THE EFFECT OF TIME MANAGEMENT

ON THE CADEMIC SUCCESS OF ACCOUNATNCY STUDENTS AT

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION COLLEGE

A Research Proposal

Presented to

The College of Business and Accountancy Department of

Asian Development Foundation College

P. Burgos St. Tacloban City

In Partial Fulfilment of the

Requirements for the subject

AE 6

(ACCOUNTING RESEARCH METHODS)

By:

BUENAVENTURA, ALDRICH P.

GACITA, JOSELITO JR., O.

RANCUDO, COLINE P.

MAY 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page.................................................................................................................................. i.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study……………………………………………………….... 3

1.2 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………... 4

1.3 Objectives of the Study…….……………………………………………………. 4

1.4 5 Significance of the Study ….………………………………………………….. 4

1. 5 Theoretical Framework..…………………………………………………………5

1.6 Conceptual Framework…….…………………………………………………..….

1.7 Scope and Delimitation….………………………………………...………………

1.7 Definition of Terms….….………………………………………...……………… 8

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Review of Related Literature….………..………………………………………. 10

2.2 Analysis of Negative Reviews…………..………………………………………. 10

2.3 Emphasis of the Review……...………………………...…………………..…… 11

2.4 Strategies to Mitigate the Negative Impact........………..………………………. 12

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CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design……………………………………………………………….. 14

3.2 Research Setting …….…………………………………………………………. 14

3.3 Research Respondents……….………………………………………………… 14

3.4 Research Instrument……………………………………………………………..15

3.5 Data Collection Process …………..………………………………………….… 15

3.6 Data Analysis..…………….…………………………………………………..... 15

3.7 References…………………………………………………………………......…17

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

This study explores the concept of time management among students especially the

accountancy students who have a very tight schedule of class work, assignments,

examinations and other related academic activities. As stated by Britton and Tesser (1991)

effective time management enhances learning, improves performance, decreases stress and

increases productivity. However, most students have the tendency to procrastinate, plan their

time poorly and also fail to identify what is most important to do.

Asian Development Foundation College accountancy students experience challenges

in the effective allocation of their academic time. According to Macan et al. (1990), students

with good time management abilities perform better and feel less stressed. Nonetheless, many

of the students still fail to manage their time properly between studying, assignments, and

extracurricular activities.

This study aims to determine the effect of time management on the academic

achievement of accountancy students at Asian Development Foundation College. While

several studies have examined time management among college students, research

specifically focusing on accountancy students in this institution is limited. By understanding

common time management practices and their impacts on academic performance, this study

aims to offer some recommendations that may be helpful for students to enhance their

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learning and academic performance. The results may also be useful to teachers in the

development of strategies that can improve students’ time management.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the impact of time management on the academic success

of accountancy students at Asian Development Foundation College.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the current time management practices of accountancy students?

2. How do these practices affect students' academic performance?

3. What difficulties do accountancy students experience in managing their time

effectively?

4. What strategies can be recommended to improve the time management skills of

accountancy students?

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to:

• Identify the time management practices of accountancy students at Asian Development

Foundation College.

• Examine the relationship between time management and academic performance.

• Determine the challenges that hinder effective time management among accountancy

students.

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• Recommend strategies to improve time management skills and academic outcomes.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant to the following:

Asian Development Foundation College – The institution can use the study’s findings to

implement programs and policies that enhance students’ time management skills. This can

contribute to improving overall academic performance and retention rates among

accountancy students.

Educators – The findings provide insights into the time management challenges faced by

accountancy students, allowing educators to adjust teaching strategies, integrate time

management training into the curriculum, and provide academic support to improve student

learning outcomes.

Future Researchers – This study serves as a foundation for further research on time

management and academic performance, specifically within the accountancy program at

Asian Development Foundation College. It provides a basis for exploring new strategies to

improve student success.

Parents – By understanding the time management struggles of accountancy students,

parents can provide better guidance and support at home, fostering self-discipline and

accountability in their children’s academic routines.

Students – This research helps accountancy students at Asian Development Foundation

College develop effective time management skills, enabling them to balance academic

workload, meet deadlines, and reduce stress. By understanding proper scheduling,

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prioritization, and structured study methods, students can enhance their academic

performance and productivity in their field.

Theoretical Framework

These theories serve as the foundation for this study, helping to analyze the impact of

time management on the academic performance of accountancy students.

The Urgent-Important Matrix of Eisenhower’s Theory divides the tasks into four

quadrants: important and urgent, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and

neither urgent nor important. Thus, accountancy students can use this model to schedule their

work and ensure that they pay attention to the most important academic activities and do not

get distracted.

Another relevant theory is Parkinson’s Law, which states that “work expands to fill

the time available for its completion”. This principle can be used to explain why students

have problems with procrastination and ineffective study strategies. When given more time,

some of them may delay the tasks and do the work at the last minute, resulting in cramming.

