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Gain valuable insights on choosing the right research area, exploring theoretical frameworks, and conducting mixed methods investigations in this comprehensive guide based on Dr. Kinmond's personal experience. Learn about the importance of contribution to knowledge, interaction with tutors and peers, thesis preparation, and navigating the viva examination.
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Dr Robert Kinmond Starting a PhD Personal experience
How Do I Find “The Right Area”? • There is no right area • What interests you! • Follow the money?
Why is the area of importance? • Ask yourself. • What is the question you are asking? • Each phd is unique, each student is, each supervisor is… there is no set pattern • What is your contribution to knowledge? • Read around the area for possible synergies….. • Change research led me to structuration theory Giddens 1984 the third way in politics
Web frame A FRAMEWORK FOR INFORMING WEB DEVELOPERS’ METHODOLOGY SELECTION
Approach • Using an interpretevist epistemological framework the principles of Grounded Theory Methodology are used to conduct a mixed methods investigation • Under pinning theory Structuration Theory offers a theoretical framework for analysis and development of the theory. • An initial web-based survey aims to capture a breadth of developers’ views and experiences. • Followed with semi-structured interviews enabling an exploration of the area in depth.
New framework WEBFRAME • Findings : web information system developers are not following a published methodology but prefer instead to develop their own ‘bespoke’ approach to suit the project. • The developers used traditional information system tools Importing them web development methodologies. • Not using published web methodologies • Why: greater flexibility and choice for developing web information systems than the published methodologies offer.
Personal experience • To the fourth degree • Dr(s) Kinmond • Problem defined : Research instrument generated :Theory :Research approach • Data gathering. • Analysis threw up some interesting patterns : • Grounded theory works!!!!! • Write up… I stalled my supervisors saved me..
What have I learnt? • Interaction with your tutors and your fellow students is where a lot of your ideas may come from. • Trying to articulate things, talk about your ideas, write about your ideas. • The process is evolutionary. • People want you to succeed. • Presentation matters. • The viva : 2 external examiners 1 internal: Southampton: Cambridge • How well should I know my thesis • Expect corrections, including move that comma