Doctoral Supervisors Research Articles

Occupational Stress in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of Doctoral Supervisors.

This qualitative study is intended to explore the factors that contribute to the occupational stress suffered by Chinese doctoral supervisors and the kind of measures needed to effectively address the issue. Through purposive and snowballing sampling, 30 Chinese doctoral supervisors in different disciplines of natural science and social science were selected. A semi-structured interview protocol was used, and the data were analyzed based on grounded theory methodology. Chinese doctoral supervisors experienced varied stressors of nuanced nature, which could be categorized into two core categories, i.e., performance-appraisal-related factors and Ph.D. student-related factors, which were further divided into 18 subcategories and 10 higher-level categories. Chinese doctoral supervisors are under various sources of stress, corroborating with and reinforcing previous research findings in respect to occupational stress worldwide. Through the analysis of the stress triggers, suggestions are presented in regard to what mental health professionals and educational policy makers can do to address the issue of concern for doctoral supervisors.

On Being Had: Publishing an Article on a Literary Fake

In 2002, I published an article in Theatre Research International called ‘Heiner Müller as the End of Brechtian Dramaturgy: Müller on Brecht in Two Lesser-Known Fragments’. I had written my doctoral dissertation on Müller, and, in the course of my studies, had come across two shorter pieces that, to my knowledge, had not been discussed by scholars. The first was Philoktet 1979 (Philoctetes 1979), a short, parodic and grotesque treatment of the Philoctetes myth, something very different from Müller's more sombre adaptation of the same material, published in 1965. I had heard Müller read the comic piece at the Berliner Ensemble in March 1995 and located the source in a copy of the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit, printed in December 1978. The second piece was also parodic and also appeared in a newspaper. Nachleben Brechts Beischlaf Auferstehung in Berlin (Brecht's Afterlife Intercourse Resurrection in Berlin) featured in the Volkszeitung in July 1990.1 The title suggested that Müller was ironically quoting his own back catalogue, echoing his play Leben Gundlings Friedrich von Preußen Lessings Schlaf Traum Schrei (Gundling's Life Frederick of Prussia Lessings Sleep Dream Cry) (1977) and Germania Tod in Berlin (Germania Death in Berlin) (1978). Stylistically, it looked like a heightened version of the technique employed in Philoktet 1979, in that it drew on and collided more Brechtian intertexts, and referenced Müller's own work more extensively. My doctoral supervisor had found the short playlet in the Volkszeitung. It was one of five responses to Brecht from prominent German literary figures, including Peter Handke and Martin Walser, collected under the title ‘Brecht: Stimmen der Dichter’ (Brecht: The Writers Speak). In my article's fifth footnote, I observed that while Philoktet 1979 appeared in the only extant bibliography of the playwright at the time, Nachleben Brechts did not. It would be hard to conceal an amount of smugness in my observation. But such self-satisfaction is not a quality worth airing too publicly, as will become evident soon.

Professor Dr. Irmgard Merfort (May 18, 1952 - March 21, 2022).

Irmgard Gabriele Merfort, retired Professor of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany, died far too early on March 21, 2022, at the age of 69. We have lost an excellent scientist, a motivating and reliable doctoral supervisor, committed teacher, and a reliable friend of great integrity.

The life and times of media events: A tribute to Elihu Katz

Abstract I have just learnt that Elihu Katz – a dearly loved friend and colleague – has died at the age of 95. This abstract is a valediction forbidding mourning. Media Events, written with Daniel Dayan, was the culminating work of a career spanning six decades – a career launched by Personal Influence, written with his doctoral supervisor, Professor Paul Lazarsfeld, of Columbia University, New York, and published in 1955. In my contribution to this issue, I try to do two things: firstly, to indicate how Media Events opened up a novel way of thinking about television and, at the same time, to think of it as a summa, the distillation of a lifetime’s work in the academic field of communication and media studies. I wanted especially to point towards its stimmung – that untranslatable ordinary German word for mood, or disposition: an attitude to life, the world, and television. I start with Katz’s earliest academic work – his master’s thesis completed at Columbia in the 1940s, felicitously but not accidentally called The Happiness Game. The stimmung of this work is the same as that of Media Events. That vision, as Daniel Dayan has claimed, was not a mirage. What he and Katz saw in La Télévision Céremoniélle (the book’s French title when he translated it) was every bit as true as the dominant academic view of the politics of television whose hegemonic sociological take on “the real world” they both attempted to counter.

