An analysis of time robbers in the organizations a case of the ministry of energy and minerals in Tanzania

One of the things which cause a person, an organization, project, etc. fail to effectively manage time is Time Robbers. Time robbers are interruptions such as people, events, actions and processes that prevent people from making the most use of time. Time robbers seriously affect the performance of organizations or projects in terms of time management, cost management, quality management, scope management, procurement management, etc. The main objective of this study was to conduct time robbers’ analysis in the organizations, the case of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals for the aim of improving time management and ultimately productivity. The study also involved development of a customized tool for analysis of time robbers. Questionnaires were administered either by web basis or by hand and analysis of time robbers was done whereby the most top ten time robbers were identified parallel with assessment of their seriousness, frequency of occurrence and the time they consume. The research identified top ten time robbers which are: untimely release of funds in implementation of planned activities, delaying in decision making, attempting unscheduled appointments or “drop-ins”, having occupied by meetings, unclear roles to perform duties, searching for misplaced document in performing duties, information retrieving problems due to poor retrieval systems, and being away from the office desk for unscheduled activities. The study recommends for the use of time robbers management model proposed.