This paper aims to contribute to the existing literature on time management by examining

how goal-setting theories can be applied to help students overcome these challenges and

improve their performance.

Lastly, the Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that divides work

into twenty-five-minute intervals with short breaks in between. It improves focus, prevents

burnout, and assists students in developing a good work ethic when it comes to their studies.

These theories will be applied in this study to examine how time management practices affect

the academic achievement of accountancy students in Asian Development Foundation

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College. These frameworks offer a strong basis for understanding the significance of

systematic time management for academic achievement.

Conceptual Framework

Time Challenges in Time Academic

Urgent- Procastination
Important
Matrix
Distractions
Parkinson’s
Law
Cramming
Pomodoro
Technique
Ineffective
Planning

This study examines the relationship between time management practices and

academic performance among accountancy students at Asian Development Foundation

College. The framework illustrates how effective time management practices, such as the

Urgent-Important Matrix, Parkinson’s Law, and the Pomodoro Technique, can potentially

improve academic performance. However, challenges such as procrastination, distractions,

cramming, and ineffective planning may intervene, affecting the overall impact of time

management practices on academic outcomes. By understanding these dynamics, the study

aims to highlight key areas where interventions can be implemented to enhance student

performance.

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Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the time management practices of accountancy students at

Asian Development Foundation College and their impact on academic performance. It

specifically investigates internal challenges related to time management, such as

procrastination, cramming, distractions, and ineffective planning.

The scope is limited to students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in

Accountancy (BSA) program. It does not include students from other academic disciplines.

Furthermore, this research does not examine external factors such as faculty teaching

methods, institutional policies, or environmental conditions that may also affect time

management and academic performance.

The study uses a descriptive research design and collects data through surveys, aiming

to capture students’ personal time management habits and their perceived effects on academic

outcomes.

Definition of Terms

Academic Performance – Measured through indicators like grades, test scores, and overall

student success. Effective time management is linked to improved academic achievement

(Burnette et al., 2013).

Asian Development Foundation College (ADFC) – The institution where this study is

conducted, focusing on the accountancy program and its time management practices.

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Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) – The academic program under study, which

involves intensive coursework, assignments, and assessments that require effective time

management.

Cramming – Intensive studying over a short period, effective for short-term retention but not

for long-term understanding (Myuan, 2023).

Distractions – External or internal stimuli that divert attention from tasks, reducing focus and

productivity (Dontre, 2021).

Eisenhower Matrix – A time management tool categorizing tasks into four quadrants: urgent

& important, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, and neither important nor

urgent (Ngandam Mfondonoum et al., 2019).

Parkinson’s Law – The principle that tasks expand to fill the time available, often leading to

delays and inefficiency (Parkinson, 1957).

Pomodoro Technique – A time management method that breaks work into 25-minute

intervals with short breaks to enhance focus and prevent burnout (Wang et al., 2010).

Procrastination – The act of delaying tasks despite potential negative consequences, often

associated with poor time structure (Díaz-Morales et al., 2008).

Scheduling – The process of structuring academic tasks within a set timeframe to enhance

productivity and accountability (Cordis & Pierce, 2015).

Self-Discipline – The ability to regulate behavior and impulses to achieve goals, crucial for

academic success (Gorbunovs & Kapenieks, 2016).

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Time Management – Behaviors aimed at effectively using time to achieve specific goals

(Claessens et al., 2007).

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter reviews existing literature related to time management and its influence

on academic performance, with a particular focus on accountancy students. It examines

common time management challenges faced by students, the consequences of poor time use,

and strategies proposed by researchers to enhance time management skills. Both international

and local studies are presented to provide a comprehensive understanding and support the

rationale of this research. Furthermore, this review identifies gaps that this study intends to

address.

Analysis of Negative Reviews

Numerous studies have shown that poor time management negatively affects students’

academic performance. Common issues include procrastination, disorganized schedules,

distractions, cramming, and lack of planning.

Procrastination, the tendency to delay tasks is one of the most prevalent problems

among students. Díaz-Morales, Ferrari, and Cohen (2008) explained that procrastinators often

struggle with structuring their time, leading to cramming or missed deadlines. Tuckman

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(1991) also noted that students who procrastinate tend to experience higher anxiety levels and

perform poorly in academic tasks.

Another significant concern is distraction, especially due to digital technology. Dontre

(2021) found that digital distractions such as social media and multitasking while studying

reduce concentration and memory retention. Students who are constantly distracted typically

take longer to complete tasks and learn less effectively.

Cramming, rushing to study large amounts of material at the last minute may aid

short-term memory but does not promote deep learning. Myuan (2023) described this

approach as "duck-filling" education, which emphasizes memorization over true

understanding.

Poor planning is another factor linked to low academic performance. Claessens et al.

(2007) reported that students who do not manage their time effectively often miss deadlines

and produce lower-quality work due to inadequate preparation.

