homework managerial strategy simulation assignment

Managerial Decision Exercises

You are a manager at a local convenience store that has been the victim of graffiti. Identify the roles you will undertake with both internal employees and others.

Here are three job titles. Rank which job would devote the most of its time to conceptual, human, and technical skills.

• Vice president of finance at a Fortune 100 company
• Coding for a video game producer
• General manager at a local McDonald’s franchise

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Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/principles-management/pages/1-introduction

• Authors: David S. Bright, Anastasia H. Cortes
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Principles of Management
• Publication date: Mar 20, 2019
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/principles-management/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/principles-management/pages/1-managerial-decision-exercises

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Strategy Simulations

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This collection features simulations in the strategy discipline. They cover various subjects including negotiation, competition, strategic innovation, value creation, and much more.

1 hour, 15 minutes

1 hour, 30 minutes

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Browse Course Material

Course info, instructors.

• Prof. Charles H. Fine
• Prof. Tauhid Zaman

Departments

• Sloan School of Management

As Taught In

• Mathematics
• Social Science

Introduction to Operations Management

Simulation exercises, littlefield technologies factory simulation exercises.

As part of your team of at most 3 students, you will get to manage a virtual factory in two separate web-based simulation exercises. The goal of this assignment is to let you adapt and apply concepts from the first half of the class in a managerial situation; it will also give you a chance to formalize your own decision models and test their relevance and effectiveness.

The platform for the Littlefield simulation game is available through the Littlefield Technologies simulator . Once you have access to your factory, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the simulation game interface, analyze early demand data and plan your strategy for the game. When the game goes live, you will then receive additional customer orders and gain the ability to manage your factory.

Experience demonstrates that advance planning and sound use of quantitative models blending physical and financial considerations provide key competitive advantages in this game.

The first exercise involves a reduced set of managerial decisions and is designed to help your team create its decision models before the full version of the game is played as part of the second exercise. After the second simulation is over, each team will turn in a written report of at most 4 pages (excluding appendices) about this final exercise which should contain your answers to the following questions:

• How did you forecast demand? For what decisions in the game did you find it most useful to have a demand forecast available? A posteriori, were you happy with your demand forecasting technique and would you use the same one if the game was to start over again? If not, define precisely how you would forecast demand for another potential run of the simulation.
• What models and/or considerations did you use to decide how many machines of each type to buy initially? Later on during the simulation, how did you decide how many more machines to buy or sell? A posteriori, were you happy with your capacity decision process and would you use the same one if the game was to start over again? If not, define precisely how you would make capacity decisions for another potential run of the simulation.
• How did you decide on the parameters of your (R, Q) inventory replenishment policy? How did you update these parameters over time? A posteriori, were you happy with your inventory model and would you use the same one if the game was to start over again? If not, define precisely how you would set inventory replenishment parameters decisions for another potential run of the simulation.
• How did you decide initially and later in the game what type of contract to go after? A posteriori, were you happy with your method/model for quoting lead-times and would you use the same one if the game was to start over again? If not, define precisely how you would choose which contract type to use for another potential run of the simulation.
• Describe your factory’s performance during the simulation, both in absolute and relative terms, and provide an interpretation. Is there anything not already mentioned in any of your previous answers which you would do in order to improve your performance if you were to play the game a second time?
• What are the most important lessons you learned or insights you gained from playing this simulation game?

IMPORTANT: Whenever asked for what you would do for another potential run of the simulation, you should not just state that you would use a better strategy relying on some analysis or model, but instead actually provide that analysis and/or implement that model so you can describe it in detail in your report. For example, only stating “If the game started again we would use a better model taking X into account.” will not receive any credit unless you define that better model explicitly and show exactly how it takes X into account.

