Aim/Purpose: Continuing low percentage of on-time-completion of doctoral studies suggest the exploration of new approaches to the process is desirable.

Background: PhD studies may be viewed as a project- it is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product. Project management practices have proven to be helpful in numerous domains.

Methodology: Process analysis method will be applied, using: 1) semi-structured interviews with supervisors and supervisee, 2) data gathered by the school of advance graduate studies in higher education institute.

Contribution: The research will explore the appropriated measurable indicators of successful PhD and identify project management practices that promote better process and outcomes of PhD studies.

Impact on Society: Better and more efficient process will support lower individual and national spending on doctoral studies

Future Research: Further research should explore relevance of the findings in various settings (characteristics of the supervisor and supervisee, higher education system etc.)