Beyond the pandemic: Lessons for the future of SOTL in the global South (part one)

The third biennial SOTL in the South Conference took place online between November 22 and 25, 2021. The theme of the conference was ‘Beyond the Pandemic: Lessons for the Future of SOTL in the Global South’. This theme was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised fundamental and urgent questions for the scholarship of teaching and learning. This special issue of the SOTL in the South journal addresses the question of how the challenges associated with academic life in lockdown and the transition to online teaching and learning have been experienced by students, lecturers, support staff, and academic managers in institutions and across society more broadly. The contributions to this special issue grapple with questions such as: what will the longer-term impact be on our institutions, our students, and ourselves as teachers and learners? Will there be a return to ‘normal’ and, if not, what will the ‘new’ normal look like – and will it foster greater fairness, justice and equality? This is the first part of what will be a two-part special issue. In this first part, the lens offered privileges the perspective of university management, lecturers, academic advisors, doctoral supervisors, and tutors. The second part of the special issue, to be published in a few months’ time, will place greater focus on student perspectives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PhD orals from the convenors’ perspective: implications for academics and candidates

ABSTRACT Taking into consideration the unique relational position of convenors (Chairs) in PhD oral examinations, this qualitative study explores insights from 55 convenors at a research-intensive university in New Zealand into the ways academic staff developers can better prepare doctoral supervisors and examiners for oral examinations. One striking insight was that convenors focused not only on technical and practical aspects of the oral exam, which are predominately cognitive, but also on emotional support to candidates, indicating the value of the affective aspect of a meaningful oral. This study outlines practices academic developers can use to enhance quality assurance of oral facilitation processes, create a positive experience for stakeholders, and introduce improvements in university practices and policies on conducting orals.

Talent management in English universities during the coronavirus pandemic

This article reports a longitudinal study exploring talent management, through narratives provided by a group of managers of doctoral programmes in eight UK universities during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak. These managers were also academics, researchers and doctoral supervisors and their perspectives were gathered before and during “lockdown,” and then into the subsequent confused period of semi‐lockdown / second lockdown, as cases of Coronavirus increased again in late 2020. Changing socio‐economic circumstances, together with the added pressures of family responsibilities, impacted on participants' perceptions of changing roles and relationships during the pandemic. Over 12 months, six semi‐structured online interviews (each lasting between 50 and 120 minutes) were conducted, using available platforms, with intervening emails. The narratives showed both formal and informal “talent management methods” and emphasized the need to use both to attract and retain international students.

Year-end academic review of 2021: Advances in the field of birth defect prevention and control in China as of 2021

Year-end academic review of 2021: Advances in the field of birth defect prevention and control in China as of 2021

Michaelis–Menten kinetics as a model of doctoral supervisor–supervisee relationship

The process of turning a doctoral student into an independent researcher is usually guided by a professor. In this work, the supervisor–supervisee relationship is represented by a scheme inspired by Michaelis–Menten kinetics, which has been used to determine the rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions. Here, the time evolution of the number of supervisors with k supervisees is modelled by a system of linear ordinary differential equations. The long-term behaviour of these equations is analytically examined and illustrated by a numerical simulation. This model related to the PhD formation catalysed by a professor can be presented in a class on differential equations or chemical kinetics.

