It has been over two years since I defended my PhD at the University of Agder in Norway. During the last two years I have discussed the PhD process with many others including peers, junior PhD candidates and senior colleagues. In this post, I reflect on the PhD process relying on my own experience and some others’ I know, and
Continue reading 
Dear New PhD Student This is an exciting time for you as you embark on your journey towards a doctoral degree. As your supervisor, I thought I should write to welcome you and give you a few handy hints that may help both of us to survive this long journey. We both have much to learn. Although we have exchanged
Continue reading 
A few months ago I attended a conference where a student (from a Non-English speaking country) told me his personal experience. He told me about the harsh comments his supervisor made on the initial draft of his paper at the end of his first month as a doctorate study. This is not the first time I heard of a student
Continue reading 
It almost never came across my mind to pursue my PhD study in Norway. As an academician in the field of accounting/management, my “only knowledge” of pursuing a doctoral study is to countries such as the US, the UK, or Australia. Not only its beautiful nature and scenery, but Norway also offers high-quality education and a unique student experience that
Continue reading 40 Potential Question that a Master’s and Ph.D. Researcher faces at the time of Thesis Defense: Can you start by summarising your thesis? Now, can you summarise it in one sentence? What is the idea that binds your thesis together? What motivated and inspired you to carry out this research? What are the main issues and debates in this subject
Continue reading How to finish your PhD on time? 3 critical lessons every PhD learns the hard way By Stine Øyna During my very first week as a PhD student my new colleagues and I attended the defense (i.e. Viva or equivalent) of a Chinese guy who had spent 10 (T-E-N) years on his dissertation. I didn’t quite get his topic
Continue reading 10 terrible thoughts you will have during your PhD .. and why you will be fine anyway By Stine Øyna Last week our department welcomed a total of 19 new PhD students into our program in International Business. As a third-year candidate I was asked to give a talk about PhD life, and ideally offer some advice on how to
Continue reading 
ByProf. Dr.Jamal Hisham Hashim Visiting Professor at United Nations University- IIGH Former Professor of Environmental Health at National University Malaysia Making good plans and preparation for a PhD journey is just as important as starting one. Starting a PhD journey on the wrong foot can spell disaster. So, I am penning my advice and tips here for PhD aspirants
Continue reading 
After having completed a PhD degree myself, and having supervised, co-supervised and examined a number of PhD students over the years, I would like to offer some humble advice and pointers to those aspiring to pursue a PhD degree themselves. I find that many Malaysians misunderstood the purpose of getting a PhD degree and the commitments and sacrifices that it
Continue reading
Recent Comments