QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE SUPERVISION PROCESS OF DOCTORAL EDUCATION AT THE ZIMBABWE OPEN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Studies have shown that half of doctoral candidates who enroll for studies complete their studies
(Golde, 2001). One of the sources of long time-to-degree rates include the supervision process related factors.
European University Institute (2017:15) underlines the critical role of research supervision by expressing that,
“… the success of a PhD usually stands or falls by the quality of supervision.” Zimbabwe Open University
(ZOU) quality assures the supervision process for doctoral education to provide confidence to stakeholders
that service is provided as carefully planned. This research sought to provide evidence on the efficacy of the
quality assurance system in providing accountability and continuous improvement of the supervision process
of doctoral education at the Zimbabwe Open University. Data was generated through focus group discussions
with doctoral candidates from three regional clusters. Six in Bulawayo and Marondera cluster and five at the
Midlands cluster. Three supervisors were interviewed from the three clusters, two members of the Higher
Degrees, and two from the Quality Assurance Directorate. Institutional documents were examined to
determine if there were policies and procedures on supervision of doctoral education. The research found that
the supervision process is documented although some dimensions such as the contact time between candidates
and supervisors is not determined. Candidates were satisfied with the supervision process premised on
progressive approaches to supervision. The researchers recommend Higher Degrees organisesupervisors’ and
candidates’ development workshops and stipulate minimum supervisor-candidates contact times