1. UNISAMDBootcampAcadwrite Tshwane University of Technology Faculty of Economics and Finance Some thoughts on “Research” TUT Campus – 22 September Presenter Prof Dave Lubbe

2. Contents 1. Introduction and background 2. A few background aspects
3. Overview on “Academic Writing”
4. Conclusion
5. Questions and comments

3. 1 Introduction and background
Thank you!
Opportunities – “unbelievable”
Just scratch surface!
Thousands of books on research methodology and writing
No specific order – try keep practical
Interact – please!!!

4. 2 A few background aspects
Accountants – left brain – creativity, etc.
“Problems” in SA education – writing, etc.
“Problems” at SA universities i.e.
Number and quality of good supervisors
Standards of students
“Problems” at Accountancy faculties/schools
Largely driven by CA training (“teaching”)
Compare with i.e. natural sciences, humanities
What will distinguish you as an academic?
What is the main aim(s) of supervising you?

5. 3 Overview on “academic writing”
Writing is a BIG part of pass/fail!!!
Thinking and creativity
Basics – what, why, when, where, how, etc.
Language – spell check PLUS professional
Flow – tell “story”
Consistent – many aspects – i.e. terminology
Generalisation – i.e. “… first study/ … all …”
Apples and pears – i.e. different countries

6. (continue) Paragraphs – one sentence
No sources – i.e. about “facts” – “audit evidence”
Just relative “old” sources
Referencing – in text – i.e. year and page number(s) – Singh (2016:25) – “not later”
How many sources??? – cut off date
Page numbers – from starting dissertation
Bibliography – referencing – as above – many methods – i.e. Harvard

7. (continue) Technology – i.e. Mendeley, End Note, Word Referencing Tool
Benefits – many
“Dark side”
“Heavy” reliance on one author – “important aspect” – also refer to “old sources” – i.e. corruption in SA …
Just one source for “critical” part - refer above
Only internet sources (Wikipedia!)
Cross-referencing
Footnotes – limited – law

8. (continue) Role of study leader/mentor vs candidate
Sometimes lonely journey
In “other” disciplines …
Standards???
“Soft option” – run not hide!!
Examining – failing PhD ….
Supervisors “head on the block”
Social/community responsibility vs. research
Poverty
Community – science – sample
Refer next slide

9. (continue) What is the “value” of research?
Fundamental question – role of universities?
Cross-subsidizing – i.e. music
Part of financing of universities
“First writings” ALWAYS draft!!
Read, read, read
Other Master and PhD’s – i.e. Pro-quest (UMI)
Topics – many aspects
Methodology – just a “tool” not the thesis
Aim/purpose – only “once” – different!

10. (continue)
Identify possible publications and presentations – during writing
Choice of journal, conference, etc.
Ratings
Predatory journals
“Popular” publications
Networks
“Over borders” – but focus
Title – art – include i.e. country???
USA – “quick fix/recipe” – course work

11. 4. Conclusion Just overview Use “tips” from the start
Attend Writing Retreat(s) if possible
Research “jargon” should not be the monster – sit down and write!
No “stupid” question – even “non-accountants”
Hard work
Enjoy the journey!

12. Questions/Comments?