Doctor of Philosophy

Purpose

The fundamental purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is to provide learners with training for an academic career through the medium of an independent and original primary research project completed under supervision. Whilst undertaking the research project, learners will gain first-hand experience of all aspects of the research process.

On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to

• Undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of commerce.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology.
• Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesize information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialization.

Rationale

The introduction of education and training at the doctoral level at the institution will allow the university to contribute to the production of the next generation of highly skilled individuals who will join the workforce as young academics and researchers and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

The need to develop high-level skills and research capacity across a wide breadth of commerce fields is widely accepted for various reasons including but not limited to producing relevant global citizens who can undertake independent and high-quality scholarly research that reflects originality, critical thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving to address contemporary and complex challenges. The current challenges of our time, which have been intensified by the COVID-19 crisis, include subdued economic growth prospects globally, reduced entrepreneurial activities, subdued business activities and shutdowns, high unemployment, economic hardships, inequality, political uncertainty, poor governance etc. In summary, commerce activities in South Africa and many countries around the world are constantly impacted negatively thus justifying this proposed qualification.

South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan demonstrates the role doctoral learners in economics can play in the economy of South Africa. In this plan, the priority interventions include issues around employment, reindustrialization and export promotion, tourism recovery and growth, the green economy, and macro-economic interventions, all areas where the qualifying learners can be expected to contribute new ideas.

It is envisaged that this proposed qualification will equip qualifying learners with advanced practical and applied understanding, knowledge and skills in specialised fields of commerce such as economics, entrepreneurship, business management, human resources management, marketing, accountancy, and others, thereby supporting the growth and development of key commercial sectors to be better drivers of commerce in South Africa and beyond. Initially, the qualification will only accept learners with a Master's degree in Economics as the Master of Commerce at the institution is currently accredited for CESM 040400. The University will apply to add additional CESMs to the Doctor of Philosophy once they have been added to the Master of Commerce.

In addition to the above, research is a very powerful tool for a university that wishes to be relevant to its surroundings and engaged with its unique African context. Research and Postgraduate learners assist in the creation of a research culture and postgraduate learners act as role models for younger learners; postgraduate learners serve as tutors and provide very important support for undergraduate learning and teaching.

The University plans for an initial enrolment of 6 learners and that this number will slowly grow in the following years. The number of Doctor of Philosophy learners will be determined by supervisory capacity and demand.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Economics, NQF Level 9.

10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Doctor of Philosophy research project and thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Undertake independent original research at an advanced level and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a specialised field of commerce.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation systems and paradigms of the chosen field of specialization.
4. Select, and apply a research design and research methods, for data collection, data analysis and statistics, to address a particular research question in the field of specialization.
5. Identify any ethical considerations associated with research in the chosen field of specialization and propose solutions and or mitigating measures.
6. Use research effectively and critically, showing consideration for socio-economic development and a concern for the environment and the health and welfare of others.
7. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesize information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialization.
8. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology.
9. Apply personal organizational skills, work independently and incorporate feedback.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and fully justify project questions and scope.
• Carefully and critically evaluate the literature review drawn from multiple sources including primary literature, and materials.
• Consider a range of methods, including statistical methods and choose the appropriate one.
• Modify established methods where necessary.
• Collect, collate, and analyse data according to an approved project plan.
• Interpret and critically discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
• Formulate recommendations that are supported by the results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically engage with current literature in the field of specialization.
• Critically review and use relevant theories and practices to support the development of convincing arguments or positions in the thesis.
• Skilfully integrate results from the research project with the existing knowledge base.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Clearly illustrate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the nature, strengths, and limitations of research in the thesis.
• Fully justify the chosen research paradigm that is appropriate for the research question and with reference to current literature.
• Critically evaluate and select an appropriate paradigm for the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use research methods that are appropriate to address the research question and that are justified with reference to published work.
• Carefully and correctly apply research methods in the context of the discipline.
• Fully justify appropriate statistical tests, in the context of the discipline.
• Correctly interpret statistical results.
• Clearly present statistical results in the thesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use ethical concerns explicit in the thesis.
• Provide reference to an ethical approval number in the thesis.
• Clearly indicate ethical issues, and how they have been mitigated.
• Identify ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use the appropriate research question with concern for socio-economic development.
• Consider and accommodate alternative viewpoints regarding the proposed research in the research proposal and thesis.
• Fully discuss any recommendations in the thesis based on the results.
• Critically evaluate potential environmental concerns that may result from the research and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
• Critically evaluate any effects on the health and welfare of people and propose appropriate mitigation measures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Access, evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources in the thesis.
• Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of specialization.
• Manage contradictory information, alternative viewpoints considered, and a balanced conclusion reached.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Communicate results from the research project to both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
• Communicate oral arguments in a convincing manner.
• Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
• Use appropriate language in the thesis which is presented in the approved style and adheres to the norms for academic scientific writing in the discipline.
• Use a standard referencing style accurately and consistently in the thesis.
• Communicate written arguments convincingly.
• Clearly present statistical results in the thesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Critically consider feedback actively, and successfully incorporate it into iterative drafts of work.
• Successfully implement the research plan according to the approved plan.
• Use allocated resources in accordance with the approved research plan.