TUT workshop drives quality Doctorates in Economics and Finance

Prof Philliphine Coetzee, Faculty Research Coordinator, led a TUT doctoral workshop urging quality research and real-world impact while guiding candidates on publishing, funding and academic growth.

Faculty of Economics and Finance Doctorate candidates. Explaining the purpose of the workshop, Prof Coetzee, Faculty of Economics and Finance Research Coordinator and NRF C2-rated researcher at the Tshwane University of Technology, said the doctoral support workshop aimed at strengthening research quality and guiding doctorate candidates toward academic success.

She added that the initiative encouraged candidates to share their research progress and understand the expectations associated with doctoral studies. Coetzee emphasised the importance of obtaining a doctorate qualification and its role in advancing the field of economics.

She assured candidates of institutional support and stressed the need for quality outcomes. The faculty currently has 18 staff members pursuing doctorates.

Prof Richard Shambare, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare, shared insights from his doctoral journey and urged candidates to collaborate and exchange ideas.

He cautioned against viewing doctoral research as separate from everyday life and encouraged candidates to ground their work in real-world contexts. He outlined five principles for research success: knowing the game, learning the rules, applying the rules, studying the opponent and practising consistently.

Prof Rudi de Lange from the Faculty of Arts and Design, guided candidates on selecting credible journals. He warned against predatory, cloned and hijacked journals and emphasised transparency and quality over quantity.

Prof Willie Chinyamurindi from the University of Fort Hare, advised candidates to aim beyond completing their doctorates and to assess their readiness before applying for research ratings.

He stressed that research must address societal challenges and encouraged candidates to diversify funding sources rather than relying on a single funder.

The workshop reinforced the Faculty’s commitment to developing impactful researchers equipped to contribute to academia and society.

The Faculty of Economics and Finance Doctoral Support Workshop.