L&W: Directory of Doctoral Dissertations: Introduction

L&W

European Research in Learning and Work
Directory of Doctoral Dissertations
www.ddd.wifo-gate.org

Directory

> Introduction
> Directory
   (arranged by author)
> Themes
   (overview)
> Tutors
   (index)
> Countries/instit.
   (index)

First announcement and observations see
L&W Newsletter
No 2007/04

Related directories (WIFO):

Directory of Masters Programmes (access)

Directory of Professional Contacts (access)

OBJECTIVES

This initial directory presents about 60 examples of current doctoral dissertations from 10 European countries, covering the broad field of learning and work. The major objectives of this directory are to identify new research topics and to present the researchers involved. The subjects of dissertations may be indicators of evolving research strands (see Thematic overview). The authors of dissertations, whether junior or senior researchers, may include (future) promoters of the research community. And the tutors, who supervise the dissertations, often play a key role in developing schools of research within the broader community.

Furthermore, involvement in European projects and networks may have a stimulating effect on doctoral research. This is particularly evident from the CROSSLIFE pilot study programme (2007-2008), which aims to enhance Masters and PhD courses run by partner institutions forming a cross-cultural international research network. Several participants in this network submitted data for the directory (including one from Australia).

ACCESS

> Directory of doctoral dissertations - detailed presentation (arranged by author)
> Thematic overview - subjects of dissertations grouped by thematic area *)
> Index: Tutors - names of tutors supervising the dissertations *)
> Index: Countries/ institutions - countries including supervisory institutions *)

*) Each presentation includes the authors' names as major reference to the directory.

COLLABORATION

This Directory has been developed in collaboration between the Research Forum WIFO and two major networks: the European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training [VETNET] and the University Forum for Human Resource Development [UFHRD]. Special thanks are due to Martin Mulder, who provided a set of data on European PhD students compiled as part of VETNET activities (2008).

EDITION

The first edition of the directory was released in July 2007, including about 40 dissertations (see first announcement and observations in L&W Newsletter No 2007/04). Interim updates, followed in December 2007, April 2008 and March 2009, bringing the collection up to 58 dissertations.

SOURCES

The initial data collection is based on a call for information which was first sent to the L&W network (about 800 professionals across Europe) in September 2006 (see L&W Newsletter 2006/07). Further calls to selected groups between 2007 and 2009 resulted in updates and extensions of the database.

The following terms of reference were defined in the above calls: Information on expected or newly completed Doctoral dissertations in the area of learning and work (HRD, VET and work related adult education) in European countries - according to the pattern below:

                                 1 - Theme of dissertation (original language AND English)
                                 2 - Year of (expected) completion or publication
                                 3 - Author (name and email address)
                                 4 - Tutor (name and email address)
                                 5 - Institution (name and home page)

All submissions (except for one or two sent by error) were accepted, even if some of these dissertations had already been completed a couple of years ago. For the next edition of the directory, the time frame will be more strictly defined.

REFERENCES

Recent doctoral theses on education are published regularly in the journal “Savoirs – Revue internationale de recherche en education et formation des adultes” (home page). Contact: Françoise F. Laot

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