is sensitive to (changing) individual needs
• … includes regular evaluations
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• Learning approach to supervisor’s role
• Dedicate time and attention
• Follow the ‘Golden Rules’
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• Share experiences with fellow supervisors
– Organise intervision opportunities
• Actively search for feedback
– Supervision on performance interview agenda
• Follow courses
– UM Course: ‘Supervision of PhD Candidates’
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1.
Get to know your PhD candidate – as a person
2.
Discuss mutual expectations regarding supervision
3.
Make a project plan together with your PhD candidate
4.
Separate responsibilities for the research project
5.
Evaluate project plan as well as supervision – on a regular basis
6.
Be available and reliable
7.
Know that support needs may shift – no linear learning curve
8.
Organise or stimulate peer support – for the PhD candidate
9.
Share and open up your network
10. Share supervision experiences with other supervisors
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for PhD Candidates
1.
You’re stakeholder #1 in your project – be the captain of your ship
2.
Discuss mutual expectations about supervision
3.
Get an overview – make a project plan with your supervisors
4.
Manage your time well – and make sure you do it your way
5.
Work hard, play hard
6.
Ask for what you need – and address it if you don’t get it
7.
Make use of all available sources of support
8.
Organise peer support
9.
Invest in your future – build network, expand activities and skills
10. Remember you’re smart – Yes You Can!
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