Can We Apply Pomodoro Technique in Academic Publishing?

Abstract

Background:

Academic publishing and manuscript preparation, submission, and appropriate revision can be difficult tasks. Breaking a task such as academic writing or manuscript preparation into manageable segments can allow the author to concentrate more fully on the task at hand and complete the academic or scientific project on time.

Aims and Objectives:

We explore the role of “Pomodoro” technique: a time-management technique in academic writing.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was conducted to explore the origin of the “Pomodoro” time management technique and its applicability in academic writing or manuscript preparation.

Results:

Currently there are no defined publications exploring the role of “Pomodoro” technique in academic publishing. However the “Pomodoro” time management technique can have applicability in academic publishing and manuscript preparation.

Conclusion:

“Pomodoro” time management technique can help break the manuscript preparation and research project in manageable segments. It can have applications in planning, data analysis, editing and revising of academic publications and manuscript preparation.

INTRODUCTION

The “Pomodoro” technique is a time management technique created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It breaks work or a task or a project into focused intervals, usually 25 min long interspersed by 5-min break periods. After a cycle of four rounds, a longer break is advised to re-energize. The interval periods have been called as “Pomodoro’s,” named after the tomato-shaped timer Cirillo used during his university study days [Figure 1].^[1,2]

Figure 1

Schematic of Pomodoro timer technique which can be applied in academic publishing

The aim of this technique is to provide focus on any task you are working on, such as study, writing, or editing. It breaks any work into manageable intervals interspersed with breaks. In fact, for practical purposes, it is a concentration and organization technique which can be applied in many walks of daily life such as office work or planning focused study activities. The “Pomodoro” technique concept is deceptively straightforward and easy to apply and execute. Consequently, it can be effective in planning and completing projects.

Academic publishing in scientific journals can be a rewarding endeavor. However, it requires inquisitive hypothesis, preparation of multiple drafts, and revision of content before the final manuscript submission, which can all be time-consuming, laborious processes to satisfy editorial requirements.^[3] Extrapolating the “Pomodoro” technique in academic publishing can help break the manuscript preparation and research project in manageable segments, help keep focus on the project, prevent burnout, and improve productivity. These concepts can thus have extendable applications in academic writing, generating peer review reports, drafting a manuscript, or revising a scientific manuscript.

Breaking a task such as academic writing or manuscript preparation into manageable segments can allow the author to concentrate more fully on the task at hand and accomplish more work in the long run. The academic or scientific project can meet its deadline.

“Pomodoro” technique application in academic publishing is a novel concept, and we highlight the possibility of the process in the pursuit of academic publishing.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to explore the origin of the “Pomodoro” technique, its applications, especially in time management, and whether the “Pomodoro” technique can be utilized in steps of academic publishing.

RESULTS

Currently, there are no defined publications exploring the role of the “Pomodoro” technique in academic publishing. However, a multitude of possibilities may be applicable extrapolating the “Pomodoro technique” as a time management technique in academic publishing as below:

Applications of Pomodoro technique in academic publishing

Planning

This is the most important component of academic publishing. Creating a team, outlining the draft, and allocating relevant components to each member are crucial to ensure prompt and good project. Using the Pomodoro technique by using one or multiple Pomodoro cycles depending on the complexity of each section can ensure an effective project.

Project and data analysis

Segmentation of one’s time using cycles of Pomodoro can help negate or decrease errors during data collection and statistical analysis. One technique is to allocate one Pomodoro cycle each to descriptive statistics, statistical tests (Chi-square, t-test, etc.), and one to write the statistical section for the article.

Academic writing

Writing an academic article can be cumbersome. Attention to detail is essential for acceptance of the article and subsequent publication in prestigious journal. Allocation of appropriate Pomodoro cycles to each section of the article depending on the complexity and detail helps to be realistic in deciding the timescale for completion of the project. The capabilities of the individual doing each section should also be considered during the allocation of Pomodoro cycles.

Editing and revising

This is the most important step in finalizing the article. The initial draft of the article might need multiple revisions. The number and extent of revision can be decreased by paying particular attention and allocating appropriating the number of Pomodoro cycles to steps 1–3.

Resubmission or revision of rejected manuscript

Resubmission might either involve minor or major revision. Giving due attention to reviewer comments and spending sufficient Pomodoro cycle reading and analyzing reviewer comments and addressing them would ensure acceptance of the article. In the unfortunate event of the article being rejected which is common, evaluating the reason for rejection and reviewing their comments, discussion between the team members, and allocating Pomodoro cycles to each member to modify the article and improve it would aid in acceptance of the article in another journal.

CONCLUSION

Innovations in Internet and communication technologies have allowed the development of various mobile phone and computer applications (Apps) which can use a similar concept of the “Pomodoro technique.” Instead of using a tomato-shaped timer, people can use the various “Apps” with built-in timer function and count how many Pomodoro’s (tasks) have been accomplished and plan activity. The completion of Pomodoro’s (tasks) can be checked and recorded using various software applications available on mobile phone apps such as ‘simple task’ list, ‘check boxes’ to mark them as complete.

We believe that the Pomodoro technique can be an effective time management technique in medical academic publishing with the advantages of improving focus, speed, and productivity of research content.