Charting tasks
Once you have a sense of the milestones you need to reach over the next 12 months, you can think in more detail about the tasks involved. Allocating a time-frame for completion of each major task on an annual plan lets you see when your busiest times of the year will be. There are a number of planning methods and tools available - find ones that suits you best. It may be useful to send a copy of your annual plan to your supervisor.
Gantt charts are commonly used visual planning tools.
You can download a sample Gantt chart of a 1st year PhD student working in a science field.
You can download a sample Gantt chart of a 1st year PhD student working in an arts discipline.
You can download a blank Gantt chart with a list of suggested tasks (MS Word file, 35KB). Add any special tasks at the bottom of the Gantt chart, change any items that are not applicable then print out the chart and fill it in. You can complete the chart in pen or by using the drawing tools in Word. There is also a range of software available online that can help you create a detailed Gantt chart. Try, for example, Gantt Project.
Identifying specific tasks
Be specific and realistic about the types of tasks you need to complete, and the amount of time they will take. Long term and ongoing tasks might have to be broken up and factored into your weekly schedule. These may include, for example, developing research tools and techniques, language learning, or mastering software packages. Administration of your project will also be ongoing and involve correspondence, communication and documentation. It's important to be clear and realistic in your allocation of time for tasks that will require regular attention over a long period.
Also, don't discount those time-consuming but often 'hidden' tasks. For instance, thinking takes time - and you need to factor this in.'Although reading can be a simple case of reviewing the results and outcomes of studies, it can also involve extensive processing, critical thinking and reflection (particularly in arts and humanities disciplines, but in all areas of research). This processing time should not be discounted when charting tasks.'
Gantt charts are commonly used visual planning tools.
You can download a sample Gantt chart of a 1st year PhD student working in a science field.
You can download a sample Gantt chart of a 1st year PhD student working in an arts discipline.
You can download a blank Gantt chart with a list of suggested tasks (MS Word file, 35KB). Add any special tasks at the bottom of the Gantt chart, change any items that are not applicable then print out the chart and fill it in. You can complete the chart in pen or by using the drawing tools in Word. There is also a range of software available online that can help you create a detailed Gantt chart. Try, for example, Gantt Project.
Identifying specific tasks
Be specific and realistic about the types of tasks you need to complete, and the amount of time they will take. Long term and ongoing tasks might have to be broken up and factored into your weekly schedule. These may include, for example, developing research tools and techniques, language learning, or mastering software packages. Administration of your project will also be ongoing and involve correspondence, communication and documentation. It's important to be clear and realistic in your allocation of time for tasks that will require regular attention over a long period.Also, don't discount those time-consuming but often 'hidden' tasks. For instance, thinking takes time - and you need to factor this in.'Although reading can be a simple case of reviewing the results and outcomes of studies, it can also involve extensive processing, critical thinking and reflection (particularly in arts and humanities disciplines, but in all areas of research). This processing time should not be discounted when charting tasks.'
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- What tasks are you expected to be undertaking at this stage of your research?
- What 'tasks' are involved in becoming expert in your particular field or discipline?
