Pakistan Journal of Distance & Online Learning

Volume: V, Issue II, 2019, 191-208

Path Relationship of Time Management and

Academic Achievement of Students in Distance
Learning Institutions
Saghir Ahmad *
Ayesha Batool **
Abid Hussain Ch***

Abstract

The primary achievement of distance and regular students is managing

time effectively. Mismanagement disturbs the academic achievements of
learners. Time administration plays a significant role in improving
learners’ performance and accomplishments. It is a skill to manage time
and every learner must familiar and command on this skill for the sake of
better results. A student can only survive if he/she has ability of time
utilization properly. The motive of this study was to establish path
relationship of time management and academic achievement of students in
distance learning institutions through structural equation modeling. The
population of the study was consisted of distance learning students of
Virtual and Allama Iqbal Open Universities. Four hundred participants
belong to different departments were participated conveniently in this
study. Self-developed questionnaires regarding time management and
academic achievement on five point likert scale were used to collect data
from respondents. Validity was ensured by field experts before using
scales. Internal consistency was checked among items by applying
Cronbach alpha, rho-a, and composite reliability for reliability
confirmation of scales. All three techniques verified that instruments are
valid and reliable. Data were analyzed by smartly for path analysis. There
was strong positive relationship between time management and academic
achievement r = .778 of distance learning students. It is concluded that
both variables are associated with each other and time utilization skill
affects students learning seriously. Students of web-based learning may
more focus on proper time managing ability for better academic success.
Keywords: Time management, academic achievement, distance
learning, and path analysis.
*
PhD scholar, Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab, Lahore,
Pakistan. Email: [email protected]
**
Lecturer (V) Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Pakistan. Email: [email protected]
***
Dean Faculty of Education, Institute of Education and Research, University of the
Punjab, Lahore Pakistan. Email: [email protected]
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 192

Introduction

In the advanced world, time is viewed as an inconclusively distinct

and usable product. It helps the idea of time through the organization.
Human resources and its functions controlled by associations can be
improved over the span of time or be changed with the passage of time;
however, the main resource that cannot be changed, controlled, obtained
or put away is time itself. The key to making progress in life is
efficiently dealing with this asset that everybody has equally and paying
adequate accentuation to planning by properly time management.
Despite the fact that successful and proficient utilization of time shifts
concerning the assignments played out, the further addition in the
knowledge, information and skills anticipated from present day
representatives has additionally expanded the need of time design. The
way to achievement in public activity goes through powerful and
productive working which is just conceivable by managing time
appropriately. The modest era energizes individuals from as right on time
as their basic education to plan and oversee time successfully. To achieve
the set goals and perform better, time management and its utilization
according to needs is required (Alay & Kocak, 2003; Macan, Shahani,
Dipboye, & Phillips, 2000).
Under developing nations where learners face many academic and
administrative problems during scholarly struggle have dramatic stories
for the analyst to uncover significantly more intriguing outcomes.
Different researchers conducted studies in which they sought out effect
of time management on academic achievements of students. In
universities either related to regular or distance learning programs,
properly schedule should be appropriately arranged, executed and
controlled for better outcomes. Focusing time also facilitates to maintain
financially efficient instructive arrangements and policies. Considering
this reality, specific accentuation has been paid in the competitive
academic world to time tackling problems by assessing learners’
mentalities and practices identified with time and its administration
(Sevari & Kandy, 2011).
The primary achievement of distance and regular students is
managing time effectively. Mismanagement disturbs the academic
achievements of learners. Therefore, the findings of this study may help
out to manage time properly for the better achievements in academics of
distance and web based learning. A time executive is significant and it
might really influence person’s academic and domestic performance and
accomplishments. Though, these are connected by how students deal
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 193

with or manage their time to suit their daily life or to make it stream
consistently with their schedules. Effective time administration is
essential for students to gain high scores. Therefore, majority of students
do not have good command on time management. They have insufficient
time management skills and this thing has adversely influence their
social and academic life. The use of time by students in advanced
education organizations is identified with their everyday schedules and
exercises. Time management does not influence only students’
performance or their achievements, it also really affects their mental
capabilities and create possibilities to increase stress level among them.
They have to manage it for their healthy life and complete assignments
and their own accomplishments. In web-based learning environment,
students need to be more efficient in time management skills because
there is no formal structure and atmosphere for their guidance.

Research Objectives

Following objectives were achieved in this study:

i. To explore path relationship of time management and academic
achievement of students in distance learning institutions.
ii. To explore the latent variable correlations between time management
and academic achievement of distance learners.
iii. To check the construct reliability and discriminant validity of time
management and academic achievement scales.
iv. To explore the bootstrapping path coefficients and histogram of time
management and academic achievement.

