EXPERTISE COMPETENCIES

INTRODUCTION

A strong foundation in research methodology is a critical component of a university lecturer's expertise, enabling them to teach, supervise, and mentor postgraduate students effectively. Lecturers with advanced methodological knowledge contribute not only to the development of high-quality student research but also to the overall academic reputation and research output of their department and institution. By guiding rigorous and ethically sound research projects, they help strengthen the quality of higher education, foster innovation, and build the next generation of scholars and professionals. In a broader context, lecturers' expertise in research methodology supports national educational goals by producing competent graduates capable of addressing societal challenges and contributing to the country's development through knowledge creation, critical thinking, and applied research.

• Do you have strong knowledge of research methodologies when supervising postgraduate students?
• Does your understanding of research methods influence your ability to guide students in their research projects?
• How confident are you in applying different research methodologies when teaching postgraduate students?
• How do any gaps in your research methodology knowledge affect your ability to support students in designing their studies?
• Does familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative methods helped to enhance your ability to advise diverse postgraduate research projects?
• Do you continuously update your research methodology skills to align with evolving academic standards and practices to improve the quality and rigor of your postgraduate student research outcomes?
• Do you have knowledge and understanding of how to apply for NRF and other research grants?
• Do you take note of the latest DHET-accredited journals?
• Do you regularly update your Research Profile on Google Scholar, Research Gate etc?
• Do you regularly attend all relevant Research workshops at UJ that is applicable to your area of research methodologies that you and your students use?
• Do you encourage your students to attend online and in-person research workshops, and do you send them?

STATKON offer free quantitative and statistics consultationshttps://www.uj.ac.za/postgraduate-school/Pages/statistical-consultation-services.aspx.

The library hosts helpful training sessions related to the information side of research:https://www.uj.ac.za/library/library-services/Pages/online-training.aspx. The library also has resources to support research:https://www.uj.ac.za/library/research-support/. The library also has an array of amazing research methodology textbooks that are available in e-book and hard copies.

The postgraduate school offers regular training opportunities. Keep an eye on their website:https://www.uj.ac.za/postgraduate-school/research-capacity-development/. The RCD can also be contacted at supervisioncourse@uj.ac.za for enquiries.

The Research Development & Support Division (research@listsrv.uj.ac.za) hosts a number of workshops on research.

You can also apply to complete the Research Methodology Online Course run by the Department of Industrial Psychology & People Management.

Apply Now:https://www.uj.ac.za/university-courses/short-learning-programme-in-research-methodology-online/

Use Application Token: IPPMCEP

Email supporting documents to:agnesma@uj.ac.za(include student number in subject)

For queries, contact: Agnes Maloka | Email:agnesma@uj.ac.za

• Gillettt, A., Hammind, A., & Martala, M. (2009). Inside track. Successful academic writing. Edinburgh Gate: Pearson.
• Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual. A step by step buide to data analysis using IBM SPSS (7th ed.). New York, NY: Open University Press.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology. A step-by-step guide for beginners. 5th ed. SAGE.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2023). Research Methods for Business Students. Research methods for business students (9th ed.). Harlow: Pearson.