Tips for Keeping Multiple Research Projects Organized

Project managers have a lot on their plate. On top of being a capable and reliable team leader, you must juggle schedules, budgets, and task lists. Perhaps even more important are the stakeholders and higher-ups you must communicate with throughout the entire project. All in all, even a single project is a major responsibility. How do project managers effectively balance multiple undertakings? This takes skill and practice—and, of course, a little bit of advice. Make your workload less stressful with these effective tips for keeping multiple research projects organized.

Keep Planning Ahead

A reasonable schedule, prioritized task lists, and a little preparation will help you keep your to-do list clear and manageable. When you take on a new project, build a schedule and goal list to help keep your team on track throughout the duration of the project. Keep using these planning skills as each project continues. Break up your weeks into the accomplishments and due dates that you must achieve in the next few days. Every morning, review your day and prioritize the tasks that need your attention the most. When you separate your time like this, you can dedicate yourself to the most important jobs without feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the background.

Use Organization Tools

Balancing multiple projects isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. One of the best tips for keeping multiple research projects organized is to take advantage of tools that streamline scheduling, communication, recordkeeping, and more. For example, project management software simplifies your to-do list, organizes your schedule, and creates transparency across your team. You should also dedicate a digital document folder or physical notebook to each project to keep all the information you need in one place. Finally, make sure every member of your team keeps a scientific lab book to record their daily tasks and findings. Using both physical and digital tools allows you to keep a detailed record of each project your teams take on, making it easy to go back and find specific information whenever you need it.