1. Towards creating enabling environments for doctoral training in low medium income countries: A South African case study
Professor Sibusiso Moyo
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Research, Innovation & Engagement
Durban University of Technology

2. Abstract
Strong arguments have been presented both in the South African National Development Plan 2030 and other policy documents on the need to increase the doctoral pipeline.
It is within this context that I will look at the critical factors and enablers for successful and quality doctoral training that contributes to developing a pipeline of researchers with cross sectoral mobility and international research careers and why this is relevant for low medium income countries within the African context.
There are a number of determinants both at individual and institutional level which the doctoral candidate, research and postgraduate managers and strategic policy and governance structures need to be aware of in creating enablers to successfully develop doctoral candidates as researchers as well as the research (KPAs vs Quality).
Comparisons are drawn from the context of a University of Technology – where “train the trainer” acceleration programmes need more urgency and relevance for sharing best practice models across the higher education landscape.

3. Introduction & Global Context
In a recent paper by (Barnett et al., 2017), a comparison of best practices for doctoral training in Europe and North America is given. They asked 63 detailed questions which focused on:
research environment
outcomes
admission criteria
content of programs
mentoring (or supervising)
the PhD thesis
assessment of the thesis
PhD school structure.

4. Overlap and Differences
Their results showed that there was some overlap between aims and content of PhD programmes
but
considerable differences in terms of the structure of the PhD programmes, mentoring and assessment of the PhD theses.
*This is also true for the SA landscape between and amongst Universities across the sector.

5. Typical University of Technology Track
BTech/?Hons
Masters
Research
& Course work
Doctorates/PhDs

6. Compare with America & Europe Footprint (Source (Barnett et al

7. University of Technology Context
Curriculum – UG & BTechs (Phaseout) - to Doctoral/PhD degrees
Selection Criteria – Impact on throughputs but supported by equivalent supervisory and mentorship programmes
Gap Measures – research skills training and data analytics
Structured predoctoral programme and case studies from Peace programme at DUT (Cohort Supervision)
Governance structures and enablers – registrations, proposal development, assessment,
Skills transfer – scientific writing and data analysis
Train the trainer – Staff studying also carry supervision burden – Grace period for postdoctoral development!

8. 2010 ASSAf PhD Study
Points (i) to (vii) are supported by the 2010 ASSAf PhD Study ( D%20Consensus%20Study_%20Concise.pdf?sequence=1

9. Thank You!
References
BARNETT, J. V., HARRIS, R. A. & MULVANY, M. J A comparison of best practices for doctoral training in Europe and North America. FEBS Open Bio, 7,