Productivity & Work Study

Work Study
Work Study is the systematic examination of the methods of carrying out activities such as to improve
the effective use of resources and to set up standards of performance for the activities carried out.
Work study have two major branches
1. Method study (Motion study)
2. Work measurement ( Time study)

Objectives of work study

To analyze the present method of doing a job, systematically in order to develop a new and
better method.
To measure the work content of a job by measuring the time required to do the job for a
qualified worker and hence to establish standard time.
To increase the productivity by ensuring the best possible use of human, machine and material
resources and to achieve best quality product/service at minimum possible cost.
To improve operational efficiency.

Method Study
Concept and Definition:
Method study is basically conducted to simplify the work or working methods and must go towards
higher productivity. It is always desirable to perform the requisite function with desired goal minimum
consumption of resources. Method signifies how a work is to be done i.e. description of how we
consume resources in order to achieve our target?
Method Study may be defined as: A procedure for examining the various activities associated with the
problem which ensures a systematic, objective and critical evaluation of the existing factors and in
addition and imaginative approach while developing improvements.
Objectives of method study

The improvement of processes and procedures.

The improvement of factory, shop and workplace layout.
The improvement of the design of plant and equipment.
Economy in human effort and the reduction of unnecessary fatigue.
Improvements in the use of materials, machines and manpower.
The development of a better physical working environment.
Improvement of quality of the products.

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Productivity & Work Study

Steps of Method Study

The following general steps describe the procedure for making a method study.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

I.

Select - the job on which method study is to be applied.

Record - Information collection and record all the relevant facts about the present method.
Examine - the information critically and in order sequence, using the techniques best suited to
the purpose.
Develop - the most practical, economical and effective method by considering real limitations of
the situation.
Install - the new method as standard practice.
Maintain - the standard (method) practice by regular follow up.

Selection of Job for Method Study

Practically, any activity or a job is a potential project for improvement but as the work study engineer is
to sell his ideas and maintain his existence in the organization, he should always attempt to select those
jobs for improvement which are unpopular among employees or are considered dirty by them.
By improving such jobs, he would earn goodwill from the employees as well as the management, and
can expect their full cooperation for other studies in the future.
Considerations may be given to the following factors while selecting a job for method study
1. Economic Factors
2. Technical Factors
3. Human Factors

Economic Factors: If the economic importance of a job is small, it is not wise to start or continue a long
study. Priorities should be given to those types of job which offer greater potential for cost reduction.
Such jobs are easily identifiable, as they have

High labor content, i.e. they consume more time

Excessive machine or man idleness
Higher frequency of occurrence, i.e. they have large demand
Bottlenecks in production line
Higher proportion of accidents
Movement of material or men over long distance
High scrap and reprocessing costs
High payment of overtime bills.

Technical Factors: The method study engineer must have the necessary technical knowledge about the
job to be studied. Only surface knowledge about the subject may not lead to the right solution to the
real problem. To illustrate, consider that a particular machine tool in proving bottleneck. The output
from this machine is not reaching the assembly line in the required quantity. Through a preliminary

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Productivity & Work Study

study, it is found that it is running at lower speed and feed than that recommended for the pair of work
and tool material used. Just increase in speed or feed may not be the solution of this problem. It may be
possible that the machine itself is not rigid enough to operate at higher speeds or take a deeper cut. Just
increase in speed may increase the output but the quality of job may be seriously affected. Technical
expertise in machine tools and metal cutting process would be essential to solve problem of this kind.
Human Factors: Emotional reaction of the workers to the method study and changes in method are
important considerations. If the study of a particular job is suspected to cause unrest or ill feeling, it
should not be undertaken, however useful it may be from the economic point of view. It is always better
to take up first those jobs which are considered dirty', unsafe, unpleasant, boring, or highly fatiguing,
and improvements brought about as a result of method study. This would possibly ensure cooperative
from the workers for the other jobs as well.
After it is recognized that a problem exists, the first step is to properly formulate it. From the general
statements like Costs are too high, Increase the production, Reduce shop floor accidents, it is
necessary to determine just what the real problem is. After it is ascertained that the problem merits
consideration, it is decided whether this is the proper time to solve it, and how much time can be spent
in solving it. The problem may then be defined broadly giving minimum constraints at this stage, as it
will permit the use of imagination and creativity in finding a solution. It may sometimes be desirable to
divide the complete problem into a couple of small problems and solve them.