Teaching Reform Integration of Scientific Research, Teaching and Psychology

The construction of new engineering requires the cultivation of innovative and practical engineering talents. Aiming at the common problems existing in the teaching of engineering courses, this paper proposes a teaching reform method based on the organic integration of scientific research, teaching and psychology. Specific measures: Integrate the scientific research projects of master and doctoral supervisors. According to the basic theoretical knowledge of professional courses, scientific research projects are classified. A basic theoretical knowledge system oriented to practical projects is constructed, which effectively improves the ability of new engineering students to master theoretical knowledge, innovate and solve practical engineering problems.

Comments: Development of an early career academic supervisor in Statistics - a discussion on a guiding rubric

The issues raised in this paper will benefit from further and broader discussion across institutions in the country. The authors claim that there are several problems that persist in South Africa regarding the state of academic Statistics. One of these issues concern doctoral supervision by early career academic statisticians; specifically their lack of experience and the lack of available mentorship. The authors suggest using a guiding rubric, in addition to networking among early career doctoral supervisors, to address these problems.

Doctoral supervisor’s views on building a Research Identity

Literature confirms that building a research identity forms the basis of good supervision. Also confirms that, it takes time and commitment, but every good supervisor needs to be a scholar in their field. The study’s main interest was quality value added to doctoral candidates as established researchers and how supervisors’ research identity transferred to doctoral students? In addition, the researcher wished to establish the supervisor’s responses to research identity and application thereof. A qualitative research study was used with a purposive sample of 10 doctoral supervisors at the time of research, were designated using knowledgeable sampling technique. Bourdieu’s homo academicus theory of cultural capital was used to frame academic identities of fit for purpose. Open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. This study reveals that active participation of supervisors in research is critical, as that is how good quality in research can be measured. The findings also revealed that role and responsibilities of doctoral supervisors could be derived from taking part in research and willingness to learn from others open for training, collaborations and supervision developments in order to develop their research identity in academia.

Digital shifting in doctoral supervision: Different routes to the same destination

ABSTRACT The coronavirus pandemic activated an emergency shift to remote supervision which is now shaping longer term changes to our supervision practice. Through a narrative lens on experience, this paper shares the perspectives of two doctoral supervisors who have different relationships with remote supervision. Our means towards similar ends present interesting contrasts in practice and attitudes to online learning. Our experiences during this transition have been different, which may resonate with challenges facing other supervisors across the Higher Education sector. The informal ‘corridor conversations’ with our doctoral students are seemingly a thing of the past, so we explore the strategies we have put in place, or, re-evaluate the online opportunities which were already in place, that now form a critical lifeline to build and maintain those relationships. Through our stories, it is hoped useful lessons may be learned, with the aim of improving the supervisory experience for doctoral students.

Continuing conversations: Moving support for doctoral supervisors’ professional development online

ABSTRACT Whilst doctoral supervision online has become almost routine, the COVID19 pandemic significantly changed research supervision. Supervisors were distanced from colleagues and co-supervisors, with less opportunity for the informal and unplanned conversations through which supervisory challenges may be shared and mentoring take place. An accredited Communities of Practice for Doctoral Supervision has been in operation at Birmingham City University since 2015. Designed to run face to face with small groups, the programme moved online in Spring 2020 due to the lock-down in the UK. Surveying the experiences of facilitators and participants, this paper reflects on the challenges and changes of moving conversations online. Online professional development did require more structured facilitation to effectively support openness, honesty and trust amongst supervisors. Whilst online tools bring benefits in accessibility and democracy, a fundamental component of the successful move online was identified as the human element, supervisors as facilitators crafting a sense of community and belonging.

