Sage Sociology Contemporary Sociology - Project Management for Researchers: A Practical, Stress-Free Guide to Getting Organized
Jan 21, 2026
Shiri Noy, sociologist and Denison University faculty member who wrote Project Management for Researchers, explains why project management fits academic work. She discusses origins of the book, common research hurdles like uncertainty and overwhelm, and why ethics belongs in planning. She highlights practical fixes, feedback from workshops, and the importance of revisiting goals and relationships.
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Research Is Both Creative And Logistical
- Research projects are intellectually creative but also organizationally complex and emotionally demanding.
- Systems and structure can reduce stress and sustain consistent progress on long, ambiguous projects.
Plan Scope And Timelines Early
- Define project scope, map realistic timelines, and plan for uncertainty from the start.
- Use concrete tools like worksheets and examples to build clarity and momentum.
Talent Isn’t The Problem, Structure Is
- Researchers struggle not for lack of talent but because academia provides little project- management guidance.
- This gap forces many to cobble strategies from mentors and personal trial and error.
