Effective Time Management in the Project Office. Executive Summary.

A survey of 18 students in Executive Refresher Course 76-3 PMs, Deputy PMS, and others at GS-15Colonel level or higher at the Defense Systems Management College was conducted to determine if project managers have difficulty in the management of their time, how many hours they averaged at their job each day, and the distribution of their time with respect to various time consumers. Results of the survey revealed that two-thirds of the PMs did not have enough time to adequately perform their management duties, were spending 12 hours a day at work, and took home an average of over one and a half hours worth of work each night. Time manangement principles that were developed from a review of related research were given an abbreviated test among 11 students of Program Managers Course 76-2 at the Defense Systems Management College. The results of the survey of the students who responded were unanimous in their conclusion that the principles were helpful in managing their time and thought that they would be helpful to a project manager. It can be concluded from the study that project managers have difficulty in managing their time and that although neglected, time management should be taught to project managers so as to preclude spending an inordinate amount of time to accomplish their job. An understanding and use of the time management principles delineated in the study should allow the manager to make much more effective use of his available time. Author