I ran a series of 8 focus groups in 4 major cities in the UK. I don't think you can do it without a co-moderator as you need feedback from another person to tell you about the group dynamics. Also, make sure the group discusses the topic and interrupt as little as possible, otherwise, you'll be guilty of doing group interviews rather than focus group interviews. Good luck. Any thoughts on how you are going to analyse the data?

Doing a PhD is like getting married but only for a limited time; 3 years minimum and 7 years maximum. The decision to do one must not be taken lightly, ie don't jump on the chance. Three months into the PhD studentship, alarm bells rang and I dismissed it,hoping that things will get better. Well, it did not. Infact it got so bad that I had to take them to the cleaners. The write-up has been frozened for 10 months but I just will not tolerate any future bullying sessions. Well, there is light at the end of this tunnel but it came at a very high prize. No regrets but just wished that I had done something sooner, not four years later!

Hey Jouri,
Quite right, the red tape will just kill anybody's determination. However, that does not mean we don't do anything about it. Seeds have to be planted and indeed we will not see the fruits of our labour. But if we chip away slowly, the dam will collapse. Afterall, Rome was not built in a day. Like you, I do not want to mix with the slimeballs in academia and will do a runner on completion of the PhD. But whilst I'm in it, I want to make a contribution.

Yo Jouri,
Stop being a sceptic! Something good might come out of this. Suzanne is making an effort and we should all support her. What's the point in moaning and not doing anything about it? Infact, there are quite a number of articles out there which address rogue academics. This is the 21st century and things HAVE TO change but it won't happen unless we stick our fingers out and do something about it. So there!

I am a home student. International students in my department and the wider university get a better deal 'cos they pay about £10000 a year! Also, the uni paid ME to do the research and think they have the right to squeeze me for everything they can get for the peanuts they give out!

I think it is a good idea to meet up with fellow cyber characters, don't you?

Who's the scumbag who did it to you? My supervisor nicked a section of my work and claimed it as his own. Nothing I can do about it.

Yes, I'll email you. BTW, are you aware that QTPie wants to address the issue of BULLYING? I've emailed him/her. Maybe we could all meet up for a chin wag?

I think you have to register as an MPhil (F/T) to get one at the end of one year. It used to be that universities will award MPhils if the PhD thesis is not up to standard. I understand most universities have stopped this practise as it is unfair for those who signed up for MPhil. Also, MPhil takes as much work as PhDs; its just that they expect at least one publication rather than 2 out of an MPhil. Hope it clears your queries

Well, Eddi,
British students are treated like lords in China, precious like the pandas! I spent a year abroad in China as part of my undergrad degree. There is a phrase coined for unequal treatment- "positive discrimination" where non-chinese looking people are given preferential treatment whilst people who look chinese are treated like s*~#! Effectively, British born Chinese get a really raw deal in China, until their Chinese comrades get sighting of the British passport. And when that happens, hey! Bob's your uncle. If you want to be treated like a celebrity, go to China. Keep me posted if you do and don't forget your "Lonely Planet" guidebook.

Sadly, "British superiority" is very much alive and kicking. Neither supervisors admitted that they did not have the expertise to guide a study conducted in Chinese, although they had "some" experience (not first hand) in conducting research on Black and Ethnic Minority Groups. To them Chinese, Japanese, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis.....are all the same. And they don't even speak a second language!! Losers!

OK!

QTPie,
Your email address does not work. Please can you check it? I tried emailing you and it bounced back!

What a lovely idea. Yes, I will do that.

It is rather sad to note that only 3 people are engaged in this post, ie QT, RJB, Dr... Rogue academics are like autumn leaves, found everywhere, and sadly, so are frightened PhD students. Perhaps that might explain why the culture of bullying remains strong? I filed a complaint against my supervisors for bullying and poor academic support. Its been 10months and counting. The new team of supervisors are currently undergoing red tape and will be formally recognised in Feb 2008. I will email you and hope to meet up someday.
Well done for starting this thread.