WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
INFLUENCE OF TIME MANAGEMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUCCESS OF PRINCIPALS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Time is a valuable, unchanging resource that can be utilised to improve humanity. Whatever a man’s accomplishments and natural growth may be, they are things that are acquired over time. Every individual, group, and society as a whole rely on it, so it must be properly handled. To accomplish organizational goals, an administrator must effectively manage their time. The administrator who monitors the activities of staff and students must have good time management abilities in order to meet the school’s goals and objectives. The difference between time and other resources used in an organization is that time cannot be bought or accumulated like machines, and raw materials cannot be replaced, unlike people. Time cannot be altered. Successful organizational management is all that’s needed. The fast completion of administrative responsibilities and obligations is highly valued by administrators and managers in many businesses, including the education sector.  According to Hallinger and Murphy (2013), one of the main challenges of leadership for school development in the principal’s role is finding the time to perform a variety of duties. Like any other business, the educational system has set goals and objectives that must be achieved within a specific time range. The principal, who serves as the institution’s senior executive officer at the secondary level of education, is in responsibility of effectively allocating school resources to meet established goals and objectives.

Everyone should be very good at managing their time. It is the capacity to set up and adhere to a timetable, adhere to deadlines, prioritize, and lessen interruptions and pointless chores. It entails using time wisely so that jobs and projects can be completed successfully. Time management is a behavior that seeks to utilize time efficiently while carrying out certain goal-directed tasks. Since time is a limited resource, principals must choose how to divide it up among conflicting needs. Making wise time-use decisions is crucial for good leadership, as shown by the link between principal time usage and academic results. Effective management of time requires good strategies and planning if goals must be achieved. Adopting to time management strategies by setting goals that are achievable, prioritizing tasks, delegating tasks to subordinates, avoiding unnecessary interruptions and time wasting activities, maintaining focus on tasks, and leading by example are attribute school Administrators. However, school administrators spend more time on meetings and other school activities yet, finds it difficult to complete tasks at the appropriate time. Setting target for meetings, ensuring timely converge of scheme of work, delegation of duties to teachers and students scheduling extra-curricular activities among others are characteristics of time management of school leaders. Mullins (2005) pointed out that whatever, the attributes or qualities of successful managers are, or the qualities of subordinate staff are, one essential underlying criterion is the effective use of time. If school leader is incompetent in effective use of time, all the administrative and managerial efforts for school improvement will be a waste.

Administrative success requires making efforts and using technical abilities to complete organizational activities that contribute to the accomplishment of goals. Similar to this, Akomolafe (2012) defined administrative success as the favorable outcome of administrative efforts and actions taken with the aim of achieving the specified goal. The degree of accountability of school administrators, improvements in student achievement, curriculum quality, efficient resource management, monitoring, appropriate task delegation, prompt fulfillment of duties, and continuous goal-meeting are all ways to gauge administrative success. The smooth running and uninterrupted activities of any organization require high level of administrative skills of the leader. Most principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State face difficulties in effectively managing their time due to the diverse responsibilities they bear. Therefore, understanding the influence of time management on the administrative success of principals in secondary schools in this area is vital for enhancing educational outcomes and organizational effectiveness.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Secondary school principals play a critical role in ensuring efficient management and the overall performance of educational institutions. Time management stands out as a crucial issue that requires examination among the many variables that might have a big impact on their administrative success. However, there is a notable lack of studies explicitly looking at how time management affects principals’ administrative success in secondary schools in the Pankshin Local Government Area. The issue at hand is the lack of a thorough grasp of the connection between time management techniques and the general administrative performance of secondary school principals. The precise implications of time management within the context of educational leadership are still largely investigated, despite the fact that it is acknowledged as a key ability for professionals in a variety of areas. The absence of research in this area hampers the ability of principals in Pankshin Local Government Area to optimize their time management practices effectively. Without a comprehensive understanding of how time management impacts their administrative success, principals may struggle to prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and maintain a productive work-life balance. This knowledge gap hinders the development of targeted interventions and strategies aimed at improving administrative efficiency and effectiveness in secondary schools.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The Purpose of the study is to investigate the Influence of Time Management on the Administrative Success of Principals in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State. Specifically, the study will be guided by the following objectives:

1. To determine the relevance of time management practices to principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
2. To examine the influence of Time management on the administrative duties of principals in secondary schools?
3. To Identify strategies for improving time management of principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?

