Most research into research supervision practice focuses on functional, collegial or problematic power-related experiences. Work developing the supervisory role concentrates on new supervisors, and on taught development and support programmes. Most literature on academics' professional learning concentrates on learning to be a university teacher…

The use of external examiners in the doctoral assessment process is seen as a quality assurance process in most higher education systems. This article suggests that the selection of examiners is a critical aspect of that process. Interview analysis highlights the professional/academic considerations involved in selecting suitable examiners, as…

Interviewed experienced Australian graduate school examiners. Found clear trends with regard to criteria used; critical judgment points in the examination process; perceptions of their own role in the process; and the influence on examiners of previously published work, the views of the other examiners, and the level of perceived responsibility…