Retailer Pricing Simulation Exercise

Your team’s goal in this assignment is to implement a generic markdown pricing strategy for a retailer seeking to maximize revenue when selling some inventory over a limited time period. A couple of days before the due date, students will receive an email containing some random seed numbers (a computer code which determines the random scenario you will be facing) on which you should apply the strategy you will have developed by then.

Your team’s assignment for this simulation exercise consists of a report of at most 4 pages (including the computer printouts) containing your answers to the following questions:

• Provide a detailed description of the markdown pricing strategy which you have implemented, based on the framework presented during the lecture. The description should be generic, i.e., it should enable the reader to apply your strategy exactly in any instance of the game.
• What is the rationale underlying the strategy you described in the previous question, i.e., why do you think it is a good strategy?
• Provide a commented example of the application of your strategy to the first of the six runs generated under the “Set Seed” mode with the first random seed provided.
• Provide a printout of both the detailed and summarized outcomes of the application of your pricing strategy to the six runs obtained with each of the six random seeds provided. How much revenue have you generated in total?

The required simulation software was provided to students by the MIT Sloan School of Management along with historical sales data on which students were to perform statistical analysis. It was recommended that students leave themselves at least a week before the assignment was due in order to develop and test their strategy.

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STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SIMULATION

Stratsimmanagement, stratsimmanagement is an integrated strategic management simulation where teams compete directly against each other in the fast-paced automobile industry. integrating the functional areas of managing a business, this cross-functional simulation ties it all together: strategic management, product development, operations, marketing, finance, organization, and international opportunities..

Interactive Dashboard of the strategic management simulation, StratSimManagement

Case Video Preview in the strategic management simulation, StratSimManagement

Reports Screen of the strategic management simulation, StratSimManagement

Screenshot displaying the decisions screen of the marketing strategy simulation, StratSimMarketing, highlighting the interactive interface for strategic marketing decision-making.

A screenshot of the timeline analysis report within the strategic management simulation, StratSimManagement , offering insights on decisions and their impact.

Join our growing community! StratSimManagement has been trusted for over a decade by 250+ schools of all types to bring real-world experience into the classroom.

What is StratSimManagement?

Stratsimmanagement is a simulation rooted in the automobile industry, teaching students the essentials of strategic management. the simulation simplifies complex industry dynamics while retaining key strategic elements, creating a manageable learning environment., in this simulation, students get hands-on experience in developing and implementing business strategies. they identify market opportunities, create product offerings, analyze competitors, and manage corporate infrastructure to sustain growth. the simulation also covers resource allocation among various business functions and explores optional modules like international market opportunities., stratsimmanagement promotes active learning, where students make key business decisions that have tangible outcomes in a competitive market environment. this direct competition against other teams encourages the development of competitive strategies and collaborative decision-making., stratsimmanagement effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice in strategic management education., why is stratsimmanagement the right strategic management simulation for my students, stratsimmanagement is designed with the following learning goals:, planning & analysis, business environment, experiential learning, creative thinking.

Business Strategy Strategic Management

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FIRST-TIME INSTRUCTORS

At interpretive, we ensure your journey with our strategic management simulation is smooth and supported. we’re dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service, evident in the high praise our seasoned customer support team regularly receives. here’s what our commitment to your satisfaction entails:, a dedicated customer relationship manager who will be your go-to person for any support-related questions or concerns., a team of customer support staff who are always ready to help you and your students., we promise to respond to any support request or question within 24 hours during the business week, so you can be assured that your needs will be met promptly..

Request your demo access to learn more about our strategic management simulation.

Assessment tools, the strategic management simulation, stratsimmanagement, combined with the quizzes and assignments give you the tools to assess your students’ understanding of the concepts of strategic marketing. the following grading rubric works best to provide a thorough assessment of your students’ knowledge and understanding., assignments 0 %, simulation results 0 %, quizzes 0 %, assignments module, experience the convenience of fully online simulation assignments with stratsimmanagement, our strategic management simulation with our innovative assignments module, there’s no need for pdfs or downloads. assignments are easily accessed and completed through a user-friendly online interface. plus, some tasks can be auto-graded, saving valuable time for instructors. getting started is simple – we provide a comprehensive guide and video tutorial to familiarize you with the interface. alternatively, you can explore it on your own after login. for further details, feel free to contact us.

