Today's #ResearchTip is to remember to check, check and check again when you're submitting work. We all set deadlines but how much detail do we pay attention to the process of hitting them? Let's find out....
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Got a deadline? It might be for a paper, grant application, conference application. Put the deadline of when work needs submitting in your diary.
Next, work backwards, scheduling key tasks (e.g. training on how to write a grant proposal, researching what goes into your grant bid)
These need to be specific and realistic. If you have a paper submission deadline when you plan tasks to achieve it this needs to be broken into actionable sections. (So you *don't* schedule a paper submission deadline only to put into your diary 'write paper' on one set day).
You may want to use post-its, road mapping or sketching to note all that needs to be done to hit your deadline, then putting those into your diary with space where possible for slippage (because there will *always* be slippage).
Having achieved all the tasks to hit your deadline (hooray!) remember to check exactly when the deadline is. So that's not just the submission date, it's the time. Midday on 16 September isn't the same as 5pm! Where possible have work ready the day before the deadline.
When you hand in work make sure you do it *precisely* as requested. Fill in forms to the required specifications. Check whether attachments are okay. Give yourself time because formatting into online forms can be laborious. Have a plan B in case you can't access systems.
You should get automated responses when work is submitted but not always, so be sure to check if you are anxious (again handing in early helps). You might be so focused on finishing the work you don't notice that it wasn't handed in! Or assume you submitted it when you didn't.
Systems for submitting work can be complex, infuriating and changeable. If you're able to get training on the how-to's or ask others who've been successful before to show you examples this can save time AND mean you know what to expect when you're hitting that deadline.
Finally schedule a reward for when you finish your work and hit that deadline! Keep records of what you did and how you did it because you'll otherwise forget and will need reminding next time, or can use what you know to help others.
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