Project and Time Management

Doing the research is just one part of the PhD. Managing the rest is where many people get stuck. Unclear priorities, competing demands, procrastination and perfectionism can quietly slow you down. This course helps you take back control. You learn how to break down your project into manageable steps, prioritise your work, align with supervisors, and build habits that support real focus and steady progress. Trying to follow someone else’s system rarely works. This course helps you create one that actually fits you.

 

General information

Programme and Intended Results

This course combines interactive group sessions with individual assignments in between. Each topic is applied directly to your own PhD project, so you leave with practical strategies that support your actual work.

We start from where you are. Your way of working, your project phase, and your specific challenges shape how we approach each topic. You are not expected to follow a fixed method. Instead, you apply a range of practical tools, reflect on what fits, and build a system that supports your way of working.

Content

• Day 1: Structuring your project.
  You define concrete goals, break down your research into manageable steps, map timelines. You prioritise tasks based on urgency, importance, and impact. You identify key risks.
• Day 2: Designing your system & aligning with supervisors.
  You create a focus routine that fits your working style, explore (digital) tools, and strengthen your skills in managing expectations and setting boundaries.
• Day 3: Sustaining progress.
  You tackle real project challenges using Design Thinking, reflect on what works for you, and shape habits for sustainable motivation and long-term success.

NB. The online edition covers the same content in six half days

At the end of this course you are able to…

• Structure your PhD into clear goals, phases, and manageable tasks
• Prioritise tasks effectively based on urgency, importance, and impact
• Identify and manage project risks early
• Use time management techniques that support deep focus and reduce overload
• Communicate more clearly with your supervisors about goals, progress, and expectations
• Tackle complex challenges with practical problem-solving methods
• Build habits that support steady progress and sustainable motivation

Working methods

You learn through a mix of expert input, hands-on practice, peer exchange and structured reflection. All methods are designed to support real progress in your own PhD project.
The course includes:

• 👉Short, focused explanations of relevant models and tools
• 👉Individual exercises and guided reflection to connect theory to your own working style
• 👉In-class exercises to practise core skills such as planning, prioritising, and handling difficult conversations
• 👉Subgroup discussions and peer exchange to explore different approaches and perspectives
• 👉Sparring partners to reflect on your progress and support key homework assignments
• 👉Assignments between sessions to apply tools directly in your day-to-day work. Please note that these assignments could take an extra 1 to 2 hours of your time.

Fee

Fee includes study and training material, coffee/tea and lunch (when in-person training).

Cancellation condition (also in case of a no show)

You may cancel free of charge up to 1 month before the start of the course. After this date you will be charged the University fee (€ 460). Unless:

• You can find someone to replace you in the course and supply the course coordinator with the name and contact information of your replacement.
  In this case you will only be charged a € 50,- cancellation fee.
• You (PhDs and postdocs of Wageningen University) have a valid reason to cancel (illness or death in the family 1st or 2nd degree).
  In this case you will be charged the reduced fee and your supervisor/PI must send a mail indicating the reason for cancellation.

Note: If you would like to cancel your registration, ALWAYS inform us. Someone else may still be able to take your spot.

Please note that being present all full days is obliged.

Information

For more information please contact wgscourses@wur.nl