A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a touch screen, a storage device, a pointer generator, an icon generator, and a controller. The touch screen provides a waiting screen. The storage device stores a plurality of entry functions corresponding to items arranged in a hierarchical menu, wherein each of the entry functions operates to display a respective screen on the touch screen. The pointer generator generates a pointer directing to one of the entry functions regardless of the position in the hierarchical menu of the corresponding item. The icon generator generates a shortcut icon, associated with the pointer, on the waiting screen. The controller determines whether the shortcut icon is manipulated in a predetermined way, and if so, activates the entry function corresponding to the manipulated shortcut icon.