gantt chart template for phd

A PhD timeline for finishing quickly [Free Gantt Download]

Navigating the labyrinthine journey of a PhD program is no small feat.

From the day you step into your graduate program as a bright-eyed doctoral student, you’re immediately thrust into a complex weave of coursework, research, and milestones.

By the second year, you’ve transitioned from coursework to research, laying the groundwork for your dissertation—a pivotal component in your scholarly endeavour. 

Come the third year, you face the critical oral examination, a hurdle that could make or break years of hard work.

But how does one streamline this multifaceted journey? The answer lies in a well-planned PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide for any PhD student looking to complete their doctoral studies efficiently, walking you through each milestone from coursework to graduation.

How to Begin with the PhD Timeline Planning?

Planning your PhD timeline is an essential first step in your PhD program.

Success in any PhD program depends, to a large extent, on effective time management and keeping track of progress through a thoughtfully crafted PhD timeline. 

Start with outlining all your major requirements:

• coursework,
• dissertation,
• and the expected time needed for each task.

I also highly recommend factoring in failure time – give yourself a little bit of wiggle room for when things, invariably – go wrong. 

It’s crucial to remain realistic about the time you can commit daily or weekly while keeping long-term goals in mind.

Regular check-ins on your PhD timeline and supervisor will help you stay on track and allow you to adapt if necessary.

Adjustments may be needed as you progress through your PhD program, but having a timeline as a guide can make the journey less daunting and more achievable. 

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

The initial stage in this timeline typically involves coursework, often lasting one year, where the student engrosses themselves in advanced study in their chosen field.

Once the coursework is done (USA PhDs), they focus on proposing, conducting, and presenting their initial research.

By the end of the second year, most students should have a clear direction for their dissertation, a core component of the PhD process.

In this third and final year of the PhD timeline, the student focuses primarily on completing their dissertation, which involves collecting data, analyzing results, and organizing their research into a substantial, original, and cohesive document that contributes to contemporary knowledge in their field.

Regular reviews and modifications of the PhD timeline may also be necessary to accommodate various unpredictable circumstances, thus making this timeline both a guide and a flexible workplan.

It is a significant tool in successfully navigating the maze of becoming a PhD holder. 

Create Your PhD Timeline for a 3 year completion

Creating a timeline for a 3-year PhD program requires careful planning, as you’ll have multiple milestones and tasks to complete.

This timeline may vary depending on your specific field, institution, or country, but here is a general outline you can use as a starting point:

Free Gantt chart excel template

Here is a free template you can modify for your own research:

Example Gantt chart for a USA PhD

Here are some common steps involved in completing a PhD, which I’ll use to create the Gantt chart:

• Orientation and Coursework (Semester 1) : Familiarization with the university, department, and coursework.
• Coursework (Semester 2) : Continued coursework and possible teaching/research assistantships.
• Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done towards the end of the first year or the beginning of the second year.
• Preliminary Research : Initial research and literature review.
• Complete Coursework (Semester 3) : Wrap up any remaining required courses.
• Research Proposal : Develop a full research proposal including methodology.
• Qualifying Exams : Exams to transition from a Ph.D. student to a Ph.D. candidate.
• Begin Research : Start of actual research based on the approved proposal.
• Conduct Research : Data collection, experiments, and analysis.
• Intermediate Review : A review to assess the progress of the research.
• Write Papers : Start writing papers and possibly publishing in journals.
• Finalize Research : Final experiments and data analysis.
• Write Dissertation : Writing the actual Ph.D. dissertation.
• Dissertation Defense : Defending the dissertation before the committee.
• Graduation : Completing all requirements and graduating.

Example Gantt chart for a UK, European and Australian PhD

For Ph.D. programs outside the United States, especially in Europe and some other parts of the world, students often go straight into research without the need for coursework. Here are some common steps for such programs:

• Orientation : Familiarization with the university and department.
• Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done at the beginning of the program.

Wrapping up

The journey to earning a PhD is complex and demanding, filled with academic milestones from coursework to research to dissertation writing.

The key to a smooth and efficient doctoral journey lies in well-planned time management—a structured PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide, offering detailed tips for planning out each academic year in both U.S. and international PhD programs. It emphasizes the importance of starting with an outline of major requirements and factoring in “failure time” for unforeseen challenges.

For those looking to navigate their PhD journey in three years or beyond, having a flexible but comprehensive timeline can be the compass that guides them successfully through the academic labyrinth.

Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your research, the principles and strategies outlined here can help streamline your path to that coveted doctoral hood.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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How to Create and Use a Gantt Chart for PhD Studies

A Gantt chart is a common tool used in the project management field. It is used for schedule planning of a project and its tasks and activities. It shows the tasks, their start and end dates, and the duration needed to complete them.

A PhD is a project and may last from as few as three years to as long as six years depending on the university and department a student is enrolled in.

In order to successfully complete a PhD program, one needs to plan when each of the tasks will be completed from the word go. A Gantt chart is very useful in doing this.

A PhD student can create one comprehensive Gantt chart or several smaller Gantt charts for each of the major deliverables.

This article discusses a Gantt chart for a general PhD program that has both coursework and dissertation components.

Benefits of a Gantt chart for planning PhD studies

Steps involved in creating a gantt chart for phd studies, how to effectively use the phd gantt chart, final thoughts on the phd gantt chart.

Creating a Gantt chart at the beginning of PhD studies has the following benefits:

• It is easy to create. A student can use the traditional pen-and-paper method or existing digital tools or softwares to create a Gantt chart.
• It is easy to read. The visual presentation of the Gantt chart makes it easy for the student to read and know what is expected of him at any point in time.
• A Gantt chart makes it easy to monitor progress of PhD studies. The user can choose to use different colors for tasks that have already been completed, tasks that are close to completion, and tasks that require more time and effort to complete.
• It forms the basis for monthly, weekly, and daily planning of the PhD studies. Depending on how detailed a student wants to go in terms of planning, the Gantt chart comes in handy when writing out the monthly, weekly and even daily plans.

