Towards a framework for embedding doctorateness in research proposals

ABSTRACT

Doctorate graduates are expected to contribute original knowledge and possess advanced skills essential for addressing complex problems. Embedding doctorateness in doctorate programmes could help ensure that the productivity of doctoral research is explicitly demonstrated. Doctorateness represents independent scholarship, the transition from knowledge consumption to knowledge creation, original scholarly contribution, and research integrity. A research proposal is the backbone of a doctoral journey, as it acts as an academic development plan for supervisors and students. Hence, understanding the role of supervisors in enabling doctorateness in preparing a research proposal is essential for improving student satisfaction and competencies in their academic development. Here, we develop a framework for facilitating doctorateness in preparing a research proposal and provide recommendations on supervisor functions.

KEYWORDS:

• Doctorateness
• research proposal
• doctoral education
• threshold concept

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edmond Sanganyado

Surprise Sanganyado is an MEd student at Great Zimbabwe University. Her research interests include educational psychology, postgraduate writing, and teacher education.

Edmond Sanganyado is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University. His research interests include postgraduate writing, graduate employability, and environmental forensics.

Wilfred Njabulo Nunu

Wilfred Njabulo Nunu is an Associate Professor at the National University of Science and Technology. His research interests include global health and doctoral education.