TIME MANAGEMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Time management is at the core of labour productivity in any sector of the economy. Labour productivity itself is considered most vital in ensuring output growth as well as national development. In most countries, it is observed that labour contributes over 65% to GDP which makes it an essential factor of production. (Beggs, Fisher and Dornbush 2000; Lipsey and Chrystal 2005). Premised on this consideration, it is important that efficiency is factored into labour utilization which is the place of time management. The observation of most researchers is that labour can only be what it has been trained to be (Sorkin 1992). Hence it has been advanced that in the formative days of labour, the essence of time management should be taught to students as well as ensuring that they inculcate the practices of time management. This brewing stage in most countries is the university stage. It is therefore pertinent that the practice of time management amongst Nigeria undergraduate students be evaluated. This is done using undergraduate students as case study.  

1.2. Statement of the Research Problem

Numerous problems confront students in Nigeria. These problems are often time responsible for their weak performances in academic chores. Ranging from financial inadequacy to inadequacy of time, the Nigerian student is often beset with divers problems (Aghenta 2007). While this study undertakes the implications of time management on students’ performance, it confronts the problems of using reliable variables in its findings. 

• How does an average university student actually spend his/her time while in school?
• What are those factors that actually affect his or her study time utilization?
• Does study time utilization vary directly with sex, age, marital status, income and level of study? 

1.3    Objectives of the Study

This study has the following objectives’

1. To find out how an average university students spend his or her time when school is in session. 
2. To find out the problems students encounter in time management.
3. To find out if there is relationship between age, sex, level of study, marital status and parental background with time management. 

1.4    Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is spatial in nature as it is within the confines of University of Benin. It was conducted within a period of six months.

1.5    Relevance/Significance of the Study

          This study will be of immense benefit to curriculum constructors in the education sector as well as students.  Essentially, students will know more if how they manage their time has a bearing on the level of their academic performance.

1.6. Statement of Hypothesis

The following hypotheses shall be tested in this study.  The hypotheses are stated in Null and alternative forms.

Ho:    There is no significant relationship between the hours students spend on academic activities and what they spend on non-academic activity.

Ha:    There is significant relationship between the hours students spend on academic activities and what they spend on non-academic activity.

Ho:    There is no significant relationship between time management and students’ sex.

Ha:    There is significant relationship between time management and students’ sex.

Ho:    There is no significant relationship between time management and students’ age.

Ha:    There is significant relationship between time management and students’ age.

Ho:    There is no significant relationship between time management and students’ marital status.

Ha:    There is significant relationship between time management and students’ marital status.

Ho:    There is no significant relationship between time management and students’ parental background.

Ha:    There is significant relationship between time management and students’ parental background.

1.7    Limitations of the Study

The limitation of the study can be discussed within the context of the environment constraints.  Basically, the study is limited to University of Benin.  There is also financial constraints given the fact that funds are limited for preparing the research.

REFERENCES

Aghenta (2007),           “Time Considerations in Learning”, Educational Journals for the Developing Word, Vol. 2, January 1997.

Begg, D., Fisher S. et al (2000), Economics, Sixth Edition, McGraw Hill Publishing Company, United Kingdom.

Beggs, Fisher and Dornbush (2000), Economics, Seventh Edition, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, United Kingdom.

Lipsey, R. G. and K. Alex Chrystal (2005), Productivity and Enhancement, American Journal of Economics, Vol. 4, Dec. 1998.