1.4       Research Questions

1. What is the relevance of time management practices to principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
2. What is the influence of time management on the administrative duties of principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
3. What are the strategies for improving time management practices among principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant relationship between Time management and the Administrative Success of secondary school principals

1.6       Scope of the Study

The study will be focused on the influence of Time Management on the Administrative Success of Principals in Secondary Schools. The study will be confined to only secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government area of Plateau State

1.7       Significance of the Study

The study on the influence of time management on the administrative success of principals in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area carries significant implications to the following stakeholders: Principals, Administrators, Students; Educational Administrators and Planners; School Authorities and Researchers.

Principals will have a better awareness of the value of efficient time management in their administrative jobs thanks to the study’s findings. They will be able to better manage the multiple obligations they deal with every day by identifying time management tactics and practices that can increase their productivity and efficiency. Principals can enhance their ability to make decisions, prioritize activities, and allocate resources more effectively by putting into practice good time management techniques, which will ultimately boost administrative success.

Effective time management by principals can have a positive impact on students’ educational experience. When principals manage their time well, they can focus on instructional leadership, curriculum development, and creating a conducive learning environment. This, in turn, enhances the overall quality of education and student outcomes. Students can benefit from improved academic support, better resources, and enhanced opportunities for extracurricular activities.

Administrators working at various levels of the educational system will gain from the study. It will emphasize how important time management abilities are for raising overall administrative performance. Administrators can learn more about how time management affects organizational performance, the efficacy of leadership, and the efficient execution of educational programs. Administrators may promote a more effective and productive work environment, improving outcomes for both staff and students, by acknowledging the significance of time management.

The study findings will provide educational administrators and planners with valuable insights into the significance of time management in designing policies, programs, and systems that support effective administrative practices. It can guide the development of professional development programs and training initiatives aimed at enhancing time management skills among principals and other educational leaders. By integrating time management principles into administrative frameworks, educational administrators and planners can foster more efficient and effective school management practices.

The study’s findings can be instrumental in guiding school authorities in their decision-making processes related to the allocation of resources, staff development, and the establishment of policies that promote effective time management. School authorities can use this knowledge to provide support and resources necessary for principals to implement time management strategies successfully. They can also incorporate time management considerations into performance evaluation and recognition systems, further encouraging principals to prioritize effective time management practices.

The study will add to the body of knowledge already available on educational administration, concentrating on how time management affects administrative success. These findings can be used as a foundation for further research into related topics such how time management affects particular administrative chores, how technology influences time management techniques, and how well training interventions work to improve principals’ time management abilities. This study will inspire additional inquiry and scholarly discussion on the subject, promoting ongoing development in educational leadership.

1.8       Theoretical Framework

The study will employ Time Management Theory founded by Frederick Winslow Taylor in 1911.  Time management theory is a concept that emphasizes the effective allocation and utilization of time to achieve personal and organizational goals efficiently.  The theory suggests that individuals who are adept at managing their time can improve productivity, reduce stress, and make better use of available resources. While there is no single founder of time management theory, it has been influenced by various productivity experts, researchers, and psychologists over time.

Time management theory is used in this study in that Effective time management allows principals to identify and prioritize key administrative tasks and responsibilities. By focusing on the most critical areas, principals can ensure that their efforts contribute to the overall success of the school. Time management theory emphasizes the importance of planning and organizing tasks in a systematic manner. Principals can apply this concept by creating clear action plans and schedules for various administrative activities, such as staff meetings, budget planning, and curriculum development. Furthermore, principals often face numerous decisions throughout their administrative roles. Time management theory encourages them to allocate sufficient time to gather relevant information, consider options, and make well-informed decisions, thus contributing to effective school management.

1.9       Definition of Operational Terms

Time: Time refers to the measure of duration or the sequence of events. In this study, it relates to the allocation, utilization, and organization of time in the context of school administration.

Time Management: Time management refers to the practice of planning, organizing, and controlling one’s time effectively to achieve desired goals and objectives.

Administrative Success: Administrative success refers to the achievement of desired outcomes and effective performance in the administrative roles and responsibilities of principals.

Influence: Influence refers to the impact or effect that of time management practice of principals on their overall administrative success in secondary schools.

Principals: Principals refer to the individuals who hold the position of head or leader in secondary schools. They are responsible for overseeing the overall administration, management, and educational processes within the school.

Administration: Administration encompasses the tasks, activities, and processes involved in managing and organizing the day-to-day operations of a school.