PhD Dissertation Timeline with Data Collection:

**Months 1-3:** Refine research topic, conduct literature review, and develop research questions.

- **Months 4-6:** Formulate research design, develop methodology, and obtain necessary approvals
(ethics, if required).

- **Months 7-9:** Pilot data collection methods, make necessary adjustments, and finalize data
collection plan.

**Year 2:**

- **Months 10-12:** Begin full-scale data collection.

- **Months 13-18:** Continue data collection, periodically analyzing and refining the approach as
needed.

- **Months 19-24:** Complete data collection, start initial data analysis, and draft the methodology
section of the dissertation.

**Year 3:**

- **Months 25-30:** Focus on data analysis, interpretation, and writing results chapters.

- **Months 31-36:** Continue refining and finalizing results chapters, start drafting discussion and
conclusion.

**Year 4:**

- **Months 37-42:** Complete writing remaining dissertation chapters, integrate feedback from
advisors, and prepare for defense.

- **Months 43-48:** Defend the dissertation, make necessary revisions, and submit the final version.
PhD Dissertation Timeline without Data Collection:

**Year 1:**

- **Months 1-3:** Define research questions, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and identify
existing datasets.

- **Months 4-6:** Obtain necessary permissions to use existing data, and refine research design and
methodology.

- **Months 7-9:** Begin data analysis using existing datasets and draft methodology and literature
review chapters.

**Year 2:**

- **Months 10-15:** Continue data analysis, refine research questions if necessary, and draft results
chapters.

- **Months 16-21:** Focus on writing discussion, conclusion, and integrating findings into the broader
academic context.

**Year 3:**

- **Months 22-27:** Complete writing the dissertation, incorporating feedback from advisors.

- **Months 28-33:** Prepare for defense, finalize dissertation, and submit the final version.

**Year 4:**

- **Months 34-36:** Defend the dissertation, make any required revisions, and submit the final version
for approval.

Remember, these timelines are indicative and may need adjustment based on your specific
circumstances, the complexity of your research, and feedback from your advisors. Always consult with
your advisor and follow your program's guidelines.