Research work could take the most unexpected twist
and turn. It is a nerve-racking experience. Usually, if approached in a
haphazard manner, valuable time could be lost.
In big research corporations, each researcher has a set of responsibilities and area of focus, this might help and aid timely completion of research work. However, in personal or unstructured research work, these tips on time management is life-saving. Without any bias to any form of research, these tips are generally applicable.
In big research corporations, each researcher has a set of responsibilities and area of focus, this might help and aid timely completion of research work. However, in personal or unstructured research work, these tips on time management is life-saving. Without any bias to any form of research, these tips are generally applicable.
1. Read up! This is the first thing to do to ensure completion of research in the quickest possible timeframe. There is no end to the amount of underground pre-knowledge on any research work to be embarked upon. This will help guide in decision-making during the research.
2. Quite naturally, the
first is to make a plan or strategy from the onset. This has been
rehashed numerous times. But the key to the plan or strategy working
out eventually is doing the right research project that you have the
capacity, innate or available, to complete the research, on time! List
all possible requirements; equipments and expertise, risks involved,
financial commitment, raw materials, ambience et al and have them in
place or at least in consideration.
3. Define the scope.
This cannot be over-emphasized; researches could expand beyond the ends
of the world. Before going further, a possible scope should be in
mind. This should be after the underground work. The key is sticking to
your guns, except in experimental research where the results could
decide the next action.
4. Break actions into
smaller units and understand in details each division. Place value on
each division. Placing value would have to be in consonance with your
supervisor's interest and guidance.
5. Prioritise the
activities based on their value and happenings in the course of the
research. Off all divisions, some would have a higher value, so
prioritize on that.
6. Have a life cycle for
each of the value. Let the tasks be accomplishable in bits. Each
having a time bound. Specifically seek to accomplish them within
specific milestones with reminders of the task schedule.
For example, instead of saying: 'Monday to Wednesday, project chapter one,' you could divide it in tad bits. Firstly, getting the underground data or theory; then dividing the chapter into sections; writing the first draft without editing - uninterrupted, straight from memory; then editing after writing, paragraph by paragraph; then using plagiarism checker, grammatical errors checker, spell checker et al before submitting to your supervisor for possible corrections. If there are, then finish up as required.
The break into phases like this helps you achieve specifics. If time is used up like this, it is more effective than having a larger task spread over a certain period; it might take a longer period, then messing up the initial plan or if shorter, the extra time could be spent less effectively than achieving the scheduled bit of work.
For example, instead of saying: 'Monday to Wednesday, project chapter one,' you could divide it in tad bits. Firstly, getting the underground data or theory; then dividing the chapter into sections; writing the first draft without editing - uninterrupted, straight from memory; then editing after writing, paragraph by paragraph; then using plagiarism checker, grammatical errors checker, spell checker et al before submitting to your supervisor for possible corrections. If there are, then finish up as required.
The break into phases like this helps you achieve specifics. If time is used up like this, it is more effective than having a larger task spread over a certain period; it might take a longer period, then messing up the initial plan or if shorter, the extra time could be spent less effectively than achieving the scheduled bit of work.
7. Put in place a
support system. It could be a higher personality you report to or
discuss with. This helps your psyche, as you'd have to meet expectations
and/or impress, helping you tap into the deepest part of your
creativity. If you attach huge importance to this, you'd likely want to
sit up more to your responsibilities.
8. Being online for
theory could waste time, get what you think you might need, shut
yourself out and just work. When you are deficient on some part after
everything, go back and fill it up. It could be very distracting to get
the required while online at the same time. Social media is another
leech.
It is advisable you have a working period and flexible time. On your working period, ruthlessly protect your personal time. Don't easily give in to non-relevant activities. These could distract work and extend the time to complete any phase of your research work.
It is advisable you have a working period and flexible time. On your working period, ruthlessly protect your personal time. Don't easily give in to non-relevant activities. These could distract work and extend the time to complete any phase of your research work.
9. Plan base on
happenings, consider power and all other infrastructures you might
require for your work. For example, as a student using the laboratory of
your school, there would be times when power would be more stable or
when the laboratory would be less in use, plan in that regard to avoid
been stranded or waiting in turn. Optimize available time basically,
depending on the situation at any point in time.
10. Seeking perfection
is one of the biggest thief of time. Editing and fine-tuning on end.
After a certain point, its best you declare victory and move on,
especially when you exceed the time bound and you close in on the
picture in mind.
By Austine Archibong
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