by The Open University
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One useful way of planning is to use a Gantt chart with supporting notes. Examples of Gantt charts are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Gantt charts are useful because they relate all activities to a single visual calendar. They are a way of analysing the tasks ahead in the form of smaller pieces of work that are to be done within defined time-scales. The chart should ideally include all your expected ‘milestones? and ‘deliverables?, each with time-scales. For each ‘deliverable?, ensure that you identify and record the resources you will require and how and when you will obtain them.
By looking vertically down such a chart you can identify periods of peak activity across several fronts. They are really useful in identifying times when your workload might become too heavy ? which, of course, would mean it would be best to amend your plan. Remember to build in time for ‘slippage? as a result of, for instance, holidays and emergencies, such as family or personal crises.
The Gantt charts shown in Figures 1 and 2 are examples of a long-term plan and a short-term plan respectively. These are clearly only generic plans: every PhD project is different and every student is different, so no two students are going to have the same plan. In addition, the style of PhD research varies widely between disciplines: a student in biology will need to plan quite differently to one in computer science. Examples of research plans for different scientific principles can be seen on the course website. Look at the one for your discipline and check that you understand all the activities listed there.
Figure 1 Example of a fairly simple long-term plan for a PhD project.Long description
Figure 2 Example of a short-term plan for part of a PhD project.Long descriptionYou can download a template for a Gantt chart by clicking on 'View document' below. You will find the template attached to the PDF file that opens initially.
View document(i) Make a list of the activities that you think you will carry out during your PhD programme. Be as comprehensive as you can.
(ii) Construct a Gantt chart outlining a schedule for these activities.
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