Progress

I must admit that I have not been very disciplined in my PhD work recently. I keep telling myself that I've gotta keep the rhythm - but ended up breaking it now and then. Right now, I am reading as many journal articles as I can to re-identify the gap in literature in order to make a significant contribution. Sometimes I get lost in the midst of reading - so I've done a flow-chart on my list-of-priority-of-things-to-do. Now, I have more ideas on how to increase the depth of my study - now is just the question of the availability of data. I have collected some preliminary data earlier (on GDP, ICT capital, etc.) - but now, I am re-identifying my objectives and the variables to be used - and then verify the data.

My flow-chart:

1. Read related journal articles
2. Go through - identify gap in the literature

3. Formulate/Re-examine objective of study (What is the problem statement?)

4. Significance and contribution of study (Justify)
5. Identify sample and sample size
6. Variables (data availability?)
7. Definition of variables ----> Review the literature
8. Source of data
9. Data collection - verify data

Research paper - Published!

As a matter of fact, I even forgot that we submitted this paper - because it was sometime ago. But when I received an email from my supervisor that our paper has been published, I was so elated. It's like taking a break from the routine that I am accustomed to now - i.e., reading journal articles to refine my focus - including losing my way now and then. This publication strengthened my motivation to move on with a greater enthusiasm to complete my PhD. As a treat, Alfred and I indulged in the decadent tiramisu cake @ Coffee Bean :)

Correcting a research paper

My supervisor emailed me the feedback received from a journal editor for the paper which we submitted uhm-i-don't-know-when. And there goes a long list of comments and questions to be answered - the usual academician debates. I didn't realize I sat down for 9 days to complete the corrections - yeah, I was lost in the middle and found my way back, so to say.

It's so easy to get lost in the PhD-voyage - I realized it's important to remember to navigate my 'ship' to the direction I am going. It's a vast sea out there - and for the many of the PhD 'sailors' like me need to keep our anchors intact on our objectives!

Back in Melaka

Alfred left to Aberdeen on Monday for a business & conference trip for 10 days. This is the first time we are being apart after marriage - feels weird without him by my side as we are so used to being with each other and doing things together.

Apart from the PhD reason, that's another reason why I took sabbatical leave - just so that we can spend more time together - and also because I am tired of a nomadic life. That's the best decision I've made and I am happy for having more time in my hands now :) Speaking of which, I am still warming up on my PhD thesis - just so difficult to get the ball rolling - everyday is a new ball game altogether - and everyday I pray to have more focus, determination, perseverance, and diligence.

Back in Melaka

I am back in Melaka - Alfred left to Miri for a business trip - and I took this opportunity to go back to Melaka and run some Phd 'errands'. Borrowed some books from the library - a typical sight of me carrying piles of books from the library - to and forth - this time, I vouch that I'd read each one of 'em. I'd be meeting my supervisor this evening for a short discussion - and also to keep my momentum going!

Post-Vacation mood

It has been almost 2 weeks since we got back from our honeymoon trip from Mauritius and Reunion islands. One word to describe our trip - awesome - filled with lots of awesome people at the islands, scrumptious food at the resort in Mauritius, beautiful sandy beach, and lots of adventure! Mauritius ----> paradise on earth; Reunion ----> breathtaking landscapes! A perfect combo trip.

The week after we got back, we were both attacked by 'post-vacation blues'. Now, back to reality. The first week after vacation, I had to practically drag myself out of the bed - and boredom starts to hit by sitting in the apartment alone. It's only until this week I picked myself up and started on my PhD work - which has been sitting idly for quite some time. Met my supervisor last Thursday - and managed to get my 'engine' started.

Will post our wedding pictures as soon as we get 'em and honeymoon pictures soon :) Cheers!

