Managerial Skills - Finding an Amicable Balance between the University and Personal Time - Coursework Example

Managerial Skills BUMGT2601 [Learning Contract & Action Plan] Executive summary Time management is an essential skill or ability that determines how well individuals utilize the ever-scarce resource. Research has it that time management is a prerequisite for success in an array of endeavours. Innumerable managers are today experiencing sizable workloads while at the same time having inadequate resources to achieve challenging business goals. To this effect, time management is a handy technique that not only enhances timely completion of tasks but also avails prioritized resource allocation. Being able to understand and account for time spent during any activity helps understand where crucial improvements would be made thus being the principal to adequate time management. It is worth indicating that scholars have enumerated an array of theories that define time management while delivering worthy pointers. For instance, there is a theory that indicates identifying time wasters is vital to time management attainment. With such theory, there is a need for conclusive self-evaluation seeking to define what activities consume much time and whether or not they comprise of timewasters. In the work place, there are innumerable forces that would prevent individuals from attaining their set targets. For instance, colleagues in school during group work tend to delegate their duties to a single person. This resonates to late submissions, as the single student is overwhelmed. The ability to determine when students overburden your capacity is another vital time management theory. Through this theory, students would understand the thin line between assistance to unbalancing other student’s time schedules. Thirdly, it is essential to understand that there are complicated tasks that consume much time. The third theory asserts that, it is beneficial to tackle the easy tasks firsts, and then put aside the difficult tasks for later. Tackling difficult tasks with a fresh mind is many at times easier ensuring that less time is wasted. This allows a person to use their time effectively without trying to force a schedule that may not work at that particular time. The essence of the third theory is to affirm the need of flexible time schedules that can easily accommodate changes. The fourth theory indicates that, there is a dire need for students as well as other individuals to prioritize their activities in an amicable manner. It is imperative to indicate that each of these theories was tested in a four-week period. The findings affirm that, stringent following of the theories resonate to efficient time management. In essence, this implies that by complying with the stipulations asserted by the four theories, change in time management is evident. 1. Time management It is evident that time management is a vital skill for the success of humanity. For individuals to ensure that they comply with the requirements of time management, it is beneficial to have a time journal or time log. Through a time log, individuals keep track of their activities, how long they took and how much time were allocated to the same activities. Using a time log assists individuals account for daily achievement using the allotted time. This implies that students can take charge of their daily accomplishments in seeking to determine how effective their time management antics are. Tucker (2009) affirms that, in these fast-paced times, managers should not confuse being busy with being effective and efficient as results are what count (Tucker 2009, p. 37). In numerous endeavours, maintaining documentation is vital as it serves as a revelation to the in-depth intricacies that require redress. In light of these sentiments, keeping a time log is momentous as it serves a wakeup call enlightening many on the time management inconsistencies that require rectification. Additionally, time logs assist in the comparison process where an individual would seek to determine the difference after indoctrinating the time management theories. 2. Time recognition Time recognitions relates to determining the activities that consume time. It encompasses recognizing that time is spent through the adoption of time logs or journals. Time logs serves as an opportune method to determine the salient loopholes existing in the management mechanisms. Additionally, through time logs, an individual can determine the time wasting activities requiring a back seat for their accomplishment. Essentially, time recognition is in line with the time management theories. This is the first step to evaluating the prevalent time usage by an individual. Through time recognition, a person undertakes a conclusive assessment seeking to unearth the prevalent time management skills. This is a fundamental step in the learning contract as it establishes any weaknesses in an individual plan. Time recognition ensures that an individual ponder on the main threats seeking to undermine the salient time management efforts. In light of the above sentiments, time recognition is a key step to the introduction of the time management theories (Macan, et.al 2010). As is the case in innumerable change activities, it is vital to define the current status seeking to determine what the key weaknesses that call for rectification are. Similarly, time recognition is at the epitome of time management and encompasses the use of a time log or journal in defining the current trend. Any redefinition, resolution or redesign emanates from the finding of time recognition. 3. Time wasters The main reason behind time management is that there are activities that lead to time mismanagement or wastage. According to Chapman (2007), Time wasters refer to any activity that reduces the time spent working perceived goals (p. 1). Time wasters are activities hindering efficient use of available time by an individual. In most instances, though individuals have outstanding schedules defining the sequential flow of activities, they are at times unable to accomplish their intentions. Occasionally, given the nature of their schedules, the individuals may be inhibited from accommodating upcoming events other than accommodating the change. In the event that they accommodate the change and forego the schedule, this comprises of time wastage. Another time wasting activity revolves around engaging in unwarranted or unnecessary activities that have no advantage to the scheduled task. For instance, an individual heading to class might visit the computer lab on the way to class. Though the activity is educational, it is not necessary now and ends up wasting time. Time wasters are things that need complete elimination from a person’s daily tasks as they keep the person from achieving already set targets. A time log or journal is an effective tool in determining the deadweight accountable for time mismanagement. By adhering to the time log for a week, an individual can then highlight all activities that lead to the prevalent mismanagement. Theoretical Concepts 4. Assertiveness Assertiveness is a critical theory in time management. It is prudent to note that there is