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How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

When it’s time to start thinking about writing your dissertation, it is vital to put together a dissertation timeline. This will help you map out the months you will be spending on your dissertation, and ensure that you’re staying on track. A specific and detailed dissertation timeline will serve as an outline to guide you, step by step, through what can be a long and challenging process. 

While we often refer to a dissertation in a way that makes it sound like a monolith, in reality, a dissertation consists of many moving parts. A dissertation timeline includes a series of milestones that leads up to the dissertation defense , revisions, and final submission of your dissertation. Constructing an outline of every step in the dissertation process , including rough estimates of how long each will take, will give you a realistic picture of where you are in the process at any given time. 

Before embarking on your dissertation, it is a good idea to meet with your dissertation advisor and sketch out a dissertation timeline that is realistic for the size and scope of your project and includes deadlines. This will provide you with much-needed structure and a sense of what will happen next. To get an idea of what a completed dissertation looks like and the components your program requires, ask to see samples from recent graduates in your department. 

These are a few frequently asked questions about crafting a dissertation timeline: 

  • What does a dissertation timeline look like?
  • What goes in a dissertation timeline? 
  • How structured should a dissertation timeline be?
  • What do you do with a dissertation timeline? 

blonde woman writing dissertation prospectus in a cafe

What Does a Dissertation Timeline Look Like? 

One way to think about a dissertation timeline is as a kind of outline. While the outlining process is unique to each writer, there are commonalities shared by all of them. Likewise, when writing a dissertation timeline, you’ll want to include all of the basic elements of your dissertation as well as the amount of time you think you’ll need to execute them. 

The best dissertation timeline format is the one that works for you. Though I’ve reformed somewhat over the years, for a long time I wasn’t a fan of intensely detailed outlines. Many people don’t like outlines. And that’s okay! However, writing a dissertation is not the time to be flying by the seat of your pants. To get started, a simple, linear timeline that projects the amount of time you think you’ll need to write your dissertation will suffice. 

Example Dissertation Timeline

Below, you’ll find an example of a dissertation timeline, which you can view as an image in your browser or download as a spreadsheet. Feel free to use the spreadsheet as a template as you build your own dissertation timeline.

example of a dissertation timeline spreadsheet

Or download the spreadsheet below:

Inclusion in a Dissertation Timeline

When constructing your dissertation timeline, include every element of the dissertation from the abstract to the conclusion. Keep in mind that you may not be writing your chapters in chronological order. For instance, after completing their first round of research and writing their research question, most graduate students will tackle their literature review next, even though it comes after the abstract and introduction in the final document. 

Depending on the field being studied, most dissertations will also include sections for methodology, results, and discussion. Many programs also require a detailed conclusion that alludes to future research possibilities. Every dissertation also has an extensive list of references (pro tip: write this as you’re writing your dissertation), as well as appendices for charts, graphs, and other ephemera. And don’t forget your acknowledgments! 

Dissertation Timeline Structure

The structure of your dissertation timeline will take shape once you’re engaged in the research process. While a road map may seem like an apt metaphor for a dissertation, once you get started you may notice a lot of starts and stops and circling back. After you’ve begun researching, you may realize that you need to allot more time for digging through the databases, or you may discover that you need to reformulate your research question entirely. 

custom made calendar in a notebook with different color notes

I’ve seen many of my own graduate students use calendars to great effect, giving themselves hard and fast deadlines to meet. Many students also build out their dissertation timelines as they progress, attaching working drafts of their abstract, introduction, and literature review to their timeline within a giant spreadsheet that links to multiple documents and sources. All of these methods are valid. Devise one that works for you. 

Using a Dissertation Timeline

So once you have a thoughtful, soundly-constructed dissertation timeline, what do you do with it? First, and most importantly, try your best to adhere to it. Check in with your dissertation timeline regularly, and use it to keep yourself on track. Also, make adjustments to it as needed. If you find yourself breezing through your preliminary research but needing a bit more time for your literature review, consult your timeline and adjust accordingly. 

While meeting your deadlines is important, also construct your dissertation timeline with an understanding that many graduate students face delays once they start working on their dissertation. These can include hold-ups at the department or university level in the form of late IRB approval or limited lab space or grant funding that gets cut. Anything can happen, but having a dissertation timeline will help you get back on track as soon as the storm passes. 

In my own experience, I also found my dissertation timeline to be a great document to share and discuss with my dissertation chair and committee. Once I finished my comprehensive exams, I met with members of my dissertation committee and got feedback on my rough dissertation timeline to make sure my goals for submitting my dissertation and graduating were realistic. This also ensured that we were all on the same page. 

When writing a dissertation, timing is everything. Creating a dissertation timeline gives you definitive time limits for research and writing, and it also influences several other major decisions that you’ll need to make. These include preparation to go on the job market, which often coincides with writing your dissertation. There is no doubt that this will be a hectic time in your graduate school career, but having a well-organized dissertation timeline is a good way to keep everything in perspective. 

Related posts:

Dissertation Presentation

Courtney Watson, Ph.D.

Courtney Watson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of English at Radford University Carilion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her areas of expertise include undergraduate and graduate curriculum development for writing courses in the health sciences and American literature with a focus on literary travel, tourism, and heritage economies. Her writing and academic scholarship has been widely published in places that include  Studies in American Culture ,  Dialogue , and  The Virginia Quarterly Review . Her research on the integration of humanities into STEM education will be published by Routledge in an upcoming collection. Dr. Watson has also been nominated by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award, and she is a past winner of the National Society of Arts & Letters Regional Short Story Prize, as well as institutional awards for scholarly research and excellence in teaching. Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Watson has served in faculty governance and administration as a frequent committee chair and program chair. As a higher education consultant, she has served as a subject matter expert, an evaluator, and a contributor to white papers exploring program development, enrollment research, and educational mergers and acquisitions.

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The 10 most stunning excel dissertation Gantt chart templates

Excel is a fantastic tool that provides everything for you. Excels templates are doing an excellent job of managing everyday tasks. Now, you can arrange your project's tasks using a dissertation Gantt chart and monitor your progress. If your data is spread throughout a continuous range of cells, you can choose any one of those cells to include the entire range of data. The 10 most stunning excel dissertation Gantt chart templates are now available for your use.

These 10 most stunning excel dissertation Gantt chart templates are managing your tasks in chart form.

1. Gantt Chart dissertation Project Template

Using a Gantt chart project template, you may arrange your project's tasks and monitor your progress. Select any cell to include all the data in that range if your data is spread across a continuous range of cells. Select the cells while holding down the command key if your information isn't in a constant range.

2. Progress Gantt Chart with Events Template

Project Gantt chart with events is going to manage your events with the help of this template. It is stunningly designed for you. Use it now if you want to control the events with Gantt charts.

3. Red Simple Gantt Chart Template

This template is designed with beautiful red velvet. It is easy to handle and free to download.

4. Construction Schedule Gantt Chart Template

Construction Schedule Gantt Chart template is now available at the WPS office. This template is created explicitly for the construction project, either large or small.

5. Planning Gantt Chart Template

The Planning Gantt Chart template is now available at the WPS office in the premium version. This template is beautifully designed for planning big tasks. You can easily use this template now.

6. Sales Activity Gantt Chat Template

Sales Activity Gantt Chat is used for sales management in the chart. A Gantt chart template is created for this purpose so you will easily manage your tasks.

7. Project Management Gantt Chart Template

Project management Gantt Chat is used to manage your projects in the chart. A Gantt chart template is created so you can easily manage your projects.

8. Grant Analysis Chat Template

Now there is a template named as Gantt analysis chart, which is designed to analyse your data. All the information of data is anlysed by using this Gantt chart.

9. Simple Gantt Chart Template

The simple Gantt chart is free to download at the WPS office.

10. Simple Monthly Gantt Chart Template

The simple monthly Gantt chart is available for the monthly assessment purpose. You can analyse your data every month.

The bottom line

Teams can visualize a project's chronology using a Gantt chart template, a project management tool. It comprises a list of project tasks, project dates, and bars that show the start and end dates and the length of each work. All these 10 most stunning dissertation Gantt chart templates are created for your convenience. If you want to get these charts for the free or premium version, go to the WPS office and download them now. It is a great opportunity offered by the WPS office. Grab it now before it runs out.

  • 1. The 10 most beautiful Excel daily Gantt chart templates
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Free Dissertation Timeline Gantt Chart Template

Free Dissertation Timeline Gantt Chart Template in Excel, Google Sheets

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Planning your dissertation can feel like time has sprouted wings and taken off without you. Fear not, for the trusty companion of the dissertation, Gantt Chart is here to rescue you from the chaos of research, writing tasks, and impending deadlines. 

Learn Crafting a Captivating Discussion in an Academic Report

A Complete Guide: How to Write a Research Design

In this article, we will explore the world of Gantt charts, demystify their purpose, and explore how to create a Gantt Chart. You can find here a dissertation Gantt chart guide with steps for creating the chart, a template and tips to help you create your own chart.

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What is dissertation gantt chart.

“A Gantt chart for dissertation is a visual representation of the tasks and milestones in completing a dissertation. It is a useful tool for planning and tracking your progress and can help you to stay on track and avoid procrastination.”

The Gantt Chart provides a dissertation timeline and guiding light amidst the foggy labyrinth of academic pursuits. It's a visual representation of the researcher or student project's timeline, providing a clear picture of the tasks that need to conquer. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will any dissertation be. But with a well-crafted Gantt chart, a researcher breaks down their work into manageable chunks and tackles them systematically.

Creating a Dissertation Gantt Chart: Steps to Follow

Here are the steps on how to create a dissertation Gantt chart;

  • Conduct a literature review on the topic of social media and teenagers.
  • Collect data on how teenagers use social media.
  • Analyze the data and write a report on your findings.
  • Write your dissertation.
  • Estimate the time it will take to complete each task. This will help you to create a realistic timeline for your dissertation. Be sure to factor in time for unexpected delays, such as data collection taking longer than expected or having to revise your dissertation after your advisor provides feedback.
  • Create a Gantt chart. There are many different software programs that you can use to create a Gantt chart, like Google Sheets, WPS sheets and more. Once you have created your chart, you can add the tasks, their estimated time frames, and any other relevant information.
  • Track your progress. As you make progress on your dissertation, be sure to update your Gantt chart to reflect your progress. This will help you to stay on track and identify any areas where you might be falling behind.
  • Adjust your plan as needed. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adjust your plan as needed. For example, if you find that you are spending more time on one task than you expected, you might need to adjust the time frame for other tasks.

Using a dissertation Gantt chart is a helpful way to stay on track and avoid procrastination. It also helps you to identify areas where you can improve your efficiency. 

