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Introducing ScrumAdemia: An Agile Guide for Doctoral Research

García Pinzón, Dr. Viviana / Clara Franco / Anna Fünfgeld / Jan Klenke / Rebecca Lohmann / Désirée Reder / Swantje Schirmer (2023): „Introducing ScrumAdemia: An Agile Guide for Doctoral Research“, in: PS: Political Science & Politics, 56 (2), 251-258.
peer reviewed
Abstract:

Pursuing a PhD is an exigent endeavor entailing various psychological and organizational challenges. This article proposes our adaptation of the agile method Scrum, which we call “ScrumAdemia,” as a solution. We illustrate how ScrumAdemia helps us to overcome the challenges related to workflows, working conditions, and mental health during doctoral research. We use data from a self-evaluation survey executed over 18 months, as well as an extended focus-group discussion to assess ScrumAdemia’s usefulness. Our experiences show that ScrumAdemia helps us to (1) overcome limitations of organization and structure relating to working conditions; (2) solve time-management problems affecting workflows; and (3) remedy the lack of support. This study has broader implications for doctoral research: more attention should be given to creating structures for peer-to-peer support.

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Language: English
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