Step 1: List all the deliverables expected of your PhD program. In this example, the PhD program has the following requirements:

• Coursework, divided into 4 modules each lasting 2 weeks. All 4 modules need to be completed within the first year of study.
• A comprehensive written exam at the end of the fourth module.
• An oral exam once a student passes the written exam.
• Submission of a concept note.
• Submission of a research proposal once a student passes the oral exam.
• Writing a business management case study.
• Three journal papers.
• At least two conference papers.
• A dissertation.

Step 2: For each of the requirements listed above, note the start and end dates. For the above example, the PhD program lasts a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. Assuming the minimum of 3 years (beginning January 2021), the activities’ start and end dates are as follows:

Step 3: Using the above information, create the Gantt chart using Microsoft Word, Powerpoint or Excel.

The following are useful resources for creating a Gantt chart using:

• Microsoft Powerpoint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp0vr6OkW8Y
• Microsoft Excel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00s5efQWrgU&t=10s
• Microsoft Word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90RdA5X4G0

The Gantt chart created from the above data is shown below. The chart was created using Microsoft Powerpoint.

Step 4: Once the Gantt chart is complete, print it out and hang it on the wall of your study room/area. This serves as a constant reminder of the tasks that need to be done at any point in time, as well as of the progress that has been made so far.

The greatest strength in using the Gantt chart for PhD studies lies in its ability to help one plan ahead. Using the Gantt chart above as an example, the user can plan as follows:

• At the beginning of every month, look at what is required of you. For instance, the student above needs to complete module one of the coursework and at the same time start working on proposal writing.

The student can plan for module one in advance by going through the course structure and expected readings, and reading in advance before the start of the module so that he is able to follow and understand what is being taught. If there are pre- and post-module exams, the student can also prepare for them in advance.

Preliminary tasks for proposal writing can include: discussing your proposed topic with your supervisor, and searching for and quick review of literature to identify the gap that your topic will be addressing. All these can be done in the first month before the actual proposal writing starts.

• The Gantt chart can help you identify the skills that are required for the successful completion of your dissertation. For instance, the student above is expected to write a Business Management case study by June of year 2.

If the student does not have case study writing skills, he can start looking for courses that teach case study writing and complete them way before the deadline for the case study. Same case for skills such as preparing and writing a journal paper, writing a conference paper, data analysis using softwares such as Stata, SPSS, NVivo etc.

• The Gantt chart can help you plan for academic-related events such as conferences.

In the example provided above, the student is expected to attend two scientific conferences (in November of year 2 and March of year 3) and make presentations.

The student can start looking for conferences related to his field that are held during the proposed times and mark the key dates and requirements of the conferences (for instance, abstract submission deadlines, abstract submission guidelines, registration deadlines etc).

• The Gantt chart can help you create monthly and weekly plans for longer tasks such as proposal writing.

In the above sample Gantt chart, proposal writing and defense spans a period of 15 months. By March of the second year, the student is expected to defend his proposal. This may seem like such a long period of time but in reality it is not. This is because it is not the only task that the student will undertake during this period. As a result, it is easier to focus on the tasks at hand and forget about the tasks that seem to have adequate time.

Proposal writing is a daunting task and requires constant reading and updating. To ensure that the student submits his proposal in time, he can create monthly and weekly plans for the task. An example of monthly planning for the proposal writing is provided in the table below:

The monthly plan is based on assumptions, for instance, that the supervisor will review the document within the scheduled timeframe. This may or may not hold, depending on the supervisor.

It is therefore important to allow ample time for such factors that are out of your own control in order to ensure that the task is completed by the deadline.

The monthly plans can further be broken down into weekly (and even daily) plans, for instance:

• Number of papers to read per week (day).
• Number of words to write per week (day).
• How many citations and bibliographies to insert (update) every week (day).
• Number of additional articles to search and add to your library each week etc.

Each of these tasks contributes to the overall proposal writing and make the task completion easier and faster than waiting for the last few months to do it all at once.

A PhD is a medium- to long-term project depending on how long it takes to finish. It therefore requires effective and careful planning from the start of the program to ensure that each deliverable is completed within the stipulated time. The Gantt chart is an easy-to-create, and easy-to-use planning tool that can be used by all PhD students. Not only does it save the student time but it also gives him peace of mind knowing the progress of each and every task required.

Grace Njeri-Otieno

Grace Njeri-Otieno is a Kenyan, a wife, a mom, and currently a PhD student, among many other balls she juggles. She holds a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees in Economics and has more than 7 years' experience with an INGO. She was inspired to start this site so as to share the lessons learned throughout her PhD journey with other PhD students. Her vision for this site is "to become a go-to resource center for PhD students in all their spheres of learning."

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• Jul 29, 2020

How I Made My PhD Completion Plan on Excel (With Template)

Updated: Dec 12, 2023

For the last few weeks, I've been working on my PhD completion plan. It's basically an excel spreadsheet that I'm using to track my progress and plan my time for the remainder of my PhD. My thesis is due August of next year (with a 6 month extension) so the clock is definitely ticking. But what started as a quick and basic gantt chart has quickly turned into a more complicated excel spreadsheet - and I love it so much I thought I'd share it with you all!

If you want to skip to accessing the excel template click the link below. But if you want to see how I made the document and how to use it, then keep on reading!

Basically, to make the Gantt charts I followed this Youtube tutorial:

I really wanted a Gantt chart that showed percentage progress as well as a general timeline, so I thought this tutorial was really useful for showing me how to do this!

If you start playing around with the Gantt charts in the template I've provided and run into any difficulties, particularly with things like changing the dates displayed on each chart, this is a good reference point as to how to fix problems that may arise. But of course, if you reach out to me for assistance with editing the spreadsheet, I'll do my best to help too!

The basic set up is that I have a colour coded table to the left of each Gantt chart within my file, that lists off each task with both my planned dates and my actual dates of start and completion for each task. Therefore, as I go along, if the dates that I actually do things don't correlate with my planned timeline, then I have a space to put the new dates down without losing my originally planned timeline. Basically, this set up allows me to have two options for what my Gantt chart looks like, I have the "Plan" view and the "Actual" view. I also have a column for % completion, so that on the "Actual" Gantt chart, it'll show me how far through I am with each task with a dark bar.