Progress

Last 2 weeks, I had been busy completing and editing a research paper. Thankfully I managed to send in the paper to my supervisor for review as per the deadline, which I promised. I am starting to realize that I have been spending more time writing research papers, rather than sitting and writing my PhD chapters. And recently, our EScience research grant was approved by MOSTI - which adds to the mounting pressure. I find it difficult to work in parallel from research paper and thesis writing. I've gotta find a way to prioritize - and try to communicate this to my supervisor. Good luck to me ;)

A diligent student

The sight of me carrying a pile of books and scurrying to the library sends my supervisor beaming with pride - what he doesn't know is that I haven't read the books (yet!) and the reason I am hurrying to the library is that the books are wayyyyy overdue (I have always been the faithful donor to our university library's fund). I stood at the library counter forking out a sum of money for my absent-mindedness - and yet again told the librarian to renew the books (I can't remember for how many zillionth times I have renewed the same books) - with the faith that I will read 'em ONE FINE DAY.

I've always concentrated on reading and reviewing journals - and the books on my research area have always sat idle. With the renewed books on my desk, I am starting to have a renewed confidence that I will 'devour' every page of the books for the total sum of overdued fines I have been paying till date.

Work and Leisure

Last few weeks I have been busy completing a research paper and didn’t realize time just went by. Despite cracking my head on the paper, I managed to steal some time to watch 4 movies for the past week or so; I am happy with myself for a pretty balanced time management – of which I sucked terribly last time – either I have too much fun or work to the max. Now I try my best to juggle my time between work and play – it definitely feels good to be balanced.

The movies I watched: ‘Wanted’ (came out from the cinema feeling ‘battered’ – I think there is no story at all – what is the moral value?); Dasavatharam (Tamil movie – really loved the movie for its good storyline – the question of the existence of God - the chaos theory – Tsunami; it was so good that I watched it twice – once with my colleague and the second time with my mum and sis – as I have never watched a movie twice in theatre, this movie is definitely worth watching twice as I was deciphering its deeper messages when I watched it the second time). Then watched ‘Hancock’ with family – had to sit in the first row – despite that, kinda enjoyed the movie. Then ‘The Happening’ with Chin Lay – totally disappointed with the movie; for once I trust the review critiquing M.Night Shyamalan’s movie – I wonder what’s his next movie?

Regarding work & research, I finally completed the first draft of the paper last Saturday– feels good :)

Forbidden Questions to ask a PhD student

Enough stress to go through, and the last thing we want is having to answer these types of questions. Things that you should think twice (from now on) to say or ask to a PhD student:

I found this 'interesting' questions in Adeline's blog. I couldn't agree more!

South Korea

Yay, I am going to Korea for a conference cum a short trip in June. My paper entitled “The Breakdown of TFP in the ASEAN5 Economies" has been accepted for presentation at the Korea and the World Economy VII Conference to be held at Korea Institute of Public Finance in Seoul and Kangwon National University in Chuncheon, Korea on June 20-21, 2008. The conference organizer is providing for the accommodation and meals for 3 days and the conference registration fees is also subsidized; so I just have to pay for the flight ticket. I have booked the air ticket today – I will be flying on 18th June and returning on 23rd June, tentatively. I am so looking forward to experience the culture of the people, food, and life in Korea!

Progress

Ongoing progress:

1. Mar 28th - submitted a paper for conference in Korea and to a journal (waiting for referee's review);

2. Apr 4th - submitted first draft of Chapter 2 to my supervisor (it was so draining to even start writing on literature review - although I know that it's a step-by-step process, I always tend to get ahead of myself and this stresses me out - me always trying to be a perfectionist);

3. Dateline today (11th Apr)- submit the 1st draft of the second paper to my supervisor.

4. Promised for the second draft of Chapter 2 on 18th Apr.

Till then, I am gonna have a great weekend :)

The week that was

I have been busy with my research for the past week or so...trying my best to meet all the targets that I am setting for myself along the way. Just finished writing a paper to be submitted to a conference; hope that it gets accepted *keeping my fingers crossed*. I've got two more papers to write-up and gotta write up on Literature Review since I promised my supervisor that I'd get it done by next week *shuks*... Alfred is coming down this weekend; can't wait to hang out; so in the meantime will slog to finish on these write-ups. Cheers!

