Staying on Track: A Targeted Approach to Managing the Ph.D. Journey

Abstract

The doctoral journey is an exciting and challenging experience for students as they progress towards the goal of making a contribution to the body of knowledge. For some students, the journey is a haphazard and chaotic experience, more akin to intrepid discovery than planned adventure. For others, the journey is a logical sequence of carefully coordinated activities. This chapter explores a project management approach to undertaking doctoral research whereby the student identifies targets, sets goals and monitors progress. Such an approach provides a foundation for the key research activities of reviewing literature, collecting data, analysing results and producing the thesis. Throughout the chapter, the author shares personal reflections as a doctoral candidate, supplemented by discussions with other Higher Degree Research students, to emphasise the value of using project management techniques to facilitate the process of achieving a Ph.D. The framework presented here may assist students who are embarking on doctoral research, and those who are currently on the Ph.D. journey, more effectively to focus effort and manage resources. The aim of the chapter is to share strategies so that candidates travelling the doctoral pathway can reach their destination within time, cost and quality (including scope) constraints.