Here are a few things you don't have to worry about; 

Not being afraid to change your Gantt chart as needed

Don't forget to add important comment in case of delay or over time 

Neglecting unwanted commitments

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Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Here is a Gantt chart template for dissertation that help researchers and student to craft their own chart to achieve their goals. 

Task

Start Date

End Date

Duration

Literature review

01/01/2023

03/01/2023

3 weeks

Data collection

03/01/2023

05/01/2023

2 weeks

Data analysis

05/01/2023

07/01/2023

2 weeks

Writing

07/01/2023

09/01/2023

2 weeks

Defence

09/01/2023

09/01/2023

1 day

This template is general that doesn’t stick to any research. Also, every dissertation or research report has its time to completion. The dissertations for graduation, master's, and PhD are often required to be completed in a different timeframe, with a different research style and methodology. Here is an example of PhD Gantt Chart ;

Task

Start Date

End Date

Duration

Proposal

01/01/2023

03/01/2023 

3 months

Qualifying exams

03/01/2023  

05/01/2023

2 months

Research 

05/01/2023 

12/01/2024

8 months

Writing 

12/01/2024 

03/01/2025 

3 months

Defence 

03/01/2025 

03/01/2025

1 day

This Gantt chart provides a high-level overview of the dissertation timeline involved in a PhD program. It is important to break down your program into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to track your progress and make adjustments to your timeline as needed.

It is also important to build in some buffer time between tasks. This will allow for unexpected delays, such as difficulty finding sources, equipment failure, or illness.

Finally, be sure to track your progress and make adjustments to your Gantt chart as needed. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind.

Additional Tips for Dissertation Gantt Chart 

Here are some additional tips for using a dissertation Gantt chart:

  • Use a software program to create your Gantt chart. There are many different software programs that you can use to create a Gantt chart. Some popular options include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Trello.
  • Make your Gantt chart visual. Use colors, fonts, and symbols to make your Gantt chart easy to read and understand.
  • Share your Gantt chart with others. This can help you to stay accountable and get feedback from others.
  • Don't be afraid to adjust your Gantt chart as needed. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adjust your Gantt chart as needed.

Conclusion 

A Gantt chart is an indispensable tool, akin to a trusty compass guiding you through uncharted waters. It helps you break down your work into manageable chunks, consider dependencies, and maintain flexibility. By embracing the power of this visual aid, you'll be able to navigate the daunting dissertation journey with confidence. So, let the Dissertation Gantt Chart be your co-pilot, ensuring that time flies not in vain but in harmony with your research and writing goals.

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Dissertation Gantt Chart | Guide & Templates

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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:

Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Admission & OnboardingFormalities for joining the program, including orientation.Official start of the program.
Initial Literature ReviewFamiliarize yourself with the existing research in your field.Foundation for your research.
CourseworkComplete required or optional courses.Credits/Education
Research Proposal OutlineDevelop a draft outline for your PhD proposal.Outline for proposal
Coursework & SeminarsContinue with coursework and attend relevant seminars.Credits/Education
Meet with AdvisorDiscuss research interests and outline.Feedback for refinement
Complete Research ProposalFinalize your research proposal with your advisor’s input.Approved Proposal
Ethics Approval (if needed)Submit proposal for ethics approval if required.Ethics Clearance
Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Data CollectionStart gathering data according to your proposal.Initial Data
Intermediate ReviewReview progress with advisor.Feedback for refinement
Data AnalysisStart analyzing the collected data.Preliminary Findings
Draft ChaptersStart writing initial chapters of your thesis.Draft Chapters
Further AnalysisConduct additional analysis if necessary.Refined Findings
Publish/ConferenceConsider publishing initial findings or presenting at a conference.Paper/Presentation
Complete Data CollectionFinish gathering all necessary data.Finalized Data
Update Thesis DraftUpdate your thesis draft with the complete analysis.Updated Draft
Year & QuarterActivity/MilestoneDescriptionOutcome/Output
Thesis WritingFocus primarily on writing your thesis.Near-final draft
Peer ReviewHave peers or mentors review the thesis draft.Feedback for refinement
Thesis SubmissionFinalize and submit your thesis for review.Submitted Thesis
Defense PreparationPrepare for your thesis defense.Defense Presentation
Thesis DefenseDefend your thesis in front of a committee.Committee’s Decision
Revisions (if needed)Make any revisions recommended by the committee.Final Thesis
Final SubmissionSubmit the finalized thesis.PhD Thesis
GraduationComplete any remaining formalities.PhD Awarded

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:

PhD timeline USA PhD 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:

PhD timeline UK PhD Gantt Chart

  • 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.

dissertation planner excel

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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Your Dissertation Plan - 18 Free Tools

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

  • by Charlotte King
  • In Theses and Dissertations

A dissertation  requires solid organisational skills and effective time management  in order to achieve a high standard, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best free tools available to make the planning stages of your project easier.  

Choosing a topic

Before you even get near your research proposal , you need to have a topic in mind. Mind mapping is a great way to organise and visualise your early ideas when developing your dissertation topic. Mind42.com 's mind mapping tool allows you to collaborate with colleagues online, which could be useful for sharing with peers or your project supervisor. Mindmeister.com  also features collaboration and boasts mobile access with it’s free iPhone app, whilst Bubbl.us  focuses on speed with it's handy keyboard shortcuts.

Evernote  provides tools for your computer, mobile device, or web browser which capture your ideas, notes, and inspiration wherever you are. This free toolset lets users save text notes, web pages, photos, and screenshots with a comprehensive search feature so that you can retrieve your ideas quickly and easily.

Reading & research

Using Google Scholar  you can search a large index of scholarly articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions. To get the most out this research tool check out Google’s guide to Advanced Scholar Searches . Compiling a bibliography in the required format can be a time consuming task at the end of a dissertation, especially if you haven't kept track whilst writing . Fortunately there are free tools available which help you to store your citations from the beginning of your project and retrieve them in a number of commonly use formats. Bibdesk  is an Open Source Mac app with bibliography management and search features, as well as some useful import and export capabilities. Alternatively, you could use Zotero 's browser extension for Firefox which can automatically sync your data with multiple computers. It also features browsing for mobile devices, which means you can access your data in away from your computer. For Windows users, BiblioExpress  offers a simple reference manager that can format citations in common styles such as ACS, APA, and MLA.

Planning your time

Time management is crucial  in a large project such as a dissertation. It may be useful to plan backwards from your deadline, allowing extra time where necessary for unforeseen delays and revisions. Gantt charts are a very visual way to allocate time to your dissertation tasks and there are many free tools to help you build your own. This is especially great if you're accommodating some non-work time too . Google Docs has a Gadget  in it’s spreadsheet feature which creates Gantt charts for free. Similarly, if you already own Microsoft Excel you can build Gantt charts with it too.

Tomsplanner  is a dedicated web-based Gantt generator which is free for personal use, and Team Gantt 's free trial offers an alternative with a slick interface. If you’re not keen on Gantt charts you could simply plan your project in a standard calendar. Google Calendars  is web based meaning you can access it from any computer and most mobile devices. You could also share your calendar with your supervisor if you think you're likely to miss deadlines. Microsoft Outlook’s calendar and iCalendar on Mac could also be useful planning tools.

To-do lists

If you need to organise your dissertation workload on a shorter time scale,  TeuxDeux 's well designed interface helps you to plan your tasks on a weekly basis. There’s also a paid iPhone app for task management on the go.

HabitRPG  is an excellent option for those of you who need a bit of positive reinforcement alongside your planning. If a week is still too much to think about, check out Todokyo  which takes simplicity to the next level with a clean-looking daily list.

Productivity

If you find yourself constantly distracted by the lures of email and social networking, you could try Freedom’s free trial . This Mac app blocks your web connection for up to 3 hours at a time, leaving you to concentrate on your dissertation. Alternatively you can block specific websites from Firefox using Leechblock , and Google Chrome users can do the same with StayFocusd .

Related articles

Planning A Good Research Project

How To Write A Thesis or Dissertation

Publishing Your Thesis or Dissertation

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Halley Jan. 10, 2020, 5:57 a.m.

Great article! Thank you :)

Charlotte King Jan. 13, 2020, 8:28 p.m.

Glad you liked it – hope you found it useful too!

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Dissertation Planner

Notion nerd

17 templates

This all-in-one Notion template is a game-changer for students working on their dissertations, theses, or research projects

About this template

Comprehensive Dissertation Planner Template, a meticulously designed tool to help you excel in your academic journey. This all-in-one Notion template is a game-changer for students working on their dissertations, theses, or research projects. Key Features: Reading List: Easily manage and organize your reading materials, making sure you never miss a crucial source. Article Summaries: Summarize important articles and research papers to keep track of key insights. Notes: Take structured notes as you delve deeper into your research, ensuring your ideas are well-documented. Reference List: Maintain an organized list of your references, citations, and bibliography. Supervisor Meetings: Schedule and record your meetings with your supervisor to stay on track and receive valuable feedback. Research Progress: Monitor your research milestones and stay motivated throughout your project. Writing Progress: Track your writing progress and set achievable writing goals. Chapters: Plan and outline your chapters, including figures and illustrations, all in one place. Final Checklist: Prepare for submission by following a comprehensive checklist of tasks. Presentation Structure: Create a solid structure for your dissertation presentation to impress your audience.

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Dissertation Calculator

Assignment start and due dates.

Enter the date you plan to start work and the due date of your assignment.

Required. Example: 12 31 2020

Assignment steps

Identify and refine your research question.

Your interest in your research questions will help you maintain focus on the dissertation process. The work you do may become the starting place for future research work and the next step in your career. Choose a topic that interests you and will help you advance your career. However, your choice of topic will depend on the requirements of your professors, advisors, program, department, college, university, and academic discipline. Review any documents or handbooks that outline the requirements and expectations.

