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zoe.kaplan
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1.16k
writer, editor, semicolon lover.
09/18/19 at 9:46PM UTC
in
Career

Starting a Research Project

Hey everyone! I've started to work on a year-long research project and I'm daunted by the work potential and vague sense of scheduling. What helps you get on track when you have a long-term project? How do you stay organized (and stop stressing)?

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LEANNE TOBIAS
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4.08k
Investment real estate/sustainability
10/21/19 at 9:09PM UTC
I agree with others. Start with your “deliverable/s”— the end product/s of your research project. For each end product: -What are the necessary steps? Can the step/s be grouped across deliverables? (Example: If there are 3 types of background research to be done, is it faster if you do all 3 at the beginning of your schedule, or would you prefer to complete Deliverable 1, then do Deliverable 2, etc.?) -How long do you anticipate each step will take? Try to be generous in allocating your time, and try to build in some contingency time, in case everything does not go as planned. -Organize your tasks into a schedule with clear milestones. Example: - -background research on for each deliverable due by (insert date.) -interviews for each deliverable due by (insert date.) -first draft of project completed by (insert date.) -revised draft of project completed by (insert date.) I suggest that you assume some slippage might occur, especially if your research involves feedback from others. Assume that everything will take longer than you originally anticipate. If it turns out that everything goes according to plan, you will be pleasantly surprised. If not, you will have built in extra time to resolve problems. If others are developing content for you: ask for it as early in the project as possible. That helps account for missed deadlines and the time to make revisions. For motivation: reward yourself/your team when each milestone is completed, when each deliverable is completed and when the final project is completed.
Patti
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465
Working in tech in Colorado
09/24/19 at 3:14PM UTC
Start with your goal, and then work backwards. That should give you a pretty good action list of things to do.
Tarah Keech
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559
Life Coach, Leadership Coach, Retreats
09/28/19 at 7:50PM UTC
I love this. In project management, there's an approach like this called "work breakdown structure" (AKA WBS). Uber simplified, you brainstorm all the big chunks, then brainstorm all the things needed to make each one happen. It gets extensive but it can make it simpler by thinking them through systematically.
Miquira Jordan
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554
Writer / Marketing Professional
09/18/19 at 10:45PM UTC
For long time projects I like to tackle task one at a time, because when you try to complete the long term task in one shot or to see the task as one complete thing it becomes more daunting to complete and it can become burdensome. So try doing 1 step at a time.
Nancie Shuman
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803
Hippy dippy Princess out to change the world!
09/18/19 at 10:35PM UTC (Edited)
Create an action plan, which includes what your intentions are. Make it clear, with concise goal posts. Break it down into three foot tosses/manageable chunks. Hire a Coach to help you develop a plan of action. Check that plan regularly so you can see where you need to make adjustments. Create any matrixes which you need - an will use - in order to track your progress. When you do this, things become much less daunting! Good luck!
Tarah Keech
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559
Life Coach, Leadership Coach, Retreats
09/28/19 at 7:52PM UTC
Yes, Nancie! I agree. Confirm all details and double check all assumptions. Communicate. Communicate again. Make it a weekly "exec report" email you share with your deliverables that were complete, the deliverables you're working on, what you need from others, new risks and what you're planning to accomplish in the coming week. This is a HUGE value-add to your team and your boss.

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