Literature Review

Time managing is a massive distinction between formal and web-

based education academically and administratively. In formal education,
there was the sort of learning opportunities that incorporates a
clarification of everything. Because in this system, teacher is front of
students and they can ask anything without delay or any hesitation. But
distance learning students have no this kind of academic environment as
compare to formal learners. Physical distance exists between student and
teacher in online learning. Therefore, it is more difficult to manage time
and gain high scores in distance education. Web-based students learn and
discover online that just incorporates shallow data and the rest is their
business to think about and investigate further (Britton & Tesser, 2001).
It is a skill to manage time and every learner must familiar and command
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 194

on this skill for the sake of better results. A student can only survive if
he/she has ability of time utilization properly. There are a lot of students,
who have no this skill, they do not know how to manage their time or
handle time. Due to this inability or weakness they suffer not just in
academic world as well as in domestic life. Thus, mostly learners face
issues like errand repugnance and vulnerability, so they begin to stall
because they need time administrative abilities. Time controlling is very
fundamental to any students and it is one of the keys to compete in the
field and get achievements (Kelly, 2004).
The studies uncovered that a group of students has time management
ability at moderate level and very few individuals have command on
managing time. They are expert in time management due to this they are
high academic achievers (Yilmaz, Yoncalik, & Bektas, 2006). The
related studies recommended that students need to become expert in time
management from early age by developing reading habits independently.
Childhood habits play a major role in scholastic performances. Parents
should train their kids in time discipline from early years (Lisa & Robert,
2008).
Web based learning is considered as one method for gathering this
developing requirement because it makes education manageable to all.
Research into web based learning is a developing field, and a few studies
have found the variables fundamental the achievement or disappointment
of web based learning. These incorporate issues of time management and
involvement at a distance. Certainly, the primary causes given by
learners when inquired as to why students fail or drop out of an online
course were absence of time and delaying. Time management is the main
problem in academic achievement successfully. Numerous students need
to defeat an inclination to put off finishing projects and assignments.
Thus, it is critical to distinguish which students are most in danger of
procrastination, just as the procedures whereby this inclination may
influence performance (Doherty, 2006; Elvers, Polzella, & Graetz, 2003;
Romano, Wallace, Helmick, Carey, & Adkins, 2005; Tuckman, 2003,
2005, 2007; Wilkinson & Sherman, 1990).
Time management is perceived as one of the central point of
achievement in customary academic structure where marks are
unequivocally affected by time organizing abilities. Definitely, the
capacity to manage time effectively is emphatically identified with
scholarly achievement, and alternately, a poor timing lead towards
failure and achievement level is decreased. Time management abilities
are most crucial in internet learning than formal structure which requires
self-control so as to commit satisfactory time to course work. Though
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 195

web learning gives flexibility to students to participate in and complete

academic activities in such a time which suit them. But it demands a
bank of inspiration, motivation, regularity, positive mind, and skills
through which you can manage your time easily. So, each individual has
different personality and nature, due to every single individual has
different level of abilities to manage time properly. And this difference
affects their web-oriented learning progress and achievement (Balduf,
2009; Britton &Tesser, 1991; Kerr, Rynearson, & Kerr, 2006; Macan,
Shahani, Dipboye, & Phillips, 1990; Trueman & Hartley, 1996).
Igdem (2010) explored the correlation of time management and
educational achievement at post graduate level. The study was
quantitative and survey method used for data collection. The outcomes of
the study demonstrated that there was a noteworthy positive connection
between time organizing and student’s achievements. He inferred that the
aggressive and competitive environment in academic life has constrained
individuals and they do as such numerous things at the same time by
having management skills regarding time.
Another study conducted by Davis (2000) and he analyzed the
impact of time management on work and scholastic settings or
environment. Adopting survey research approach, outcomes of study
recommend a positive correlation between time managing skills,
institutional work environment, and enhanced achievement and
performance. Various specialists evaluated the need to fuse time in
hypothetical models and research structures in associations. With the
help of survey, their results showed that time management encourages
improvement in exertion and motivation level is also enhanced (Gorge &
Jonas, 2000; Wright, 2002).

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

This study based on existentialism philosophy. This philosophy is

learner centered which gives direction to students regarding their study.
Learners are self-responsible of their academics because they just seek
guidance from teachers but take decisions and manage all activates
themselves. This study depends upon pickle jar theory which is the most
relevant and modern theory of time management educated in
administration course. Wright (2002) gave the idea of jar theory that
focuses on time management (Olubor & Osunde, 2007). This theory
expresses that human beings need to be create balance among things and
activities while adopting time management techniques effectively. Time
is around distributed for different activities and tasks fit well where they
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 196

are relied upon to fit. People have numerous needs in lives, for example,
academics, work burden, and family obligations. The important thing is
that how a person manages all responsibilities and tackle problems on
time. It is most vital for students to manage time and do all tasks related
to studies. Effective utilization of time determines the success of students
at each level not just in regular system as well as distance learning
institutions. In distance education, students manage all things timely. The
following is the figure of conceptual framework of the study.

