Definitions Work study is a generic term for those

techniques particularly ‘Method Study’ and ‘Work Measurement’ which are used in the examination of human work in all its contexts and which lead systematically to the investigation of all the factors which effect the efficiency of the situation being reviewed, in order to seek improvements.

Method study It may be defined as the systematic

investigation (i.e recording and critical examination) of the existing method of doing a job in order to develop and install an easy, rapid, efficient, effective and less fatiguing procedure for doing the same job and at lower costs.

Work Measurement

It is the application of different techniques to measure and establish the time required to complete the job by a qualified worker at a defined level of performance.

Advantages of Work Study Uniform and improved production flow Higher productive efficiency Reduced manufacturing costs Fast and accurate delivery dates Better employee-employer relations Better service to customers Job security and job satisfaction Better working and other conditions Higher wages to workers

Advantages of Method Study Improved working and standardized procedures. Better work place layout Less fatigue to operators. Better product quality Effective utilization of men, material & machinery Efficient and fast material handling. Reduced health hazards Efficient planning of the section Streamlined working procedures

Work Measurement Determines the time required to do a job Decides manpower to do a job Decides equipment requirement Provides information for effective PPC Aids in calculating exact delivery dates Decides realistic labor budgeting and provides

a basis for standard costing system Provides a basis for fair and sound incentive

schemes Results in effective labor control

Steps in work study components

Method Study*Select the task to be studied*Collection, recording and presentation

of facts*Analyze the facts*Develop the new methods*Install the new methods*Maintain the methods.

Method study

Select job/process to be examined & observe current performance high process cost, bottlenecks, tortuous

route, low productivity, erratic quality Record & document facts

activities performed operators involved - how etc equipment and tools used materials processed or moved

apply critical examination - challenge job components & necessity (purpose, place, sequence, method).

develop alternative methods & present proposals

document as base for new work system Install, monitor (slippage) & maintain

Steps in work study components

Work Measurement*Select Task to be studied*Record the facts*Analyze the facts*Measure the Tasks*Define the method and related time*Maintain the work

A Time Study select job & identify the work tasks check the method - is it efficient/agreed? start a Time Study sheet & break work task into "units" several times with a stop watch & for a sample of workers, time

measure completion times for each unit of work in the job sequence average for each worker determine & apply worker effort rating for each worker (BSI scale) Apply fatigue, personal & other allowances

From the observation data (worker average times) calculate standard time for the task

Assumes: set sequence, routine work cycle (all workers), little discretion, 100% effort rating - trained/qualified, motivated/committed, working at normal pace & not fatigued

Fix standard time and enter into measured work manual/database