No doubt, your university department will be good at supporting to carry out the economic side of a dissertation. For example, providing a specialized supervisor and allowing access to statistical software and academic journals. However, I can say they will be least concerned about your management side. It's no fault on their side, being a doctoral student, you are supposed to study independently. Therefore, if your university doesn't work on formal deadlines, then draw up some yourself at the start with your supervisor. You plan meetings with them; then this will go about as a commitment mechanism.
This is not an exhaustive list of things that you must do, keep looking for ways, go for a hit and trail approach to find out what suits you best. Once you hit the right spot you will be set for your entire academic career.
GOOD LUCK, FOLKS!