Volume 16, 2021 THE PHD JOURNEY AT ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY: STUDY DELAYS, CAUSES, AND COPING MECHANISMS Getnet Tizazu Fetene* Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa,
[email protected] Ethiopia Wondwosen Tamrat St. Mary’s University, Addis Ababa, wondwosen- Ethiopia
[email protected] * Corresponding author ABSTRACT Aim/Purpose This study was conducted to examine the rate of delay, explanatory causes, and coping strategies of PhD candidates at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia’s premier university, over the last ten years. Background Delayed graduation is a common theme in doctoral education around the world. It continues to draw the concern of governments, universities, and the candi- dates themselves, calling for different forms of intervention. Addressing these challenges is key to resolving the many obstacles into doctoral education. Methodology Ten-year archival data consisting of 1,711 PhD students and in-depth inter- views with ten PhD candidates were used as data-generation tools. The data col- lection focused on progression patterns, reasons for study delays, and the cop- ing mechanisms used by doctoral students when they face challenges. While the candidates were interviewed to narrate their lived experience pertinent to the objectives of the study, the archival data regarding the PhD students were col- lected from the Registrar Office of the University under study. Contribution Amid an ongoing global debate about best practices in doctoral education, the research on study delays contributes not only to filling the existing empirical gap in the area but also in identifying factors, for example, related to financial mat- ters, family commitment, and student-supervisor rapport, that help address the challenges faced and improving the provision of doctoral education.