Using Multi Criteria Decision Making Techniques to Doctoral Dissertation Supervisor Selection

Dissertation supervisor selection is one of the most important and crucial decisions in doctoral programs. Typically, selection process is based on a set of criteria such as supervisors’ reputation, number of dissertations guided, continues supervision, etc. However, the application of these criteria is often subjective and intuitive and it can cause dissatisfaction, delay on completion time, and quality reduction of dissertations. This article proposes a new model for doctoral dissertation supervisor selection by using multi criteria decision making (MCDM) method. In order to identify the key criteria, a review of literature and purposive sampling were used. By means of purposive sampling 37 senior doctoral students of Tarbiat Modarres University were selected and key criteria were identified through a questionnaire. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach were utilized for prioritization and identification of criteria’s level of importance. The finding showed significant differences between priority expectations of sample and selected sample. In addition, the findings revealed that supervisor’s reputation was first priority for the sample and continuous supervision was main concern for selected sample.