Project, Self- and Time Management for Early Career Reserachers (1/2)

by Dr Arlena Jung (ChangeLab)

Monday 1 Dec 2025, 09:00 → 16:00 Europe/Berlin

Overview:

Project management methods were developed in order to deal effectively with projects characterized by a high degree of complexity and in consequence a high degree of uncertainty. A professional understanding of what these tools are and how to apply them effectively is a great benefit for PhD students and early-stage researchers. In this practice-oriented workshop you will define work packages, develop a time line using a GANTT Diagram, analyze key stakeholder expectations and develop strategies for mitigating risk factors. We focus on practices
key to the success of research PhD projects such as working with a clear and practical definitionof done and discuss how to apply these tools in a way appropriate to the specific challenges and scope of your PhD projects.

Managing your PhD Project successfully is, however, not only a question of having the right project management tools and practices. A PhD project is always a personal learning journey with at times inspiring and at times frustrating challenges. In this workshop we also address the time and self-management challenges crucial to meeting the challenges of project management in unstructured environments, without a clearly defined scope and few or malleable deadlines.

Content:

• defining work packages
• developing a road map
• risk and stakeholder management
• time management tools
• performance, motivation and resilience

After the workshop you will be able to:

• Apply core project management tools to structure and manage their PhD project effectively
• Define clear work packages and create a visual project timeline using a GANTT diagram
• Identify key stakeholders, analyze their expectations, and develop appropriate engagement strategies
• Recognize and mitigate risks specific to academic research projects
• Use a practical and motivating “definition of done” to guide progress
• Adapt project management methods to the flexible and uncertain nature of PhD research
• Improve your time and self-management skills to stay focused and productive in an unstructured environment
• Navigate the emotional and motivational challenges of your PhD journey with greater awareness and resilience