Overview of Mackem_Beefy
Recent Posts
PhD for me?
My take on the PhD process. Hope the below is of help.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
making up fieldwork
I think want to know if I have no actual data and findings are all made up. what will supervisor think and university do if they know? Is pretty bad because i am found out? thank you
I have no idea why you are asking this question? Why have you made up the data?
Either you have had problems with data collection or you have not bothered to collect the data. In either case, you need to talk to your supervisors now, as without any data you have no degree (PhD, Masters, whatever).
If you're asking people on here to condone fraud, that is not going to happen. Either get the data collection done or have the good grace to withdraw from your degree. If the above has arisen due to you having problems, then discussing with your supervisor may yet remedy the situation.
I would like to say that instances of outright data fraud are caught and documents resulting never see the light of day. However, I know of a good number of instances where unfortunately people have got away with it.
At best, what you are doing is dishonest and depending on the work you are doing, incorrect data could endanger people's lives. It is better you produce no data at all rather produce the set of made-up data you propose.
Also, how are you going to live with yourself, knowing you have lied to dishonestly gain a qualification?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Urgent request - Conferment of research degree letter with wrong thesis title
Why don't you just e-mail the registrar (or equivalent at your University) with a scanned copy of the letter attached to your e-mail, pointing out their mistake?
The letter should be easily corrected. It just sounds like a typographical error to me.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Useless secondary supervisor/advisor
I do wonder if recently at least he knew this was coming up and consequently just went through the motions and as regards his current duties, really didn't give a $#!+. :-)
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
32 and confused about doing a phd
Have a look at my blog on the subject. I don't know where you're based, but bear in mind the funding section is aimed at potential UK candidates.
I did my PhD between the ages of 30 and 35.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
LaTeX, any good? and links to the download
Just to add my penny's worth, I know Word could be problematical way back in the past and perhaps this is where it's poor reputation might come from.
I personally didn't want to faff around with learning code in order to use Latex and control over where to place my figures was important to me. I was also used to Word and Excel. Lyx might have changed my view had it been available when I was writing up (it might have been, but I just didn't look for it).
Up to version 2000, it was possible if a link to an embedded figure failed it could bring down the entire file. Also up to that version, there were problems with Word files becoming unexplainably corrupted.
More recent versions (XP, 2003, 2007 and 2010) have been a lot more stable, so I wouldn't necessarily dismiss Word on the basis of past reputation. As long as you regularly back up your files so you're not recovering a week old file and have the autosave feature on so if Word or Windows goes down there's a good chance of recovery, there should not be too many problems. You might want to look at saving as '.docx' rather than '.doc' as this seems a more robust file format (unless anyone knows or has experienced different).
Horses for course I guess and the freely available OpenOffice may well have it's fans too.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
I passed my viva!
Hi all,
I posted a lot on here during my MA, and during the first couple of years of my PhD, but that's waned a little as my fellow 'one goalers' left the forum.
But I'm here today to say that I have just passed my viva!
I know it has been said time and time again, but I have to say I ENJOYED IT!
My examiners were both more than lovely, they told me at the start that I had passed, that they thoroughly enjoyed reading my thesis and that they just wanted to have a chat about where I could go next with it. I had a couple of tricky questions from my internal about the theory I used, but I was prepared for that as my internal is very big on this particular theory. They also questioned my chosen methodological approach, but again I had answers for that and they agreed.
After 45 minutes (yes, that was how short it was!) they told me that I had passed with minor corrections (equalling 4 typos and sorting an abbreviation)!
So a big thank you to all of the support I received on here, but especially to Sneaks, Batfink and Lindalou who I don't think are around anymore!
I can't quite believe it's over.
PM them, it'll be flagged in their e-mail you've messaged them.
Oh and congratulations!!!
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Funding applications after starting a PhD
I'm starting my PhD in September but managed to miss the university funding deadlines which were in February this year. I'm concerned about the possibility of getting funding after starting my studies. Should I defer and try to get funding over the next year or just go for it and try to get funding along the way?
I wouldn't like to try and finance myself through a PhD without funding, that's for sure.
It's tempting to say start and try again for funding next year, however, in your position I'd personally have had to defer and try to gain funding for the following year. Fees plus living expenses would have set me back about £50,000 oing it fulltime, assuming I finished in the three years.
If you do start and try to obtain funding later, bear in mind you might only obtain funding for the second and third years.
