Scholarship Skill Set for Developing Economies: A Model for 21st Century Postgraduate Researchers in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to identify the research skills that are required to conduct constructive and meaningful research and propose a 21st century scholarship skill-set for postgraduate researchers from development economies. Argumentative analysis of relevant published material and selective interviews, based on the Delphi technique, have been used to assess the need and importance of developing such a skill-set. The problems faced by a local postgraduate researcher, that were identified, include limited access to content, resistance towards digital age, absence of peer and ethical review groups, absence of links between academia and industry, lack of infrastructure,, weak drafting skills, and an inflexible curriculum. The proposed scholarship skill-set for a postgraduate researcher from developing economies consists of the following broad categories: basic skills, discipline skills, research management skills, information technology (IT) skills, collaboration skills, and research literacy and processing skills. Under each of these broadly defined skills, four skill subsets or sub-skills have been identified, which make up the skill category. Apart from extrapolating the scholarship skill-set, we also conclude that all stakeholders in a research process are equally responsible for ensuring that research processes are effective, constructive, and produce new knowledge. All stakeholders, therefore, need to contribute in the reformation and development of our educational infrastructure, especially at the postgraduate level.