a significant difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Being assertive allows an individual to work on limited activities only those within the schedule. Contrary to this notion, people that take on extra tasks during their day might overwhelm the schedule they in place for that time period. Tucker, 2009) asserts that juggling all these demands successfully require a sound understanding of the prevalent priorities in the schedules, and an interaction of a number of related factors. Having this clear understanding allows a person to know whether a task is possible in the period given without eliminating a priority set (Tucker, 2009, p.38). This implies that, being assertive is a prerequisite for time management. Assertiveness grants individuals the ability to decide whether certain activities amount to overload. In the instance, an individual overloads their work schedule, time mismanagement is inevitable. This is because of the fact that, time management requires a strong personal attribute that shuns away activities not stipulated in the time schedule. An individual who undertakes activities out of impulse other than concentrating to accomplish the set out parameters will more often than not delay or miss-out on salient achievements. This implies that discipline is fundamental where individuals comply assertively with the stipulations in the schedule. 5. Using Time Efficiently Efficient use of time is a fundamental theory in time management. It delineates what constitutes to efficient use of time as per the instructions of a time schedule. It is worth noting that a busy person is not necessarily effective and efficient (Davies 2004, p. 13). This is because, there are chances that busy people are wasting time indulging in unwarranted activities and straying from the initial objectives. Busy work that is not accomplishing the intended purpose for a person with other tasks requiring completion indicates inadequate or ineffective time management skills. Efficient time management underpins the managerial theories in that; people have to learn to utilize time in the right way. Time is a scarce resources because it only avails a single opportunity before it diminishes. In light of these sentiments, individuals have to learn to utilize time shrewdly to avoid wastage. As is the case with other resources, time is essential and ineffective utilization more often than not leads to underachievement in accordance with set targets. The main initiative behind using time effectively is to emphasize that a person being busy straying from set goals is ideally wrong. People should head to time management by using the allotted time constructively other than being busy while engaging in wrong and distract full ideas. Efficiency and effectiveness form a cornerstone to time management because they ensure individuals do the right thing at the allocated time in accordance to the prepared schedules. 6. Prioritizing Activities Priority is paramount when dealing with time management. This is because of the fact that through priorities, a sequence of events emanates. It is significant to evaluate and determine the relevance of activities over others during the day. For instance, reading and taking a birth are both daily activities. However, dependent on individual’s schedules, taking a bath mostly comes before reading commences (Chapman, 2007). This is vital as it outlines set parameters of what should take place. Being able to do tasks based on their priority will help a person become more efficient in the way that they manage their time during a day. Priority lays the foundation to the preparation of a time schedule. This is because, through prioritizing across events, students and other individuals have the ability to determine what activities precede the others. The things that need to be done right away are put first with other tasks either being delegated to saved for a less busy time in the schedule. In such an instance, individuals use time effectively and efficiently consistent to the requirements of the time schedule. When dealing with difficult tasks, it is vital to assign them extensive deadlines to avoid inconveniences. In such instances, the easier tasks precede the difficult activities to ensure that sufficient time is allocated to the time involving activities. All these time management efforts seek to ensure that individuals stick to schedules and act efficiently to preserve time usage. It is apparent that, all the theoretical concepts are extensively intertwined. For instance, for individuals to use time effectively, they have to be assertive and comply with time schedules. Additionally, for time management to be achievable, proprieties are essential coupled with use of available time effectively. This affirms that there is a dire need for individuals to adopt the time management theories and use them together in an effort to avoid delays or mismanagement stances. 7. Findings It is notable that the key aim of using the time management theories was tom seek enlightenment on a practical balance between university and personal time. This is because in the past spending too much time on one aspect of life has been causing stress and a myriad of problems both in the studies and relationships causing unhealthy behaviours. In the learning contract, it is clear that determining whether time is used effectively is at the epitome preceding all other activities. Time recognition encompasses a number of activities that aid the evaluation process shedding light as to whether there are mismanagement problems. A time log or journal documents time usage and help individuals evaluate their time management systems. Secondly, following the spelt out schedule was the second important aspect in seeking to manage time. Contrary to this opinion, it emerged that there are innumerable instances where people following the schedule are inefficient in time management (Britton & Tesser, 2011). Not conforming to priority resonates to stress in trying to make up for lost time because a person is focused on unimportant agendas neglecting the vital tasks. Ultimately, the action plan sought to improve time management through allocation of attention to activities in accordance with relevance. With the adequate indoctrination of the action plan in a student’s lifestyle nothing would be neglected as all activities would acquire deserving attention. This would replicate to a balance between studies and free time, family time and school time ensuring that conflicting time schedules are at bay. 8. Action Plan Outcomes As I was in the course of action plan preparation, it was apparent that there were numerous time wasting activities in my weekly schedule. The amount of time wasted on unwarranted activities was significant and could be used to achieve much more in the instance it was used effectively. The action plan was essential in that, it availed an effective tool to compare the way I was using personal time before realizing the defects inherent in my time management mechanisms. With the inculcation of the action plan into place, my time management antics have revolutionized for the better. I have since benefited a notable extent from the use of