Time management with the help of modern information technology

Mojca Ješe Šavs (2016) Time management with the help of modern information technology. MSc thesis.

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Abstract

Nowadays we aim to perform a high number of tasks on a daily basis, therefore the increase in the need for time management. Our wish and determination to change our habits do not suffice. Successful changes of our habits require not only planning but foremost the analysis of our current way of working and behaving. We need to be aware of the limited number of hours available which is why it is important how we take advantage of them. Project time management is a process of proper time planning spent on an individual task. The first step to time management is the analysis of the time spent. Problems, also known as time wasters, often occur during analysis. Because they are so similar, it is important to help ourselves by writing a journal. Following the analysis, is the plan of measures which define our intended changes. We determine which time waster we start with. The next step is writing a list of tasks needed or wished to be performed. By doing so, we clear our minds that is why, we are able to think more efficiently and more productively. Extensive tasks are divided into smaller more manageable parts. We set our aims, deadlines and priorities. When performing, we normally start with the most important tasks. This makes it possible to always finish them on time. There has been an expansion of time management methods in the last two decades. Two of them stand out, namely GTD Method (Getting Things Done) and Pomodoro Technique. GTD Method consists of five steps: collecting, processing, organising, reviewing and doing. It deals with task organisation which means that we are familiar with when and which task is being performed without being overloaded with other tasks. Since it does not say much about performing individual tasks, there is another method which does, namely Pomodoro Technique. It consists of five steps: planning, tracking, recording, processing and visualising. To manage time efficiently, we can help ourselves by using mobile devices, especially social mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Having quite a few advantages and unfortunately also disadvantages, social mobile devices influence other areas, such as business, education, health sectors, human psychology and social life. To manage time efficiently using social mobile devices, we need to have a proper application installed. Existing applications are not only meant to analyse personal performance but also to follow project time at work which is issued with invoices. To do analysis, we need qualitative reports. That is the purpose of the two applications developed within this Master’s thesis. They are basic applications recording our daily activities. They have a good visual display of the recorded data. \sn{Time Usage App} is an internet application which can be run at any display device. It requires internet access. \sn{Izraba časa} is the second application meant for devices with Windows 10 operating system. It is designed for mobile phones but can be used on other devices as well.

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