Figure 1 summarizes some of the key areas which an external examiner will look at in assessing a doctorate. I have added emphasis to those areas that refer to the positioning of the study in terms of the existing literature. With the exception of ensuring that normal presentational conventions are observed, and the quality of the fieldwork is satisfactory each one of the remaining five factors in Figure 1 relate to the positioning of the study. This makes the point that if you only have time to focus on one area of the doctorate, the most benefit will be gained from enhancing the clarity of the positioning of the research. In fact the word thesis is derived from the Greek tithemi which means to place a proposition.
Figure 1: Key areas in assessing a doctorate
Guidance Notes for Examiners of Research Degrees (my emphasis)
The text on this page was reproduced with permission from Professor Mark Jenkins, Cranfield School of Management. The ideas are based on teaching sessions with PhD and DBA students at Cranfield School of Management, and draws from ideas on writing developed by Anne Huff.
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