Hi Chris.

Can't add much to the comprehensive reply below but in very practical terms the Professional Doctorate, DBA or other, differs in that it tends to be more structured and goal driven approach.  You need to submit this piece of work by then, that piece by then - this can help a lot of people with time management etc. 

You will / should also attend weekends or day course to help you prepare for each of these goals.

Additionally you would have the support of classmates to help you through,  much missed in a PhD where it can feel very lonely. Of course classmates can hinder too, i guess  ;-) . 

All the best with your studies whichever approach you take. Chuff

Congrats,  and thanks for the story. I'm almost disappointed not to have to ask what they asked you, as you've done so well.

As you've said it seemed they've asked you to be more confident in your findings - what a lovely outcome, they seemed to think it was better than you did.

So you've better than passed.  Be proud. 

Chuff

Hi Batfink.

Previous thread here..

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=16971

Important to get the right one so carry on digging. Chuff

Hi Sheryl.

Only too true, in University, in any workplace ... who knows who is a minefield.  However, unless you stay mute and passive on everything you are bound to disagree with something. That said, criticising any Prof etc ...  oohh no way.  

Good post.   Chuff

Hi Nat.

Not so much a gadget, well not a gadget at all.. but i would recommend a comfortable, ergonomic, typically very expensive, office chair.  Your bottom will be in it more than you realise and being able to sit down for a long time without discomfort is something else.

If gadget is your bag,  what about a netbook?   I've got a samsung, very cute and very useful.

All the best, and what a nice mother you have.

Chuff

Really good points made below,  specifically census data ... agreed.

I think it was the reference to the "already collected data" with the terms "I could churn out papers faster" with an "ambitious" and "networking"  supervisor who has "already pushed me to collaborate with some big names in the field"

Clearly nothing wrong with ambition etc and in fact on reflection it was just one word - "churn" I found a challenge.  It has no redeeming features with a tone of disregard and disrespect to its audience.

No depression or self harm here CoughingFit .. I'm Chuff-ed to bits with my PhD. There have been a few threads recently talking about the best times in PhD-ing, have a read if you get a chance and you'll get the other side.  I guess for a lot of people, you come here when no-one at home would understand and I guess that tends to be the bad times.

I hope your PhD goes well, and please come back won't you .. I note you're a new poster.. certainly made a splash anyway ;-)

Chuff   

I'm not going to answer your question, being quite up front about that but for some very odd reason your post made me scowl.

Doing a PhD with a data set already collected, a PhD you can whizz through, publish easily and with a supervisor who has lined things up for you... can you spot something wrong here? Or is it just be being old fashioned in thinking you should suffer a bit.

Pragmatism may not give the love you'll need to get through.. easy or not.

Answers in an orderly manner please :-)

It may of course be the norm in some fields, in which case i shall remove all sarcasm from this post.

Chuff

What an absolute nightmare, can't really add anymore than has been said .. take some time out but its the "mission impossible" comment that would get to me. And, on the face of it, gives you good grounds for the argument.

i very much admire the fighting spirit that i get from your post.. sounds to me like you'll find a way.

All the very best, Chuff

If your thesis is as original as your post = job done. thanks for the smile. Chuff

Big congrats AQ... very well deserved ... be great if you could dish the dirt on Q&As.

Have a lovely weekend. Chuff

Hi Cakeman

"cos its 'ard"

I loved the challenge, confusion, the subject, learning whilst engaging with others who know so much is exhilarating and realising quite how much is out there that I know nothing about is good scary.

Chuff

Good idea Sneaks

I'm going to have a read about,  there seem a lot of opportunities in Saudi etc.. but I'm not adventurous either - maybe I should start.

I'm concerned about the climate ( in more ways than one ) ... just seems so different.

Its something to consider though especially for those like JC - very sorry for your news.

Chuff

Hi All.

Given the financial climate in the UK, and the funding issues for Universities, I wondered about the prospects of working in the Middle East.

What's your experience? Of getting in and getting out ? Once you leave the UK academic scene is it more difficult to get back in?

Have any of you considered the move? Be really good to hear your views.

Ta Chuff

Admitting i'm not techy but a wiki page is no better than a list on here is it ?

There must be some favourite website type system, eg delicious type. I know a few techy people have mentioned its not the best but something like that.

I hate being negative about this idea because its fab but i wonder if the way we're going is the right one.

Chuff

Hi Sim and BB.

Sim .. are you confident you'll pass ?  I suspect you'd be arsed if you were panic stricken so I reckon you'll sail through - why feel guilty that you're not an emotional wreck. Are you nervous, looking forward to it ?    Would you like us to make you nervous - I'm sure we'd enjoy that :-) :p

BB  - can i ask a question please, how did you answer the what would i do differently question?  Its a puzzling one if there's nothing obvious .. is it a case of identifying something that could have worked but you didn't think it be as good as the action you chose ?  A case of setting up a small negative to finish on a positive ?

All the best with your viva Sim .. come back and tell us all about it..

Chuff