This is a report on a qualitative investigation into the challenges and solutions for Information Systems PhD candidature in Australia by conducting a three-phase research process. Information Systems doctoral theses approved within the past 10 years in Australia were identified in three areas of research, using structured evidence-based search and review methods. This was followed by two focus groups. The first focus group provided a forum where participants engaged and contributed by sharing and reflecting on experiences during their candidature. The data generated was thematically analyzed. The second focus group provided a forum to compare, contrast, and combine findings from the first focus group and the theses review. This was then conceptually organized into a SWOT framework for discussion. The findings imply that there is a need, not only for an inclusive candidature research pathway now provided by most Australian universities, but also an integrated research and personal support pathway. The investigation resulted in defining a conceptual framework of value in Australia and internationally, which acknowledges and bridges the academic-practice gap, offering a considerable step for future PhD candidature investment.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	PhD candidature, doctoral students, research pathway, information systems, SWOT analysis.
Research Division:	Information and Computing Sciences
Research Group:	Library and information studies
Research Field:	Human information interaction and retrieval
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Evaluation of health and support services
Objective Field:	Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Bamgboje-Ayodele, A (Dr Adeola Bamgboje-Ayodele)
UTAS Author:	Ye, M (Dr Michelle Ye)
UTAS Author:	Almond, H (Dr Helen Almond)
UTAS Author:	Sakulwichitsintu, S (Mrs Songlak Sakulwichitsintu)
ID Code:	110782
Year Published:	2016
Deposited By:	Health Sciences
Deposited On:	2016-08-13
Last Modified:	2018-03-28
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