Interventions aimed at enhancing supervision capacity : a systematic review (2000-2013)

Abstract

Literature suggests that novice supervisors are not adequately trained or equipped with the skills required in research supervision or to become productive researchers, and recommend that intervention strategies aimed specifically at enhancing supervision capacity, be prioritized. Primary texts report positive effects on student output and timely completion in a range of intervention strategies aimed at enhancing supervision capacity including supervisor training. However, it is difficult to compare these individual reports without a systematic attempt at filtration in which studies are evaluated for methodological rigour. The aim of this study was to consolidate the body of literature reporting on strategies aimed at enhancing supervision capacity which satisfies a threshold of methodological quality. The present study was a systematic review evaluating published literature from 2003 to 2013 that report on strategies aimed at enhancing supervision capacity. Only full-text, English articles within the UWC library databases were considered for inclusion provided that they report on the specified target group and focus of the study. Identified articles were evaluated on three levels: titles, abstract, and full text. Four instruments were used to facilitate data extraction and quality assessment including a Title summary sheet, abstract summary sheet, critical appraisal tool, and data extraction sheet. Meta-synthesis of included texts was conducted. Ethics: Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the appropriate committees at the University of the Western Cape (Registration number: 14/5/18). The information sources used in this study were all previously published and are in the public domain; therefore no additional permission for access was required. The study formed part of a larger NRF funded parent study. Thus the distinction between collaboration and plagiarism was carefully monitored given the collaboration between the present study and the larger parent study.