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Dr. Najib Altawell
The Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP)
Dundee University
January 2011
PhD- Successful Approach -
Agenda
The Supervisor
Year 1 – Literature Review and Methodology Outline
Year 2 – Methodology Structure
Research Work
*Year 3 – Additional Data and Final Results
*Year 4 – Thesis Writing
Viva (Presentation - Sample)
Recommendations * Number of Years (Research degree ‘PhD’) can be 3 or 4
The Reason I am doing my PhD… because…..!
To Be Trained As An independent Researcher
Why Research?
Original work!You Are Spending Four Years (or maybe more) of your life!
PhD?
Your Supervisor Approach
Three Types
1 out of 4 PhD Students
-Have Problems Supervisors-
The Supervisor
Literature Review and Methodology Outline
Example: Five - Seven Months
Several Outlines For The ‘New Methodology’
Year One
SMART
SpecificMeasurable
AgreedRealistic
Time Bound
Aims and Objectives
Example :
Aim/Aims
Aim
To apply a system approach to biomass materials for the purpose of finding the most economical and
efficient types capable of producing sufficient energy on commercial scale
Example:
1. To focus on locally produced biomass materials 2. To design and implement a new methodology for biomass energy,
with reference to other renewable sources of energy3. To convert the new methodology into a friendly user software4. To maximise the energy output from various types of biomass
materials5. Identify engineering solutions that can make the biomass adaptable to present and future electricity generating devices
6. Minimum processing requirements for biomass7. Formulate technology needed for longer storage life
8. Less unwanted by-products from co-combustion
Objectives
The Pyramid
Example:
Step Three
Business
Business
Step Two ‘Scientific
& Technical’
Step One
‘Regulations & Environmental Issues’
Initial Approach:Example
Methodology Structure
Research (Laboratory) Work
&
Compiling REA* Methodology Software
Sponsor: e.g. E-ON
REA = Renewable Energy Analyser
Year Two
Example:
Additional Data (Survey Method)
&
Final Results
• Data from the survey method
• Data from laboratory tests
• Data from the commercial environment
Year Three
Example:
Part of The Continuous Training Process
One presentation/year
(sponsor e.g. 2 – 3 months)
Results: Third Year Presentation &
Conference Presentation
Presentation
Thesis Writing
Instructions From Your Supervisors
Example: 6 – 12 Months
Year Four
Who Will Be Present During Your Viva?
External Examiner Internal Examiner
Viva
• What was the research about?
• Why there was a need for this kind of research?
• How it has been done?
• What has been found?
• What are the implications of these?
Questions
Example:
‘In Sweden today, power production with bio-energy systems is more costly than with fossil energy
system’
(Gustavsson L., et al. 1998)
1. COST
Example:
‘…..What about the selection of the biomass materials?’
2. Selection
Risks Someone else has already published your work!Loss of data, computer damaged/stolen (back-
up)The actual research is different than the original
proposal lack of motivation Supervisor leaves
SicknessPersonal problems
Laboratory Hazards Difficulty in accessing resources and equipment
Your Project
Gantt Chart
Dates (starting and finishing for each task)
Relationships between tasks
Regular feedback from your supervisor
Monthly Report
Results of the past month and how do you value them!
Any Deviation from the original plan?
Next month tasks and how to achieve them!
Conferences
At least one conference per year
Get Involved/Connect With ‘The Experts’
Oral or Poster Presentation
DATADATADATADATADATADATADATADATA
Collecting Data on every step
Analysis of Data
Writing (It is part of your thesis materials)
Publishing
Thesis Writing and Time Management ’Thesis Writing’ Calendar
Supervisor
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Abstract/Introduction/Summary
Thesis Submission
Viva
Thesis cover sheetContents
Figures and/or TablesAbstract
AcknowledgementsIntroduction
Literature ReviewMaterials and Methods
ResultsDiscussion
Conclusion & suggestions for further workReferencesAppendices
Thesis regulations: e.g. Max. and Min. number of words, etc.
Standard Thesis:
The Overall
Make-Up
Copyright waiver
Declaration
Publications
Conferences Attended
Final Steps
Final editing - including issues related to layout/binding/printing
Clarification for some sections of thesis, if needed!
Whatever spare-time leftuse it to look for a job!
Four Years is not enough?
You Need more time?
Time and planning is your Responsibility
Also
The responsibility of your Supervisor & Institute
ExtensionExtensionExtensionExtensionExtensionExtensionExtensionExtension
Your voice(It is not just what you say; it is how
You say it!)
Speak Clearly and Do not RushDo not deviate from your subject
‘Presentation’ is not ‘Conversation’Avoid monotone, i.e. By changing the speed and the pitch of
your voice and pause at key points you will create an atmosphere of interest
Body Language and Facial expressionsLook at the audience during your talk (with eye contact,
rapport can be created with the audience)Express alertness and interest in the subject
Final Presentation: Viva