Chapter 6

Towards the successful completion of a doctoral dissertation

In this chapter, I discuss a number of approaches that my students have found helpful as they seek to complete their doctoral dissertation within a reasonable period of time. Some of the ideas presented here may need to be modified to meet the established protocols and procedures of both your university and supervisors/advisors preferences. I divide the doctoral journey into several key stages, including the pre-enrolment period, the provisional enrolment period, the confirmation of candidature period, the submission and viva (oral defense) period. Within these stages, I describe what I consider to be some important activities and issues to think about so that you know what is expected and are able to maintain momentum. Some of the ideas that I present may not be ones that you consider particularly important and that is to be expected as no two students’ needs and preferred approaches are the same. However, I would suggest that you give the ideas some consideration as they have been effective with the students I have supervised.