Dissertation analysis

Aim and intended learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to support the PhD students in the process of writing a dissertation by addressing the questions "What characterises a good dissertation?" and "How can this be accomplished?".

After completing the course, the PhD students should be able to:

• critically reflect on the characteristics defining a good PhD thesis;
• assess the quality of PhD theses in other (but related) fields of study;
• critically reflect on the dissertation-related challenges of themselves and others and how they can be addressed; and
• critically reflect on the characteristics of a constructive PhD opposition and defense.

Course team

• Anna Bergek, full professor (chair) of innovation systems and technology policy, Environmental Systems Analysis (ESA), TME (anna.bergek@chalmers.se).
• Kajsa Hulthén, professor of Supply Chain Management, Supply and Operations Management (SOM), TME (kajsa.hulthen@chalmers.se)

Schedule
10 January, 13.00-16.00 Introduction: What characterises a good doctoral dissertation?
31 January, 09.00-12.00 The opponent and grading committee member perspective
21 February, 13.00-16.00 Dissertation analysis
13 March, 13.00-16.00 Experiences of recent graduates
10 April, 13.00-16.00 Exchange of experiences and key challenges

All sessions will take place in Room Götaplatsen at Chalmers, Vera Sandbergs allé 8 (building 2, floor 4).

Examination
To pass the course, students have to:

• participate actively in all course sessions
• submit an analysis of different thesis requirements and quality criteria (before the first session)
• submit a summary of an interview with a senior (at least docent) researcher (before the first session)
• prepare and submit questions for guest lecturers (before the second and fourth sessions)
• submit a written analysis of a dissertation of their own choice (before the third session)
• submit a summary of their own challenges (before the last session)
• attend two doctoral defenses (at Chalmers or another university) and write a short reflection about the main issues discussed and how they relate to the matters discussed in the course (this could be done in between or after the scheduled sessions)

Course structure
The course is structured in five half-day sessions, scheduled every three weeks (ca).

1. Introduction: What characterises a good doctoral dissertation?
   In this session we discuss:
   • various structures of a dissertation, such as monograph/compilation, the number and kind of articles included in a compilation thesis, and the role of the "kappa" in a compilation thesis; and
   • different quality criteria and how a dissertation is assessed.
   
   Preparations:
   • Search for different quality criteria used by various universities for assessing a dissertation and write a one-page analysis where you outline the main criteria used in Sweden. Point out differences and similarities in your analysis. Submit your analysis via Canvas before the session and be prepared to present your analysis during the session.
   
   When you search for material, you can regard the following:
   • The syllabi of the two TME graduate schools (Technology Management and Economics and Energy, Environment and System)
   • Chalmers 'central' requirements
   • The syllabi of graduate schools in similar topics at other Swedish universities
   • National requirements
   
   
   • Interview one senior (at least at the level of docent) researcher about his/her view on what a good dissertation is and write a short summary. Submit your summary via Canvas before the session and be prepared to present your analysis during the session.


2. The opponent and grading committee member perspective
   In this session, an experienced opponent and grading committee member will share their experiences of reading and assessing PhD theses.
   
   Preparations:
   • Formulate at least three questions related to previous course discussions about thesis structure and quality criteria, possibly drawing on your own experiences of attending PhD defenses. Submit your questions via Canvas before the session and be prepared to ask your questions during the session.


3. Dissertation analysis
   In this session we dig deeper into different PhD dissertations with a focus on how they are structured and their main strengths and weaknesses in relation to the quality criteria discussed in the previous session. The session is based on presentations and discussions of the PhD students' own analyses of different dissertations.
   
   Preparation:
   • Choose a dissertation, read it thoroughly and write an analysis, including:
     • a summary of the content, disposition, and theoretical and methodological domain
     • key strengths and weaknesses
     • key learnings in relation to the characteristics of a good dissertation and the quality criteria discussed in the previous session
   • Prepare a presentation of the analysis


4. Experiences of recent graduates
   In this session, recent graduates (PhD or licentiate degree) will share their experiences of writing a PhD thesis, focusing on the whole research process and/or the final kappa/thesis writing. You will hear about their ups and downs as well as their strategies and tactics for overcoming the challenges they faced.
   • Formulate at least three questions related to previous course discussions and your own research and writing experiences. Submit your questions via Canvas before the session and be prepared to ask your questions during the session.
   
   
5. Exchange of experiences and key challenges
   In this session, we take our departure in the PhD students' own dissertation processes and focus on exchanging experiences and helping each other address key challenges in a joint coaching session.
   
   Preparations:
   • Reflect on the challenges you face (or have faced and overcome) in your own dissertation writing process. Submit a short, written description of the main challenges via Canvas before the session and be prepared to present them during the session.

Register by mailing to doktfofu.tme@chalmers.se

Kajsa Hulthén och Anna Bergek