Distance
Learners

Time Academic
Management Achievement
Figure 1. Conceptual framework

Methodology

There are different methods to conduct study and different types of

studies. Empirical studies demand clear methodology and this thing
enhances its worth and validness. The effectiveness of any study depends
upon its methodology, in which researcher describes detail method and
procedure.

Research Design

The research approach of this study was quantitative. The research

design of the study was correlation. The study was descriptive and
survey type in nature.
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 197

Population

The population of the study was consisted of students of distance

learning universities (Virtual and Allama Iqbal Open University).

Sampling Technique

From population four hundred students selected as a sample of study

conveniently. It was difficult to approach randomly students because
nature of sample was distance learners. And those learners are not easily
accessible and nearby.

Instrumentation

Instrumentation is considered a backbone of any study. Researchers

are unable to conduct research without valid instrument. However,
researchers realized their energy and time on instrument development.
Questionnaires were developed regarding time management and
academic achievement of distance learners on five point likert scale to
collect relevant information from participants.

Validation and Reliability of Instruments

Tools are vague and unreliable without taking experts opinions on

its. Thus, Scales were validated by field experts. And after that reliability
was ensured by follow the process of pilot testing. Reliability was
ensured to ensure the internal consistency among items by applying
Cronbach’s Alpha initially.

Data Collection

It was the hard task to collect data from distance learning

participants. A big amount of physical and mental energy, time, as well
as finance quantity spent on data collection from distance learners.
Therefore, researchers drove a great effort to conduct this study
especially in data collection procedure and made it successful. Data
collection is not last step; to manage it is healthier and tough task.
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 198

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed by using Smartpls software for structural

equation modeling. Path relationship established of time management
and academic achievement of distance learners. Path relationship, latent
variable correlation, constructs validity and reliability, r square, and
bootstrapping were calculated in this study. A detail of data analysis is
under follow.

Results and Findings

Figure 1: Path relationship between time management and academic

achievement

Above figure shows path relationship between time management and

academic achievement of distance learning students. Both variables
contained twenty statements. Each construct in blue circles had ten items.
Items loading in yellow color displayed in left and right sides of both
variables. There were strong significant positive association between
time management and education achievement r = .0778 of online
learning students. This strong correlation confirms that students learning
is affected by their time management abilities. They can achieve or gain
maximum learning by managing their time skills properly and
effectively.
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 199

Figure 2: Path average relationship between variables

This figure contains average variance path association between time

management and distance learners achievements. Students academics are
influenced by time managing skills. Both variables are strongly
interrelated positively. If a student manage time effectively then his/her
educational achievements are improved successfully. But on the other
side of coin, if one thing is not managed then level of accomplishments
also decreased.

Figure 3: Latent variables

Latent variable indicates correlations in this figure. It is the part and

output of structural equation modeling in path analysis. There was
positive significant liaison between time managing and academic
achievement.
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 200

Figure 4: R square

This diagram shows r square and r square adjusted. The r square

value is acceptable at 0.3. Therefore, in this figure r square value of
academic achievement r = .605, which is bigger than cut point.

Figure 5: Construct reliability and validity

Questionnaire or scale in only considered accurate and valid when its

validity and reliability are confirmed. In path analysis, structural
equation modeling measured construct reliability and validity in above
figure form. Reliability and validity were calculated by four different
tests Cronbach’s Alpha, rho_A, Composite reliability, and average
variance extracted. Reliability values in green color are showing the
strong validness and highly significant consistent and reliable scales of
distance students achievements and their time management. But values in
red color are problematic. Average variance extracted values are not
competing the threshold in this figure. The cut point or acceptable value
is on .5. Thus, these AVE vales are below than margin due to which
these numbers are in red color.
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 201

Figure 6: Cronbach’s alpha

Above figure is related to Cronbach’s alpha that is used to check

internal consistency among items of constructs. The acceptable values of
items are at 0.7 in this reliability. There are two variables in form of
green pillars and both are crossing the blue standard marginal line and
touching .8 value. It means instruments are reliable.

Figure 7: rho_A

Above figure is related to rho_A that is used to check internal

consistency among items of constructs. The acceptable values of items
are at 0.7 in this reliability. There are two variables in form of green
pillars and both are crossing the blue standard marginal line and nearby
.9 value. Therefore, both constructs are highly reliable and acceptable.
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 202

Figure 8: Composite reliability

Above figure is related to Composite reliability which is used to

check internal consistency among items of constructs. The acceptable
values of items are at 0.7 in this reliability. There are two variables in
form of green pillars and both are crossing the blue standard marginal
line. It confirms that instruments are reliable.