Preface

In order to accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing, promote in-depth integration of the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence and the real economy, and foster new growth areas and new drivers in such areas as high-end and medium consumption, innovation-driven development, green and low-carbon development, sharing economy, modern supply chain and human capital services. Computer Academy of Guangdong, Association of Computing Education in Chinese Universities, and Zhuhai Ton-Bridge Medical Technology together with AEIC Academic Exchange Information Center, hosted the 2021 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Forum (AIBDF 2021) in Zhuhai, China during September 24 to 26, 2021.This conference focused on artificial intelligence, big data and medical and big health AI science, aimed to provide a platform for experts and scholars, engineers and researchers to share scientific research results and cutting-edge technologies, understand academic development trends, broaden research ideas, strengthen academic research and discussion, and promote cooperation in the industrialization of academic achievements.About 300 participants from academic, high-education institutes and other organizations took part in the conference. The conference model was divided into two sessions, including oral presentations and keynote speeches. In the first part, some scholars, whose submissions were selected as the excellent papers, were given 15 minutes to perform their oral presentations one by one. Then in the second part, keynote speakers were each allocated 30-45 minutes to hold their speeches. We were very honored to have Prof. Guoqiang Han, from South China University of Technology as our Conference Chairman.In the keynote presentation part, we invited 16 professors as our keynote speakers. The first keynote speaker, Prof. Junlong Chen, Distinguished Chair Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Dean of School of Computer Science and Engineering, from South University of Technology. The others keynote speakers as follow: Prof. Guoliang Chen, Parallel algorithms, high performance computing experts; Prof. Anhui Liang, the director of the interdisciplinary research center of optical fiber communication and bio-optics, Shandong University of Science and Technology; Prof. Weijia Jia, from International College of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University; Prof. Zhengtian Fang, from La Trobe University in Australia; Prof. Yutong Lu, from Sun Yat-sen University; Prof. Young Liang, from Macau University of Science and Technology; Prof. Nong Xiao, from Sun Yat-sen University; Prof. Xiaofeng Zhu, from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China; Prof. Jianxin Wang, from Central South University; Prof. Xuan Wang, from Harbin Institute of Technology institute; Prof. Guoqiang Zhong, a member of ACM, IEEE, IAPR and China computer society; Prof. Bing Shi, a member of IEEE, ACM and CCF; Assoc. Prof. Chunjiang Duanmu, from Zhejiang Normal University; Prof. Yang Yue, from Nankai University; Prof. Na Li, from Xi’dian University.The proceedings present a selection of high-quality papers submitted to the conference by researchers from universities, research institutes, and industry. All papers were subjected to peer-review by conference committee members and international reviewers. The papers were selected based on their quality and their relevance to the conference. The proceedings present recent advances in the fields of Direction of Big data, Direction of Artificial Intelligence, Direction of Medical and health care and others related research.I would like to express special gratitude to members of the conference committee and organizers of the conference. I would also like to thank the reviewers for their valuable time and advice which helped in improving the quality of the papers selected for presentation at the conference and for publication in the proceedings. Finally, I want to thank the authors, the members of the organizing committee, the reviewers, the chairpersons, sponsors, and all other conference participants for their support of AIBDF 2021.The Committee of AIBDF 2021List of Committee member are available in this pdf.

Novice Doctoral Supervision in South Africa: An Autoethnographic Approach

This paper presents an autoethnographic, narrative analysis through self-reflection of my own personal transition from doctoral student to doctoral supervisor. An evaluation of the importance of the PhD in South Africa, the role of doctoral supervisors, and characteristics of good supervisors was undertaken; against which my personal experience was assessed. This paper was important in challenging whether institutions of higher learning in the country are adequately preparing young academics to become independent, effective doctoral supervisors. Some of my recommendations include the need for universities to come up with PhD supervision development programmes, as well as to consider alternative supervision models so as to facilitate mentorship of new doctoral supervisors, to ensure the attainment of PhD standards. The limitations of this paper are that, the researcher and subject, are one and the same person, hence there may be concerns of objectivity.

Messiah and Scripture: Paul’s “In Christ” Idiom in Its Ancient Jewish Context.

Messiah and Scripture: Paul’s “In Christ” Idiom in Its Ancient Jewish Context.