II.

Information collection and record

A. Information Collection Techniques:

The accuracy of data about the method study problem is important for the development of improved
method. The following techniques are used for the collection of information / data about the task under
consideration. These are not exclusive of each other, and for any particular method study problem,
some or all the techniques may be employed.
1. Observation. It is a common technique used for collecting information about the present method or
the existing problem. The method study person visits the site where the work is currently being
done and observes various steps in the method being followed. There are many instances where all
the data needed is obtained by only observing the work or work site.
2. Discussion. Discussion with those who do or who supervise the work can frequently provide
information not obtainable by observation. The discussion technique is commonly used where
irregular work is involved or where one is trying to analyze past work in order to improve efficiency
of work to be done in future.
Even where observation by itself may accomplish the data collection task, discussion may be used for
developing good human relations.
3. Records. Valuable information can be obtained from past records concerning production, cost, time,
inventory and sub-contracts. For certain type of information concerning the past practice,
sometimes this is the only way to obtain authentic data.

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Productivity & Work Study

4. Motion Pictures or video Films. Accurate and most detailed information can be obtained by taking
motion pictures or video film. Information obtained by this procedure can easily be transmitted /
forwarded to all levels in the organization and if needed, can be used directly for training purposes.
The film can be used to focus attention at particular point or motion in an operation. For obtaining
information concerning those types of work that involve large crew size, it is probably the only
procedure.

B. Information Recording Techniques:

There are three main types of information recording techniques. These are
1. Process Charts - A Process Chart is a graphic means of representing the activities that occur during a
manufacturing or servicing job.
There are several types of process charts. These can be divided into two groups.
a. Those which are used to record a process sequence (i.e. series of events in the order in which they
occur) but do not depict the events to time scale.
Charts falling in this group are

Operation process chart - An operation process chart provides the chronological sequence of all
operations and inspections that occur in a manufacturing or business process. It also shows
materials used and the time taken by operator for different elements of work. Generally a
process chart is made for full assembly, that is, it shows all the operations and inspections that
occur from the arrival of raw material to the packaging of the finished product.

Flow process chart A flow process chart is used for recording greater detail than is possible in
an operation process chart. It is made for each component of an assembly rather than for the
whole assembly.

A flow process chart shows a complete process in terms of all the elements of work. There are two main
types of flow charts: product or material type , and the operator type . The product type records the
details of the events that occur to a product or material, while the operator flow chart details how a
person performs an operational sequence.
An important and valuable feature of this chart is its recording of non-productive hidden costs, such as
delays, temporary storages, unnecessary inspections, and unnecessary long distances traveled. When
the time spent on these nonproductive activities is highlighted, analyst can take steps to minimize it and
thus reduce costs.

Operator chart - It is also called Handed Process Chart (Left Hand Right Hand) and shows the
activities of hands of the operator while performing a task. It uses four elements of hand work:
Operation, Delay (Wait), Move and Hold. Its main advantage lies in highlighting un-productive
elements such as unnecessary delay and hold so that analyst can take measures to eliminate or
shorten them.

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b. Those which record events in the sequence in which they occur on a time scale so that the
interaction of related events can be more easily studied.
Charts falling in this group are

Multiple activity chart There are two types of multi activity chart
A worker-machine chart is used for recording and analyzing the working relationship
between operator and machine on which he works. It is drawn to time scale. Analysis of
the chart can help in better utilization of both worker and machine time. The possibility
of one worker attending more than one machine is also sought from the use of this
chart.
A gang process chart is similar to worker-machine chart, and is used when several
workers operate one machine. The chart helps in exploring the possibility of reducing
both the operator time and idle machine time.