Got questions? Find answers!

Which classes is this simulation suitable for, stratsimmanagement is used in classes for strategic management or business strategy, often at the graduate level but at times at the undergraduate level., what is the ideal team size for the simulation,  for optimal collaboration and decision-making experience, we suggest forming teams of 3-4 students. larger groups can struggle with decision-making, while teams of 2 may lack the diversity of opinion, fostering the healthy disagreement crucial for robust strategic planning., how long does the simulation last, the simulation spans a minimum of six periods and a maximum of ten periods, with each period representing a business year. students should anticipate spending between two to two and a half hours per period for decision-making., how do i find out more, sign up for demo access. this gives you access to sample course sites, resources, and even a look at completed games. for a comprehensive understanding, schedule a call with our staff to guide you through the simulation., schedule a call with us to ask any other questions you might have, discover why instructors choose stratsimmanagement as their preferred strategic management simulation.

I have been using an Interpretive Simulation at both the undergraduate and the graduate level at the University of Connecticut for a number of years. I think every semester the students have walked away with knowledge and practical application of the concepts that will serve them well as they pursue their careers. The vast majority of my students have stated that the simulation made their education more real for them and they learned more about how things worked in the “real” world. In many cases, they did not want the simulation to be over. I like the simulation and all it brings to the educational experience of the students.

Ralph R. Braithwaite - University of Connecticut

As always. Customer service at interpretive.com is 100% reliable.

Christophe Rethore - ICN Business School

The most valuable overarching unique experience students get with engaging in StratSimManagement is learning to connect the dots. At the end of each semester, they often express their appreciation for the complexity, inter-connectedness, and dynamism of running a multi-billion-dollar enterprise set in the auto industry. The manner in which varying planning cycles, resource allocations, and demand generation processes intersect is the most challenging, and rewarding aspect of immersing themselves in the simulation.

Dilip Mirchandani - Rowan University

I find StratSim provides an excellent amount of realism and really pushes students to integrate what they know about various functional areas. Interpretive provides exceptional service and support for Instructors and Students alike.

Michele Yoder, York college of Pennsylvania

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Strategic Management Course Products

The McGraw Hill Strategic Management Difference

Application-based Activities

Author-vetted cases, premier simulations, easily identify knowledge gaps.

• Deliberate Practice creates a baseline of student knowledge and focuses their time on knowledge gaps.
• Spaced Practice keeps students focused by mixing related topics and reducing fatigue to improve retention.
• Metacognition helps students better understand what they know and what they don’t know. 


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Easily Apply Application-Based Activities to Real World Scenarios

• These role playing/mini-simulations involve multiple decision-making paths -- a “Choose Your Own Adventure”-- and allow students to see the impact of their decisions immediately.
• There are objective questions, as well as branching and looping questions, where students can select optimal, sub-optimal, and incorrect responses.
• Each activity focuses on one topic and is intended to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Learn More about Application-Based Activities

Easily Select From a Variety of Author Vetted Cases

In Strategy, we recognize there is a heavy emphasis on application via case analysis. We offer a wide range of cases in both length and assessment type: multiple choice, open ended, and case exercises. Our variety of author-written cases provide tight linkages between the chapter content and cases and come with high-quality case teaching notes. We also have third-party partnerships with premier case providers such as Harvard, Darden, Ivey, Sloan, and others via Create®, McGraw Hill’s Custom Program. Explore Create

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Dess’ Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages

