Today, many people feel like they do not have the time to get everything done; this especially applies to the non-traditional learner. Work, family, school, and other obligations are constantly competing with each other for the students’ valuable time. Time management means fixation of priorities according to time. It includes understanding and effective planning, setting goals and objectives, setting deadlines, delegation of responsibilities, prioritizing activities as per their importance and spending the right time on the right activity.

Basically, ‘Time Management’ comprises following:

(1) Allocation of time against activities (2) What should be done first and what should be done second? (3) How much time should be given to a task according to its importance and nature? (4) What is the right time for a task?; and (5) Which tasks should be avoided in order to save time or to identify the activities which lead to wastage of time?

For Effective Time Management one needs to:
(1) Organized (2) Avoid misuse of time, and (3) Be Focused!

Throw what all you don’t need on your study/ work table. Keep the files in their respective drawers with labels on top of each file. Don’t misuse time - Do not kill time by unnecessary talk. Concentrate on your work and finish assignments on time. Develop the habit of using planners, organizers, table top calendars for better time management. Set reminders on phones or your personal computers.

For students, key benefits of ‘Time Management’ are:

(a) Develops Responsibility.
(b) Leads to Effective Learning.
(c) Results in Efficiency Gains.
(d) Aids in Money Management.
(e) Prepares for the Working World.