Estimating and scheduling additional calendar time in preparation for electronically called meetings

A computer program product to accommodate time needed by an invitee for preparatory work associated with a meeting scheduled by an electronic meeting invitation, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code comprising:

• computer readable program code configured to receive an electronic invitation to a meeting the invitation com risin a first document;
• computer readable program code configured to receive at least a second document associated with the meeting, wherein said at least a second document contains material needed by the invitee to prepare for the meeting;
• computer readable program code configured to estimate time needed by the invitee to accomplish work associated with the meeting, in order to allow preparation of the invitee for attendance at and participation, if any, in the meeting;
• computer readable program code configured to associate a floating block of time with the meeting, said floating block of time corresponding to the preparation time needed by the invitee, using the preparation time as a length of said floating block of time;
• and
• computer readable program code configured to add said floating block and the meeting to the invitee's electronic calendar.

An electronic calendaring hardware system for accommodating time needed by an invitee for preparatory work associated with a meeting scheduled by an electronic meeting invitation, comprising:

• a processor configured for:
• recording times of meetings on an electronic calendar;
• receiving an electronic invitation to a meeting, the invitation comprising a first document;
• receiving at least a second document associated with the meeting, wherein said at least a second document contains material needed by the invitee to prepare for the meeting;
• estimating time needed by the invitee to accomplish work associated with the meeting, in order to allow preparation of the invitee for attendance at and participation, if any, in the meeting;
• associating a floating block of time with the meeting, said floating block of time corresponding to the preparation time needed by the invitee, using the preparation time as a length of said floating block of time;
• and
• adding said floating block of time and the meeting to the invitee's electronic calendar.