Factors Contributing to Delay in Research Work at M.Phil. Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors contributing to the delay in the research work of MPhil students in the public sector universities of Punjab. The focus of this study was to identify the key factors that have affected MPhil Degree delay. The population of the study was all the supervisors and supervisees of the public sector universities of Punjab. The sample of the study was ten supervisees and five supervisors conveniently selected. A semi-structured interview was used as an instrument. Thematic analysis technique was used. Responses of the respondents revealed that time management, job constraints, marital status, understanding of the research, lack of motivation, access to supervisor, domestic and social responsibilities of the researcher, workload of supervisors and inexperienced supervisor were the most significant factors. The findings of this study suggested that supervisors and supervisees needed to be actively engaged in research activities during the course work and thesis work.