Hey and welcome back to my blog!
This blog is going to be about time management and why it is so important when managing a project.
So,
What is time management?
To put it short,
"Time management means employing strategies and tools to ensure you use your time wisely, in turn making sure you get done everything you want to" (Rabel, 2020)
Why is it important?
Time management is important when it comes to managing a project, being a leader, or even owning a business. Having effective time management aids in achieving goals fast and efficiently. It allows for individuals or companies to prioritise tasks, which in turn achieves goals quickly (Freshbooks, 2019). Good time management results in greater productivity, increases focus, and reduces stress, distractions and procrastination (Pettit, 2020).
Personal experience with time management
Time management has never been a strength, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines. Poor time management results in work not being up to the standard it should be, which would drastically impact the major project. The student has a realistic target of achieving a 2:1 degree, however, a first class degree is more desirable. If a first class degree is going to be achieved, time management must be improved on.
In previous years, working too many part time hours at work has interfered in completing university work on time. This will change this year, as work days have been cut down to three days a week, as apposed to five days a week previously. This leaves two extra days which will be used to the individual's advantage by keeping up to date with university workload, which in turn, will reduce stress levels, especially around submission dates.
What tools can be used to ensure deadlines are met?
There are various theories and tools that can be used when it comes to time management.
Weekly planning is a way to prioritise and organise work day to day, whilst keeping an eye on short term plans and deadlines (Weekdone, n.d.).
Figure 1: Weekly Planner (O'Connor, 2022).
A weekly planner has been created, which can be seen in figure 1 (O'Connor, 2022. Weekly Planner). This plan shows short term time management how time will be split weekly and shows what potential time can be spent at home studying.
A more long term time management tool has also been created. The timeline can be found in figure 2 (O'Connor, 2022. Year Timeline).
Timelines are useful because they allow for high productivity, whilst keeping stress levels low. A project timeline provides an overview including key elements like deadlines and particular tasks. Timelines are straight forward, in order for the project managers and team members to easily see what needs doing and when (Priority Management, n.d.).
To do lists are also an effective way to manage time efficiently as it allows the individual to visualise what needs to be done and they are able to see this clearly. There is also satisfaction when ticking off tasks that have been completed, making the individual feel productive and stress-free. Figure 2: Year Timeline (O'Connor, 2022).
By creating and following the time management tools, the individual will be able to keep up to date with university workload and meet the tight deadlines of the course. This will be helpful for the individual once working out in industry as efficient time management is crucial.
Thank you for reading this blog!
Having these visual aids should help with keeping track of the project and ensuring that work is managed well and all submissions are completed on time.
See you next time!
Alysha:)
Reference List
Freshbooks. (2019) The Importance of Time Management [Online]. Available at https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/productivity/importance-of-time-management (Accessed 3 January 2023).
O'Connor, A. (2022) Weekly Planner [Chart].
O'Connor, A. (2022) Yearly Planner [Image].
Pettit, M. (2020) 10 Benefits of Time Management [Online]. Available at https://lucemiconsulting.co.uk/benefits-of-time-management/ (Accessed 3 January 2023).
Priority Management. (n.d.) Why are Project Timelines Important? [Online]. Available at https://www.prioritymanagement.com.au/why-are-project-timelines-important/ (Accessed 3 January 2023).
Rabel, K. (2020) Manage Your Time, London, SAGE Publications Ltd.
Weekdone. (n.d.) 5 Reasons Why You Need Weekly Planning [Online]. Available at https://blog.weekdone.com/5-reasons-use-weekly-planning/ (Accessed 3 January 2023).
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