A Case Study On Time Robbers
A Case Study On Time Robbers
A Case Study On Time Robbers
STUDIES
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
PRESENTED BY
JANUARY 2011
ABSTACT
This paper presents a case study of the development and application of a
time management study model in a telecommunication service provider.
The organisation provides service on radio frequency planning and
optimization to major network operators and the issue of time robber is a
peculiar problem that affects performance and productivity.
It has been observed that the things that matters most often get pushed
aside by less important concerns at times, it seems like everyone and
everything conspires against us and prevents us from accomplishing what
we really want to. Events we never anticipated catch us blind side,
demand our attention, and distract us from what matters most. These
events control us, and when that happens, our productivity drops and so
does our self-esteem. Because these events deflect us from what we
really ought to be doing, they are very costly.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
There are only 24 hours in our day, just the same as everybody else's. So
how do you end up frustrated, angry, behind in your work, and dead on
your feet? This feeling maybe because you are unable to utilize 24 hours
to your advantage. There is nothing magical about getting the most from
these hours; it just takes planning.
During my case study i was able to identify and clarify the following;
o Ability to identify the time lost at work due to time robbers for the
first week without time waver
1) Drivers
3) Line Manager
4) Client
5) Customers
6) Emergency Cases
Drivers
o vehicle servicing
Line Manager
Client
Customers
Most times some customers would want to make request not pertaining
to the problem earlier identified by them. They would also want to be
more enlightened on problems that sometimes take time before they
could assimilate.
Emergency Cases
In the first week, the table below shows how the time was spent for
factors associated to time robbers;
Percentage
Time Robbers Hours (%)
Drivers 4 10
Vehicle Related Problems 16 40
Line Manager 2 5
Client 8 20
Customers 5 12.5
Emergency cases 5 12.5
The graphical representation of the above table on time robbers are shown
below
A. PIE CHART
B. BAR CHART
The job schedule spreadsheet also indicated period (or time) to attend to
specific job task such as client special request, vehicle servicing and
repairs, customers and drivers.
Drivers
In this case the drivers were made to fill a time sheet that indicated the
time they resumed and closed from work.
I ensured that the service dates of the vehicles were strictly adhered to
and an alternative vehicle was made available. I also ensured that the
vehicle particulars were complete and up to date.
In cases of traffic, i was able to reduce it by knowing the days and time to
visit some areas especially in the city of Lagos.
Line Manager
I ensured he was able to identify the resources that would be needful for
him before the close of business in order not to affect the activities of the
next day.
Client
Customers
Emergency Cases
There was absolutely nothing we could do about this but to manage it.
The table below shows the results of the mechanism used to curtail the
time robbers experienced in the first week
Percentage
Time Robbers Hours (%)
Drivers 1.5 6
Vehicle Related Problems 10 40
Line Manager 1.5 6
Client 5 20
Customers 2 8
Emergency cases 5 20
The graphical representation of the above table on time robbers are shown
below
A. PIE CHART
B. BAR CHART
The case study has been able to identify that effective time management
could reduce the negative effects caused by factors associated as time
robbers. This could be achieved by carefully identifying the time robber
and providing adequate mechanism to check the excesses and harm
caused by it.
This would in turn improve performance and increase productivity both for
the individual discharging his/her duty and the organisation at large.
REFERENCES
Rajkumar Adukia, A Handbook on More Time for Chartered Accountants