As I said, this all allows me to have two options for what my Gantt chart looks like, with both a planned and an actual dates option, I can control what I'm seeing on the chart using this nifty little drop down box:

By picking either actual or plan from the drop down box, it changes the display of the Gantt chart and what values come up in the second table entitled "Data Prep". You don't need to enter anything in the Data Prep table or do anything to it, it's all set up to get all the information it needs from the colour-coded table.

Then the sheet is set up to automatically create a Gantt chart like this one:

I've colour coded the chart based on three PhD Aims and general thesis writing. You'll notice that the dark bars indicate my percentage progress like I mentioned earlier, so if a bar is half way across, then the task is 50% complete. However, this will only show on the actual view, not the plan view.

If you change the dates for any of the planned or actual dates, it'll automatically update the Data Prep table and the corresponding Gantt chart.

Within the document, I have an overall Gantt chart to chart the whole PhD, but then I've also made tabs for each aim, where you can break each task down into smaller more actionable tasks and have a Gantt chart that displays those in detail. I've personally found this really useful so that I can both get an overall picture of my PhD, but also go into more detail for each aim or project when I need it.

I've also included a "Calendar View" option tab in the document. I don't think there's a way to automatically import dates of all your various tasks into the calendar, so you'll have to do it manually if this is a set up that would be beneficial for you. But personally, I liked being able to plan my day to day out on a calendar in order to know when I could put down tasks as planning to be performed on my Gantt charts. So I filled this calendar view out before I did any date planning on the charts. I obviously colour code these tasks for each aim and then general thesis writing in the same colours I've used to make the overall Gantt chart to make things easier to navigate and know what's going on at first glance.

I haven't included this in the template, but in my personal PhD completion plan document, I also have more tabs with experimental information like my immunohistochemistry antibody panels, so that I can quickly refer back to them while I'm looking at the timelines of completing my lab work for each project.

To access the most up-to-date version of this template, head to my new website at:

7 comentários

This excel sheet looks incredible and I cannot wait to use it: thanks for creating and sharing it with us!

Hello Lily,

My name is Hida and I am thankful for your kind sharing of this template. You have done a good deed and I also hope I can enjoy sharing my knowledge with others too. Thanks 😘

Love from Malaysia,

Hello, thank you so much for sharing this! very beneficial indeed. I need a little help, in extending the timeline beyond December 2021. Can you help me with it? Thanks a lot!

Hi Siti, the date axis are simply the dates on the gantt chart (top of the chart). If you click on those, the date axis will be selected

Hi, thanks for sharing and providing resources. Now that you are using notion how does this planning fit with that software? Or are you still using the gantt chart as your overall planning tool. Many thanks

How to develop an awesome PhD timeline step-by-step

A successful PhD journey begins with a solid plan that includes a PhD timeline . A thought-through and well-designed PhD timeline requires some time but can be accomplished in a few simple steps.

Why a clear PhD research timeline matters

Step 1: decide what to include in your phd timeline, step 2: discuss your provisional phd timeline with your supervisor/s, step 3: design your phd timeline, step 4: regularly update your phd timeline.

Doing a PhD means committing to a challenging project that spans several years. Therefore, it is no surprise that doing a PhD can feel quite overwhelming. How do you even begin to tackle such a huge project?

A PhD timeline breaks down the daunting task of doing a PhD into an actionable plan with tasks and milestones along the way.

Even if not everything will go as planned (which is normal and no problem!), a PhD timeline can give PhD students peace of mind. A good plan, worked out in a PhD timeline, helps them to structure their time, communicate their goals and work toward specific targets.

Some PhD students are required to create a PhD timeline as part of their programme. Yet, even if PhD students are not required to do so, it is highly recommended to create a PhD timeline!

PhD timelines should be as diverse as PhD research projects: What you decide to include in your timeline should fit to your situation, goals and your programmes’ requirements.

Common elements included in a PhD timeline are the following:

• Data collection : How, when and where are you collecting your research data?
• Fieldwork : Is your data collection spread out or are you spending several weeks doing fieldwork? If so, when is this scheduled and how can you avoid overlaps with other requirements, such as coursework?
• Experiments : Are you running experiments for your PhD research? If so, when? And how long do you estimate this will take you?
• Data analysis : Once you have your data, be it quantitative or qualitative data, when and how do you analyse it? How much time do you block for this task?
• Writing plan : When are you writing down your results? How can you break down writing into different parts, for instance, writing goals per chapter or article?
• Publications : Publication requirements differ from PhD programme to programme. Even if you write your PhD as a monograph (instead of a selection of articles) , you should try to publish something during your PhD. When would you have an opportunity to do so, and how much time does it require?
• Conferences : Every PhD student should present at a conference during their PhD trajectory. Which conferences are you interested in? When do they take place, and when would you have findings to share at a conference?
• Coursework : What are your PhD programme’s coursework requirements? What courses are you interested in, and when are they offered?
• Other activities : Are there any other activities that are crucial for your PhD project? Think, for instance, about an extensive dissemination campaign, collaboration with external partners, internships, online activities etcetera.

Make a draft plan, including dates and times. Then move to Step 2: Discussing it with your supervisor/s!

Proactively creating your PhD timeline is a good step as a PhD student. However, you should share your thoughts and ideas with your PhD supervisor/s and get their input.

If possible, set up a meeting with your supervisor/s that is entirely dedicated to your PhD timeline. During this meeting, you can share what you created so far.

Then, you should discuss the following questions:

• Is there anything missing in the PhD timeline?
• Is the PhD timeline realistic?
• Should anything be removed from the PhD timeline to prioritise other tasks?
• Does the PhD timeline meet all the formal requirements to graduate within the designated amount of time?
• Is there institutional support and sufficient financial resources for activities such as fieldwork, conference attendance, etcetera?

Make sure to take notes during the meeting, as you will need the answers to these questions to edit your provisional PhD timeline.

