Discussion: on Ph.D. thesis proposals in computing science

Abstract

The role of a thesis proposal for Ph.D. research in Computing Science is discussed. In the form suggested, the proposal comes at about the mid-point of a post graduate student's career and includes six specific parts: the statement of the problem to be addressed in the thesis, a survey of previous and related work, a summary of the candidate's own ideas and preliminary work, a characterization of the solution being sought, a plan of action to bring the research to a conclusion, and an outline of the thesis.