Exploring Supervisory Practices in Higher Education Institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the supervisory practices in HEIs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Therefore, seven well-reputed universities were selected for the study. Pragmatic research philosophy was applied, and therefore mixed-method research (MMR) was used. A sample of 616 (58 HODs, 239 teachers, and 319 students of MPhil and PhD) were taken by applying the stratified sampling technique for quantitative data, whereas 12 individuals were taken through the purposive sampling technique for qualitative data. While semi-structured interviews were designed for gathering qualitative data, an adapted questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for quantitative data analysis. The results concluded that supervisors were constantly available for students to assist in their research. Enough time was allocated by the supervisors to evaluate the research work of the students. Moreover, they provide guidance in the publication of research articles in renowned journals.