  • Examine the requirements, expectations, and methods used by your department, program, and advisor.
  • University Digital Conservancy
  • Digital Dissertations
  • How to find dissertations and theses including older U of M print dissertations
  • Set up a system for organizing your search results, citations, PDFs, primary sources, notes etc. using  citation management tools  (e.g. Zotero or EndNote) or other strategies. You can use these tools to create "in-text" citations and bibliographies or works cited lists as you write.
  • In some cases, you will be given a research question or a list of topics to choose from by your advisor.In other cases, you will develop a topic based on your own research interests.
  • Review departmental information to learn about faculty research areas and identify faculty who might be interested in working with you. Try  Experts@Minnesota .
  • Do a  preliminary  study of the literature related to your topics to understand previous research, key themes, issues, variables, methodologies, limitations, terminology, controversies, and gaps in the current research. Identify significant researchers and scholars working in the area. Consult a variety of sources such as websites, research blogs, books, journal articles, conferences, organizations, and other sources.
  • Narrow your ideas to 2 or 3 possible research questions. Evaluate your question using criteria like feasibility, scope (too narrow or too broad), your level of interest, and future benefit to your career.
  • Discuss your ideas with classmates, colleagues, mentors, and other professors for comment and feedback.
  • Organize your research ideas into a pre-proposal for use in discussion and negotiation with your advisor.
  • Revise and modify as needed based on comments gathered.
  • Be sure that you and your advisor are in agreement about the research questions before drafting the final proposal.
  • The ULibraries have many print and ebooks on the process of writing dissertations. Search for: dissertations, academic; academic writing dissertations; and report writing dissertations.
  • Dissertations, from the University of North Carolina Writing Center

Percent time spent on this step: 5

Develop the research design and methodology

The research design is the strategy or blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of your data (data can be numbers, images, texts, interview transcripts, etc.). Generally the design is the overall logical structure for your project and the methodology refers to the detailed steps for data collection and analysis. The type of design and method used is determined by the nature of your research question. Certain research designs and methods are core to specific fields of study or programs. Your design needs to be consistent with the requirements and expectations of your advisor, committee, and program.

  • Understand that your choice of design and methods will influence the niche you develop for yourself within your department, your discipline, and the wider academic community.
  • Read and review information about design and methodology (e.g. such as books on methodology) and study examples of how these strategies have been applied in research similar to yours (e.g. other dissertations, articles, etc.).
  • Consider any philosophical and practical factors. Identify the theoretical approaches inherent in your design and methods.
  • Use  Sage Research Methods Online  to learn more about design and methods.
  • Search Libraries Search for books and articles on theory, design, methods, and analysis.
  • Read about specific statistical techniques and software packages, for example, R, Tableau, NVivo, ATALAS.ti, SPSS, etc.. Some libraries and OIT labs have this software. Learn about  statistical consulting services , if needed.
  • Learn about data management best practices. Data management plans assist you in planning the types of data you will collect, standards to document your data (metadata), security measures to protect the confidentiality of your subjects and intellectual property, and methods for archiving and sharing your data.
  • Review  dissertations with similar designs and methods to learn about what worked well and what obstacles occurred.

Review literature & write a proposal or prospectus

Proposals generally include the title of your project, an introduction, literature review, and a description of the research design and methodology for your proposed dissertation. This is often used as the foundation for the first three chapters of the completed dissertation. Be sure to read other successful proposals as examples to guide your work. Check with your advisor, mentors, or department for examples.

  • Writing an effective title  from UMN Center of Writing  
  • Although this is the first section the reader comes to, you might want to write it last , since until then, you will not be absolutely sure what you are introducing.
  • The introduction establishes the context for your research by briefly summarizing the current and background information about the topic. Use it to state the purpose of your work in the form of the hypothesis, question, or research problem, and briefly explain your rationale, theoretical perspective, design and methodological approach. Identify the significance and potential outcomes your project.
  • The introduction might include acknowledgement of the previous work on which you are building, an explanation of the scope of your research, what will and will not be included, and a "road map" or "table of contents" to guide the reader to what lies ahead.
  • Write in the future tense since it is a proposal. It can be changed and edited later once it becomes part of your dissertation.
  • Tips for writing an introduction from University of North Carolina  
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of your topic and clarify why your research is significant.
  • Ensure that your research is a unique contribution.
  • Understand the broader discipline and field(s) of which your topic is a part. Position or frame your topic in your field and establish the link between existing research and your question.
  • Explore important methodologies, controversies, and research issues.
  • Identify names of key researchers, core journals, other research centers, or possible sources of funding.
  • Explain your rationale for the research design and methodology and your plan to use and describe why it is appropriate for your research.
  • Your reading and study of the literature should be very comprehensive as you prepare your proposal and later write your final literature review. Now is the time to immerse yourself in your topic.
  • The written literature review is selective and does not include every article or source your find on your topic. Think of yourself as a curator at a museum. Select the most meaningful, representative works for your "exhibit" but you will have had to have read and critically evaluate many more sources that you don't include in your literature review. 
  • Build a workflow or system so you can keep track of sources (e.g. citation, PDF, etc.) including notes/rationale for sources you  are  using and for those you choose  not  to include (with your rationale for excluding them in case your advisor or committee have questions later).
  • Determine the expectations and requirements for the proposal meeting, for example, find out what type of presentation, if any, is expected. Talk with colleagues who have completed this process to understand more about the meeting.
  • Be sure that you have completed all the necessary forms from your department or college. 
  • Meet with your subject librarians and or librarians from related subjects to learn about useful library databases, keywords, citation tools, and specialized services for researchers.
  • Go to workshops or watch recorded workshops from the University Libraries.
  • Use the Center for Writing, Student Writing Support resources , especially for graduate writers resources.
  • Review other dissertations both for ideas on how the literature review can be organized and for useful articles and other sources.
  • Review what you already have written and presented for your course work and other projects.
  • Use subject-specific databases , in addition to, Libraries Search to explore the literature in your field.
  • Search article databases outside your discipline. Explore interdisciplinary databases such as Web of Science , Google Scholar ,  Scopus ,  JSTOR ,  Worldcat , etc.
  • Browse and search in the core journals in your field. Try the tool Browzine  to create a personal library. 
  • Decide if you need sources that are international in scope and use additional search strategies as needed.
  • Identify non-digitized sources. Depending on your research area contact library archives or special collections and consult with curators or other staff to learn more about relevant resources.
  • Use Interlibrary Loan to request materials not available at UMN Libraries for free.
  • Use subject headings or a thesaurus within a database to find similar sources by concept rather than just keyword match.
  • Review the bibliographies of articles and books to identify additional sources.
  • Do "cited reference" searches to identify researchers that have cited other specific books or articles of interest. Use specialized tools like Web of Science ,  Google Scholar and other databases to trace the citations both backward and forward in time.
  • Track where you have searched and your search terms by keeping a research log or journal ( view example ). This will help you identify the most productive sources and not repeat what you have already done. If needed you will be able to report your search strategies.

Percent time spent on this step: 15

Gather and analyze your data

After your proposal is approved, the next step is to implement your research plan by gathering and analyzing your "data." Before you begin there are more steps to consider if you have not completed.

  • Obtain any needed human subject or animal care approval from the Institutional Review Board .
  • Create a strategy to organize your files, contacts, observations, field notes, and bibliographic information.
  • Implement a small pilot study before proceeding with the full data collection. This will help you to test your approach to ensure you are collecting data that reflects your research question. Document details such as time involved and issues in the study for either you or the participants. Determine if any modifications to your study need to occur before proceeding.
  • Identify and test a strategy for transforming and analyzing the data (e.g. coding data, transcribing interviews, running statistics, etc.).
  • Test your analysis method with the small pilot study or sample of your data.
  • Create graphs, tables, images, and other outputs that illustrate your results.
  • Meet regularly with your advisor to discuss and resolve any questions.
  • Use Sage Research Methods Online to learn more about design and methods.
  • Search Libraries Search  for books and articles on data visualization, data mining, data processing, methods, and analysis.

Percent time spent on this step: 30

Write the Results and Discussion sections

  • Use non-text objects to illustrate your results including tables, figures, images and visualizations. Illustrative objects should either be placed within the dissertation text or at the end of your dissertation.
  • Summarize all your results whether they are statistically significant or not.
  • Put raw data, survey instruments, and release forms, etc. into appendices if appropriate and required. Consider the Data Repository for the U of M (DRUM)  to archive data. 
  • Include your research questions identified in the introduction. Describe how you have moved the field forward. Explain how your research enhances or fills a gap in existing research. Identify any unexpected or contradictory findings.
  • Explain how your results relate to existing literature and if they are consistent with previous research.
  • Describe how your results can be applied. This could take a variety of forms such as real world application, best practices or recommendations.
  • Share the conclusion have reached because of your research.
  • Explain limitations in your research and possibilities for future research on your topic.
  • Meet with a subject librarian to do precise searching if you need to find additional sources.
  • Meet with the Center for Writing for support with your writing process.

Percent time spent on this step: 25

Edit Dissertation draft & prepare for your defense

Although editing and revising occurs throughout the writing process, budget sufficient time to return to your draft for full-scale revision. Seeking feedback, reviewing, and editing your document helps you to:

  • See your text from a reader's perspective.
  • Bring together parts written at different times to create a coherent, connected whole.
  • Make your ideas clear to others, which in turn, will result in better reader comments.
  • Plan and negotiate your progress in consultation with your advisor and committee members.
  • Examine the overall organization and identify what is no longer relevant and what sections need further development.
  • Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist , from UW Madison
  • Higher Order Concerns and Lower Order Concerns  from Purdue
  • Ask colleagues and others for specific types of feedback to guide the comments. Connect with your dissertation support network and members of your committee to receive constructive feedback.
  • Help your readers help you by giving them a direction, for example in an email, in which you explain what you want to accomplish in the draft and list your specific questions and concerns.
  • Identify potential readers' expertise and skills when deciding which parts of your dissertation you want them to review. For example, perhaps only people working in your lab can constructively comment on your "methods," while friends in other disciplines would give useful feedback on the "introduction."
  • Respond to all comments even though you may decide to not incorporate a suggestion.
  • Negotiate with your advisor and committee members to establish a process for submitting drafts for their feedback.
  • Check all calculations, visual details, and citations for accuracy and validity and remove sources you are no longer citing or add new ones.
  • Prepare the bibliography, appendix, title page, and acknowledgements.
  • Be sure you are formatting your document to meet the  dissertation submission and formatting requirements .
  • You may or may not be expected to give a brief presentation at the beginning.
  • Focus on the needs of your primary audience (your advisor and committee), either by consulting them directly or considering their feedback to your initial draft.
  • Review your notes and rationale for making the decisions you made in your draft for example, including or excluding certain seminal theories, authors, and research methodologies.
  • Remind yourself that at this point you are now the "expert" on your research and the goal of the defense is to present and share your expertise and seek feedback from interested readers.
  • Dissertation Defense  from Texas A&M

Finish and submit your dissertation

Your dissertation defense committee will have informed you that you passed your defense, or passed with minor revisions needed. In some cases, substantial revisions are needed before the committee members agree to pass the dissertation. The procedures, requirements, and timelines for completing the dissertation process may vary depending on the department and college with which you are affiliated and the type of doctorate you will receive. Once any needed revisions have been completed and approved, you are ready to finish the dissertation and submit the final version.

