100 PhD rules of the game to successfully complete a doctoral dissertation

Abstract

Purpose A doctoral dissertation is a challenging undertaking requiring determination, persistence and resilience over a long time: four to six years’ study or more. These PhD “rules of the game” are intended to help students successfully navigate this challenge. Design/methodology/approach The author has assembled 100 PhD rules of the game from the author’s work over many years with masters and doctoral students. Each rule is accompanied by some further short guidance. Additional citations are included directing readers to resources embellishing the 100 PhD rules of the game. Findings The paper documents 100 PhD rules of the game. Research limitations/implications There are many other PhD rules of the game not included in the author’s list of 100 PhD rules of the game. Originality/value This paper is a one-stop-shop brief introduction to the author’s 100 PhD rules of the game.