Doctoral-Thinking Test Drive: Doctoral Education, Supervision & the Malta Hub

Programme

16:00–16:15 — Welcome: Doctoral Thinking, DoctorateHub | GSBM & the Malta Hub

16:15–16:45 — Taking a Doctorate Is Only Difficult the First Time… Introduction to the Programme Structure of the DoctorateHub | GSBM DBA

16:45–17:15 — From a Lone Supervisor to a Supervision Team

17:15–17:30 — Coffee Break

17:30–18:00 — Test Drive 1: The Magic Triangle — Problem Framing, Question Scoping & Matching Outcome Expectations

18:00–18:30 — Test Drive 2: Research Scoping & Design Operationalisation

18:30–19:00 — The Malta Hub: Opportunities at an Early Stage

19:00–20:00 — Networking & Informal Exchange

Programme

16:00–16:15
Welcome: Doctoral Thinking, DoctorateHub | GSBM & the Malta Hub
A short introduction to DoctorateHub | GSBM, its approach to doctoral-level education, and the purpose of the Malta Hub. We will outline what makes the DoctorateHub approach distinctive and what participants will explore during the session.

16:15–16:45
Taking a Doctorate Is Only Difficult the First Time… Introduction to the Programme Structure of the DoctorateHub | GSBM DBA
Conducting research follows a fairly well-established general structure that reflects the broader logic of Problem → Question → Design → Evidence → Analysis → Insight. This structure provides an excellent starting point for guiding doctoral researchers through their doctoral journey.

Scientific inquiry is, of course, about the discovery of new knowledge. But this does not mean finding the “holy grail” of a literature gap that the research will answer. There are different types of knowledge gaps, and each can be addressed and filled in a structured way.

And since taking a doctorate is only difficult the first time, at DoctorateHub we have designed the doctoral journey based on the experience of having guided students through their doctoral journeys several hundred times. This is the pathway we would like to share with you.

16:45–17:15
From a Lone Supervisor to a Supervision Team
How does a team-based approach to doctoral supervision compare with the more traditional supervisor–candidate model?

We will examine the roles and responsibilities within a doctoral supervision team, how different areas of expertise can contribute to doctoral development, and what this model means both for doctoral candidates and for those developing towards doctoral supervision.

17:15–17:30
Coffee Break

17:30–18:00
Test Drive 1: The Magic Triangle — Problem Framing, Question Scoping & Matching Outcome Expectations

Participants will be introduced to the Magic Triangle, which plays a key role in the success or failure of any research undertaking.

Research problems do not pre-exist; they must be constructed against the background of an identified issue or challenge. Outcome expectations, on the other hand, often pre-exist and frequently consist of the solutions that the research is expected to achieve. In between these two sits the research question, which is often shaped by the curiosity and assumptions held by the researcher.

So why is this a Magic Triangle? Because aligning its three sides is difficult. Solutions may initially seem clear; questions arise as the literature is consulted and the analysis unfolds, and the research can quickly develop in multiple directions. At the same time, the problem can easily be framed as “How can I achieve this and reach the desired solution?” rather than “What is broken, why did it break, and what would need to change to prevent it from happening again?”

18:00–18:30
Test Drive 2: Research Scoping & Design Operationalisation
From “What do we want to know?” to “How could we know it?” — and why starting simple can still result in a sufficiently complex doctoral-level research project.

Complexity builds surprisingly quickly as the literature is consulted, ideas unfold, and more and more interesting questions emerge. Even a stimulating conversation or discussion can increase complexity, turning a single initial question into a large number of discussion threads and possible avenues to pursue.

Participants will explore how tools and techniques such as establishing clear focal points, adhering to precision, and working with the state of the art and related studies can result in actionable research questions that connect to evidence.

The research design then becomes a derived outcome of this process rather than an isolated creative exercise. It provides a structured way to produce the relevant knowledge and understanding needed to address the research problem and determine what it will take to achieve the desired outcome.

18:30–19:00
The Malta Hub: Opportunities at an Early Stage
An introduction to the developing DoctorateHub | GSBM Malta Hub and the ways participants may be able to contribute.

This will include possible pathways for doctoral candidates approaching completion, doctorate holders, academics and professionals, including the Doctoral Faculty Development Programme, development towards doctoral supervision, academic activities, research and innovation activities, and other forms of collaboration as the Hub develops.

19:00–20:00
Networking & Informal Exchange
An opportunity for participants to continue discussions with DoctorateHub representatives and other participants, explore individual interests, and discuss possible next steps.

Malta Life Sciences Park, Sir Temi Zammit Buildings, San Gwann Industrial Estate, San Gwann, SGN 3000, Malta