Defense

Last Wednesday, I successfully defended my PhD proposal...the research panel gave some feedback but overall they were satisfied. The first step is done; i am proud of myself, hehe...especially so since I had to struggle with my emotions and try so hard to concentrate in preparing for the presentation when I was grieving over Benjy's loss. I am glad that I managed to pull myself through and did it. Had Benjy on my mind as my inspiration when I decided to go ahead with my presentation.

Presentation

I have just finished finalizing and submitted the proposal presentation slides to the board of ‘critiques’. Actually, it is way overdue for me to present – since I registered for PhD in April 2006, and supposed to have presented my proposal defense within 9 months from the date of registration (for the board of ‘critiques’ to ‘attack’ potential candidates during the proposal defense presentation and remind them that PhD is not for the faint-hearted – so that by the end of the presentation, you might have a second doubt on why on earth you are doing this!; that’s what I observed for every candidate during and after their presentation – which explains why I faithfully delayed for this ‘event’).

If it wasn’t for my supervisor, I’d probably be still delaying on the presentation. Okay la, I tell myself, just get done with the formalities – and it’d be good to receive some constructive feedback (hopefully not too constructive as to alter my constructs!). The presentation is in 2 weeks time – I still have some time to ‘comprehend’ all the economic models that I’d be using for my study. Wish me luck!

Deadline

I have been busy with coordinating the industrial training work, and hardly can find time to concentrate on my PhD studies. I feel guilty each time I bump into my supervisor; he certainly seems more eager than I do in this. And I am tired of giving him the same excuse of my lagging behind the deadline. This time round, I am no longer the coordinator for industrial training though I am still in the committee; this shall reduce my workload alot besides having to teach. Everytime after meeting my supervisor, I'd be so energetic and determined to 'crazily' sit and write up on the thesis. But, after seeing the piles of letters and fax on my table, I'd be drowned in that work of sorting out and organizing. I've finished most of the paperwork; I am relieved! Now, I must start serious reading for the thesis.

My supervisor had long been asking on the date for my proposal defense (it's long overdue) and I haven't been giving him definite answers; I certainly am not looking forward for that. After giving up waiting for me, finally he set the date for my defense, which will be next month; 27th Feb. Okay, I work well under pressure; especially working on deadline...

Stumbling Blocks - PhD (Public holiDay)

I have been having this conflict within me- as to whether or not to undertake my PhD studies. Well, I have submitted a proposal and registered for the course last year (2006) April - gosh, time really flies! and since then, i really don't know what I have been doing. Lingering around and always have the 2nd thought as to whether i really wanna complete it. I have also completed all the pre-requisite courses for it. Just left with the actual thesis writing. After much contemplation and 'idling', I decided to seriously get into it - which was few months back...and till now, I am still wandering - lost! When I talk to other people about their 'journey' towards PhD-hood - i realised i am not alone. Now, here I am all prepped up to sit and do it! The following are the reasoning:
1) My father aspires me to be a PhD holder - and my dear daddy can tell proudly how smart his daughter and blah blah; haha - without knowing the 'permanent head damage' that I might have to face.
2) I am in the academic field and I want to remain in the academic field - gotta have a PhD so that they will keep me!
3) I can't find any other reasons!

Okay, fine. So, I have drafted milestones for myself. The latest deadline - write-up on Chapter 2 - Literature Review - due on 20th Dec.

Things i did yesterday:
1) Filing - sorting out and categorising articles
2) EndNote - downloaded the software and read up on that - so darn useful! it was that which actually made me more motivated to sit and write :)

Tasks for today:
1) Read journal articles
2) Write-up on literature review
3) Organize PC folders.

Words of wisdom: I read somewhere that "writing your thesis is a marathon, not a sprint".

Now, I am excited to be the 'wizard' sitting in front of computer to accomplish a mission in a sprint! Oops, I meant marathon.