1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

themselves, as far as possible, that they have the
necessary commitment to carry out the work.
Before accepting a supervisory role, potential
supervisors are expected to:
3.1 Be satisfied that a student is likely to be able
to complete a research degree of suitable
quality within a period not exceeding the
duration of normal candidature. (See
Statute, Section 5.1.)
3.2 Ensure that they have a sufficient range of
theoretical and methodological expertise to
offer appropriate supervision, or that they are
able to make arrangements for joint
supervision where more expert or varied
knowledge may be required.
3.3 Ensure, in consultation with their Head of
School if necessary, that there is sufficient
time available to undertake the supervision
adequately.
3.4 Be aware that personal encouragement from
members of staff to undertake a research
higher degree may be an important element
in a student's decision to become a PhD
candidate. Staff should be aware that some
categories of students may systematically
receive less encouragement (e.g., women
students or those from non-English speaking
backgrounds) and should be aware of the
University's policies on equal opportunity
when providing information or advice as
well as during any process of supervision.
4. Guidelines for Supervisors
For PhD study, Swinburne provides for the
appointment of a coordinating supervisor who is the
primary supervisor in terms of administrative and
guiding functions. It is this supervisor's responsibility
to assist the candidate to develop standards of
achievement that will result in a suitable thesis. As
necessary, a second supervisor may be appointed.
While the coordinating supervisor can be expected to
play a key role, second supervisors may also make a
signficant contribution. (See Statute, Section 7,
paragraph 3.)
4.1 Preliminaries
At the commencement of a candidate's
program, supervisors are expected to:
4.1.1 Give guidance about the nature of
research, the standard expected, the
choice of research topic, the
planning of the research program
and presentation of a research
proposal.
4.1.2 Assist the student to contact the
appropriate administrative staff
involved in the processing of
applications, and to complete
requirements for enrolment and
admission to candidature.
4.1.3 Recommend coursework, where
appropriate, and instruction in
requisite techniques. (See Statute,
Section 4.2.)
4.1.4 Provide information about literature
and resources.
4.1.5 Assist in determining approaches
and methods most suitable for
collecting a wide range of relevant
data and for its analysis, taking into
account the resources available.
4.1.6 Draw to the candidate's attention
relevant Swinburne policies,
especially the provisions of
Swinburne's Statute for the Degree
of Doctor of Philosophy and the
University's Code of Conduct for
Research.
4.1.7 Advise candidates to acquaint
themselves with the University's
Occupational Health and Safety
guidelines as applicable to the
research area.
4.1.8 Advise the candidate to seek ethics
approval at an early stage, if deemed
necessary, from the appropriate
Division, School and/or University
Ethics Committee.
4.2 The Process of Supervision
During the period of candidature,
supervisors are expected to:
4.2.1 Assist in planning and compiling a
plan or framework for the project,
taking into account the expected
duration of candidature as specified
in the Swinburne Statute for the
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
The framework can be modified as
the research proceeds. It should be
used to guide but not constrict the
development of the research.
4.2.2 Consider and discuss with the
candidate any issues which may
require confidentiality.
4.2.3 Set and maintain a schedule of
regular meetings with the candidate
in accordance with the project's
plan. This is particularly vital in the
first year and for part-time students.
Supervision sessions should facilitate
the easy exchange of ideas.
4.2.4 Endeavour to establish, with the
student, a schedule for presentation
of interim reports and/or research
results, bearing in mind the
University's reporting requirements