Easily Incorporate Premier Simulations

McGraw Hill has partnered with the premier simulations in the industry including The Business Strategy Game (BSG), GLO-BUS, and Capsim’s Capstone Simulation. Both BSG & GLO-BUS empower students to design a strategy aimed at winning a competitive advantage for their company in head-to-head competition against companies run by their classmates. Both simulations are global in nature and have conceptually strong Assurance of Learning Reports that can be used to support accreditation by such bodies such as the AACSB and ACBSP. BSG & GLO-BUS overview Learn more about BSG Learn more about GLO-BUS Capstone is a business strategy simulation that challenges students to apply key strategic management concepts to real-world decision-making. Participants take over a multi-million -dollar company that manufactures sensor devices in phones, vehicles, and much more. Learn more about Capsim

Find the Right Fit for YOUR Strategic Management Course!

We have something for everyone! All McGraw Hill Strategic Management products are available with McGraw Hill Connect®. With six options to choose from, you may not be sure about which product is right for YOU and YOUR STUDENTS. Take this brief quiz to find your Strategic Management fit and learn more about each product.

Strategic Management: Text & Cases 11e

Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages 11e

Dess/McNamara/Eisner/Sauerwald is readable, relevant, and rigorous. Latest research and relevant examples from notable companies. Concepts only.

Strategic Management 6e

Rothaermel is the fastest growing product. It integrates conceptual frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications, plus mini/full-length cases.

Crafting & Executing Strategy: Concepts & Cases 23e

Thompson/Peteraf/Gamble/Strickland is the industry benchmark. It is time tested, conceptually balanced, and has 27 cases with select case exercises.

Crafting & Executing Strategy: Concepts 23e

Thompson/Peteraf/Gamble/Strickland is the industry benchmark. It is time tested and conceptually balanced. Concepts only.

Essentials of Strategic Management 8e

Gamble/Peteraf/Thompson is concise with 10 chapters and 12 cases exercises. It uses straight-to-the-point discussions and timely examples.

McGraw Hill Connect® for Strategic Management

Connect is a highly reliable, easy-to-use homework and learning management solution that embeds learning science and award-winning adaptive tools to improve student results. Each asset in Connect is designed to address pressing course challenges, like student preparedness, engagement, and developing higher-order critical thinking skills. No matter how your course is designed, we have a solution that's got you covered.

Personalized Experience

SmartBook® 2.0 is an adaptive learning solution that provides personalized learning to individual student needs, continually adapting to pinpoint knowledge gaps and focus learning on concepts requiring additional study.

Application-Based Activities

These highly interactive, automatically graded exercises provide students a safe space to practice using problem-solving skills to apply their knowledge to realistic scenarios. Students take on specific roles to complete management-related tasks within a real-world content. Students are challenged to apply concepts and make data-informed decisions to think critically using their problem-solving skills. These tasks often involve multiple decision-making paths, and students can see the impact of their decisions immediately with feedback given throughout. They are intended to take 10-15 minutes.

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Writing Assignments integrate writing skill development into your course with ease and help your students gain the critical writing skills they need for success now and beyond. Assign, monitor, mark, and provide feedback all in one place.

Whiteboard Animated Video Cases

Offer dynamic, student-centered introductions, illustrations, and animations that guide students through the basics of core theories and concepts to challenge students.

Case Analyses

Case Analyses challenge students to analyze real-world business dilemmas by making sense out of the situation and deriving a plan of action. This immersive approach fosters students’ ability to think critically and be better prepared for the “real world.” All cases come with teaching notes.

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Acing Homework: 5 Strategies for Effective Management

Homework and assignments serves as a vital link between classroom learning and independent study, though managing the workload can pose challenges. Adopting effective strategies transforms the homework experience into a more manageable and gratifying task.

This blog post explores five strategies to help you master the art of homework management.

Establish a schedule

Successful homework management hinges on creating a practical and achievable schedule. Begin by listing all assignments and their due dates. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and complexity. Allocate dedicated time slots for homework in your schedule, maintaining a healthy balance with other commitments. Consistency is key; adhering closely to your schedule fosters a productive routine.