People should always look for a PhD with a bursary and funding already in place. Please see attached on funding councils to help you - it's part of my blog on PhDs.
http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net
Look up "What is a PhD?" then head for question 7) on funding.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Useless secondary supervisor/advisor
I guess I was lucky my predecessor was around for the whole of my PhD. Although he kept his distance as he'd had enough of the project, he and a another lad (unfortunately a Mag) was helpful in pointing out who was useful and who I should keep at arms length. My second supervisor was happy to hide away and once I'd picked up he was only interested in a minimum of input (admittedly he was excellent with grammar), I was able to crack on in close co-operation with my primary supervisor who really did know his stuff.
I guess, however, everyone's experiences are different and if his input and assessment are important, then you need to talk to him to ensure he makes a critical input into your project. If you do need to offload him, then do as a last resort as rocking to boat within the academic environment can make progress more difficult, if you upset people you do need to work with. That said, if he admits he's too busy to make a significant input then a more amicable route to a replacement adviser / second supervisor may be possible. Reading between the lines, that may be the case.
No-one is really taught how to supervise and many have to find their own way (having their own varying ideas), resulting in variability of supervision across the academic sector. However, you seem to have a thorough first supervisor / adviser and that is critical to the success of your project.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Useless secondary supervisor/advisor
Charmless,
Do his remarks and opinions have any bearing on on your end of first year / mid-point progression review? Does ie have a formal or official role in your ongoing assessment?
I was supposed to be assigned a personal tutor separate from my supervisors during my own PhD. During the four years of my registration I don't think I ever talked to him. Did it have any effect? Nope!!!
I know you have a different set-up to me, but if he's not directly relevant to your work and studies can you not just keep contact down to a necessary minimum? Do that rather than replacing him and you avoid rocking the boat so to speak.
Beyond first year / mid-point progression, you'll probably find his importance to your work and studies subsides anyway.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Second PhD
Bogdan,
I understand what you are saying, but to repeat exactly what I said on the other thread, is there not any suitable post-doc you can apply for there instead?
You may find the Uni. does not look favourably on your application if you already have a PhD. There's issues of you denying a new student an opportunity and the perceived image of hiring a continuous or perpetual student.
To add, funding will be very difficult to obtain for a second PhD.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
How did you choose where to do your PhD?
Charlessman, Thank you for your response. To answer your question, my wife was given a great opportunity to make a Phd at the University of South Florida and we think that she can`t refute this proposal. The problem is that we want to go together, because 4 years represent a long period of time. At present, I`m working for a Romanian University. I teach history. So, the reason for which I want to do a second Phd is because we want to go together in USA and I don`t want to give up my studies in history.
The second Phd seemed to me the best solution.
Bogdan,
I understand what you are saying, but is there not any suitable post-doc you can apply for there instead?
You may find the Uni. does not look favourably on your application if you already have a PhD. There's issues of you denying a new student an opportunity and the perceived image of hiring a continuous or perpetual student.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
3 degree trying to apply for 2:1/ 2:2 course (any chance?)
You may also wish to take a look at this from the UK Business Forum, which appears to give potential employers' perspectives on the subject. It's an interesting read and being able to explain your situation appears to be all important.
All hope is not lost!!! :-)
Also, take a look at this:
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
3 degree trying to apply for 2:1/ 2:2 course (any chance?)
I have just been offered a taught Masters place with only having a 3rd class degree from 15yrs ago. However, I have had very relevant work experience in-between. I would say that I was told I shouldn't bother applying by several admissions depts (including the one I'm now going to) in the past. They didn't even ask me in for an interview this time, got an unconditional offer.
I do wonder if getting hold of your fees is becoming more important in these difficult times, but that's just a guess. It's clearly worth applying anyway!
Good point Mulligan, as extended periods of relevant works experience with good references can make up for lower grades. Ages ago, it used to be roughly 2 to 3 years works experience would see you up one notch (say from 3rd to 2-ii) and 5 or more years would see you up two notches (from 3rd to 2-i). However, funding bodies may not see it that way anymore, so if you do proceed you might still struggle with funding.
As regards taking on board to get your fees off you this again may be fair point and this may be the shape of things to come without them really caring about your grade. I guess it's worth a go in retrospect leaving your grade off, however, be ready with the sales pitch if they ask for documentary evidence of your qualifications. I can only relate to my own experiences as discussed above in this respect.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Postdoc extension for doing nothing
Take the extension if only to make sure you remain in work. However, look for something else outside academia as even if you take the extension, they can't stop you from leaving.
I know the situation is uncomfortable (and I know what being micro-managed feels like), but remaining in work in some form is also important and it's easier to find work whilst still in work.
As regards 'bad references', bear in mind if they do this they are exposing themselves to a slander action if the comments are unfounded. Handle diplomatically if you do find something though to ensure there is no bad blood.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
