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TIME MANAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Time management among university students is a critical factor influencing academic performance and overall well-being. Effective time management skills enable students to balance academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life demands (Brown, 2020). This issue is particularly pertinent in today's higher education landscape, where students often juggle multiple commitments simultaneously (Jones & Smith, 2019).

The transition from secondary school to university presents significant challenges regarding time management. Unlike in secondary school, where schedules are often more structured, university life offers greater freedom and flexibility, requiring students to manage their time independently (Adams, 2021). This transition can be overwhelming for many students who may struggle initially to prioritize tasks effectively (Miller, 2018).

Research indicates that poor time management skills among university students can lead to increased stress levels and lower academic performance (Taylor et al., 2020). Time management involves not only scheduling study hours but also allocating time for social activities, relaxation, and self-care, which are crucial for maintaining overall well-being (Wilson & Brown, 2019).

Various factors influence how university students manage their time. These include individual characteristics such as motivation, self-discipline, and organizational skills (Garcia & Martinez, 2021). Additionally, external factors like part-time employment, family responsibilities, and commuting time can further complicate time management efforts (Robinson, 2019).

Time management practices can significantly impact students' academic success. Effective time management strategies include setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and importance, and using tools such as planners and digital apps to schedule activities (Lee & Clark, 2020). Research suggests that students who engage in proactive time management behaviors tend to experience less stress and achieve better academic outcomes (Johnson, 2018).

Furthermore, cultural and societal norms can influence students' perceptions and approaches to time management. For international students, adjusting to a new academic environment with different cultural expectations regarding time can pose additional challenges (Choi & Lee, 2022). Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for developing inclusive time management support strategies within university settings (Nguyen, 2021).

The role of universities in promoting effective time management among students is crucial. Many institutions offer workshops, seminars, and counseling services focused on time management skills development (Parker & Jones, 2019). These initiatives aim to empower students with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their productivity and academic success (Adler & Wong, 2020).

In conclusion, time management remains a critical issue among university students, impacting their academic performance, stress levels, and overall well-being. Effective time management involves a combination of personal discipline, organizational strategies, and access to supportive resources within the university community (Smith & Davis, 2023). By fostering a culture of effective time management and providing targeted support, universities can empower students to navigate the challenges of academic life successfully.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Despite the critical importance of effective time management skills in achieving academic success and maintaining well-being, many university students struggle to balance their academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life demands. This issue is compounded by the transition from secondary school to university, where students often face increased autonomy and a more demanding academic environment. Factors such as poor organizational skills, lack of motivation, external obligations (such as part-time jobs or family responsibilities), and cultural differences further contribute to difficulties in managing time effectively. Consequently, there is a pressing need to investigate the specific challenges and barriers that university students encounter in practicing effective time management and to explore strategies to support them in developing these crucial skills. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing students' academic performance, reducing stress levels, and fostering overall well-being during their university tenure.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine the factors influencing time management among university students.

Specific Objectives:

i. To evaluate the impact of academic workload on time management practices among university students.

ii. To determine the relationship between time management skills and academic performance among university students.

iii. To find out the role of extracurricular activities in influencing time management behaviors among university students.

RESEARCH QUESTION

i. What is the impact of academic workload on time management practices among university students?

ii. What is the relationship between time management skills and academic performance among university students?

iii. How does participation in extracurricular activities influence time management behaviors among university students?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis I

H₀: There is no significant impact of academic workload on time management practices among university students.

H₁: There is a significant impact of academic workload on time management practices among university students.

Hypothesis II

H₀: There is no significant relationship between time management skills and academic performance among university students.

H₂: There is a significant relationship between time management skills and academic performance among university students.

Hypothesis III

H₀: There is no significant influence of extracurricular activities on time management behaviors among university students.

H₃: There is a significant influence of extracurricular activities on time management behaviors among university students.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on assessing the factors influencing time management among university students within a specific geographic region or institution. It encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate students across various disciplines and academic years. The study will explore the impact of academic workload, the relationship between time management skills and academic performance, and the influence of extracurricular activities on time management behaviors. It will involve both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive data. The study excludes detailed analysis of time management practices among secondary school students or professionals outside the university setting. Additionally, cultural and institutional differences in time management perceptions will be considered within the specified context to provide insights relevant to enhancing students' time management strategies and overall academic success.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

  Time Management: The process of planning and organizing one's activities and tasks to effectively utilize available time for optimal productivity and achievement of goals.

  Academic Workload: The total amount of academic tasks, including coursework, assignments, projects, and study time, required of students within a specific period, such as a semester.

  Extracurricular Activities: Non-academic activities pursued by students outside their regular academic curriculum, such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, and student organizations.

  Time Management Skills: Abilities and strategies used by individuals to prioritize tasks, allocate time efficiently, set goals, and maintain balance between academic, personal, and social activities.

  Academic Performance: The measurable outcomes of a student's academic achievements, typically assessed through grades, test scores, and overall academic progress.

  Undergraduate Students: Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at a university or college, pursuing their first academic degree.

  Postgraduate Students: Students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are pursuing advanced academic degrees such as master's or doctoral degrees.

  Quantitative Research Methods: Research approaches that involve collecting numerical data through surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis to quantify relationships and phenomena.

  Qualitative Research Methods: Research approaches that focus on gathering non-numerical data through interviews, observations, or textual analysis to understand behaviors, opinions, and experiences.

  Cultural Differences: Variances in behaviors, values, beliefs, and customs among individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds, influencing their perceptions and practices related to time management and academic life.

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