Effective supervision for enhancing quality of doctoral research in computer science and engineering

Abstract

This article reflects on effective supervision and possible guidance for enhancing quality of doctoral research in the computer science and engineering field. The aims of this study are (1) to understand supervision and the role of supervisors in the quality of doctoral research, (2) to elaborate on effective supervision in the computer science and engineering field and challenges in effective supervision, and (3) to identify key indicators for evaluating effective supervision with a view to improving the quality of doctoral research. After studying various pieces of literature and conducting interviews with experienced supervisors and doctoral students, the article concludes by describing important characteristics in effective supervision. Some of the features for effective supervision are common to other areas of research; however, in computer science and engineering and similar fields, it is important that a supervisor takes the role of a team member by giving proper advice on the reports, algorithm and mathematical modeling developed in the research, and demonstrating the ability to provide advice on complex problems with practical approaches.