Simo chart - A (SIMULTANEOUS MOTON CYCLE) Simo chart is another Left-Hand Right-Hand
chart with the difference that it is drawn to time scale and in terms of basic motions called
therbligs. It is used when the work cycle is highly repetitive and of very short duration.

2. Diagrams - A diagram gives pictorial view of the layout of workplace or floor on which locations of
different equipment, machines, etc. are indicated. The movement of subject (man or material) is
then indicated on the diagram by a line or a string. The diagrams are valuable in highlighting the
movement so that analyst can take steps to simplify or reduce it and thus effect saving in time or
reduction in collisions / accidents.
Two types of diagrams are common: Flow diagram and string diagram.

Flow diagram is a diagram representing some kind of flow. The most known is the flowchart,
often also called "flow diagram" but there are more different kind of flow diagrams.

String diagram is one of the useful and simplest techniques of method study. It can be defined
as a scale model on which a thread is used to trace the path or movements of man and
materials during a specified sequence of events.

It can also be stated that string diagram in a special form of flow diagram. As a thread is used to
measure distance, it is necessary that the string diagram should be drawn up to scale. The same is not
necessary in case of flow diagram
3. Templates and 3-D models - Two-dimensional cut outs made from thin card sheet representing
machinery, furniture, etc. can be used for developing new layouts and methods. The templates may
have pieces of permanent magnet attached to them, so that when used on iron board; they remain
glued on the board whenever placed.
A scaled 3-D model of a working area helps easy understanding of lighting, ventilation, maintenance and
safety aspects that may be important in a method. Such models are often of great value in
demonstrating the advantages of the proposed changes to all concerned. However, their use is limited

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Productivity & Work Study

because of higher cost involved. Some computer softwares are available which help in constructing the
layout and possibility of visualizing the working of process in a systematic way.

III.

Examine the record information

The recorded data are subjected to examination and analysis, the information that is being collected is
scrutinized, and each part of the job is critically examined to determine whether any part may be:

Eliminated altogether
Combined with another part of the job
Changed in sequence
Simplified to reduce the content of work involved

The aim is to identify, often through a structured, questioning process, those points of the overall
system of work that require improvements or offer opportunity for beneficial change
For effective examination of the facts, the following questions are generally asked:
Primary questions
The purpose for which work is done
The place at which work is done
The sequence in which work is done
The person by whom work is done
The means by which work is done
Secondary questions
Purpose:

What is done?
Why is it done?
What else might be done?
Where should be done?

Place:

Where is it done?
Why is it done there?
Where else might it is done?
Where should it be done?

Sequence:

When is it done?
Why is it done there?
When else might it is done?
When should it be done?

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Productivity & Work Study

IV.

Person:

Who does it?

Why does the person do it?
Who else might do it?
Who should do it?

Means:

How is it done?
Why is it done that way?
How else might it be done?
How should it be done?

Develop a new method

The Examine stage merges into the Develop stage of the investigation as more thorough analysis leads
automatically to identify areas of change. The aim here is to identify possible actions for improvement
and to subject these to evaluation in order to develop a preferred solution.

V.

Install the new method

When a new method is about to be installed, there are several vital points which both Management
Services and management will need to consider. Firstly, there should ideally be as little disturbance as
possible with normal production and this may mean a pilot run in part of the department affected at
weekend or evenings followed by a gradual change over in the remainder of the department.

VI.

Maintain new method

When a method has been installed, it tends to change slowly as a result of minor alterations made by
the operators or supervisors. To detect any alterations, a reference standard (job instruction sheet) is
needed against which the job can be compared. Likewise, a corresponding document for an incentive
scheme, which also contains details of the standard time for each job, called a job specification, is
prepared.
With this data, changes in method can be detected. If changes are considered to be useful, the
instruction sheet can be amended to incorporate them. If they are thought undesirable, they can be
removed through line management.

ARUN KADVE (Faculty ATDC)