On Track Free Chapter

Success can be scheduled – given the right tools and methods. While huge projects benefit from professional managing, one’s own career towards PhD usually lacks proper planning yielding lower-than-expected performance. To overcome this, the author looks at the “PhD-process” from a project-management point of view. She excels in thoroughly discussing each stages of the PhD track, describing the possible obstacles and providing a structured and solid way out of the maze. The accompanying workbook helps to apply theory to the real world. And what I like best – the book is very entertaining – not only for those who already got their PhD. I will make this book a required reading for my students.

Research is essentially finding patterns in chaos and extrapolating this pattern to a larger system. To be successful, one needs to both; have a "bird's eye view" and be a master of details, simultaneously. The tools and methodology presented in this book is well-researched and demystified through detailed explanations and excellent diagrams. It provides a framework that, when followed, helps a researcher to systematically track their project and deliver the results, while keeping an eye on the next steps, thus progressing more effectively and efficiently through their research endeavors. As a former researcher, I loved that I was essentially paid to learn. This book teaches me how to learn to EXCEL.

This book holds up a mirror to every researcher at any career step. Nadine perfectly illustrates the day-to-day challenges in a researcher’s life and provides excellent hands-on guidance for the successful conduct of research projects. On Track will be my guide for successful project management at my new job in the private sector. I wish I had this book already during my PhD.

If you think that project management is not suitable for your job as a researcher, Nadine Sinclair proves the opposite with this book. Her project management approach alongside with tools and templates will boost your productivity to an unexpected level. Best of all, “On Track” is not a complex and boring business book - instead, it's just fun to read.

Finally, a guide for the modern researcher who also wants to expand their skill set beyond science. A book like that would have helped me during my Doctoral Thesis to optimize my entire project planning and prepare me for my current position in the pharmaceutical industry.

On Track carries top leadership and project management skills into the lab, explained in an admirably practical way. Following the two case study scientists in applying the relevant and well structured advice is fun and makes the reader want to plan, communicate and execute towards scientific success.