PhD Viva for First Batch of OUM Students

PhD Candidate, Richard Ng, with his supervisor, Prof. Karl Wagner during the viva-voce held on Sept 2 at OUM Main Campus

The first batch of PhD (Business Administration) students had their Viva-Voce set beginning September 2 to September 29 2010. Among the first candidate to attend the Viva was Richard Ng, who started his PhD journey in September 2005. It was then followed by Lum Heap Sum, Wong Siaw Ming and Patrick Wong.



The Viva-Voce process is the final stage of a PhD candidates' journey before they can be called "Doctor". It was conducted within 3 months after candidates have submitted their final thesis.

Richard Ng presenting his research in front of the panel of examiners

At OUM, three examiners (2 external and 1 internal) will examine the theses of a candidate. The viva was then fixed where the candidate will give a short presentation of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Candidates will then be asked on why they choose their research topic, what is the objective of the research and how he is going about with it. Candidates will also be asked on their literature reviews and theories supporting their research. They will also need to explain their conceptual model and how they derive at it.

Richard Ng answering questions posted by the panel

Examiners are keen to find out the methodology used and how the research findings are analysed, aspect of validity and reliability of data and what is the outcome of their research and how it can contribute to the body of knowledge.

The viva-voce normally takes about 2 hours in all. At the end of the session, candidates will be informed about the decisions of the panel. Decisions could range from minor correction (usually within 1 month), major correction (within 6 months), to redo (within 12 months) or outright failure.

All the four candidates mentioned above who have had their viva-voce in September 2010, have passed their viva with minor or major correction. Candidates will then need to respond to the panel's proposal for correction and submit within the time frame given.

Once the corrections have been submitted, a reviewer (not necessary the same examiner) will review the amendment submitted. Once all the suggestions have been fulfilled the Chairperson of the panel will approve it and submit for confirmation to the academic board of OUM before it is endorsed by the senate. Upon endorsement of senate, the candidate can use the "doctor" title in front of their names.