  • Many departments have their own handbooks to guide students through the process with timelines and specific academic style guidelines. Consult the details in the doctoral handbook for your department and college.
  • Review the  Dissertation submission requirements .
  • Review information about Copyright and Dissertations & Theses . You own the copyright usually and it is wise to consider your next with the content.
  • You will retain your rights to your dissertation when submitting it to the UDC.
  • The UDC copy of your dissertation will be freely available for you and others to read and link to with a permanent URL. Learn more about the benefits of the UDC for your dissertation.
  • A copy of your dissertation is submitted to ProQuest/UMI Dissertation Publishing making information about your dissertation available through ProQuest Digital Dissertations. The full text of your dissertation will be available through libraries that subscribe to this product or copies may be purchased. You may also opt to make your dissertation available on an open access basis via ProQuest Open Access Publishing.

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dissertation planner excel

Follow a schedule to stay on top of your life

Design custom schedule templates to help you plan out your year and manage projects for your business. Use Excel to set schedules by the month, day, and even down to the hour. Leave fields for you to add in details of what task you want to complete during the time. Save your schedule template so that you can schedule it with your business partners and employees. Use it in a collaborative effort so that they can add to your schedule when you have availability. Rearrange your schedule during busy seasons, like for annual sales or holiday sales. Create a schedule for your different social media profiles so that your business knows when to post and what to post. Add your brand's logo to the top of the schedule so that all your internal documentation stays consistent. Follow the schedule so that you're using your time wisely and effectively.

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  • Project management

Gantt Chart Templates

16 free gantt chart templates (excel, powerpoint, word).

If you’ve got experience in project management, you’ve probably heard of a Gantt chart. In the early 20th century, Henry Gantt developed the Gantt chart to help with organizing project data by showing accomplished work in comparison to anticipated activity.

Gantt charts are an essential tool used to arrange project tasks on a visual timeline. This makes it simple for project, program, and portfolio managers to sketch out project plans and major milestones. Gantt charts are used for a variety of other things, including resource management, scheduling, tracking, and planning.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Gantt Chart Templates
  • 2 What is a Gantt Chart Template
  • 3 How is a Gantt Chart Used
  • 4 Gantt Chart Samples
  • 5 What is a Gantt Chart Used For
  • 7 How To Create Your Own Gantt Chart Templates
  • 8 What to Include in Your Gantt Chart
  • 9 Gantt Chart Examples
  • 10 When Should You Use a Gantt Chart Template
  • 11 How To Create an Excel Gantt Chart Template
  • 12 How to Create a Gantt Chart in Google Sheets
  • 13 How to Create a Gantt Chart template in Word
  • 14 Conclusion

Since its creation in the early 1910s Gantt charts have been used for over a century. In this article, we’ll explain how a robust Gantt chart tool functions and why so many project teams employ them.

Free Construction Gantt Chart Template

What is a Gantt Chart Template

A Gantt chart template is a graphic representation of activities that aid project managers in keeping track of development.

These charts show a series of horizontal lines that demonstrate the quantity of work or production that is completed within a specific time frame. These horizontal bars that include timelines and tasks are also known as Gantt bars. This is due to their similarity to a stacked bar chart.

A Gantt chart template displays the task’s start and end dates, dependencies, scheduling, deadlines, percentage of the task that has been completed in each stage, and the task owner.

After tasks have been specified using a work breakdown structure, Gantt charts are often used throughout projects, programs, and portfolios to represent anticipated activity against the time it takes to complete the activity.

You can use a simple Gantt chart template to assign tasks to each member of the team, establish time limits, automatically calculate costs, and keep track of progress in real-time.

The best attribute of a Gantt chart is that it can be used in conjunction with a different project plan template like a Kanban board, real-time project dashboards, timesheets, and tools for team collaboration.

When there is a big team and numerous stakeholders, a visual representation of the timeline of a project is helpful to keep work on schedule. Gantt chart templates make it easy to quickly assess and track project progress.

Some of the key benefits of a Gantt chart template:

  • Gives a visual representation of the entire project including project milestones.
  • Provides a clear critical path of the project schedule and deadlines for each milestone.
  • Links relationships and dependencies among different activities.
  • Provides a clear project timeline, phases, and other tasks.

Gantt chart integration in other project management tools provides managers with insights into team workloads, as well as existing and future availability, enabling more precise scheduling.

How is a Gantt Chart Used

The idea of a Gantt chart template is to list the jobs that need to be done and the order in which the task list needs to be completed. This will assist you in finding specific tasks that can be completed simultaneously or one after the other.

Combining this with the project’s resources will allow you to examine the relationship between the project’s scope (size and timeline), cost (amount of resources), and time frame (getting the job done). The project manager can observe how modifying the overall project scope or adding more resources would affect the deadline.

Project managers also need to be aware of all the individual tasks necessary to accomplish the project, an estimation of how long each task will take, and which activities are interdependent.

Compiling this data aids a project manager in concentrating on the crucial elements and attempting to define a reasonable timeline for completion.

Gantt Chart Samples

Free Event Gantt Chart Template

What is a Gantt Chart Used For

A Gantt chart template is useful for visualizing the numerous tasks and projects that are carried out concurrently inside an organization along with their current status.

Management often uses them to plan and schedule these projects to distribute resources efficiently. They are also used to ensure that higher-priority tasks and projects are completed before lower-priority ones.

Any sector or field can use the Gantt chart because it is such a versatile project management tool for determining deadlines and job dependencies.

Here are a few ways in which Gantt charts are used in different scenarios: 

  • Project management: Gantt chart gathers the data that project managers use to produce a visual timeline that displays all of a project plan’s components in one location. Project managers can schedule projects, allocate resources, establish costs, and include a sales process timeline in their Gantt chart template.
  • Construction: To plan the many phases of a construction project, such as initiation, pre-construction, and procurement, general contractors, project owners, and construction project managers utilize Gantt chart templates. However, they can also be applied on a smaller scale to organize routine chores within the construction industry.
  • Software development: Gantt chart templates are used by software engineering teams to build project roadmaps. This is crucial for task management when creating new products. This can be done using a Gantt chart template by simply plotting software development tasks on a timeline as if it were a project plan.

Pros and Cons of a Gantt Chart Template

Gantt carts are used in a variety of different areas and ultimately help teams set a project schedule. These projects can be made with the aid of project management tools like Microsoft Project Microsoft PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Excel as well as specialized software applications.

While Gantt charts are used in a variety of different professions, they do still have their pros and cons.

  • It can be used to track progress and allocate resources.
  • Identifies potential delays within the project’s timeline .
  • Provides a clear, visual depiction of the plan that is generally widely understood and reasonably simple to build.
  • Serves as a communication tool for employees, making it easier to manage projects.
  • They don’t display dependencies on their own.
  • The size of a timetable that can be read and understood has a limit.
  • These charts are not adaptable to change readily as a result of advancement or a shift in scope.
  • Gantt charts are also prone to errors.

How To Create Your Own Gantt Chart Templates

Before setting up your first Gantt chart template, you’ll need to consider every aspect of the project and divide it into smaller, more manageable parts. Once you’ve done that, assign each part to an individual or group of people and allocate the necessary resources.

Determine task relationships and the order in which each job should be completed, indicating the anticipated length of time for the entire project and its various dependent tasks and subtasks.

A Gantt chart template will indicate task dependencies (how one task links to another) as well as the tasks in a specific sequence.

That said, below is a simple breakdown of the first steps you’ll need to take:

  • Determine the approximate duration of each task.
  • Choose the sequence in which the various tasks should be finished.
  • Find places where you lack resources.
  • Find tasks on your timeline view that will take too long to complete.
  • Find out where the schedule can be improved or where any task’s due date can be changed.
  • Make a decision and distribute your resources.
  • Consider the dangers and issues you might face and have an alternative plan in case something goes wrong.

What to Include in Your Gantt Chart

Let’s dissect the fundamental components of a Gantt chart template so you can see how they work in a project plan:

  • List of tasks: Divided into groups and subgroups, tasks run down a vertical axis on the left side of the Gantt chart to defining project activity.
  • Time frame : Displays months, weeks, days, and years in a horizontal bar across the top of the Gantt chart, representing how long the project is expected to take.
  • Timeline: On an Excel Gantt chart template, this is the vertical line that displays the date at which you complete tasks and their due dates.
  • Bars: On the right side of the Gantt chart in most programs, horizontal markers or bars indicate tasks, display status, duration, and start and end dates.
  • Milestones: You can use symbols to identify and mark significant occasions, dates, choices, and outputs.
  • Dependencies: Tasks that need to be completed in a specific order are connected by light gray lines or arrows.
  • Movement : Shows how far along the task is and may do so by using a percentage or bar shading.
  • Resourcing allocated : identifies the individual or group in charge of finishing a task, along with the resources and materials needed to complete the job.

Gantt Chart Examples

Free Milestone Gantt Chart Template

When Should You Use a Gantt Chart Template

When your project demands more preparation than a simple to-do list can provide, a Gantt chart template can help you along the project management process.

Here are a few tell-tale signs that you’ll need a Gantt chart template to manage projects and finish the job to the best of your team’s ability.

  • Your task duration is tight and you need to keep track of your team’s progress.
  • The project involves several individuals or groups that require precise coordination.
  • A supervisor, client, or team member requests a visual breakdown of the project’s progress.
  • If your project has even a small amount of complexity. This includes tasks that must be completed in a certain order.
  • You must control the workloads of your team members that are busy on many projects at once.
  • You know the project timelines and approximately how long each task should or might take.

How To Create an Excel Gantt Chart Template

We all love Microsoft Excel as it can be a useful tool for virtually everything, from tracking large projects to using it as a basic calculator.

Project managers need Gantt charts as one of their primary tools. However, if you are a newbie or only require this type of chart for one project, you can save money by creating a free Gantt chart Excel template rather than paying for pricey Gantt chart template software.

Because Microsoft Excel doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart tool, creating one in Excel requires a bit of effort. Here is a brief description of how to create a free template.

  • Construct a project table To list your project tasks, create a table with four columns. To do this, highlight the rows and columns you want in your table, then go to Home> Table> Format as a table. Add a formula to determine each task’s length by deducting the end date from the start date.
  • Construct a stacked bar chart With the information from your project table, create a typically stacked bar chart. First, select the data you want in your bar chart, then click on the Insert tab in the ribbon. Once Excel has created your bar graph, you can give it a project title.
  • Modify Data in Your Excel File To edit the axis labels, right-click your stacked bar chart and choose “Edit” from the insert menu that appears under “Select Data”. You can then order your data by categories.
  • Format Your Excel Gantt Chart template You must structure this stacked bar chart to display the task bars of a Gantt view if you want to convert it into a Gantt chart template timeline.