Not only will this discussion help you to finalise your PhD timeline. It will also help you to get clarity on your supervisor/s’ expectations!

You may also like: Planning your PhD research: A 3-year PhD timeline example

Following the input of your supervisor/s, your PhD timeline will reach a more final stage. Now it is time to think about designing your PhD timeline:

A well-designed PhD timeline is not just pretty for the eyes, but it makes it much easier to have a good overview of all plans and milestones ahead.

Yet, it would be wrong to argue that there is a one-size-fits all solution to designing a perfect PhD timeline.

Maybe you are a very visual person and would prefer your timeline to illustrate a broad overview of the upcoming years. Maybe you are encouraged by checking things off your to-do list. In that case, a more detailed PhD timeline with many different tasks and milestones may be more suitable for you.

A common way to design PhD timelines is via Gantt charts. If you want to learn more about Gantt charts for your PhD timeline, check out my post on how to design Gantt charts in Microsoft Excel, Power Point and Word.

A PhD timeline is there to keep you on track and to showcase the milestones that you reached in your journey so far. However, while it is good to have a solid plan, the future is impossible to predict.

Your PhD timeline should be a living document or chart. Update it regularly!

For instance, a conference may be cancelled. You may have a period of sick leave. An experiment may not work out as planned. Or writing a paper takes longer than expected.

Successful PhD students remain flexible and don’t panic as soon as something does not work out as planned.

So, use your PhD timeline to regularly reflect on your progress and your current situation. Update your PhD timeline when needed, to prioritise tasks and set more concrete and achievable goals for the upcoming months.

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Gantt Chart Template for Excel

A Gantt chart is a tool for project management developed originally by Henry Gantt in the early 1900s. It is a type of bar chart that shows the start and end times for each task in a project schedule. The tasks are usually categorized using a work breakdown structure with summary tasks for the main project deliverables and sub-tasks that break the project down into a detailed and manageable task hierarchy. If you use Excel or Google Sheets, you can create this type of project schedule with almost no learning curve by downloading Vertex42's free Gantt Chart Template.

For complicated project management activities, you may need a tool such as Microsoft Project or other specialized software. But, if you want to create a simple Gantt chart quickly and easily, you only need some basic Excel skills to use this template (such as knowing how to copy and insert rows).

Excel Gantt Chart Template

"No installation, no macros - just a simple spreadsheet" - by Jon Wittwer

License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)

This template is the original Excel Gantt Chart created by Vertex42 over a decade ago. Over 3 million downloads so far. That is a LOT of projects.

Over 1 million downloads!

Older Versions

Description.

This template contains the core functionality needed to create a simple Gantt chart easily. Each row of the worksheet represents a separate task. All you need to do is define the start date and duration of each task.

• To add more tasks, you just copy and paste rows (or insert a row then press Ctrl + D to copy formulas down).
• To change the range of dates displayed in the chart area, just slide the scroll bar.
• To track the status of a task, edit the % Complete column. The bars in the chart show the % complete for each task.
• The vertical red line shows the current date.
• To use the automatic work breakdown structure numbering, copy the formula for the appropriate level from the bottom of the worksheet.

While planning a project, you may also want to use a yearly calendar or project budget worksheet.

• Enter Work Days, Calendar Days, or End Date
• Choose Different Colors for the Bars
• Select a Daily, Weekly, or Monthly View
• Create Task Dependencies Easily
• Exclude Holidays from Work Days

Free Gantt Chart Template

This download provides the same functionality as the original free gantt chart template above. The main difference is the formatting. The WBS, End, and Work Days columns are highlighted gray to indicate that they contain formulas.

Note : Gantt Chart Pro version 5.0 uses a design very similar to this free version.

Creating Dependent Tasks in a Gantt Chart with Excel

One of the reasons why Excel is a useful tool for creating Gantt Charts is that task dependencies can be defined by using Excel formulas. Gantt Chart Template Pro is designed to make this easier than entering your own formulas, but here are a few simple examples you can try:

1. Start a Task the Day After a Predecessor Task

   where end_date is a reference to cell (e.g. D10 ) containing the END date of the predecessor task.

2. Start a Task on the Same Day as another task

   where start_date is a reference to cell containing the START date of the other task.

3. Start a Task the next WORK day after a Predecessor task (excludes Sat & Sun)

   Use the WORKDAY.INTL() function in Excel 2010+ to define a custom work week (days other than only Sat & Sun)

The problem with only using formulas is that you can't see the dependencies between tasks when you view or print the chart. Other Gantt chart software may show dependencies as lines connecting the bars in the gantt chart, but I've never found a simple way for Excel to do that (and the lines can get really messy).

The simple approach is to list the WBS number of the Predecessor in another column , like in the critical path example above. In the CPM template and in Gantt Chart Template Pro, formulas calculate the start dates based on what you enter. If you want to try doing this on your own, here is a formula to get you started:

4. Start a Task the next day after a Predecessor task listed in another column

Gantt Chart Pro uses a formula like this, but it allows up to three predecessors and it accounts for work days.

Showing Critical Tasks in a Gantt Chart

Some Gantt charts are designed to show the critical path and available slack or float time for each task. If every task must be done in sequence, every task is critical and there is no slack time (because if one task is delayed, it delays the entire project). However, if some tasks can be done in parallel and have some available slack time, then the project manager may be able to free up some resources to devote to the more critical tasks.

Currently, the only template I have so far that uses the Critical Path Method (CPM) algorithm to show critical tasks and available float time is the CPM Template shown in the image on the left. The Gantt chart in this example shows the critical tasks in red and the available slack time in gray.

The CPM algorithm requires a fully defined task dependency structure, meaning that every task must have a successor (another task that depends on it). A simple Gantt chart may not need to have the dependencies between tasks fully defined, which is why you will see many project schedules with tasks defined only with a start and end date.

More Free Excel Gantt Chart Templates

Commercial Gantt Chart Software

There are hundreds of software applications for creating gantt charts and project schedules. Some of the most popular are those that allow easy online collaboration such as SmartSheet.com and ProjectManager.com. And of course there's Microsoft:

• Microsoft Project - products.office.com - Although a bit pricey, this really is the ultimate software for creating gantt charts and project timelines, partly because it is widely used and you can probably find someone in your office that knows how to use it if you have questions.

