Developing a project management methodology for use in doctoral research projects

Doctoral student(s) generally do not accept that rigorous planning is necessary when it comes to conducting research projects. Findings from this paper indicate that doctoral student(s) are still ill-informed of the appropriate use of project management methodologies (PMM). PMM are valuable tools to assist the management of projects. If designed appropriately a PMM can assist doctoral student(s) to manage their research projects more effectively. The participants involved in this study strongly agreed that the adoption of a PMM would be beneficial when compared to the way they current manage their research projects. This paper aims to (1) the discuss doctoral research environment, the challenges and response strategies for successful management of research projects and (2) define and understand the importance of and requirements on a PMM designed to manage doctoral research projects. The findings of this paper will lay the foundations for the development of a PMM specifically for doctoral students.