19       EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF PHD DISSERTATION

The research area of the PhD researcher shall:

The PhD dissertation must be evaluated by:

PhD faculty member from the world top 500 universities ranked by the Times Higher Education or QS World Ranking in the year corresponding to dissertation evaluation year OR

At least one external expert qualifying any one of the conditions mentioned at ‘a’ above if the PhD candidate publishes dissertation research in a peer-reviewed journal that is classified by the HEC in category W for Sciences and X or above for Social Sciences

The following general guidelines shall, at least, be observed while selecting external evaluator:

Relevance of Expertise: in the same or related fields as in the dissertation

No Conflict of Interest: in personal, financial, or professional stakes in a particular decision or outcome.

Objectivity: capable of making unbiased evaluations.

Diversity: in terms of geography, culture, professional backgrounds etc.

Reputation: must be good in the field, with a track record of fair and thorough evaluations.

Availability: should have the time and availability to review the dissertation.

Professionalism: capable of conducting themselves in a professional and respectful manner throughout the evaluation and defense process (if applicable).

Communication: capable of providing clear and constructive feedback on the dissertation.

Confidentiality: capable of maintaining confidentiality and protecting the intellectual property of the dissertation.

Compatibility: well-versed with the research methodology, approach, and theories used in the dissertation.