Guidelines for Enhancing Thesis Supervision to Promote Success among Research-Based Doctoral Students: A Case Study of a Principal Advisor

Abstract

The objectives of this case study are to: 1) examine the relationship between thesis supervision conditions based on the SWOT framework and doctoral students’ success in completing their dissertations, and 2) formulate strategic guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of thesis supervision, thereby increasing students’ opportunities for success. The research participants, selected through purposive sampling, included one principal doctoral thesis advisor from research – based program and 18 informants who were doctoral graduates supervised by this advisor during the academic years 2019–2025. Data were collected using an online questionnaire via Google Form, which comprised two parts: a ratingscale and open-ended questions. The instrument was validated for content validity by experts, with reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha) ranging from 0.613 - 0.940. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), and effect size (Cohen’s d) while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that strengths and opportunities were positively correlated with dissertation success at a high level, displaying large effect sizes. In contrast, weaknesses and threats showed negative correlations with success at moderate to high levels, with medium to large effect sizes. Furthermore, the integration of qualitative findings and TOWS Matrix analysis yielded four strategic approaches, comprising sixteen specific activities to enhance thesis supervision. Although this study is based on a single case, it provides clear practical implications for improving doctoral thesis supervision and offers a solid foundation for future research.