Break it down

Tackling a substantial assignment can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to complete it in one go, break it into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Develop a checklist outlining the steps needed to finish the assignment, focusing on one task at a time. This not only reduces the daunting nature of the work but also enables effective progress tracking. Celebrate each small accomplishment, contributing to the overall completion of the assignment.

Designate a Productive Workspace

Your environment significantly influences your ability to concentrate and be productive. Designate a dedicated workspace for homework that is free from distractions. Ensure it is well-lit, organized, and comfortable. Associating this space with focus and productivity helps create a conducive atmosphere. Keep all necessary materials within reach to minimize interruptions and consider using tools like noise-canceling headphones.

Employ Time Management Techniques

Utilizing time management techniques can greatly enhance homework efficiency. The Pomodoro Technique, for instance, involves focused, 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. This method sustains concentration and prevents burnout. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that suits your work style and enhances productivity.

Seek Assistance and Collaborate

 Do not hesitate to seek help when encountering challenges. If a specific concept or assignment proves difficult, reach out to classmates, teachers, or online resources. Collaborating with peers enhances understanding and fosters a sense of community and support. Teaching others can deepen your comprehension of the subject matter. Embrace collaboration to enrich your learning experience.

Effective homework management requires a blend of organizational skills, time management, and a proactive approach. By establishing a realistic schedule, breaking tasks into manageable portions, optimizing your workspace, employing time management techniques, and seeking collaboration, you can transform homework from a stressor into a fulfilling and enriching learning experience. Implementing these strategies not only improves academic performance but also instills habits beneficial throughout your educational journey.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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• 5 Tips for Homework Management
• Executive Function
• Posted on April 20, 2022
• By Christine
• In Articles , Executive Function
• Leave a comment

Written by Danielle Klan, M.A. Special Education

Homework is often thought of as a chore and can be considered less desirable than school. Effective homework management can make this task feel less grueling for the child and parent. Research suggests that beginning in 1st grade, homework should follow a “10 minute rule” (approximately), followed by an additional 10 minutes each following year. By the end of your child’s school career, they can expect to spend approximately 120 minutes on homework. Though this can vary depending on the school and individual student, you can expect that your child will spend a considerable amount of time outside of school working on homework. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to reinforce and help establish homework management strategies to help the child navigate homework through their school career. Here are 5 tips to consider:

• Create a homework expectation or plan with your child – Allow your child to create a visual schedule, whether it is a physical planner or a digital calendar. Help your child keep assignments labeled and organized, noting any due dates. 
• Set expectations and a time frame to complete assignments – Although schedules can be difficult to follow at times, setting a time frame or designated “homework time” for each night of the week can help set expectations and will make it easier for your child to comply and complete tasks.
• Offer support and encouragement – Homework is often designed to provide extra practice on previously taught skills or content. Before your child starts their homework, let them know you are available to help if they need clarification or support. Setting up a reward system or incentive upon finishing their tasks for the evening can also be a good way to encourage a reluctant child.  
• Assist in creating good study habits – Allow your child to find a quiet designated place to complete their homework. It should be a space free of distractions and clutter. Consider different seating options tailored to your child and/or activity. (ex: stationary chair, wobble chair, bean bag)
• Break down tasks and homework time – If your child gets overwhelmed or anxious about completing an entire assignment in a designated time, consider breaking down the assignment into more manageable chunks with frequent brain breaks.

Though homework can be an undesirable activity for most students, it is a great way to get extra practice, reinforce concepts, and have independent work time. It also gives insight to parents into what your child is learning at school and how they are doing. Implementing these tips around homework management can help build important study skills critical for school success. 

Other Resources:

5 Brain Breaks to Try (infographic)

Creating Your Workspace (infographic)

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Metacognition: What Is It And How To Support It? (video)

Managing school-related anxiety (infographic).

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