Time Management
Definition: Time management is the process of planning, organizing, and exercising conscious control over time spent on specific activities to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
Need in Extension Work:
- Extension officers handle multitasking roles (training, field visits, reporting, coordination).
- Better time management means:
- Timely project implementation
- Increased productivity
- Reduced stress
Principles of Time Management (for Extension Personnel):
- Prioritize tasks (urgent vs. important)
- Set clear goals and deadlines
- Delegate effectively
- Avoid time-wasters (procrastination, unplanned meetings)
- Plan daily/weekly schedules
Tools/Techniques:
- Eisenhower Matrix: Urgent vs. Important tasks
- Time Logs: For identifying how time is spent
- Gantt Charts: For project planning
- Digital calendars/planners (e.g., Google Calendar)
- Pomodoro Technique (25 min focus + 5 min break)
- Performance Appraisal
Definition: It is the systematic evaluation of an individual’s job performance against pre-defined objectives and standards.
Performance Appraisal Techniques:
Technique | Description |
Rating Scale | Supervisor scores based on job traits |
Checklist Method | Checklist of behaviors marked as present/absent |
MBO (Management by Objectives) | Evaluated based on goal achievement |
Self-Appraisal | Individual rates own performance |
360° Feedback | Input from peers, subordinates, and farmers |
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Number of field visits/trainings
- Quality of reports/documentation
- Feedback from farmers
- Timeliness and innovation in service delivery
- Coordination at Different Levels in Extension Management
Definition: Coordination is the harmonious functioning of various units and personnel involved in extension to achieve common objectives.
Types of Coordination:
Type | Description | Example |
Vertical Coordination | Among various levels in hierarchy | Directorate → Zonal → District → Block |
Horizontal Coordination | Among different departments at the same level | Agri + Horti + AH + Fisheries |
Internal Coordination | Within an organization | SMSs within KVK |
External Coordination | With NGOs, private sectors, farmers | ATMA + FPOs + NGOs |
Importance:
- Ensures optimum resource use
- Prevents duplication of efforts
- Promotes convergence of schemes (e.g., NFSM, RKVY, PMKSY)
- Enhances program impact
Mechanisms/Tools for Coordination:
- Monthly Review Meetings (MRMs)
- Joint Action Plans (JAPs)
- Convergence Committee Meetings
- ICT Portals (eNAM, mKisan, Kisan Sarathi)
- Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods
Models Promoting Coordination:
Model | Feature |
ATMA | Integrates research-extension-farmer |
KVK | On-farm trials + training + feedback |
PPP | Private input + public extension + farmer |
