Assoc Prof Dr Jamaliah SaidAccounting Research Institute

Faculty of Accountancy

Originality Substantial Independent Significant Rigorous

Viva is the method for assessment of these

How does it work? [1]

Before the viva:

Examiners sent thesis

Prepare independent preliminary reports

Come to preliminary judgement

Come to preliminary judgement

Each examiners complies lists of questions and queries they have about the thesis

How does it work? [2]

During viva: Examiners meet before and plan the

structure of viva, questions, roles, etc

Meet PhD candidate (supervisors may attend but cannot say anything)

Sometimes tell candidate their preliminary judgement at start of viva and the purpose of the viva

Ask a series of questions and listen to the answers

How does it work? [3]

At the end of the viva:

You and your supervisor will be asked to leave the room

Examiners discuss their views and come to a decision (see later)

Invite you back in and tell you their decision

Supervisor often comes in at this point

Examiners normally 2-3 1 internal, 1-2 external staff = 2 internals

Selection chosen by Department approved by Director of

Graduate School student consulted; no right

of veto

Supervisor may attend Viva

Examiners must have subject expertise be research active have experience of

supervising and examining (at least in team)

Supervisor’s blessing advised, not compulsory

Copies need 1 copy for each

examiner and 1 for supervisor if you wish

can be soft bound no loose sheets allowed

Postgraduate Studies Office in Uni House

Viva may take weeks/months ask supervisor to arrange

a mock viva think about

research rationale originality contribution to knowledge strong and weak points

An integral part of the examining process may confirm a favourable

impression of thesis may compensate for

weaknesses Allows candidate to

defend research/thesis expand and clarify

Allows examiners to assure themselves that the research is original the candidate did the work the candidate is capable of

future research unsupervised

Thesis to make an original contribution to knowledge

Thesis must contain material of a standard appropriate for publication

Thesis must comply with regulations on length, form etc

Outcome of the Viva

The five decisions examiners can make

“if the thesis fulfils the criteria…and the candidate satisfies the examiners in all other parts of the examination the examiners will report that the candidate has satisfied them…” (pass)

1

2

“if the thesis otherwise fulfils the criteria but requires minor amendments…. require the candidate to make within a certain time period…amendments specified by them…” (provisional pass with minor changes)

3

“if the thesis, though inadequate, shall seem of sufficient merit…the candidate be permitted to re-present his/her thesis in a revised form within a certain time period. The examiners may at their discretion exempt from a further oral examination, on re-presentation of his/her thesis…” (not passed - major changes)

4

“if, after completion of the examination…the examiners determine that a candidate has not reached the standard required for the award of the degree… they shall consider whether the thesis does or might…satisfy the criteria for… MPhil degree. If they so decide, the examiners shall submit a report which demonstrates either (a) how the criteria for the MPhil degree are satisfied, or (b) what action would need to be taken in order for these criteria to be satisfied.” (offered MPhil now or with revisions)

5

“The examiners may determine that the candidate has not satisfied them in the examination.” (fail)

Minor corrections and amendments usually checked by Internal Examiner when agreed

then proceed as “PhD awarded” PhD awarded

candidate takes 2 copies of thesis to be hard-bound

result approved by Director of the Graduate School on behalf of the Senate

graduation

Revise and resubmit student receives written guidance from

examiners

is entitled to continued supervision

after thesis resubmitted may be second Viva

if not, both examiners report in writing

The Viva . . . An Opportunity To discuss your work with experts To improve your arguments and

thesis To consider where to publish

– get free consultancy!

AdversarialSome examiners will challenge your views, in order to hear your argument.

DetailedSome examiners

inspect every word and phrase.

“On page 32, you say ... please explain.”

Friendly & InterestedExaminers will make you feel at ease. They will want you to explain your research.

You are most probably now the world’s expert on your thesis topic.

Argue each point with confidence.

Demonstrate your depth/breadth of knowledge.

Revision and Summaries Re-read critically Review each chapter and summarise in points Defence of research

Know limitations

Be early Be careful what you wear Bring a drink Bring a pad and pen (although don’t

expect to take many notes) Expect to be nervous but try to deal

with it positively/constructively

Check list: - List of corrections- Pen and paper- Tissues- Drink- Copy of your thesis, especially your

summary and abstract

Length of viva Natural and applied sciences (%)

Arts, humanities and social sciences (%)

Up to 1 hour 3% 27%

1-2 hours 40% 56%

2-3 hours 43% 15%

3+ hours 15% 2%

Source: Tinkler and Jackson, The Doctoral Examination Process, SPHE & Open University Press, Maidenhead: 2004, page 173

Expect to be nervous Practice your answers beforehand Don’t agree with everything they say but

don’t be arrogant Expect some corrections Make sure you are clear about important

dates

Originality What are the most original parts of the thesis? Which propositions would you say are

distinctively your own? How do you think you work takes forward or

develops the literature in this field? What are the “bottom line” conclusions of your

research? How innovative or distinctive are they?

Origins/Topics Can you tell us how you came to choose this

topic for your doctorate? Why have you defined the topic in the way you

did? What were some of the difficulties you

encountered and did they influence how the topic was framed?

Methods What are the core methods used in this thesis?

Why did you choose this approach? In an ideal world, are there different techniques you’d have liked to use?

Data What are the main sources or kinds of

evidence? Are they strong enough to sustain the conclusions you draw?

How do your findings fit with or contradict the rest of the literature in this field?

What next? What are the main implications of your research for

the rest of the field?

Listen to the question

Pause and take your time

Talk precisely and move from the general to the specific

Use appropriate rhetorical strategies: First person and the active voice

On the part of the candidate• Not answering the

questions• Taking too long to

answer• Not being fully

familiar with the thesis

• Not admitting mistakes, errors, omissions

On the part of the examiners• Not having read

the thesis completely

• Not focusing on the candidate

• Being aggressive

On the part of the independent chair• Not intervening• Not

applying/knowing about regulations

On the part of the university

• Inadequate regulations

• Inadequate hospitality

On the part of the candidate Responding to questions Acknowledging errors …

On the part of the examiners Submission of report before the viva Constructive comments and intelligent questions Advice on what to do next

On the part of the independent chair Keeping the viva going smoothly; managing the examiners

and the candidate Dealing with disagreements between examiners

On the part of the university Clear regulations Well prepared staff and resources

Aggressive defence Missing references Wrong version submitted No mention of the external examiner’(s)’ work Rambling answers Methods – misunderstanding Failure of technology Display of artefact, performance, other products Presentation Y/N? Fire

Good LUCK

&

Thank You