Implementing an Academic Task Manager: Findings from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: Time management methods need to be employed to encourage students in time tracking. This work presents the development and implementation of a task management application for task and time management. Methods: The functionalities of the task manager were modelled using UML (Unified Modelling Language), and a prototype of the system developed using Android Studio as the code compiler for the mobile application. A pilot test was carried out to evaluate ease of use, usefulness and continuous usage of the application. Findings: Although some of the respondents had found the application useful in helping them track their time and monitor their tasks, they did not visit the application frequently hence, no desirable affect on the outcome of their time management skills. Application: The strategic application of this solution to a wider audience would also increase productivity within related demographics such as among business owners , busy executives and parents. Time is referred to as one of the most important resources to man and it is a very important ingredient to productivity ; therefore, a person's proficiency to manage time effectively and efficiently cannot be exaggerated. Time management can be summarized as skillfully making the best use of time to accomplish a goal or task. It directly affects overall productivity as it determines the amount of effort and creativity invested into the work to be done. Task management simply involves managing a task throughout its lifespan. The lifespan of a task begins from an inactive (ready) state and continues through several other states (delegated, rejected, assigned, terminated, expired, forwarded, finished, failed) but essentially concludes when the task has been completed. It involves planning, testing, tracking, reporting and effectively managing all aspects of a task, including its status, priority , time, human and financial resources assignments, recurrence, and notifications. Task management is very important in the working environment as it can help either individuals or a group of people achieve goals. Furthermore, ability to keep track of tasks deadlines, meetings and project team management makes the task management crucial for a busy knowledge worker. In an academic setting, time management is just as important. Undergraduate university students, whether full time or part time, are also faced with the responsibility of organizing and managing their time commitments and effective time management is directly responsible for the positive mental and academic performance of the students. As the academic session progresses, these commitments become cumbersome and could weigh down on the students' productivity if not managed properly. In recent times, there has been a high incidence of poor academic performance by university undergraduates. This has been due, in the most part, to poor time management. When time is not effectively managed, important commitments (which include attending lectures, submitting assignments/projects and participating in tests and examinations) necessary for academic success are compromised. This eventually leads to imbalance, encourages