Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science

The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science Graduates in using highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the field of Information Science. This Postgraduate Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science qualification aims to create an opportunity for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional research in the field of Information Science. The Degree will be conferred on learners that have demonstrated the capacity for independent thinking and sustained original research that contributes to the development of well-grounded new knowledge in the field of Information Science. The second purpose of the qualification is to provide specialists in the field of Information Science in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovation is extended to the development of a knowledge-based economy that will widen scholarly activities. This qualification is aimed at creating opportunities for learners to engage in highly advanced and specialised academic or professional study of and research into an aspect of Information Science.

Rationale

The primary purpose of the qualification is to facilitate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Graduates in the field of Information Science to use their highly specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the information and other related sectors for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society. Information and knowledge play an essential role in the knowledge-based economy; therefore, experts in this field will widen the leadership base for innovative, knowledge based economic and scholarly activity. The successful learner will have specialised knowledge of the theory and methodology of Information Science and related fields. Such knowledge will culminate in an original contribution to the field of Information Science where the learner will prepare and finalise a research thesis on the undertaken research. Competencies inclusive of intellectual knowledge, critical reasoning, problem-solving, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, synthesise of information and communication are to be developed and displayed. The rationale for the qualification is to enable learners to develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously research these problems and their possible solutions. The goal is to produce rising academics that make original and meaningful contributions to the field of Information Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
• All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University of South Africa (Unisa) RPL Policy.
• This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.
• The Unisa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.
• All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

A Master's Degree in Information Science, Level 9 with a minimum mark of 60%.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science consists of two compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced, comprehensive knowledge base and critical systemic understanding of Information Science and relevant fields.
2. Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge and apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and epistemological themes/problems related to Information Science and relevant fields.
3. Identify, conceptualise, design and implement ethical research that addresses complex, well-defined problems at the cutting edge of information science and report results in the form of a thesis in line with academically recognised standards.
4. Act as academic leader and expert in the field of study by effectively presenting and communicating the results of research to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of resources for academic/professional discourse.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Use expertise and knowledge to resolve contextual abstract problems that expand or reconfigure existing knowledge.
• Draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience, as appropriate, when investigating and analysing issues related to the field of Information Science.
• Show evidence of highly advanced and research skill, selection, analysis and evaluation.
• Use the knowledge, skills and attributes gained in studying towards the Doctorate in the service of the Information Science community and community at large - locally and globally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Organise own study plans and engage in effective time management.
• Evolve strategies best suited to own and others' situations and contexts.
• Think independently and offer sustained theoretical and research evidence to support own decisions.
• Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
• Expand, redefine and reconfigure existing knowledge within the broader context of the field of Information Science.
• Attain a high level of epistemological sophistication when reflecting on information within an area of interest in the field of Information Science.
• Exhibit academic integrity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Direct research projects and successfully engage with others.
• Organise and effectively lead a research project, either as an individual, or as part of a group in a professional, research and management context.
• Communicate the evidence of the interactions through a written report.
• Integrate complex and specialised information from a variety of sources.
• Produce a thesis which is publishable entirely or in part.
• Use a systematic and consistent approach to technical issues such as the layout of the thesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Completely handle methods, techniques and methodological approaches in a research context.
• Generate ideas at a complex level as well as use the ideas of others in support of own ideas.
• Generate and evaluate conclusions and premises in r own research.
• Act responsibly and ethically as a researcher and scholar, example avoid plagiarism and ensure the appropriate and accurate referencing of sources.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the role of Information Science as applied in the information industry.
• Acquire employment-seeking skills towards the development of leadership in different areas of the information industry in an integrative way, dealing with mathematical challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.

Integrated Assessment

• All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.
• Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.
• After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the learner permission to submit his/her thesis.
• Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least one should be from a county other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.
• The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.
• After the result of the learner's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Information Science in an integrative way, dealing with Information Science challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.