In the Philippine context, Adonis et al. (2024) found that students who failed to

manage their time well frequently resorted to cramming and experienced high levels of

academic stress. Dela Cruz and Santos (2021) similarly noted that many Filipino college

students struggle to balance academics with family or work responsibilities, which

compromises their study time and performance.

Emphasis of the Review

Several studies highlight that students who manage their time effectively perform

better academically. Britton and Tesser (1991) found that effective time management helps

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students achieve higher grades while experiencing less stress. Macan et al. (1990) also

emphasized that students who plan, set goals, and organize their time tend to succeed more

consistently.

Time management tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix help students distinguish

between important and urgent tasks, aiding focus and efficiency (Ngandam Mfondonoum et

al., 2019). Parkinson’s Law, which states that "work expands to fill the time available,"

suggests that students may delay tasks unnecessarily if given too much time (JSTOR, 2024).

The Pomodoro Technique is another effective strategy, dividing study time into 25-

minute sessions with short breaks. Wang, Gobbo, and Lane (2010) found that this technique

enhances focus and prevents burnout. Richardson et al. (2012) added that good time

management correlates with stronger study habits and increased motivation.

In local studies, Adonis et al. (2024) showed that Filipino students who applied the

Pomodoro Technique exhibited improved academic performance and sustained attention.

Ramirez (2022) observed that accountancy students who used time management tools such as

the Eisenhower Matrix completed tasks more efficiently and managed their responsibilities

more effectively.

Strategies to Mitigate the Negative Impact

To improve student time management, researchers have proposed several strategies.

The use of tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and Pomodoro Technique helps students stay

organized and reduce cognitive overload (Covey, 1989; Bratterud et al., 2020). Setting

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SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

—keeps students motivated and focused (Burnette et al., 2013).

Bandura (1986) emphasized that self-discipline leads to more consistent productivity,

while Gorbunovs and Kapenieks (2016) highlighted its role in resisting distractions.

Study scheduling is also effective. Khan and Nasrullah (2015) noted that maintaining

a consistent study routine helps students manage time better and retain more information.

Additionally, minimizing distractions—such as reducing screen time and social media use

during study hours—can significantly enhance focus (Dontre, 2021).

In the Philippine context, practical suggestions abound. The Pomodoro Technique has

been shown to help Filipino students avoid last-minute cramming and stay focused (Adonis et

al., 2024). Dela Cruz and Santos (2021) recommended that institutions offer workshops or

seminars on time management to address procrastination and distraction. Ramirez (2022)

noted that Filipino students who used productivity apps or planners managed their academic

responsibilities more effectively, particularly when balancing school and home obligations.

In conclusion, this chapter has reviewed a range of foreign and local studies that

explore the impact of time management on academic performance. It emphasized common

challenges such as procrastination, distractions, cramming, and ineffective planning, and

presented strategies that have been proven to mitigate these issues. The literature suggests

that time management is crucial for academic success, particularly for students in demanding

fields such as accountancy. Despite the available tools and approaches, gaps still exist in

understanding how these are applied in specific contexts, such as among accountancy

students at Asian Development Foundation College. This study aims to fill that gap by

providing institution-specific insights and recommendations.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study will utilize a descriptive quantitative research design to examine the

relationship between time management practices and academic performance among

accountancy students. Descriptive research is appropriate as it allows the researcher to gather

information on students' current practices, challenges, and academic outcomes using

measurable data.

Research Setting

The research will be conducted at Asian Development Foundation College,

specifically within the College of Accountancy. This setting is chosen because the study

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focuses on the time management behavior of accountancy students currently enrolled in this

institution.

Research Respondents

The respondents will be accountancy students from various year levels enrolled

during the current academic year at Asian Development Foundation College. A stratified

random sampling method will be used to ensure representation across different academic

years. The estimated number of respondents will be determined based on the total population

of enrolled accountancy students.

Research Instruments

The primary tool for data collection will be a self-administered survey questionnaire.

The questionnaire will consist of three sections:

1. Demographic profile (year level, age, gender, etc.)

2. Time management practices – measured using items adapted from standardized time

management inventories.

3. Challenges and effects on academic performance – including Likert-scale items on

procrastination, distractions, planning, and grades.

The instrument will be validated by faculty experts and pre-tested with a small group

of students to ensure clarity and reliability.

Data Collection Process

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 Permission to conduct the study will be obtained from the school administration.

Once approved, the researcher will distribute the questionnaires to the selected respondents

either in print or via online forms, depending on availability and schedule. Participation will

be voluntary, and respondents will be assured of confidentiality and anonymity. The data

collection period will last for approximately two weeks.

Data Analysis

The collected data will be organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential

statistics:

• Descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentage) will summarize the

demographic data and common time management practices.

• Inferential statistics, such as correlation analysis, will be used to determine the

relationship between time management and academic performance.

Software such as SPSS or Microsoft Excel may be used for data processing and

analysis.

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