To format your Excel Gantt chart template, you can:

  • Change the Gantt bars’ color, shape, or pattern by clicking on the paint bucket icon.
  • Alter the Gantt bars using a style from the dropdown menu.
  • Make a different kind of Gantt bar.
  • Insert more text into your Gantt chart template.
  • Alter the height and width.

How to Create a Gantt Chart in Google Sheets

Gantt charts in Google Sheets provide you with the projects and the period taken to complete them. It’s usually used as a bar chart that breaks down a project, task, or event and even the time it takes to achieve them.

Creating an online Gantt chart template in Google Sheets is helpful when you make a Gantt chart for a business or team project. To create a Gantt chart template in google sheets:

  • Open a new blank spreadsheet in your browser.
  • Create a table by clicking Insert>Table and insert a heading.
  • Next, you’ll need to enter a value for tasks, a start and end date, and any other relevant key points.
  • Once all your data is in place, highlight it and click Insert>Chart template
  • Choose the stacked Bar Chart and customize the chart with the menu on the right.

How to Create a Gantt Chart template in Word

Creating a Gantt chart in Word is similar to doing it in google sheets. The first thing you need to do when creating a Gantt chart software in Microsoft Word is open a new document and change the page to landscape.

You can then enter all the necessary data like the project type, tasks needing to be completed, and start and end dates of the project. Once you’ve gathered all your data, enter the data into a stacked bar graph.

You can customize your graph to fit your preferences by right-clicking on the graph and clicking “edit chart”. You can adjust colors, gaps between the horizontal axis and bars, or their display order. It’s important to play around until you find the settings that are right for you.

Creating a simple Gantt chart template doesn’t have to be difficult. With the simple steps above, you can set up your schedule to keep your project phases on track.

To better manage the tasks involved in completing your project, we advise creating your free Gantt chart template to make your life easier.

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University Thesis Developing Gantt Chart in Excel

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PhD Planner

Madeline Taylor from the University of Melbourne prepared this useful PhD planner as an Excel Spreadsheet. As she says: "its been really helpful to track progress and feel like I was in control of my research." You can download this spreadsheet and update it with your own information and milestones.

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Thesis and dissertation template.

The Graduate College offers a thesis/dissertation template that contains all required content and formatting. You can either write your document from within the template or apply the template’s formatting to your previously created work.

Need help working in the template? Schedule an appointment today.

Before You Begin

The first time you download the template, save the template file to your computer before you begin work on your document. This is important if you are composing your thesis/dissertation within the template or if you are copying and pasting your content into the template. You may need the original template file in the future.

Please note: We offer the Google Doc template for initial drafts of your thesis/dissertation to share easily with your committee chair. We do not accept Google Documents as the final document of your thesis/dissertation. Google Docs does not have the functionality we require for our final theses/dissertations. Please use the Google Doc template while keeping in mind that you will need to convert your document to Microsoft Word later.

Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Word Doc) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (LATEX) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Google Doc)

Word Template Last Updated: February 2021

Word Document Template Information

Download instructions.

  • Download the Boise State Template from the orange callout ribbon above.
  • Show the downloaded file in the Downloads folder.
  • Right click and select Open
  • Enable Content
  • Click File > Save As and name the file, for instance, Boise_State_Template.dotm (note the extension is “.dotm”) and  Save as type:  Word Macro-Enabled Template (*.dotm) .  It is recommended locating this file on your desktop – it may come in handy if you need to reattach the template to your document in the future (see below).
  • Close this file.

Working Within the Template

To work within the template, styles are applied throughout the document. These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

When entering your own work into the template, be sure to apply the following styles to the appropriate parts of your document. Failure to do so will mean that your Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables will be incorrect.

  • Format a Heading 1 in all caps, and centered
  • Format a Heading 2 in title-caps, bold, and centered
  • Format a Heading 3 in title-caps, underlined, and aligned left
  • Format a Heading 4 in title-caps, underlined, and indented once
  • Format a Heading 5 in title-caps, underlined and indented twice
  • Figure Captions are bolded and centered in the template. They may also be justified.
  • Table Captions are bolded and aligned left in the template. They may also be justified.
  • Appendix Heading 2
  • Appendix Heading 3

Formatting Landscape Pages

When setting pages of your document to landscape orientation to accommodate large figures or tables, you must reformat their page numbers so that they will still be visible after binding.

  • Open the landscape page’s header by double-clicking within the header.
  • Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. Repeat this step for the page following the landscape page.
  • Delete the landscape page’s current page number.
  • Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section)→Page Margins.
  • Select Landscape Page Numbers.

Note: If your other pages’ pagination disappears after inserting landscape page numbers, you likely did not turn off Link to Previous. Undo your changes to the page numbers and restart the instructions.

Replacing Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables

After your writing and editing is complete, you will need to replace the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

  • Right click the existing TOC, LOF, or LOT.
  • Click Update Field.
  • Select Update entire table and click Ok.

Note: All other lists (such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs) are not updated automatically. Instead, the template includes examples of manually-created lists that can be altered to fit your needs.

Attaching the Template to a Preexisting Document. If your document is at or near completion, it may be easier for you to attach the template to your existing file than to paste your document into a new template.

Formatting Styles and Applying Styles

Before attaching the Thesis/Dissertation template to your document, you must first apply the following styles to the appropriate sections of your work. It does not matter how these styles look – when you first apply them they will not look right – only that the names of the styles match those in the following list exactly. After you have applied all the styles and attach the template the document will be formatted correctly.

These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. Leave this menu open while you work through the document. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

Attaching Styles

  • Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the Styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen and apply the styles to your document as you work.
  • Highlight the text you wish to format (it is often only necessary to “click in” the section you wish to format)
  • Click the appropriate style from the Styles menu

Note: If the style you are looking for is not included in the list you may need to create the style (see next).

Creating Styles

Some required styles will not be listed in the premade styles, thus you will need to create them yourself.

  • Highlight the text that you wish to format
  • Right click the text and select Styles → Save Selection as a New Quick Style.
  • Enter the appropriate style name and click OK.

Note: Remember, it does not matter how these styles look at this time, only that the style names match the names listed in the table above.

Attaching the Template

After applying styles to your document, you can attach the template, which will fix most of your document’s formatting issues.

  • Download the Boise State Thesis and Dissertation Template and save it to your computer. See instructions above under “Before you Begin.”
  • Open the Word document containing your thesis/dissertation, click file, click options, click add-ins, and select templates from the Manage drop down menu at the bottom of the page. Click go.
  • In the Document Template section, click Attach.
  • Navigate to the folder in which you saved the template and select it.
  • Important: Check the box labeled “Automatically update document styles.”

Adjusting Margins

  • Click Ctrl+A to select the entire document.
  • In the Home ribbon, click layout, click margins and select the mirror margin option that contains inside margin 1.5″, top and bottom margins 1.”

Setting Page Numbers

Be careful that you set section breaks between front matter and body text and also between portrait and landscape-oriented pages (see Manually Formatting Your Document for instructions on setting page breaks). Each has a different way of formatting their pagination.

Front Matter

  •  Set a continuous section break immediately before the Heading 1 on the first page that follows your approval pages.
  • Set a continuous section break immediately before the title of Chapter 1.
  • Open the footer on the first page following your approval page by clicking the Footer button in the Header & Footer section of the Insert tab and selecting Edit Footer.
  • Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first numbered page in the front matter.
  • Insert page numbers. Front matter page numbers should be in lowercase Roman numerals and should be centered at the bottom of each page.
  • Double-click inside the footer of the first page in Chapter 1.
  • Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first page in the body text.
  • Delete the page numbers from the footer.
  • Open the header on the same page by double-clicking inside the header.
  • Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab.
  • Insert alpha-numeric page numbers, starting with 1, into the upper right-hand corner of the pages.

Landscape Pages

  • Repeat step 3 on the page following the landscape page.
  • Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section) → Page Margins.

Inserting Table of Contents and Lists of Figures or Tables

Finally, after your document’s content is complete, you will need to create the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

  • In the Home ribbon, select References , then select Table of Contents and choose the first option.
  • To build your list of tables or figures do the following: on the Home ribbon, select references, select Insert List of Table of Figures, on the options drop down select either table captions or figure captions depending on which you are creating. You will then have to manually insert the heading.

Note: The template does not include macros for automatically generating other lists such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs. However, it does include example lists that can be copied, pasted, and altered to meet your needs.

Helpful Tips

  • Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen, or on a second screen, and apply the styles to your document as you work. To make the document styles behave, use the styles in the template. For example, for all Heading 1s, use the Heading 1 style, which will automatically insert a break and a 2 inch margin, etc. As long as the styles are used, the document should behave appropriately, and the table of contents will include the headings once updated. To modify the Table of Contents, click once to highlight the table in gray, right-click and select “Update Entire Field.”
  • Show formatting marks as you work in your document.  Click on the File tab, then Options, Display, and click on the box “Show all formatting marks” and OK.

Dissertation planner

dissertation planner excel

Are you ready to tackle your dissertation with confidence and organization? Introducing our Comprehensive Dissertation Planner Template, a meticulously designed tool to help you excel in your academic journey. This all-in-one Notion template is a game-changer for students working on their dissertations, theses, or research projects. Key Features: Reading List: Easily manage and organize your reading materials, making sure you never miss a crucial source. Article Summaries: Summarize important articles and research papers to keep track of key insights. Notes: Take structured notes as you delve deeper into your research, ensuring your ideas are well-documented. Reference List: Maintain an organized list of your references, citations, and bibliography. Supervisor Meetings: Schedule and record your meetings with your supervisor to stay on track and receive valuable feedback. Research Progress: Monitor your research milestones and stay motivated throughout your project. Writing Progress: Track your writing progress and set achievable writing goals. Chapters: Plan and outline your chapters, including figures and illustrations, all in one place. Final Checklist: Prepare for submission by following a comprehensive checklist of tasks. Presentation Structure: Create a solid structure for your dissertation presentation to impress your audience.

Why Choose Our Dissertation Planner Template? Efficiency: Save valuable time and streamline your workflow with our well-organized template. Productivity: Stay on top of your tasks and deadlines, allowing you to focus on your research. Organization: Keep all your dissertation-related information in one place for easy access. Professionalism: Impress your academic advisors and peers with a well-structured and polished dissertation. Success: Increase your chances of academic success with a comprehensive planning tool at your fingertips. Don't let the stress of dissertation writing overwhelm you. Invest in our Comprehensive Dissertation Planner Template and empower yourself with the tools needed to excel in your academic journey. Take a step closer to achieving your academic goals today!

Creating Dashboards in Excel: Quick Guide + Free Templates

Published: August 26, 2024 - 6 min read

Want to learn how to create dashboards in Excel? You’re in the right place!