Research ethics with vulnerable groups: ethics in practice and procedure

In this article, drawing from a feminist epistemology, we engage in an exercise of encounter and navigation as we critically reflect on the ethical practices undertaken during research with vulnerable people. That research comprised engaging Sri Lankan refugees in an oral and visual research method that included walking through and filming their homes, followed by an in-depth interview. The research process was an intimate and emotional exploration of home, identity, and migration, for both the participants and doctoral researcher. The research revealed ethical challenges not captured in the project’s procedural ethics application. These ethical challenges were often navigated ‘in the moment’ and through ongoing consultation and dialogues with the doctoral supervisor. By drawing on these experiences, we underscore the importance of reflexivity and the role of the doctoral researcher-supervisor relationship in guiding an ethics of care approach.

A Dilemma Within Doctoral Supervision: Applying an Ethical Decision‐Making Model

This article is based on the second place–winning submission to the 2019 American Counseling Association Graduate Student Ethics Competition for Doctoral Degree Students. The fictional ethical dilemma presents three perspectives within doctoral supervision (i.e., a doctoral supervisor, supervisees, and faculty supervisor) related to grappling with master's‐level school counseling supervisees. A selected ethical decision‐making model is used to delineate the problems and dimensions of the dilemma and offer courses of action in response to the ethical dilemma. Implications for counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators are discussed.

Joseph Raphaël Lalanne (1871–1930) : membre de la Société Médico-Psychologique (1901), médecin chef de l’asile de Maréville et son fils Jean Lalanne (1906–1978), médecin à l’asile des Bas-Foins (Partie I)

In the 19th century, the asylum of Maréville, a former municipality today integrated into Laxou (Meurthe-et-Moselle), was the most important of asylum for insane in France. Its population exceeded 1,800 patients. He received the insane from differently department : Meurthe-et-Moselle, Les Vosges, Haute-Saône, La Seine, Le Territoire de Belfort and the military district of Nancy. On the advice of Alphonse Marie Camille Fébvré (1853–1903) that was a chief physician officer of the Ville-Evrard asylum (1888), R. Lalanne worked his entire career in this etablishment of Meurthe-et-Moselle. He was born in the region of Gers (1871). In 1891, R. Lalanne was Bordeaux hospital extern. Two years later, he was Paris hospital extern. Thereafter, he was an intern of the asylums of the Seine (1894) and then an assistant doctor at the asylum of Maréville (1896). In the same year, he qualified as a medical doctor. He wrote his thesis on exhibitionism (1896); V. Magnan (1835–1916) was his doctoral supervisor. From March 1st 1898, he worked for the medical service of the boarding school Sainte-Anne (Maréville). He succeeded Alexandre Paris (1857–1933). In 1851, the teaching of psychiatry was introducted in Maréville well before that of V. Magnan (Paris). Fifty years later, R. Lalanne was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Nancy. In 1906, R. Lalanne was a chief physician of the public insane asylums and worked at the asylum of Maréville. Early on in his career, it was responsible for scientific missions on the study on the assistance of the insane in various European countries (Austria, Italy, Spain…). He was a member of learned societies; the Nancy medical society (1899), the Société Médico-Psychologique (1901), the clinical society of mental medicine (1926). He has served as president of the first society in 1924–1925. Lalanne is a founding member of the “Association amicale des Médecins des Établissements publics d’Aliénés de France” (1907) with Charles Vallon (1853–1924) and André Antheaume (1867–1927). With the dean of the faculty of Nancy Louis Spilmann (1875–1940), Lalanne initiated the use of the malariatherapy in the treatment of the General paralysis invented by Julius Wagner-Jauregg (1917). For many years, the Pavillon for this treatment where patients were in volontary hospitalization called Lalanne hospital. In honour of Raphaël Lalanne, the training center of the psychotherapeutic center of Nancy which bears His name at present.