Other Free Gantt Chart Spreadsheets

• Simple Project Schedule - vertex42.com - This worksheet may be useful if you want to avoid formulas and just want a way to create a stylish project timeline.
• PeltierTech.com - John Peltier explains how to create a gantt chart in Excel using stacked bar graphs.
• http://hyperthot.com/pm_excel_gantt.htm by James Chapman - This page includes a few free gantt chart downloads for Excel that also calculate spend plan. This is done by including labor costs broken down by employee and the number of hours spent on each task.
• CPM / PERT Spreadsheet - vertex42.com - This template includes a gantt chart for critical path analysis.
• Gantt Chart Definition and History - wikipedia.com
• Project Management Graphics (Gantt Charts) - edwardtufte.com - A detailed academic discussion about the use of gantt charts as project management tools.

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How to Prepare Actionable PhD Research Plan Template

“Where PhD is highly uncertain, an actionable PhD research plan would give you calculative and tentative outcomes. And even more, the ready-to-use template makes things even better. Let’s take a close look at the research plan + template.”  

Before moving forward, it’s important to understand the process and steps in research . Then only you can make an actionable plan for your PhD research. It’s literally like driving without breaks— that you don’t want.

In a broader sense, when you plan something, it shows two things: first, you are actually serious about the work you are planning and second, you are expecting some outcomes. And by a plan, you are heading towards it. 

I know, plans may not work 100% all the time, but they may create a definite path to achieve at least 80% success in the work you are doing. This is also true for a PhD— in which you would constantly try to justify a single sentence– your research title. 

So– Yes, the research process is undetermined and so the results too! but here is the catch and perhaps answer why you have to have a research plan. In this article, I will explain the importance of a research plan, an actionable research plan and a ready-to-use template for you. 

How to prepare an actionable research plan? 

Importance of phd research plan , wrapping up.

An actionable research plan is what you have to rely upon. So it should be perfect and approved. how can you prepare your own? Let’s see.

 Understand the steps in the research and closely follow them. 

Define the objectives and scope of your study. 

Define each goal of your study– For example, sample collection, wet lab work, standardization, experimentation, data collection and interpretation, etc. 

Enlist what types of problems you may face for each goal– For example, transportation for sample collection, Lack of facilities in wet lab work, etc.

Find a solution for each problem you have enlisted– For example, appoint an expert for sample collection and transport samples in a cold chain. If your lab doesn’t have some instruments or chemicals, priorly contact other labs and ask them for help. 

Draw a rough road map for your work— the route using which you will achieve your research goals. Also, make a backup. What if the route or process you selected would not work? Check out this drawing to understand my point. 

Now prepare a timeline— in how much time a particular goal should be achieved. For example, 6 Months for sampling (Including, ethical approval, approval from sampling authority, consent, preparation and arrangement for utilities). 

Another is sample collection— 3 Months which isn’t covered in the 6 months of sampling objective, like this. Take a look at the drawing here. 

Note: This timeline must match with your GANTT chart for PhD timeline because you are making an actionable plan.

Now your plan is reading. You are now aware of each objective, goal and problem. Some you probably solved, and some you can manage later. This you can print and stitch in your logbook or can save on your desktop. 

Take a look at the advantages, and why it’s important to prepare an action plan. 

Related article: How to Prepare a PhD Research Plan/Schedule?

Let’s start with two real-world examples first. 

One of my friends, after sample collection and initiating the testing, found out that she also has to perform hormone assays for samples. The samples she collected are 3 months old— not possible to assess quantitative analysis. 

Another colleague after sample collection– when he started working in the wet lab, came to know that one important instrument is not there in their lab. His guide is very serious about the goal that they have to do it anyhow. 

He sent applications to various universities and research centers to work on that particular instrument. From approval to real testing, it tools all almost 8 months including, approval, training, transportation, etc. 

Wasted much time! 

• An actionable research plan saves your time— which is a crucial factor in PhD. 
• It makes you aware of the pros and cons of your study. 
• It makes you aware of the problems and limitations of the research you conduct. 
• It gives you a broad roadmap to achieve your PhD in “some” tentative time. 
• It gives you the flexibility to achieve goals and enjoy your time at the same time. 
• You can make real-time monitoring of how your research is going and how much work is left. 
• It makes you aware of what should be your next move and the preparations you required.

However, keep in mind that once you prepare a plan, review it from your guide, take their advice, enlist major objectives and techniques you would use for the study and stick to it. 

Before preparing that, read the literature regarding your topic and understand the way in which your research should be headed. 

Check out our fully customizable, ready-to-use and actionable research plan template. 

Download a research plan template

These things look a bit old school but it works, really works well. Most students don’t do it and end up messing things and at last, came to know that they wasted their time. At least, the research plan will tell you where you are stuck (probably) and you can find a solution.

We know how hard it is to predict the future of PhD or how it would go. But let me tell you, with an actionable plan, many do well. And you can too. Take your doctorate seriously from day one. And do accordingly. 

Remember your goal should be to complete your degree in time.  

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

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Dissertation Gantt Chart – A Visual Way to Track your Dissertation Progress

Published by Ellie Cross at January 26th, 2023 , Revised On October 9, 2023

A dissertation Gantt chart is an essential tool for any student completing a doctoral degree. The chart helps you to organise and track your progress, ensuring that you complete your dissertation on time and with the required quality. 

The Chart Includes the Following Key Elements: 

• Title of the Dissertation
• Target Date for Completion
• Estimated Time to Complete (ETC)
• Actual Time to Complete (ACT)
• Changes Made to ETC or ACT from the Original Plan
• Summary of Major Accomplishments or Difficulties encountered during the project

Features of Gantt Chart 

The following are the key features of a dissertation Gantt Chart:

• It has a timeline that shows the progress of the project.
• It contains tasks and deadlines for each phase of the project.
• It allows you to track resources and costs associated with the project.
• It provides an overview of how much work remains to be done in each project phase.
• It can help you to make informed decisions about when to take specific actions on the project.