This guide will walk you through building effective Excel dashboards. We’ll cover the basics, highlight useful features, and share tips for clear data presentation. By the end, you’ll know how to craft dashboards that make complex information easy to understand and act on.

Let’s dive in!

Planning Your Excel Dashboard: Key Considerations

Before diving into dashboard creation, it’s crucial to understand who will use the dashboard and what they need from it. Consider the following:

  • Audience:  Who are the primary users? Are they executives, managers, or analysts?
  • Purpose:  Is the dashboard for tracking performance, guiding strategic decisions, or something else?
  • Usage:  How frequently will the dashboard be used? Will users need real-time data?

Additionally, the backbone of any dashboard is its data. Here are some tips to ensure that you gather and organize your data effectively:

  • Data Sources:  Identify all potential data sources and ensure they are reliable and up-to-date.
  • Data Relevance:  Filter out irrelevant data to focus on information that aligns with your objectives.
  • Data Structure:  Organize your data logically, making it easy to analyze and interpret.
  • Automation:  Where possible, automate data collection and updating processes to save time and reduce errors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Dashboard in Excel

Step 1: organize your data.

  • Consolidate your data into a single worksheet or workbook. Remove unnecessary columns or rows.
  • Identify and resolve any missing values or inconsistencies in your data.
  • Use data validation techniques to ensure data integrity and minimize errors.
  • Ensure data types (e.g., dates, numbers) are consistent throughout your dataset.
  • Use tables to organize related data for better readability and easier management.

Step 2: Utilize Pivot Tables

  • Go to the “Insert” tab and select “PivotTable.”

Screenshot of the process to insert a Pivot Table in Excel from the Insert tab, showing field selection

  • Drag and drop fields into the “Rows,” “Columns,” and “Values” areas to summarize and analyze your data.

Screenshot of the Pivot Table field configuration in Excel, highlighting rows, columns, and values areas

  • Adjust filters to focus on specific subsets of data.
  • Use calculated fields and measures to perform custom calculations within the pivot table.
  • Experiment with different layouts and settings to uncover key insights and patterns in your data.

Screenshot of the Insert Chart menu in Excel, with various chart types like bar, line, and pie highlighted.

  • Group data by different time periods (e.g., months, quarters) for more granular analysis.

Step 3: Visualize with Charts and Graphs

  • Highlight the data you want to visualize, ensuring it is clean and properly formatted.

Screenshot of the Chart Design tab in Excel, showcasing options to customize chart layout, colors, and labels.

  • Go to the “Insert” tab and choose the desired chart type (e.g., line chart, bar graph, pie chart) based on the nature of your data and the insights you want to convey.

Screenshot of the process to add slicers to a Pivot Table in Excel for interactive data filtering.

  • Use the “Chart Design” tab to modify the chart format, add titles, labels, and legends.

Screenshot of Excel’s Insert Timeline feature, used to add date-based filters to a Pivot Table.

  • Enhance the informative value of your charts by adding trend lines, data labels, and error bars when applicable.
  • Consider using secondary axes for combining multiple data series with different scales.

Step 4: Enhance with Interactivity

  • Select a Pivot Table or Table, then go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Slicer.”

Screenshot of an Excel table with conditional formatting applied to highlight key data trends and outliers.

  • Choose the fields you want to use as filters, allowing users to dynamically interact with the data.

Screenshot of an Excel dashboard with slicers in action, dynamically filtering data and updating charts.

  • For date fields in Pivot Tables, use the “Insert” tab to add a “Timeline” for easy date-based filtering.

Image7

  • Use formulas and conditional formatting to highlight important data points or trends.
  • Employ VBA macros to automate repetitive tasks or create custom functions for enhanced interactivity.

Step 5: Optimize Layout and Design

  • Place charts, tables, and slicers logically on your dashboard, ensuring the layout is intuitive and information flows naturally.
  • Apply consistent formatting, colors, and fonts throughout the dashboard for a professional and cohesive look.
  • Align elements neatly and use ample white space to improve readability and visual appeal.
  • Highlight the most important data points and make them easily accessible for quick insights.
  • Simplify complex data by using clear labels, tooltips, and concise summaries.

Step 6: Finalize and Test

  • Check for any errors or inconsistencies in formulas, data, and visualizations.
  • Ensure all interactive elements, such as slicers and timelines, function correctly and provide the desired user experience.
  • Share the dashboard with stakeholders for input and gather feedback for potential improvements.
  • Make necessary adjustments based on the feedback received to refine the dashboard’s effectiveness.
  • Save your dashboard and distribute it in the desired format (e.g., Excel file, PDF) for easy access and sharing.

What is an Excel Dashboard?

An Excel dashboard is a one-stop overview that provides users with critical information at a glance. It’s a visual representation of key metrics and data points, typically created within Microsoft Excel.

The key components of an Excel dashboard include:

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  • Charts and Graphs:  Visual representations of data that help to quickly identify trends and outliers.
  • Tables:  Used to display raw data and summary statistics.
  • Metrics:  Key performance indicators (KPIs) that track the progress of various business objectives.
  • Filters:  Allow users to customize data views according to specific criteria or time periods.

Here are some of the benefits they offer:

  • Improved Decision-Making:  By consolidating data into a single interface, dashboards allow for quick, informed decisions based on the latest data.
  • Time Efficiency:  Dashboards reduce the time spent searching for and analyzing data, allowing more time for strategic activities.
  • Enhanced Communication:  They provide a clear and concise format for sharing information with stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Proactive Management:  With real-time data, dashboards help in identifying issues before they become problems, allowing for proactive management.

Excel Dashboards: Tips & Tricks

  • Slicers and Timelines : Slicers and timelines allow users to quickly filter and segment the data, enabling them to explore the information in more depth. Incorporate these interactive elements to give your dashboard users greater control and flexibility.
  • Conditional Formatting : Use conditional formatting to highlight important data points, trends, and outliers. Apply color scales, data bars, and icon sets to draw attention to key insights and help users quickly identify areas of concern or opportunity.
  • Formulas and Macros : Leverage Excel’s powerful formula capabilities and macros to create dynamic, responsive dashboards. Use formulas to calculate KPIs, perform complex analyses, and update data automatically. Macros can automate repetitive tasks and add advanced functionality to your dashboard.
  • Data Connections and Refreshes : Connect your dashboard to external data sources , such as databases or web services, to ensure your information is always up-to-date. Configure automatic data refreshes to keep your visualizations current without manual intervention.

Keep Your Excel Dashboards Up-to-Data with Coefficient

Building effective Excel dashboards involves organizing data, choosing the right visualizations, and using Excel’s features wisely. This guide has walked you through creating dashboards that provide clear insights for data-driven decisions.

Remember, a good dashboard presents complex information in an easily digestible format. Practice with different data sets to refine your skills.

Get started with Coefficient today for free  to enhance your Excel dashboard capabilities.

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Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning Degree Information

The doctoral curriculum integrates analytical methods, research design, a rigorous understanding of urbanization dynamics, and an examination of broader social theories, processes and policies.

Students address complex systems that typically encompass an array of spatial, environmental, social, political, technical, and economic factors. The emphasis is on theory, analysis, and action.

Each student is also expected to demonstrate an understanding of the literature, theory, and research in a specialization area within the larger discipline of urban and regional planning.

Required Courses

Four courses are required of all Ph.D. students: two doctoral-level planning theory courses and a two-course research seminar sequence.

  • Advanced Urban Theory (URP 700)
  • Epistemology and Reasoning for Planning Research (URP 701)
  • Research Design (URP 801)
  • Ph.D. Research Seminar (URP 802)

Recent students have engaged in subjects as diverse as:

  • The political economy of public transit, inner-city revitalization
  • Global city urbanization
  • Information technology and cyberspace
  • The crisis of modernist urbanism
  • Suburbanization in developing countries
  • Regional planning institutions
  • The effects of environmental contamination on patterns of urban and regional development
  • The culture of suburban commuting
  • The impact of tourism on historical Mediterranean cities
  • The application of complex systems analysis to sustainable development

Pre-Candidacy Requirements

Doctoral students specialize in a wide range of possible topics.

  • Planning theory
  • Analytic methods
  • Research design
  • Primary area of specialization

Students meet these requirements through coursework and exams over a two-year period. During this time, a student’s cumulative grade point average may not fall below a B without academic discipline or probation.

Analytic Methods Courses

Students are expected to be skilled in statistics, in at least two analytic research techniques, and reasonably knowledgeable about several others. Students qualify in analytic techniques by completing the following:

Satisfactory performance (B or higher) in two cumulative graduate-level statistics courses.

Students entering with previous statistics experience may wish to enter directly into a second semester statistics course. In the past, students have typically selected one of the following sequences:

  • Statistics 402 (Introduction to Statistics & Data Analysis), Statistics 403 (Statistics & Data Analysis II)
  • Sociology 510 (Statistics); Sociology 610 (Statistical Methods)
  • Natural Resources 438 (Natural Resources Biometrics), Natural Resources 538 (Natural Resources Data Analysis)
  • Biostatistics 503 (Introductory Biostatistics), Biostatistics 523 (Biostatistical Analysis for Health-Related Fields)
  • The sequence in political science

NOTE:  Students wishing to study statistics during the spring or summer terms may want to investigate the Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research sponsored by the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) and/or the Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques conducted by the research staff of the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research. Choice of courses to meet requirements should be discussed with your advisor.

Competence in at least two analytic/research methods satisfied through six credit hours of total coursework.

These are methods used in planning research and should prepare the student for their likely area of dissertation work. The requirement is met through completion of nine credits of course work in two analytic/research methods (in addition to statistics), to be defined by the student in conjunction with his or her advisor. (The two methods may be interrelated.) Depending on the research method and the student’s background, more courses may be needed. Courses in these two areas must be completed with a grade of B or higher in order to fulfill this requirement. Graduate level courses that are audited can count for this requirement, as long as the student completes all the work of the course and the instructor provides a letter indicating the grade the student would have received had he or she been enrolled. All plans for satisfying this requirement are the joint responsibility of the student and his or her advisor.

The methods a student selects should relate to their dissertation area. Below are several analytic/research methods in which students have been examined in recent years. Numerous analytic/research methods are appropriate, and students need not be restricted to choices on the list:

  • Anthropological methods
  • Case study methods
  • Complex systems analysis
  • Cost benefit & cost effectiveness analysis
  • Decision theory & general risk analysis
  • Demographic analysis
  • Discrete choice analysis
  • Differential equations
  • Diffusion models
  • Economic & other forecasting models
  • Evaluation research
  • Graph theory
  • Historical analysis
  • Institutional analysis
  • Interview techniques
  • Linear programming and general analysis using linear models
  • Network & flow methods
  • Population growth models
  • Probability, both theoretical & heuristic
  • Simulation/gaming & game theory
  • Spatial analysis
  • Survey research
  • Time series

Annual Review of Progress

At the end of each year of study, students are required to complete an Annual Review.  The advisor and the Director of Doctoral Studies may make recommendations for any modifications deemed necessary prior to the start of the following academic year. Note: financial support for the subsequent year, if applicable, depends on timely completion of a satisfactory annual review.

