The Lean PhD

1. The PhD as a startup: Embracing lean methodologies for efficiency and impact

The lean PhD approach is all about radically improving the efficiency, quality and impact of your research.

Reframing the PhD. By conceptualizing the PhD as a startup, students can apply lean methodologies to their research process. This approach focuses on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) - in this case, research outputs - and iterating based on feedback.

Key principles:

• Build-measure-learn loops: Rapidly prototype ideas and gather feedback
• End-user orientation: Focus on the needs of the academic community and potential stakeholders
• Resource efficiency: Maximize output with limited time and funding

By adopting these principles, PhD students can potentially complete their research more quickly while maintaining or improving quality and impact.

2. Choosing a niche research topic: Balancing passion with market potential

If the topic that you consider pursuing for your PhD is one that is trending, I urge you to reconsider.

Strategic topic selection. While passion for a research area is crucial, choosing a niche topic with growth potential can offer significant advantages. Trending topics often face intense competition, making it harder to stand out and publish.

Benefits of niche topics:

• Easier admission to prestigious universities
• Higher likelihood of publication in quality journals
• Potential for significant contributions to an emerging field

However, balance is key. The ideal topic combines personal interest with an area that has room for growth and impact. Consider topics that are adjacent to trending areas but not yet oversaturated.

3. Crafting a lean research proposal: Iterating with supervisors for success

If my friend had adhered to lean methodologies, he would have developed an MVP of a research proposal and then collected feedback from prospective supervisors to hone it.

Rapid iteration. Instead of spending months crafting a perfect proposal, develop a minimal viable proposal (MVP) and seek early feedback from potential supervisors. This approach allows for quicker refinement and alignment with supervisor interests.

Steps for a lean proposal:

1. Outline 2-3 potential research ideas in bullet points
2. Schedule initial discussions with potential supervisors
3. Refine ideas based on feedback
4. Develop a more detailed proposal incorporating supervisor input

This method not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of developing a proposal that resonates with potential supervisors and funding bodies.

4. Writing as learning: Rapid prototyping through early drafting

The mindset to be adopted for the lean PhD is: read only as much as necessary, write as soon as possible.

Write early, write often. Rather than spending months on extensive literature reviews, start writing early drafts of your research papers. This approach accelerates learning and helps identify knowledge gaps more efficiently.

Strategies for early writing:

• Create storyboards or outlines for potential papers
• Develop research questions and hypotheses before extensive reading
• Write "version 1.0" papers based on initial research and iterate

By writing early, PhD students can clarify their thoughts, identify areas needing further investigation, and receive valuable feedback sooner in the research process.

5. Academia as a team sport: Leveraging collaboration for quality and impact

I think of any paper I write as a team project.

Collaborative research. While the PhD is often seen as a solitary pursuit, embracing collaboration can significantly enhance the quality and impact of research. Seek co-authors who complement your skills and knowledge.

Benefits of collaboration:

• Access to diverse expertise and perspectives
• Shared workload and faster progress
• Increased networking opportunities
• Higher likelihood of publication in prestigious journals

Approach potential collaborators with clear goals and expectations. Consider offering co-authorship in exchange for specific contributions, such as methodological expertise or access to hard-to-reach populations.

6. Rapid conference iteration: Gathering feedback to refine research

The PhD student embracing lean methodologies also attends conferences to collect feedback from colleagues.

Leverage conferences. Presenting work-in-progress at conferences provides valuable opportunities for feedback and refinement. Don't wait for perfection; share early iterations of your research to gather diverse perspectives.

Conference strategies:

• Present work at various stages of development
• Actively seek feedback from attendees
• Use insights to refine research questions and methods
• Network with potential collaborators and future examiners

Conferences also offer exposure to cutting-edge research in your field, helping you position your work within the broader academic landscape.

7. Pivoting in research: Adapting to new directions for success

Pivoting sounds scary, but it can be the key to completing a PhD efficiently, while delivering high-quality and impactful work.

Embrace change. Be prepared to pivot your research direction if initial approaches prove unfruitful. Recognizing when to change course is crucial for efficient PhD completion and impactful research.

Signs it might be time to pivot:

• Lack of progress despite significant effort
• Difficulty finding novel contributions in the current direction
• Emerging opportunities in related research areas

When pivoting, aim to leverage as much of your existing work as possible while exploring new directions that align with your interests and have potential for impact.

8. The minimum viable dissertation: Balancing quality with efficiency

Any dissertation needs to contain promising threads and materials that excite the assessors for the doctorate. There needs to be some evident contribution.

Focus on core contributions. Rather than aiming for perfection in every aspect, concentrate on developing a minimum viable dissertation (MVD) that showcases your key contributions while meeting essential requirements.

Elements of an MVD:

• One or more outstanding papers or chapters
• A concise but adequate "coat" (introduction, literature review, methods, conclusion)
• Clear articulation of the research's novelty and impact

Prioritize quality in areas that demonstrate your unique contributions while ensuring other sections meet necessary standards.

9. Strategically choosing examiners: Aligning with research interests

The ideal assessor is the one whose work the PhD student has advanced via their dissertation.

Examiner selection. Work with your supervisor to identify examiners whose research interests align with your work. This increases the likelihood of a positive evaluation and constructive feedback.

Strategies for examiner selection:

• Identify scholars whose work you've built upon
• Consider researchers you've met at conferences
• Look for examiners with a track record of fair and constructive evaluations

While you may not have direct control over examiner selection, discussing potential candidates with your supervisor can influence the process positively.

10. Boosting practical impact: Engaging with stakeholders beyond academia

Accomplishing practical impact is challenging since the academy is geared much more towards academic impact.

Societal relevance. While academic impact is crucial, consider ways to increase the practical impact of your research. Engaging with stakeholders beyond academia can enhance the relevance and influence of your work.

Methods to boost practical impact:

• Write newspaper commentaries or blog posts about your research
• Engage with policymakers or industry professionals
• Collaborate with practitioners on applied research projects
• Share findings with research participants and affected communities

Balancing academic and practical impact can make your research more meaningful and potentially open up diverse career opportunities.

11. Considering quitting: Recognizing when to pivot or exit

'Should I quit my PhD or should I continue with it?' is a question that most PhD students have asked themselves at least once during their doctorate.

Honest assessment. While persistence is valuable, it's essential to periodically evaluate whether continuing your PhD aligns with your goals and well-being. Quitting isn't failure if it leads to a more fulfilling path.

Factors to consider:

• Passion for the research topic
• Progress and potential for meaningful contributions
• Career aspirations (academic or non-academic)
• Mental health and overall well-being
• Financial considerations

If you're consistently unhappy or not making progress despite efforts to pivot, it may be time to consider alternative paths. Remember that skills gained during a PhD can be valuable in many career paths, even if you don't complete the degree.

Last updated: July 25, 2024