How to Create a Custom Dissertation Gantt Chart?

When writing a dissertation , it is important to keep track of the progress and deadlines. One way to do this is to create a Gantt Chart. This guide will show you how to make a Gantt Chart for your dissertation. 

• Decide what tasks need to be completed and when they need to be completed. The goal is to have everything on the chart in order by the deadline.
• Start by creating a table or graph to represent your project’s timeline. This will help you to easily see where tasks are located and how much time they will take.
• Next, add in each task’s duration (in hours and minutes), as well as the associated resources that will be needed for completion (e.g., research materials, software).
• Finally, allocate specific days and times for each step of your project based on the information in your timeline table. This will help you stay organised and on track!
• Assign each task a colour based on its importance. For example, green tasks should take less than an hour, and blue tasks should take more than an hour but at most two hours.

Gantt Chart Templates

There are many different Gantt Chart templates available online, so choosing one that best suits your needs is important.

Some popular templates include the Pareto chart and the Venn diagram. Both of these charts offer a variety of options for customisation, so you can create charts that look exactly the way you want them to. Additionally, both charts can easily be converted into graphs using GraphPad Prism.

If simplicity is key, then the line graph may be a better option. This chart offers minimal customisation options but allows you to clearly see trends and patterns in your data.

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The Importance of the Gantt Chart

Gantt charts are valuable as a student, and even if you are a university graduate, they can help you. Along with making good grades, as recommended by the university, you have to strive to take full advantage of the use of your projects. Brainstorming with your classmates can be a productive way to accomplish this objective. You need to use Gantt charts for your projects for several reasons.

It Helps Provide a Visual Outlook 

A Gantt chart helps you handle your workflow by providing a detailed graphical representation. Gantt charts allow you to see all the tasks that must be completed, the amount of time needed, and task overlap. This will allow you to keep better track of goals and deadlines, which will be useful in ensuring you are on time to complete everything.

Solve Challenges Easily

A Gantt chart allows you to determine even better how to avoid issues and get the job done faster. You can see the result of the tasks that have been completed if you want to perceive the resources rightly to make the project run smoothly and quickly.

Evaluate Time

Effective task planning with the Gantt chart will help you organise and finish the projects efficiently. In addition, it will make it easier to see the actions you must complete before beginning others.

Ease of Communication

The Gantt chart will help you keep your group and sponsors notified of the modifications to your timetable. That’s why it’s crucial to have a regular update if your schedule changes. This means you can even use and provide available resources effectively.

Oversee a Project

The Gantt chart is crucial to the success of a project because that is how it assists in directing its activities through scheduling, assigning, and monitoring tasks. The horizontal chart makes it easy to see the projects’ progressions. You also always get to know what’s happening within any ongoing tasks.

Ease your Brain’s Memory

Gantt charts can help you reclaim your mind space by easing the selection of content you need to remember. Then, all you have to do is focus on accomplishing and acting on your current priorities. Team members can also see the course of the project’s tasks.

Reduces Cost

A Gantt chart is beneficial if you want to cut down on costs. Equipped with this, you can appreciate the tasks that have been carried out and stay up to date on what needs to be completed. As a result, you will remember essential deadlines and thus save more money on expenses.

The Benefits of Using a Dissertation Gantt Chart

No one knows the feeling of sitting in front of a blank whiteboard, trying to figure out how to write a dissertation . The process can seem daunting and overwhelming, but using a Gantt Chart can make the entire process much easier.  

A Gantt Chart is simply a chart that helps you plan and track your tasks. It can be used for any project but is especially helpful when writing a dissertation. You can track your progress by breaking down your work into specific dates and tasks. 

You will be able to see exactly where you are in progress. A Gantt Chart can provide a visual representation of your progress, which can help motivate you to complete your work on time.

Do you lack time and want someone to write your dissertation for you? Do you want to save money on your dissertation? Are you looking for someone to help with the grant chart process? Check out ResearchProspect! They can help you find the perfect person to create your dissertation.

 You can trust these professionals to deliver top-notch work. Moreover, they offer affordable rates and a range of customisation options. So if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable writing service, look no further than ResearchProspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dissertation gantt chart.

A dissertation Gantt Chart is a visual timeline or project management tool that outlines key research tasks, deadlines, and dependencies to help plan, track, and manage the progress of a dissertation project efficiently.

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3 year PhD timeline [classic]

You can easily edit this template using Creately. You can export it in multiple formats like JPEG, PNG and SVG and easily add it to Word documents, Powerpoint (PPT) presentations, Excel or any other documents. You can export it as a PDF for high-quality printouts.

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Free Yearly Gantt Charts: 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year

By Diana Ramos | September 27, 2020

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Develop annual business plans and create effective project schedules with the most useful free yearly Gantt chart templates. Choose from one- or multiyear Gantt charts in Excel, Google Sheets, PowerPoint, and Word.

Below, you’ll find a project schedule Gantt chart , a yearly planner , a three-year Excel Gantt chart , and a guide to creating your own Gantt chart template.

1-Year Gantt Chart Templates

1-year project schedule gantt chart template.

This template offers a year-long project schedule, including separate sections for each project phase. Divided into quarters, months, and weeks, the Gantt chart enables you to see an annual overview of your project and a timeline for each task. The template also includes markers for the current date and the final deadline. Edit the chart to reflect the dates and specific tasks you require for your project. 

Download 1-Year Project Schedule Gantt Chart Template

Excel | Google Sheets | Smartsheet

Yearly Calendar Gantt Chart Template

Choose from PowerPoint or Excel versions of this Gantt chart yearly planner. Create a calendar showing holidays, meetings, and other events for any given year, or schedule tasks and objectives for each month. The template displays each day of the month, providing a simple yet detailed view of your plans over the course of a year. Use varying colors and add your own text to distinguish between the activities that the bar chart illustrates.