Annual Review Steps

By April 15, the student submits:

  • A draft annual review form to their advisor, including a concise narrative of and goals for the upcoming summer and academic year.
  • An up-to-date CV

The student and advisor meet; the advisor provides comments to the student and, where necessary, recommends changes in the academic plan in the annual review form.

Once the advisor has approved the plan of study for the coming year, they send the Director of Doctoral Studies a short narrative of student progress.

The URP Ph.D. Advisory Committee reviews the materials, and sends a letter to the student, either confirming their good standing in the program or specifying additional requirements to be in good standing.

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam tests a student’s knowledge of both their primary and secondary areas of specialization. The exam consists of a take-home, written examination followed by an oral exam. The examination normally occurs at the end of the student’s second year, after completion of all relevant coursework.

The Committee

The student convenes an examination committee of three faculty members, choosing faculty who have expertise in the areas of specialization. At least one member of the committee should be a member of the urban and regional planning faculty. The chair or co-chair of the committee must be a regular member of the planning faculty and cannot be an affiliate faculty member. At least one committee member should represent the student’s secondary area of specialization. (If the student has identified a secondary area of specialization that is traditionally housed in another department on campus, then the student is encouraged to select a faculty member from that outside department as their third committee member.) On occasion, examiners from outside the university have served on students’ examining committees. While this practice is generally not encouraged, written requests for an outside examiner by students are treated on an individual basis by the director of doctoral studies.

The Field Statement

The student meets with the committee chair to plan for the exam and agree on expectations prior to the construction of the exam. In consultation with the chair and committee members, the student identifies appropriate readings and prepares a detailed “field statement” that defines the primary and secondary fields, contains a detailed bibliography of readings, organizes the readings into subfields, and outlines a set of major questions for the fields. The field statement is normally designed principally with the chair and is sometimes analogous to a detailed syllabus that one would prepare for a year-long graduate-level course on the selected specializations. The student often writes possible exam questions that he/she feels are appropriate for the area the exam will cover. The questions are not the questions the committee asks the student; their major function is to help the committee and the student to agree on the scope of the exam.

Scheduling the Exam

The exam must be completed by the end of May, at the end of a student’s second year in the program, and is scheduled on the student’s initiative. Prior to the exam, the student should have completed all coursework (including all incompletes). A student may delay the exam for exceptional circumstances with approval of the faculty adviser and the Director of Doctoral Studies. Students must notify the Director of Doctoral Studies of their intent to take the exam, with a date and time, location, and names of committee members at least one month prior to the exam.

The written part of the exam is in the form of a take-home essay. The committee chair typically solicits exam questions from the committee, selects questions to be used, and composes the final examination. The allotted time period to write the exam is determined by the chair, and typically is over three days. The student must submit the exam in the form as directed by the chair (usually as a Word document submitted by email), plus one copy to the program administrator to be placed in the student’s records. The written exam is followed by a two-hour oral exam, generally scheduled to take place within about one week after the written exam. The exam is evaluated on a “Pass/Fail” or “Conditional Pass” basis. If the student does not achieve a passing evaluation, he/she may take the exam one additional time to achieve a “Pass” or “Conditional Pass” status. A “Conditional Pass” indicates that additional requirements must be met, but the exam need not be retaken. Upon completion of the oral portion of the exam, please refer to the Applying for Candidacy section for next steps.

Applying for Candidacy

A student advances to candidacy when all program requirements except the dissertation proposal and dissertation have been satisfied. The normal and expected time to achieve candidacy is two years from the date of first enrollment in the doctoral program. In addition to urban and regional planning program requirements, a student must also meet  Rackham Candidacy Requirements . Any incomplete courses that are critical to satisfying requirements must be completed before applying for candidacy.

Once all required coursework and the comprehensive exam are successfully completed, a student applies for Candidacy by sending a request by email to the URP Director of Doctoral Studies, along with a signed Comprehensive Exam Certification Form.

The Director of Doctoral Studies will recommend a doctoral student for candidacy by submitting a recommendation to the Rackham Graduate School. When candidacy is approved, a student is ready to begin work on the dissertation and is eligible for URP 995 candidacy registration.

Sample Schedule

Sample First Year

Fall
URP 700 or 701 Advanced Urban Theory (700) or Epistemology and Reasoning for Planning Research (701) (offered fall term in odd number years)
URP 500 URP 500 Planning Theory, if did not take during Master’s
[Statistics I]
Elective (methods/specialization)
Winter
URP 612 Directed Study (Literature Review) or Elective
[Statistics II]
2 Electives
URP 801 Research Design

Sample Second Year

Fall
URP 700 or 701 Theory
URP 612 Directed Study (Literature Review) or Elective
Elective
Winter
URP 802 Ph.D. Research Practicum
3 Electives
Spring – Summer
(scheduled by student; typically taken by the end of May)
 (by the start of the third year of study)

Sample Years Three – Four

Dissertation Proposal Presentation (reviewed and approved by the student’s dissertation committee and the URP Doctoral Committee)
Dissertation research and writing
Informal “Full Draft Review” (at least 6-8 weeks before the formal defense)
Dissertation Defense
Submittal of the final version of the dissertation

dissertation planner excel

Dissertation

Forming dissertation committee.

After completing the comprehensive exam and advancing to candidacy, the student must form a dissertation committee, in accordance with the Rackham Graduate School’s  “Guidelines for Dissertation Committee Service.”

The Dissertation Committee should be formed prior to defending the dissertation proposal, which should be formed several months before the student expects to defend their proposal URP. When prepared to do so, the student should send the Director of Doctoral Studies and Lisa Hauser the completed “Dissertation Committee Worksheet for Students to submit to Program”, which can be obtained from the link above. The Director of Doctoral Studies and Lisa Hauser will then submit the formal request to the Rackham Graduate School.

Dissertation Proposal

Dissertation proposals can be defended anytime after taking the Comprehensive Exam, but no later than the end of the fifth semester (i.e. December). It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the proposal defense attended by the dissertation committee.

The student must notify Lisa Hauser by email of the proposal defense date at least three weeks prior to the meeting, including the location of the defense meeting, a title, and an abstract. After gaining approval from the dissertation committee, the dissertation chair must send an email to the Director of Doctoral Studies that includes (a) the date of the proposal defense, (b) a list of all committee members present at the defense, (c) a title of the proposal, (d) an abstract of the proposal (250 – 350 words), and (e) a copy of the final dissertation proposal to be filed with URP records. Receipt of the email from the dissertation chair will constitute formal approval of the proposal by the committee and readiness to proceed with dissertation work.

Dissertation Process

The dissertation is prepared in accordance with the  Rackham Graduate School’s Doctoral Dissertation Requirements , and as outlined in the URP Ph.D. Program Overview Schedule and Policies document.

The student is responsible for several steps: (a) scheduling and reserving rooms (and/or a Zoom link if virtual or hybrid) for the URP pre-defense hearing (which ordinarily should occur at least six weeks and no less than three weeks prior to the dissertation defense) and the defense meeting, both in a timely manner; (b) notifying Lisa Hauser by email of the defense date at least three weeks prior to the meeting, including the location of the defense meeting, (and Zoom link, if relevant), a title, and an abstract; (c) providing a complete dissertation draft, including an abstract and bibliography, to committee members at least two weeks (longer is advised) before the defense date; and (d) registering for an eight-hour candidacy enrollment (995 Dissertation Research) for the term in which the defense is held.

A dissertation defense typically consists of two parts: the first is a formal, public presentation of the dissertation research, followed by questions and answers from both the dissertation committee and the audience. Defenses are advertised and open to the public, and other students and faculty are frequently in attendance. The second part is a closed session for the candidate and the dissertation committee. During the defense, the student may be asked to reconsider certain aspects of the work and to make changes or corrections in the dissertation. At the end of the session, the chair will discuss the oral defense with other members of the committee and inform the student of the outcome. The duration of a defense can vary, but the candidate should reserve the room for a three-hour period.

Formal approval of the dissertation (e.g., formatting of the final document) and applying for graduation are governed by the Rackham Graduate School.

dissertation planner excel

The Easy Way to Convert Word to Excel (and Vice-Versa)

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I Found My New Favorite Note-Taking and Planning App: Here's Why It Rocks

These 6 apps help me turn procrastination into productivity, this new browser is a productivity miracle, quick links, how to convert word to excel, how to convert excel to word, key takeaways.

  • Converting a Microsoft Word file to an Excel spreadsheet or vice versa is straightforward.
  • You can achieve this with the good old copy-and-paste method, which is the easiest option available.
  • There are other methods available as well that you should try if you face an issue with the copy/paste feature.

If you're dealing with data-heavy reports or handling information in various formats, you may need to convert a Word document to an Excel spreadsheet or vice versa. Fortunately, there are straightforward methods to accomplish this conversion, making it easy to switch between Word and Excel as needed.

It's not uncommon to receive a Word document containing a table you want to analyze more deeply in Excel. Thankfully, two easy ways to convert your Word table into an Excel spreadsheet exist. The first is to copy and paste your data, and the other is to use an online converter.

1. The Copy/Paste Method

The copy-and-paste method is so straightforward that it's easy to overlook, thinking it might be too simple to be effective. But it works seamlessly! To convert your Word document to Excel, just follow these steps:

  • Open your Word document and an empty or existing Excel document.
  • Select all the information that you want to copy from your Word document.
  • Copy the information by pressing Cmd + C (macOS) or Ctrl + C (Windows).
  • Go to your Excel spreadsheet, tap the location where you'd like to place the data and press Cmd + V or Ctrl + V to paste the information.
  • If you'd like the table to appear in an Excel-like style, tap the Paste options icon in the bottom right of the table and select Match destination formatting .

The data from Word will now be in your Excel spreadsheet and ready for further analysis. You can format the numbers in Excel to make them easier to work with.

2. Using an Online Converter

An online converter like Online2pdf lets you easily convert any Word document to Excel. Here's how:

  • Go to Online2pdf.com and choose Select Files . Navigate to where your Word document is and select it. After that, you'll be taken back to the website.
  • Tap or press the button adjacent to Convert to and select Excel 2007–2021 .
  • After that, you can rename the output file if you need. Otherwise, select Convert to start the conversion.

The site will immediately start the conversion, and once it's done, an Excel file will be downloaded automatically.

