1. PhD on the Road: Managing Self, Supervisors and Time
Charlotte Warin, University of Huddersfield
Dr Alison J. Glaister, aston university
Christian harrison, university of the west of scotland
Dr margarita nyfoudi, birmingham city university

2. PhD on the Road: Welcome and Introduction
Why this session: PhD on the Road: Managing Self, Supervisors and Time?
Your presenters: 3 “generations” of BAM Doctoral Reps
Alison – Full Time Doctoral Rep
Margarita – Full Time Doctoral Rep
Charlotte to date Full Time Doctoral Rep
Christian to date Full Time Doctoral Rep
Combined expertise of the entire journey

3. PhD on the Road: Managing Self, Supervisors and Time
Charlotte Warin, University of Huddersfield
Full Time Doctoral Representative, BAM Council

4. Overview
Personal problems
Motivation
Work/life balance

5. Personal Problems Impostor syndrome Confidence Isolation
Business and management – more isolated
People won’t realise you feel isolated
Honest and supportive relationships
Other researchers
Friends/family outside of your research

6. Motivation Will not get through the whole PhD on motivation alone
Set targets – have things to look forward to
Small or big

7. Work/Life Balance Knowing when to take a break
Accepting there will be times with more work than others and to embrace this
Understanding where/how you work best
Acknowledging the bad habits – or when certain habits are not working for you
Invest time into good habits

8. PhD on the Road: Managing Self, Supervisors and Time
DR. ALISON J. GLAISTER
CHRISTIAN HARRISON
Co-Chair BAM HRM SIG
Lecturer in Strategic HRM
Aston Business School
Full Time Doctoral Representative BAM
University of the West of Scotland

9. The PhD – a most rewarding experience…
FOR YOU AND YOUR SUPERVISOR
THE SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP IS JUST THAT…A RELATIONSHIP. IT NEEDS TO BE NEGOTIATED AND NURTURED LIKE ANY OTHER

10. Different Perspectives
Expectations
Supervisor
Student
Communication
Friendly but respectful
Open and honest but sensitive
Understand the boundaries
Make regular contact – at least one meeting per month
Friendly, open and supportive
Should be available at least once a month
Structure meetings usefully
Training and Development
Start thinking about your weaknesses and don’t be too proud!
Ensure I am aware of relevant training programmes and opportunities.
Feedback & Guidance
Day 1 for Day 2 (don’t think so!)
Heed advice
Pursue suggestions
Read my work in advance of meetings
Constructively critical
Initiative
Work independently
Come with questions and ideas
Engage with subject matter
Doing the work myself
Good knowledge of the research area
Keen interest in my research
Timekeeping
Do as you promise
Be realistic
Monitor my progress
Allow reasonable time away from my studies
Assist in drawing up research timetables and planning my work.

11. PhD on the Road: Managing Self, Supervisors and Time
Dr. Margarita Nyfoudi
Senior Lecturer in HRM
Birmingham City Business School

12. Time Management

13. Time Management – Planning Aids
To-do lists
Weekly planning lists
Diary
Calendar / wall charts
To-do lists – (often no organisation or priority level) great reminders but not planning tools
Bottom 3 more sophisticated ways to project manage

14. I/U I/NU NI/U NI/NU The Eisenhower Matrix Important Not Important.
Important
I/U
I/NU
Not Important
NI/U
NI/NU
Urgent
Not Urgent

15. Time Saving Tips Preparation and organisation
Dealing with interruptions
Meetings
Dealing with the phone and
Prioritisation
Good record keeping
Filing systems
Reference management software
Interruptions: it is important to create space to think and to dedicate to work
PhD is a complex working experience. Some people view it as a full time job and are here at 9am and work till 6pm, others employ more flexible working hours. The PhD is very fluid and for the majority of the time you set your own priorities, deadlines etc. (unlike in the work setting). Very important to be self motivated and strict upon yourself and have an appreciation for the need to prioritise.

16. My 2 favourite time management tips!
The law of 80/20!
The rule of 5 roles.

17. Please feel free to ask any questions!