Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in consumer science at an advanced level, through independent research. Graduates should be able to undertake rigorous research and communicate the results by means of a dissertation and a scientific paper that meets internationally acceptable standards.

This qualification will enable graduates to apply their knowledge in practical and applied consumer science management, research initiatives and community services where they will assist in identifying and solving consumer related problems through the application of Consumer Science principles. The scope of this application includes local South African communities as well as those in the greater African context, which forms part of the global approach adopted by the Consumer Sciences discipline.

Rationale

There is a need established to develop highly skilled Consumer Scientists to ensure continuation of knowledge within consumer related disciplines through innovative research design and the use of new technological advances that would address current consumer related issues. The South African context warrants in-depth study of various consumer groups and communities to enable the implementation of specific intervention programmes to assist in creating sustainable and viable consumer groups. This qualification is a non-structured Doctoral Degree in the Consumer Sciences which focuses on various related disciplines such as Foodstuff, Nutrition, Clothing, Hospitality and Consumer Behaviour.

The qualification seeks to promote and address redress of past inequities through empowering learners with specialised knowledge, skills and values that will make them employable in a variety of industries such as Non Government Organisations (NGO), specialist companies, the private sector, and tertiary education institutions. Employment of empowered learners will result in useful and specialised directives from such employment agencies that would engage communities and individuals through which quality of life can be improved for all South African citizens. The Doctor of Philosophy in Consumer Science will thus not only benefit individuals but will support economic and sustainable development within communities.

In addition, more researchers are required to meet the growing demand by these organisations for research. This qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within communities. They will be able to apply their knowledge base in the subject fields related to consumer science. This qualification will develop both research skills and specialist knowledge in these subject fields.

• A well rounded and systematic knowledge base in one or more consumer science disciplines.
• An informed understanding of the discipline's principles and theories.
• Selection and application of the discipline's central procedures and techniques and the ability to solve well-defined but unfamiliar problems.
• The ability to present and communicate information coherently.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the institution.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum requirement for admission to this Doctoral Degree is a cognate Master's Degree in the chosen field of specialisation.

This Doctorate comprises a Research Proposal worth 24 Credits and a Research Project and Thesis worth 336 Credits, together totalling 360 Credits.

Both these aspects must be completed to achieve this Doctorate.

1. Analyse and synthesise information and demonstrate a high level of epistemological sophistication in reflecting on information within a specialised area of research.
2. Design and implement an original independent research of significance to a discipline or cross-disciplinary field, or a project(s) that addresses an important problem or research question concerning theory and/or practice in a profession or industry, in line with standards set by the national and international research community.
3. Present the research, using one or more media, a substantial and intellectually coherent product or products such as a thesis, dissertation and artefact, or exegesis and portfolio of creative work and performance, for submission to external examination against international standards.
4. Resources are accessed, information gathered, interpreted and recorded.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Synthesis of information into a coherent body of knowledge is carried out to the extent that it adheres to academic standards regarding accuracy, truthfulness and biasness.
• Own analyses are related to existing theories.
• Epistemological engagement takes place with the chosen field of study and the problem for research is identified.
• The values of inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and open-mindedness are considered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The research is undertaken with comprehensiveness, reasoning and depth.
• Inter-relatedness and multi-disciplinarity of reasoning and argument are demonstrated.
• Sound knowledge and the theoretical base of the research is applied.
• Statistical data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative research method) is used in line with requirements in this regard.
• Alignment of hypothesis, research objectives, questions, theoretical framework, analysis and recommendations is made.
• Appropriate research methods are used to ensure validity of the research.
• The research is internationally compared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The results of research that comply with criteria supported by the research community are presented.
• Technology is used in presenting information and statistical data analysis.
• The design of the research product is aligned with standards set by the research community.
• Impulsive and resourceful ways are explored and used to address problems.
• Own analyses are academically defended and recommendations are made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Integration of resources with research is undertaken with the coverage of all relevant sources.
• Information is gathered using appropriate data collection methods such as sampling, questionnaires, interviews, inclusive of the use of library, electronic, other retrieval methods.
• Method used to report relevant sources is in line with research standards for verification such as triangulation.
• Sources are recorded according to the Harvard method and plagiarism is avoided.

Integrated Assessment

The learner will demonstrate the integration of learning through the submission of the dissertation and a scientific paper. The learner will demonstrate the ability to identify and solve a problem that generates new knowledge which links research findings to current literature in the field of specialisation.

Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

Learning and assessment should be integrated. In this regard, continuous assessment using formative assessment methods should be used to ensure that learners have the opportunity to give feedback on progress made in the achievement of the learning outcomes.

Summative assessment is assessment of competencies in terms of the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

Both assessment methods should be integrated to assess the learner's ability to integrate the body of knowledge, skills, and expertise displayed with the purpose of the qualification.

Learners completing learning and demonstrating competence successfully through assessment are credited with such learning.