A research masters degree generally has the objective of training students in research methodology and techniques and in their critical evaluation, appropriate to the field of study, and in the application of such methodology by conducting a specified program of research under appropriate supervision.
Examiners of a masters degree should satisfy themselves that the student has a thorough understanding of the relevant techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature; has managed to demonstrate competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of methods to yield fruitful results; has the capacity to critically evaluate these results and has the capacity to present well-written work.
Research training at a tertiary institution involves the active participation of both staff and students. It is the responsibility of Monash University, the Faculty of Business and Economics, its departments and staff, and the student, to ensure this training is conducted in the most efficient and effective manner.
Note that the responsibilities of Monash University are not included here. These are adequately described in the university's code of practice for PhD supervision.
The responsibilities of the Faculty of Business and Economics, its departments and staff and the masters degree candidate are set out in the following sections.
2.1 Responsibilities of the Faculty of Business and Economics
The faculty has the responsibility to establish a policy framework within which academic department policies can be developed. It is the responsibility to ensure that:
2.1.1 the intellectual property rights of all parties are protected;
2.1.2 the faculty's standards and requirements for the particular degree are adhered to;
2.1.3 there are annual reporting requirements;
2.1.4 there are procedures by which either the candidate or the supervisor may make representations as appropriate should significant difficulties arise (grievance procedures);
2.1.5 there are appeals procedures setting out the grounds on which, and means whereby, candidates may appeal against the conduct and outcome of the examination and evaluation of their candidature;
2.1.6 there are clear guidelines for examiners or adjudicators, outlining in particular the faculty's expectations for the degree;
2.1.7 there are mechanisms in place to ensure that after the thesis is submitted it is examined properly.
2.2 Responsibilities of the responsible administering department:
It is the responsibility of the administering department to ensure that:
2.2.1 the student meets the requirements set down for admission to candidature;
2.2.2 the proposed research project is appropriate for the degree;
2.2.3 the department is an appropriate base for the research;
2.2.4 the proposed supervisor is sufficiently expert in the area of research and has the time and commitment to be able to offer the student proper supervision;
2.2.5 this proper supervision can be provided and maintained throughout the research period and that provision is made for an alternative supervisor if necessary;
2.2.6 joint supervisors or associate supervisors are appointed as required for interdisciplinary or highly specialised research projects, and responsibility is clearly designated and understood by both supervisors and candidates;
2.2.7 appropriate opportunities are provided, by way of seminars and the like, for students to develop their skills at presenting their work as well as facilitating their integration into a cohesive group;
2.2.8 appropriate opportunities are provided for students to interact with and develop profitable intellectual relationships with one another;
2.2.9 all new candidates are provided with a statement which sets out the procedures by which students may make representation to the head of the responsible administering department or the chairperson of the appropriate faculty committee if they believe that their work is not proceeding satisfactorily for reasons outside their control:
2.2.10 an appropriate procedure is established for dealing with unresolved conflicts between supervisor and a student, in line with institutional policy;
2.2.11 each candidate has written guidelines concerning ethical and safety procedures appropriate to the discipline.
2.3 Responsibilities of the supervisor
It is the responsibility of the supervisor to:
2.3.1 suggest ways that the candidate can make the most effective use of time. This will involve discussing the nature of research with the student, the standard expected, the choice of the research topic, the planning of the research program, and the availability of library resources in the field and bibliographical and technical assistance;
2.3.2 maintain close and regular contact with the student and establish at the beginning the basis on which contact will be made. This contact will be used to advise the student on the pace of progress, and ensure that a reasonable timetable is set to permit the degree to be completed in the appropriate time;
2.3.3 require written work from the student on a pre-arranged and agreed schedule so that progress can be assessed at regular intervals;
2.3.4 monitor the performance of the student relative to the standard required for the degree, and ensure that inadequate progress or work below the standard generally expected is brought to the student's attention. The supervisor should help develop solutions to problems as they are identified. If a supervisor thinks that they may become obliged to recommend that candidature be terminated because of unsatisfactory progress, they must give the candidate a preliminary written warning to that effect, and send copies of that communication to the head of department and chair of the appropriate faculty committee;
2.3.5 use the regular reporting procedures established by the faculty as the means by which any difficulties and problems discussed with the student during the year are noted and indicate the action taken or advice given to resolve these problems or difficulties. If the problem is not resolved, the head of the department should endeavour to resolve the problem, and the chairperson of the appropriate graduate programs committee should be notified in writing, of continuing problems in the reporting period;
2.3.6 comment on the content and the drafts of the theses and, at the time of submission, certify that the thesis is properly presented, conforms to the regulations and is, therefore, prima facie worthy of examination;
2.3.7 advise the appropriate faculty committee of the names and credentials of suitable examiners;
2.3.8 ensure the direction of the work is entirely under the control of the university and candidate in accordance with university policy;
2.3.9 ensure that agreement is reached with the candidate concerning authorship of publications and acknowledgment of contributions during and after candidature. There should be open and mutual recognition of the candidate's and supervisor's contribution on all published work arising from the project. It should not be automatically assumed that the supervisor's or candidate's name will appear on all published work;
2.3.10 fulfil any other specific obligations regarding supervision.
2.4 Responsibilities of the candidate
It is the responsibility of the candidate to:
2.4.1 show initiative, systematic application and responsibility in the research undertaking;
2.4.2 become familiar with the Faculty of Business and Economics regulations governing the degree;
2.4.3 discuss with the supervisor the type of help considered most useful, and keep to an agreed schedule of meetings;
2.4.4 take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties and share responsibility for seeking solutions;
2.4.5 maintain the progress of the work in accordance with the stages agreed with the supervisor, including in particular the presentation of any required written material in sufficient time to allow for comments and discussions before proceeding to the next stage;
2.4.6 discuss the progress towards, and impediments to maintaining the agreed timetable with the supervisor at regular intervals;
2.4.7 provide a formal report through the appointed supervisor to the appropriate faculty committee at periods specified by that committee;
2.4.8 adopt at all times safe working practices relevant to the field of research and adhere to the ethical practices appropriate to the discipline;
2.4.9 ensure that original data is recorded in a durable and appropriately referenced form and stored safely for a period appropriate to the discipline, but in any case for not less than five years;
2.4.10 prepare the thesis for examination, including arranging for typing, proofreading and binding, and, where appropriate consulting the supervisor regarding matters of style and presentation.
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