Postgraduate Supervision and Submission of Research Outputs

Postgraduate Supervision and Submission of Research Outputs Policy

Section

Academic

To be read in conjunction with

Part 4, 5 and 6 of Te Kawa Maiorooro | Educational Regulatory Framework (TKM).  

The relevant Te Pūkenga Academic Policies, current Otago Polytechnic policies (as per Te Pūkenga Transitioning (Grandparenting) of Former Subsidiaries Policy) and the relevant Otago Polytechnic Business Division Procedures.

Approval Date

12 December 2024

Approved By

Executive Director

Next Review

30 November 2026

Responsibility

Tumuaki Rakahau / Director: Research and Postgraduate Studies

Purpose

To provide operational procedures for post-graduate programmes of study that require research outputs at the Otago Polytechnic.

Compliance

Public Records Act 2005, and all subsequent amendments

Official Information Act 1982, and all subsequent amendments.

NZQA Degrees and related qualifications: Guidelines for programme approval and accreditation to provide programmes

Policy

Supervision / Mentoring

1. Postgraduate ākonga will be provided with:

1.1. A primary supervisor/academic mentor (supervisor) from the College offering the programme of study, at the commencement of their research.

1.2. Where appropriate, a secondary supervisor may be appointed by the College offering the programme of study.

1.3. Supervisor shall be appointed by the Head of College, after a process of negotiation with the Programme Head/or equivalent, ākonga, and potential supervisor(s).

1.4. Supervisors are responsible for overseeing ākonga progress in the research from the time of their appointment until ākonga submits their research output to the research repository

Submission for Assessment/Examination

2. Ākonga will notify their supervisor of their intention to submit their research output.

a. The supervisor will notify the Programme Head or equivalent of ākonga intention to submit for assessment/examination.

3. Upon receipt of ākonga notification to submit the Head of College or relevant Committee will appoint and sign-off the examination panel (Refer to Composition of Examination Panel in the Guidelines below

4. Research outputs are to be submitted in accordance with associated learner guidelines and to specifications in the relevant programme of study document.

5. Research outputs shall be submitted accompanied by a declaration (refer to Thesis/Dissertation Final Submission for Assessment/Examination Form (Appendix 2 in the Guidelines below) signed by ākonga relating to:

Authorship (refer to Appendix 1 in the Guidelines below)

Dissemination

Reproduction

Final assessment

6. Final assessments are to be conducted in accordance with specifications in the relevant programme of study document, Te Pūkenga policies including Te Kawa Maiorooro Rangahau and Research, Part 6, Assessment and Moderation OP Procedure and Academic Integrity OP Procedure to ensure academic and research integrity.

7. Grading of assessment will follow the specifications as outlined in the relevant programme of study document, or Te Pūkenga unified programme of study document and in Grade Tables, Merit, Distinction and Honours – OPBD Procedure and Te Kawa Maiorooro 7.15 Grading, 7.16 Assessment Grades and 7.17 Course Grades and Assessment Grading and Merit, Distinction and Honours, Section 8.4.

8. The examination panel will assess the research output in accordance with the criteria specified in the relevant programme of study document to ensure the output provides evidence of ākonga ability to carry out independent research and produce an original contribution to practice.

9. The research output should be completed within the period of full-time or part-time study as set out in the relevant programme of study document.

10. Resubmission of a thesis is not permitted except on the recommendation of the examination panel. If the outcome of the resubmission is a fail grade re-enrolment may be permitted subject to approval from the Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery or delegate.

11. If the outcome of the course requirements are not met re-enrolment may be permitted subject to approval from the Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery or delegate.

Dissemination

12. It is expected that ākonga upon successful completion and final assessment of their research output of 0.5EFTS value (60 credits) or above will deposit a digital copy in the Otago Polytechnic Research Repository.

13. Ākonga may request redaction of part of their research output, embargo for a period of one (1) to three (3) years, or exemption from the dissemination requirement.

13.1 Requests will be considered by the Otago Polytechnic Research Repository subcommittee consisting of three members of the Research and Postgraduate Committee nominated by the Committee Chair, who do not have a conflict of interest.

13.2 Requests may be granted only in exceptional circumstances on grounds of commercial sensitivity, sensitive content, publications pending, or reason/s consistent with the Official Information Act or the Privacy Act. These requests on submission of the research output by ākonga must be approved by the Otago Polytechnic Research Repository Sub-committee

14. Research outputs may be withdrawn from Otago Polytechnic Research Repository if the Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery considers it necessary due to one of the following conditions: