Alternative Structure Proposition for PhD Thesis from Multiple Studies

Abstract

Objective:

The main objective in this research was to propose an alternative structure for the development of a PhD thesis with multiple and interconnected studies.

Methodology:

This research is qualitative and exploratory. It was divided into five stages: (1) theses mapping, (2) theses classification according to previously defined propositions, (3) proposition of an alternative thesis structure, (4) validation of the alternative structure with researchers from a postgraduate program and (5) final proposition of the alternative structure.Originality: The elaboration of a thesis organized in different studies is an option that has been of interest in graduate programs in Brazil. Even with initiatives to define an alternative structure for the elaboration of theses, it is also noted the latent need to deepen the discussions about this new format. Main results: The main result of this article is the proposition of a thesis structure with interconnected studies. Theoretical Contributions: The main contributions of the study are the proposition of a thesis structure with interconnected studies, with the suggestion of the Methodological Mooring Matrix in the introduction and the Contribution Matrix of Mooring in the final considerations. Other contributions are the explanation of main benefits and challenges associated with this alternative structure.