Introduction

Abstract

Doctorates are the highest degrees awarded by universities, and to gain them students have to complete research project which makes an original contribution to knowledge and understanding. In order to gain their doctorates, doctoral students need to be guided and supported by more experienced researchers. The guidance and support provided by supervisors have been shown to be a, if not the, major factor in determining the quality of the experience of those undertaking doctorates and the success or otherwise of their studies. The 24 countries in Central and South America accounted for 5.9% of the total doctoral output, of which 4.3% was contributed by Brazil. The 15 countries in the region of the Middle East, Arabia, and North Africa produced 5.8% of total doctoral graduates. Sub-Saharan Africa with 21 countries produced 2.0% of the total output, and is represented by South Africa which was the largest producer in the region, accounting for 0.6%, just under one-third of the regional total Show more