If you can't find the downloaded Excel file, read our guide on how to locate your downloads in Chrome .

In another scenario, you might need to include a data table from Excel in a Word report. You can use the copy-and-paste method or an online converter, just as with Word to Excel. Additionally, Microsoft Word’s object insertion feature offers another convenient option. Let’s explore all three methods.

This is the simplest way to convert an Excel spreadsheet into a Word document, much like Word to Excel. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open your Excel spreadsheet and an empty or existing Word document.
  • Select the data you want to copy and press Cmd + C (macOS) or Ctrl + C (Windows).
  • In your Word document, tap where you'd like to insert the data and press Cmd + V or Ctrl + V to paste.
  • Next, tap the Paste options icon in the bottom right of the table to customize it.
  • Select Match Destination Table Style to make your table look like a Word table.

2. Using Object Insertion

Microsoft Word offers a special feature that allows you to insert an Excel spreadsheet quickly. Using the object insertion feature, you can also embed PowerPoint slides in a Word document . Here's how to use this feature:

  • Open your Word document and click the Insert tab in the top menu.
  • Click Object from the top menu. You may need to select Object again to see the dialog box.
  • On Windows, go to Create from File and click Browse .
  • On macOS, select Microsoft Excel Worksheet from the object selection dialog and click From File .
  • Navigate your file system and select your Excel file.

Once you select an Excel file, the data will be immediately inserted into your Word document.

3. Using an Online Converter

Like converting Word to Excel, an online converter is a straightforward third-party alternative for this task. The same website, Online2pdf, allows you to convert Excel files to Word documents. Here’s how:

  • Go to Online2pdf.com , click Select Files , and select the Excel file you want to convert to Word.
  • Tap the selection button adjacent to Convert to: and select Word 2007–2021 .
  • Tap Convert to start the conversion.

The site will automatically download the Word document after the conversion is finished.

Converting Word documents to Excel spreadsheets or vice versa is easier than you might think. While the copy-and-paste method is often the simplest approach, you now have alternative methods at your disposal if copy-and-paste doesn't work out for you.

  • Productivity
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel

dissertation planner excel

How to build customized Power BI dashboards with user insights data in External ID

dissertation planner excel

Sharon Rutto

August 27th, 2024 0 1

The user insights feature is generally available (GA) in Microsoft Entra External ID external tenants. It is accessible via Microsoft Graph APIs, which are currently in beta, or through prebuilt dashboards in the Microsoft Entra admin center. User insights dashboards provide organizations with valuable insights into user behavior and patterns within customer-facing applications. You can query and analyze user metrics such as total user count, monthly active users (MAU), daily active users (DAU), newly added users, authentications, and multifactor authentication (MFA) usage.

Custom dashboards with Microsoft Graph API

The out-of-the box dashboards in the Microsoft Entra admin center provide easy-to-digest graphs and charts but have limited customization options. Microsoft Graph APIs enable you to build powerful, customized dashboards with data tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This has some advantages:

  • Flexibility: You can integrate with other data sources to present your data in a way that aligns more with your business objectives.
  • Enhanced visualization: You can have richer and more interactive visual representations of your data.
  • Complex query handling: You can apply advanced filters, aggregations, and calculations to your user insights data and get more granular and accurate results.

User insights APIs are summarized into daily and monthly data, offering varied insights tailored to different needs:

  • Daily APIs: Monitor daily fluctuations in user activity; perfect for recognizing immediate changes, tracking sudden spikes in requests and authentications, or evaluating the impact of daily marketing campaigns and product updates.
  • Monthly APIs: Gain a broader understanding of user behavior trends and retention across extended intervals, beneficial for gauging the success of long-term strategies and initiatives.

Example dashboards you can build

  • Seasonal trends: Visualizing seasonal trends can help in strategic planning and forecasting. For example, heatmaps showing user activity, sign-ups, or authentications by day of the week or month, can help identify high-traffic periods. This dashboard can help identify patterns and trends in user activity, enabling more effective resource allocation.
  • Anomaly detection: This dashboard can show the number and frequency of unusual or suspicious events in your applications, such as failed sign-ins, sign-ups from unknown locations, or spikes in user activity. You can use this dashboard to monitor application security, troubleshoot issues, and respond to incidents.

Build your own user insights dashboard

Let’s explore how to build a customized Power BI dashboard using user insights Microsoft Graph APIs.

Prerequisites

  • External tenant – To access user insights data, you must have an external tenant. If you already have an Azure subscription, use this quickstart to create an external tenant. If not, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial here .
  • Registered app(s) – User insights collects and aggregates data from your customer-facing applications. Ensure you have at least one registered app with sign-in and/or sign-up activity.
  • Power BI – For the purposes of the example in this blog post, we will use Power BI to visualize the data. You can use Power BI desktop or Power BI service . Alternatively, you can choose any other analytical tool you prefer.

Setting up External ID

  • Confirm you’re in your external tenant – In Microsoft admin center , go to Identity > Overview > Manage tenants . Confirm your external tenant is the current tenant you’re in.

External ID manage tenants

Register an app for authorization – To securely access Microsoft Graph APIs, you need to register an app that will be used to generate access tokens for authorization. Go to Identity > Applications > App registrations to create one as outlined here .

Configure API permissions for Microsoft Graph – Add the necessary API permission Insights-UserMetric.Read.All to the registered app from step 2. Follow the instructions provided here . Keep in mind that the access token you generate will only be valid for one hour. To manage this, you can create a function in Power Query to check for token expiration and automatically refresh it.

Creating a Power BI report

Once you have successfully set up your tenant, you can now create a Power BI report using custom connectors to fetch user insights data. Here’s how you can connect Power BI to Microsoft Graph and build your report .

Transforming and visualizing data

Power BI comes with Power Query Editor that can help you clean and shape your data. You can remove unnecessary columns, handle missing values, and apply transformations such as merging, grouping, filtering, and many more.

  • Transform and model your data – Once you have pulled all the data you need from the user insights APIs, transform and model your data to suit your needs. Go to Home > Transform data to use Power Query Editor.

dissertation planner excel

  • Visualize your data – Build engaging reports and dashboards once your data is ready for use. Power BI offers a range of visual elements to help you represent your data effectively. The example below shows a summary of user activity with daily and monthly growth trends.

Power BI - Data visualization

Let’s recap

In this blog post, we explored how to build customized Power BI dashboards using user insights data in Microsoft Entra External ID. We went through accessing user insights data via Microsoft Graph APIs, setting up an external tenant and registered app, and using Power BI to connect to Microsoft Graph and build a report. We covered how to transform and visualize data in Power BI, enabling you to create insightful dashboards that can improve decision-making and security monitoring in customer-facing applications.

To test out other features in the Microsoft Entra portfolio, visit our developer center . Sign up for email updates on the Identity developer blog for more insights and to keep up with the latest on all things Identity, and follow us on YouTube for video overviews, tutorials, and deep dives.

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Equipped for equity: WHO-IPC Paris 2024 Paralympic Games campaign

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are launching the "Equipped for equity" campaign during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, running from 28 August to 9 September 2024. The Paralympic Games, renowned for showcasing the extraordinary talents of athletes with disabilities, highlight the critical role of assistive technology in their achievements. This campaign aims to celebrate the transformative impact of these technologies, not only in sports but also in daily life. Through this initiative, we advocate for global action to break down barriers to access to assistive technology, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the tools that facilitate participation and independence.

Read the WHO press release here.

Campaign overview

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in enabling Paralympic athletes to compete at the highest level, showcasing their extraordinary skills and inspiring millions. However, global inequities in access to these essential health products remain a significant challenge. The "Equipped for equity" campaign calls for global action to address these disparities and ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the assistive technology they need to live full and independent lives.

The campaign aims to:

  • Highlight the impact of assistive technology on the lives of those requiring them.
  • Urge governments to remove barriers, such as high taxes on assistive products, and integrate access into Universal Health Coverage.
  • Showcase national initiatives, like tax exemptions in Zimbabwe and pre-Paralympic tax reductions in France and Japan, as models for global adoption. 

Calls to action

The "Equipped for equity" campaign is more than a spotlight on the Paralympics—it's a call to action for governments worldwide. We urge policymakers to:

  • Remove barriers: reduce or eliminate taxes on assistive technology.
  • Invest in access: integrate assistive technology into primary health care and Universal Health Coverage.
  • Champion equity: ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the assistive technology they need.

Daily highlights

Throughout the Paralympic Games, WHO and IPC will feature daily posts on the role of assistive technology in sports and beyond. Follow us as we share:

  • What assistive technology is, including devices like wheelchairs, prosthetics, and hearing aids, and learn how these tools support individuals in competitive sports as well as in their daily lives.
  • Personal stories from Paralympic athletes about how assistive technology empowers them to achieve their best, both on and off the field.
  • Examples of national efforts to improve access to assistive technology, such as recent tax exemptions and policy advancements.

Follow the campaign

Stay engaged with our daily posts on WHO’s and GATE's X , LinkedIn , Instagram , and Facebook channels. 

Join the conversation using #ATChangesLives and #Paralympics

WHO thanks the Government of Ireland for their support in making the 'Equipped for equity' campaign possible and helping to promote better access to assistive technology worldwide through their partnership with WHO .

Why assistive technology matters

Assistive technology is crucial for empowering individuals and enhancing their quality of life, as showcased by the remarkable athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. These technologies enable athletes to excel and inspire millions around the world. However, access remains a significant challenge:

  • In some low-income countries, only 3% of people have the assistive products they need, compared to up to 90% in some high-income countries.
  • Just 5-35% of those needing wheelchairs and 10% of those needing hearing aids have access to them.
  • With an ageing population and rising chronic health conditions, 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology by 2050.

Assistive technology is particularly vital for:

  • Older adults, to maintain independence and improve daily life;
  • Children and adults with disabilities, to fully engage in education, work, and daily activities;
  • People with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and dementia, to manage their health effectively and independently.

As we celebrate the incredible achievements at the Paralympics, it’s clear that access to assistive technology transforms lives. Integrating these technologies into universal health coverage is essential. This step will not only enhance individual lives but also foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Explore more

Assistive technology fact sheet

IPC, WHO sign MOU to cooperate in the promotion of diversity and equity in health and sports

Stay engaged with our daily posts on WHO’s and  GATE's X ,  LinkedIn ,  Instagram , and  Facebook  channels. 

Join the conversation using  #ATChangesLives  and  #Paralympics

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    How to Convert Excel to Word In another scenario, you might need to include a data table from Excel in a Word report. You can use the copy-and-paste method or an online converter, just as with Word to Excel. Additionally, Microsoft Word's object insertion feature offers another convenient option. Let's explore all three methods. 1.

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