TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper examines the association between time management competencies and academic performance of university students. Time has been defined as an invaluable resource that when well managed through planning and prioritization will result in high productivity and better academic performance, including better Grade Point Average (GPA). On the contrary, lack of proper time management usually leads to stress, dislike of tasks and failure in school. The study employed quantitative approach to the research and the data were collected using a structured 44 item questionnaire to a sample of students at the University of Gujrat. The survey was conducted with a final sample of 119 students and the research tool had an outstanding internal consistency (Cronbach Alpha = 0.987). The theoretical concept applied was the Production Function Approach (PFA) that incorporates time management and student motivation as inputs to the result of academic achievement. The results have proven positive and significant association of time management practices such as goal setting, planning, and avoidance of procrastination and academic performance. The research finds that students who manage their time well will get higher grades compared to those who will poorly manage their time resulting in poor performance. Suggestions are institutional programs to support self-regulations strategies and provide training of teaching staff to help students to develop effective time management tools.