Download Yearly Calendar Gantt Chart Template

Excel | PPT

1-Year PowerPoint Gantt Chart Template

Set business goals or plan project tasks with this year-long Gantt chart template. The chart includes quarterly and monthly sections, enabling you to view the year from a number of perspectives. The template also includes a row for tracking quarterly results. Utilize this PowerPoint chart as a presentation tool to communicate with team members and stakeholders. Keep track of ongoing progress, whether you’re managing sales goals or planning product releases. 

Download 1-Year Gantt Chart Template - PowerPoint

Simple 1-Year Word Gantt Chart Template

Make a one-year action plan by listing the tasks you need to complete each goal; in the process, you also create a visual timeline. The Gantt chart provides columns for each quarter and for all 12 months. Using the additional columns on the template, you can assign task owners and track completion. This is a simple Gantt chart template for managing objectives, multiple projects, or single projects (with several stages) throughout the year. 

Download Simple 1-Year Gantt Chart Template - Word

Multiyear Gantt Chart Templates

3-year excel gantt chart template.

This Excel Gantt chart includes a three-year timeline and sections for multiple projects or development phases. The template separates each year into quarters and months, and it lists starting and ending dates for each activity. Create long-term project schedules and keep track of task progression and milestones. To view an alternate time frame, modify the template to create a two-year Gantt chart.

Download 3-Year Gantt Chart Template - Excel

3-Year PowerPoint Gantt Chart Template

Choose from the two layout options available for this template: a horizontal, three-year timeline along the top of the Gantt chart; or a vertical, three-year timeline down the left-hand side of the chart. Create a three-year plan, track ongoing initiatives, or prioritize tasks on an extended project. Add this template to your own slideshow to enhance a presentation.

Download 3-Year Gantt Chart Template - PowerPoint

3-Year Google Sheets Gantt Chart Timeline

Track project phases and quarterly milestones over a three-year period. This Google Sheets template provides a spreadsheet for compiling data, a timeline for marking milestones, and a Gantt chart for plotting project phases. Edit the template to show the years, dates, activity descriptions, and other information regarding your project.

Download 3-Year Gantt Chart Timeline

Word |  Google Sheets

5-Year Gantt Chart Template

Divided by years, this Gantt chart template includes two layout options. One chart displays years across the top and tasks down the left-hand side. The other chart displays years down the left and months across the top. Create plans over a five-year period while also tracking tasks, monthly deadlines, and important milestones.

Download 5-Year Gantt Chart Template - Excel

How to Create a Gantt Chart in Excel

Find out how to make your own Gantt chart by reading the guide to creating a simple Gantt chart in any version of Excel . To save time and to get tips on customizing a template to best suit your needs, see the post on utilizing Gantt chart templates .

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8 Free Project Charter Templates for Project Managers

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

April 11, 2024

Ever wondered why some projects soar to success while others barely get off the ground?

The secret often lies at the start, with a document that might seem humble but is pivotal to success: the project charter.

Imagine setting sail without a compass; that’s a project without a project charter.

A well-crafted project charter sets the direction and aligns your project team from the get-go.

In this article, we’ll explore some project charter templates that help businesses like yours break down the complexities of project management to execute projects effectively. Let’s chart the course together!

What is a Project Charter Template?

What makes a good project charter template, 1. clickup project charter template, 2. clickup program charter template, 3. clickup alignment chart template, 4. clickup example project plan template, 5. clickup project tracker template, 6. excel project charter template by excelshe, 7. project charter template by template.net, 8. project charter powerpoint template by powerslides, chart the course to project success with clickup.

A project charter is a formal document used to define the scope, objectives, and participants of a project.

Project charter templates are pre-set templates that help project owners and managers quickly create comprehensive charters. They outline the key elements for establishing clear project goals, delineating responsibilities among the project team, and setting the project’s overall direction.

Essential for project planning, these project management templates help ensure alignment among stakeholders, including the project manager, project sponsor, and team members.

By providing a structured framework, a project charter template facilitates identifying project risks and clarifying budgets, resource scheduling , and project deliverables.

They act as a reference document throughout the project management life cycle for tracking progress, managing expectations, and fostering a shared understanding among all parties involved.

Project charter templates offer a way to create a project charter without starting from scratch, enabling teams to focus on the unique aspects of their project while adhering to proven project management practices.

A good project charter template outlines the foundation for a project’s management and execution. It includes critical elements such as:

• Comprehensive scope, timeline, and budget: The template should demarcate the boundaries of what the project will cover and what it will not. It should also plot out the project journey from start to finish, including key milestones and financial considerations
• Well-defined project objectives and key stakeholders: Beyond listing project aims, a superior template articulates how each objective aligns with broader organizational goals and identifies all parties with a stake in the project’s outcome. This helps establish a clear line of sight from individual contributions to project success
• Clarity on goals, responsibilities, and expectations: A good project charter template ensures that every project team member understands their role in the larger project ecosystem, fostering a shared responsibility for its success
• Customization: The template should be easy to customize  to meet the specific project needs while maintaining a structured format for consistency across different projects

Additionally, it must incorporate sections for project risk mitigation , project budget, timeline, and deliverables to guide the project team in planning and tracking progress.

An effective template promotes stakeholder alignment by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making.

8 Free Project Charter Templates to Use in 2024

Keeping the above features in mind, we’ve selected the top eight charter templates designed to meet the needs of any project manager. Use them to cut the paperwork and plan and execute a successful project.

Here’s our curated selection:

The ClickUp Project Charter Template offers a structured approach to defining and managing the key components of a project, ensuring clarity and alignment among all participants.

Designed for adaptability, it allows project managers to customize the document to address the unique demands of their project. It helps them set precise goals, delineate scope, and assign responsibilities

Primary features

• Leverage this template to effectively align tasks with both project scope and business objectives, ensuring that every action contributes directly to overarching goals while eliminating any redundant efforts
• Create robust timelines and plan resources more efficiently. The dynamic scheduling feature allows for real-time adjustments, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring project timelines are met 
• Engage with all stakeholders and build consensus . By setting clear expectations and ensuring alignment, users can pave the way for the success of their projects

Ideal use case

This template is most beneficial for project managers and teams embarking on projects that require a clear framework for execution and management. It is beneficial where communication and alignment between project stakeholders are crucial to achieving project success.

