Post-viva questionnaire - responses
What is the title of your thesis?
An
investigation of quality management (QM)
approaches in university libraries in south western Nigeria
Can you provide an abstract (for inclusion in
this blog)?
This
exploratory research project used a case study of university libraries in
south western Nigeria, to explore the QM techniques applied by
university libraries in managing their procedures as well as the types of
approaches used to ensure service quality.
A mixed- methods two-phase case study design was
used to address both research questions and objectives of the study. Three methods of data collection are
described: An
initial online quantitative survey with heads of 24 university libraries; second
qualitative face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15
university librarians and 10 focus group sessions (73 participants). Findings suggest that
respondents were aware of QM practices, service delivery and its impact on
the mission and vision of respective host institutions. There were no quality management
tools in place for use in Nigerian university libraries. Application of QM principles in the
university libraries was not in line with any best practice to shape QM and
as such could not lead to consistent/systematic QM implementation. Two proposed models of QM implementation
are described: A proposed QM
framework for university libraries in south western Nigeria; and a maturity
model to help in post-implementation assessment of QM maturity levels of the libraries. This study demonstrates that the concept of
QM is quite germane to the development of the university library system
though a number of factors (internal and external) have inhibited the process
of its implementation, for which government intervention is recommended to
aid its realisation.
How long did you spend preparing for your viva?
I read
through my thesis over the Christmas break
and tried to identify possible areas of
interrogation,
for which I made notes. Then I re-read my literature review, methodology
discussion and conclusion chapters during the week before the viva. During the same week , I met with my
supervisors, had a presentation with my research group and discussion with a
few colleagues, all of which were indeed very helpful.
How long did your viva take?
1 hour
40 minutes.
Did the examiners concentrate on any particular
section of your thesis? If so, which?
Apart
from the initial interrogation, the remaining session was mainly discussion
that bordered on policy issues and the feasibility of the study.
Can you describe any part of your viva where you
were pleased with your performance?
I was
very pleased with my response on what motivated me to embark on the study;
methodology; and sampling of participants for the study.
What was it you did that pleased you?
My
responses generated interesting discussions on the study which gave me
opportunity to provide further
explanations on the study.
Can you describe any part of your viva where you
were dissatisfied with your performance?
I was
asked to provide a further explanation of a specific word while defining a concept.
I struggled a bit and gave up because I did not want to goof.
What was it you did that dissatisfied you?
My
inability to answer that bit of the question on the spur of that moment. Though
it was early into the interview, I did not allow that to affect my posture,
because my earlier responses had received positive nods from my examiners.
Please give an example of a question that you
found hard.
My
examiners wanted to know why my contributions and recommendations were not
strong enough.
Why was it hard?
I was
asked to restate my contributions and recommendations and could not, at that
moment go beyond what I already have in the thesis
What was the outcome of your viva?
I
passed, subject to minor corrections.
Please give some examples of the sort of
corrections you need to make (if any).
Strengthening
the conclusion chapter, particularly in terms of contribution and future
research.
Some
issues with referencing.
Corrections
to typos and errors that required further proof reading.
Do you have any tips for looking and feeling
confident in front of the examiners?
Try to
take a good rest the day before, dress decently and be well composed
Can you think of any good advice that you would
give to students who are preparing for their viva?
|
Seek guidance from your supervisors for
clarification on any issues prior to your viva
Try to ensure adequate revision of your work, by not
leaving preparation too close to your viva