Figure 9: Discriminant validity

Discriminant validity ensures the discrimination between variables.

Above figure is related to discriminant validity that is used to check
validness of constructs. In this each construct has maximum value and
less value with other variable. Similarly, learners’ achievements value is
maximum and it showing minimum with time management. It means
instruments are reliable because discrimination is there.
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 203

Figure 10: Path coefficient

Above figure is related to booth strapping path coefficient of time

management and academic achievement of distance learners. The p value
is .00, it means time affects achievement and this construct is reliable.

Figure 11: Path coefficient histogram

Above figure is related to path coefficient histogram of time

management and academic achievement of distance learners., which
shows the range of data where it exists.

Discussion

The study was administered to check path correlation of time

management and academic achievement of distance learning students.
Time administration is critical, particularly with regards to online
learners but it support their achievements and increase their efficiency. It
is proved by the research that time management is skill and it affects the
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 204

students’ achievements. Those learners who are inefficient in time

managing they face problems in their study as well as in daily life. These
results are also in line with the study of Davis (2000). He analyzed the
impact of time management on work and scholastic settings or
environment. Adopting survey research approach, outcomes of study
recommend a positive correlation between time managing skills,
institutional work environment, and enhanced achievement and
performance. The findings of the study showed there was strong positive
association between time management and academic achievement of
distance learners. These results are supporting the past research which
was conducted by Igdem (2010). He explored the correlation of time
management and educational achievement at post graduate level. The
study was also quantitative and survey method used for data collection.
The outcomes of the study demonstrated that there was a strong positive
connection between time organizing and student’s achievements.
Therefore, two past studies which were examined in different countries
of the world are supporting the findings of present study. It means the
results of study are valid and generalizable in local context.

Conclusions

Time managing is a massive distinction between formal and web-

based education academically and administratively. In formal education,
there was the sort of learning opportunities that incorporates a
clarification of everything. Because in this system, teacher is front of
students and they can ask anything without delay or any hesitation. But
distance learning students have no this kind of academic environment as
compare to formal learners. Physical distance exists between student and
teacher in online learning. Time management is perceived as one of the
central point of achievement in customary academic structure where
marks are unequivocally affected by time organizing abilities. Definitely,
the capacity to manage time effectively is emphatically identified with
scholarly achievement, and alternately, a poor timing lead towards
failure and achievement level is decreased. This study was mainly
designed to establish path relationship between time management and
academic achievement of students in distance learning institutions. The
study was correlation and survey type in nature. Self-developed
questionnaires regarding time management and academic achievement
on five point likert scale were used to collect data from respondents.
Validity was ensured by field experts before using scales. Internal
consistency was checked among items by applying Cronbach alpha, rho-
Path Relationship of Time Management and Academic… 205

a, and composite reliability for reliability confirmation of scales. All

three techniques verified that instruments are valid and reliable.
Reliability values in green color are showing the strong validness and
highly significant consistent and reliable scales of distance students
achievements and their time management. There was strong positive
relationship between time management and academic achievement of
distance learning students. It is concluded that both variables are
associated with each other and time utilization skill affects students
learning seriously. This strong correlation confirms that students learning
are affected by their time management abilities. They can achieve or gain
maximum learning by managing their time skills properly and
effectively. If a student manage time effectively then his/her educational
achievements are improved successfully. But on the other side of coin, if
one thing is not managed then level of accomplishments also decreased.
Thus, time management is very important for each student especially for
distance learners. If they mange time then they can achieve achievements
successfully and perform better in academic world. Time is a strong
weapon of students. By managing it effectively every student can
compete in academic filed easily and efficiently.

Recommendations

This piece of study is related to recommendations based on results of

current study. As above detail discussion highlighted that time
management is basic need of distance learners for good performance.
i. Time management is vital for academics success of students.
Findings show that both constructs are interrelated and achievement
of students is affected by time managing skills. Distance learners
may manage and utlize their time effectively.
ii. Students should learn time management skills that how to use their
time properly.
iii. Students of web-based learning may more focus on proper time
managing ability for better academic success.
iv. Administration and leadership of distance learning institutions may
provide different techniques of managing time properly.
v. There should be training workshops for students to best utilization of
study time.
vi. Parents also need to pay attention on children at homes at guide them
how to manage time in academics as well as in domestic issues. This
thing may help students to become habitual to manage time
appropriately and excellently.
Ahmad, Batool & Choudhry 206

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Citation of this Article:

Ahmad, S. Batool, A., & Choudhry, A.H. (2019). Path relationship of
time management and academic achievement of students in distance
learning institutions. Pakistan Journal of Distance and Online Learning,
5(2), 191-208.