Designed for comprehensive program management, the ClickUp Program Charter Template is essential for outlining strategic project objectives and governance. It ensures that all projects within the program are aligned with overarching organizational goals.

• Consolidate program details—objectives, scope, timelines—into a streamlined, user-friendly interface. The unified program dashboard provides a comprehensive, 360-degree view for swift and informed decision-making
• Improve stakeholder interactions using this template’s structured communication framework. It includes tools and visual aids for clear dialogue and alignment, all through an advanced stakeholder communication portal
• Gain access to a sophisticated resource optimization engine. Its advanced algorithms offer an overview of resource distribution across projects, optimize their use, and predict future needs 

Program managers and organizational leaders best utilize this template in planning and executing complex programs encompassing multiple projects, particularly in construction projects, IT, and healthcare.

The ClickUp Alignment Chart Template ensures project initiatives align with strategic business goals, promoting a unified approach to achieving organizational success.

• Use the template’s dynamic visual interface to easily align project tasks with strategic goals, improving clarity and focus
• Quickly spot and address any differences between project actions and objectives, reducing the risk of misalignment
• Get essential insights that help you prioritize projects with scope for the most impact on key organizational targets

This template is particularly beneficial for strategic planners, project managers, and decision-makers aiming to align departmental projects with the organization’s strategic vision.

It’s highly effective in environments where strategic alignment drives decision-making, such as corporate, nonprofit, and technology sectors.

The ClickUp Example Project Plan Template is a meticulously crafted tool that provides a comprehensive roadmap for project planning and execution.

It equips project managers with a robust framework to outline project phases , tasks, milestones, and dependencies, facilitating a thorough understanding of the project’s trajectory. This template helps ensure that all project aspects are carefully planned and accounted for from inception to completion.

• Create a comprehensive project roadmap that includes project phases, tasks, and milestones
• Use its dependency management tools to identify and resolve potential bottlenecks before they become issues
• Easily track progress and stay focused on objectives with the template’s visual milestone-tracking feature

This template is ideal for project managers and planning teams seeking a detailed and actionable plan to guide project efforts. It is particularly effective in scenarios requiring intricate planning and coordination of tasks and resources to ensure project milestones are met on time.

The ClickUp Project Tracker Template is designed to offer teams a dynamic and interactive way to monitor project progress, track deliverables, and manage timelines effectively.

This template is a powerful tool for tracking the status of various project components so that project managers and team members can stay informed and react promptly to any changes or challenges.

• View the project’s status, tasks, and milestones instantly to make quick adjustments and decisions
• Streamline deliverable tracking and management , ensuring they meet their standards and deadlines
• Easily modify schedules to accommodate changes , keeping projects aligned with their goals

This template is ideally suited for project teams and managers who must closely monitor project progress and deliverables. It’s especially beneficial in fast-paced environments where timely information and flexibility in project management are critical for success.

The Excel Project Template by ExcelShe provides a versatile and detailed framework for defining a project’s scope, objectives, and deliverables. It is designed to capture essential project information, including project name, manager, organization, project sponsor, and key stakeholder roles. 

This template facilitates a comprehensive overview of project goals, product descriptions, in-scope and out-of-scope items, critical success factors, assumptions, constraints, and high-level milestones.

• Get an all-encompassing snapshot of the project, from objectives to execution strategies, ensuring everyone involved has a shared understanding
• Set clear boundaries to prevent scope creep, keeping the project focused and manageable
• Establish key milestones and structure timelines , marking critical achievements and guiding the work pace

This template is handy for project managers and teams needing a detailed and structured approach to project planning in Excel. It’s suitable for many projects, from small initiatives to large-scale operations, providing a clear path for project execution and governance.

The Template.net Project Charter Template is a sophisticated, professionally designed document that streamlines the process of creating detailed project charters.

Crafted with a modern, professional design, this Microsoft Word template ensures project managers can generate comprehensive project charters effortlessly. It also helps maintain brand consistency across documents while facilitating efficient project management.

• Ensure no detail is missed by covering all essential elements for comprehensive project planning and execution
• Tailor the document to specific project needs with user-friendly customization options
• Achieve consistent brand identity across project documents with a uniform design approach
• Enhance readability and project presentation with a modern, professional design suitable for various industries

This template is ideally suited for project managers and teams across various industries seeking a reliable and efficient tool to create detailed project charters. It is particularly beneficial for organizations aiming to create professional project documentation.

The Project Charter PowerPoint Template by PowerSlides is a dynamic and visually engaging toolkit for project managers to present a project’s scope, objectives, and stakeholder roles. This PowerPoint template package includes a set of eight slides enriched with infographics, charts, and tables to provide a comprehensive overview of a project in a digestible format.

• Use icons and metaphors to vividly depict the process of project exploration and management in a visual overview
• Access slides designed for showcasing project budgets, team structures, milestones, and overviews, ensuring all critical elements are comprehensively covered
• Accurately illustrate project progress and budgeting  with editable charts and tables , like table charts and circular progress bars

Ideal Use Case

This template is an excellent resource for project managers, company heads, engineers, and university professors involved in project planning, business process standardization , or teaching academic courses on project management.

It’s beneficial for detailing new production lines, business processes, or academic projects, providing a clear and engaging presentation of project essentials.

The difference between success and stagnation often hinges on the clarity and direction provided at the outset. The project management charter template is a blueprint that guides teams through the complexities of project planning. From establishing clear objectives and responsibilities to ensuring stakeholder alignment and setting realistic timelines, these templates are indispensable tools for any project manager.

ClickUp, one of the best project management tools , makes project planning stress-free with its customizable project charter templates for various project types and management styles. Whether you’re leading a minor initiative or steering a comprehensive program, ClickUp’s templates offer the structure and flexibility needed to launch your projects confidently.

Start crafting your project’s roadmap today and set the course for success with ClickUp. Explore ClickUp’s Project Charter Template and discover how they will transform your project management approach.

Sign Up for free today!

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