TIME & LIFE MANAGEMENT: HOW IT RELATES TO THE

‘AFRICAN TIME’ SYNDROME

Advanced Certificate Course,

Set 9,

June, 2012

Time

Seconds

Minutes

Hours

Days

Introduction

Weeks

Months Years

LIFE

OUTLINE

Chapter 1 – Scope of Study

Chapter 2 – Time & Life Management

and African Time syndrome

Chapter 3 – Study

Chapter 4 – Results

Chapter 5 – Conclusion and

Recommendations

Scope of Study

This study examines the

origin, perceptions and effects of

‘African Time’ Syndrome

in relation to

time and life management.

Situation Analysis In 2008, sixty-two African students were

interviewed at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.

They were asked to think of the most recent event they attended and tell if they were on

time for the event.

Only 3% of this group of students could boast of being on time (Ekaney, 2008).

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The purpose of this study is:

To determine how ‘African Time’ syndrome affects time and life management in African;

To identify the reasons for ‘African Time’;

To make recommendations in order to re-orient the African mindset towards time and life management.

Time Management

Time is a convertible resource given to man.

Time management is the art or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities; especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.

Perception of Time

Time perception

is a field of study within

psychology and

neuroscience.

It refers to the sense of time,

which differs from other senses.

Perception of Time

MEXICO

VALUES

The Origin of ‘African Time’ Pre-colonial

During Colonization

Post Colonization

Basis for African Time Syndrome Emotional Response to Time.

Polychromic Nature.

Social Nature.

Reactions to African Time Syndrome

Popular Culture

Lack of Respect

Effect of ‘African Time’ On Africans

Bad Image.

Underdevelopment.

Poor Value System.

Importance of Time and Life Management

Time is life.

Enhances efficiency.

Sums up a person.

Allows individuals time for leisure (Taylor, 2010).

Time is limited.

Increased productivity.

Confidence.

Benefits of Time and Life Management

Stress Reduction

Increased Productivity.

Peace of Mind and Sense of Achievement.

Financial Stability.

Stronger Family Bonds.

Meeting Goals Appropriately.

Greater Advantage.

High Standard of Work.

Improved Quality of Life.

Natural Facts about Time and life Management

Control your life = controlling your time.

Governing values, foundation of your personal fulfillment.

Governing values + Daily activities = inner peace.

To reach any significant goal, you must leave your comfort zone.

Daily planning leads to increased focus.

Natural Facts about Time and life Management

Your belief = your behaviour

You satisfy needs when your beliefs are in line with reality.

Change incorrect beliefs, overcome negative behaviours.

Self-esteem must ultimately come from within,

Give more, have more (Smith, 1995)

Study Research

No %

Number of always-punctual students 9 13.8%

Number of never-punctual students 3 4.6%

Number of students who are sometimes early/late 53 81.5%

Total 65 100%

Results

13.8%

4.6%

81.5%

Always Punctual Never Punctual Irregular

Peoples

Punctuality

cannot be

predicted

CONCLUSION A shift in MINDSET

A Change in VALUES

RECOMMENDATION Each family should take up the responsibility of

inculcating respect for time into their children.

Leaders of religious bodies should teach the value of time to their followers.

Educational institutions should be disciplined with time and not compromise deadlines.

Punctuality should be rewarded and celebrated.

RECOMMEDATION Our political leaders should be models of not

only time consciousness but also time discipline.

Great men and celebrities should lay good example by arriving at events early; thereby showing to their fans and the entire populace that lateness is not a proof of status or class.

Time and Life Management should be incorporated into school curricula/syllabuses from the primary to tertiary institutions.