Getting it done on time

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this contribution is to focus on an essential issue in all workplace settings where the emphasis is on productivity, time management and creativity: getting innovative, high quality work completed on time according to tight schedules – often facing serious staff shortages. The intention is not to offer an ultimate answer, but to take a different look at the issues that might bring some answers, or that might inspire research projects in the “own” circles of libraries and information services. What does it take to get quality work completed on time? Design/methodology/approach The contribution is written against the background of research from time management, productivity, learning styles, information behaviour and collaborative work. Findings There might be simplistic solutions on offer to get work done on time such as the use of productivity and time management tools. When the aim is high quality, creativity and innovative work (done on time), there might be a need to consider more issues such as learning styles and whole brain learning; information seeking skills, writing skills and streamlining cognitive skills; a focus on productivity; brain health and maintaining a balanced life style; perceptions of stimulating creativity; recognition of the need to complement human weaknesses with collaborative strengths; and the need for flow as argued by Csikszentmihalyi. Originality/value Although many publications have appeared on time management, productivity, software to support time management and other individual issues noted in this paper, the authors are not aware of work (at least not in the field of library and information science) that combine these with the need to consider learning styles, whole brain learning, acknowledging the limitations of mind and body, and addiction to adrenaline that might stimulate inspiration and creativity – among many things that might impact on time management.

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