the action plan and time log. The time log has been beneficial in evaluating each theory independently. Through such evaluation, I am now aware on which theory has the adherent impact on my time management mechanisms. These events were encompassed in the first week of the evaluation of the learning contract. In the second week, I embarked on removing timewasters from my schedule. Time wasters are deeply engraved in the personal attribute of assertiveness. This implies that for me to remove the deeply entrenched time wasters, I had to undertake an assertive personal attribute. In such a way, i would have to decide on the number of activities that comprise to work overload. I was able to eliminate a few things from my schedule that were not beneficial by using the perspective. For instance, activities like going to the restaurant for all of my meals instead of going to the nearby canteen qualified as time wasters. Additionally, I discovered that by cooking at home and carrying packed lunch saves time from my schedule. I found out that by planning a better route when picking books in the library; I negated backtracking hence saved time. It was eye opening moment for me as it downed on me how much time I was wasting through inadequate plans on how I was to execute plans. This implies that, though i had adequate plans the execution part was vital. Keeping my log for the first week helped me extremely realize that I had a myriad of time wasting activities preventing me from accomplishing the set out goals. However, this was before indicating the real promise for my time management theory application. In the same week, i focused on being assertive and choosing my workload appropriately. I discovered that, most of my late assignment submissions emanated from my weak personal attribute. There are plenty of occasions in the past where I would allow work overload just because I was unable to say no to anyone and everyone when they would ask for help. I have learned to be assertive through the time management process, as I have been sabotaging my schedule while lending a helping hand to others. Nowadays, I am take the time to evaluate the impact an activity has on my time schedule. I apply assertiveness before accepting an extra activity seeking to negate instance of overload. According to my current time log, I have been achieving my schedules on time pegged on the fact that, I have no abrupt activities. The accommodation of unplanned and impulse activities had a significant impact on my time schedule in the past but this has changed significantly. Being assertive ensures that I decide on what to do hence easing stress as well achieving all other scheduled activities in a timely fashion. During the third week, I sought to interpret the effectiveness of time management. During this week, i discovered that, being busy necessarily does not amount to being effective. This is because, effective time management has nothing with being busy but entails following the stipulations of the schedule. I found that many problems in my school life emanated from spending significant time trying to figure out a problem or get over a writer’s block. My though hinted that, by being busy and accomplishing daily chores, I was following the right principles. On the contrary, the action plan directed me by indicating that being busy was inconsequential. I had to follow the instructions of my time schedule for my time management antics to be deemed effective. Additionally, I learned that it is vital to plan the easier tasks before the complicated ones. This way, I was able to achieve more in a day as I scheduled the intensive tasks for a later date. I would get the easier tasks done in time and embark on the intensive tasks while fresh. Even more decisively, I found that the work I did not force, but rather undertook it with ease produced far much better results. This had an immense change of perspective on the way I plan my activities. From the inculcation of this theory, I have no problem achieving even difficult tasks without the need of time extensions. Setting priorities was the next theory I tackled. It is notable that, according to my time logs before the learning contract and action plan, I had consequential procrastination problems. These problems interfered with my goals at length and I would not attain my set desires. After the implementation of this new knowledge, I learned to prioritize the important tasks before undertaking ordinary activities. Both of these theories had an immense impact on my time management skills. 9. Measures Of Achievement Through the action plan, I attained the goal of finding an amicable balance between my university and personal time. It is worth noting that since the indoctrination of the action plan, i have not been stressed by late activities. I have been able to manage my activities juggling numerous activities and finding time to socialize with my family. Additionally, i unravelled the fact that, all the theories are intertwined and require simultaneous inculcation for adequate, reliable, effective and efficient time management. It is evident that, the action plan has contributed immensely to my new livelihood and I will continue to change and conform to this new attributes. My achievements since the induction of the action plan are evident and in i seek to continue with this new trend as my performance has also improved. 10. Conclusion After a conclusive pre and post evaluation, i conquer that the action plan has changed my perspective to time management for the better. Since my adoption of the relevant theories, i have a practical balance between my studies and personal life. This is because i have been able to identify the salient time wasters shunning them away from my new schedules. Additionally, i no longer fall into devious pressures from classmates or other partisan groups into take additional chores. I have learned to be assertive implying that i can evaluate my abilities and mitigate work overloads that caused me stress in the past. I am now efficient, as I understand the difference between efficiency and being busy. I also schedule my tasks in terms of priority hence reducing instances of conflict. Through the learning contract and the action plan, I have embraced my mistakes and redesigned my balance between school and personal life. Though I have not attained my epitome ability, I believe that I am headed for the right destination. References Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (2011). Effects of Time-management Practices On College Grades.. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405-410. Chapman, P. M. (2007). Learned Discourses: Timely Scientific Opinions. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, preprint(2009), 1. Davies, B. (2004). TQM - A Theory Whose Time Has Come And Gone?. Management in Education, 8(1), 12-13. Macan, T. H., Shahani, C., Dipboye, R. L., & Phillips, A. P. (2010). College Students' Time Management: Correlations With Academic Performance And Stress.. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(4), 760-768. Tucker, R. K. (2009). Time Management. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory, 13(1), 37-38. Read More