WORK STUDY

It is a systematic examination of the methods of carrying out activities To improve the effective use of resources To set up standard of performance for the activities carried out.

Two techniques used in Work Study

Method study Work Measurement

METHOD STUDY

Method study is the systematic recording and critical examination of existing and proposed ways of doing work, as a means of developing and applying easier and more effective methods and reducing costs.

Objectives of Method Study

1.
2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7.

Improvement of processes and procedures Improvement in the design of plant and equipment Improvement of layout Improvement in the use of men, materials and machines Economy in human effort and reduction of unnecessary fatigue Improvement in safety standards Development of better working environment.

Advantages of Method Study

Work simplification Improved working method ( cheaper method) Better product quality Improved work place layout Improved equipment design Better working conditions Better material handling Improved work flow

Method Study Procedure

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. DEFINE RECORD EXAMINE DEVELOP DEFINE NEW METHOD INSTALL MAINTAIN

Recording
Recording of facts is considered the most crucial step in method study. It is the preparatory step towards the third step of method study known as critical examination.

Commonly used recording techniques

Process Charts 2.Flow Process Chart 3.Two Handed Process Chart 4.Multiple Activity Chart 5.Simo Chart 6.Flow Diagrams 7.String Diagrams 8.Cyclegraph 9.Chronocyclegraph 10.Travel Chart
1.Outline

Commonly used symbols

To facilitate the charting process , some symbols are used as shown below

Standard symbol

Name of activity
operation

Defn of activity
Change in a physical or chemical characteristic of an object Examination of an object to check on quality characteristics Change in location of an object from one place to another Retention of an object in location in storage which is protected against unauthorised removal

Inspection

Transportation or movement Storage

Delay

Retention of an object in a location awaiting next

Examine
The questioning technique is the means by which the critical examination is conducted, each activity being subjected in turn to a systematic and progressive series of questions.

Primary Questions
the the the the the PURPOSE PLACE SEQUENCE PERSON MEANS for which at which in which by whom by which

Secondary Questions
The secondary questions cover the second stage of the questioning technique, during which the answers to the primary questions are subjected to further query to determine whether possible alternatives of place, sequence, persons and means are practicable and preferred as a means of improvement upon the existing method.

PURPOSE:

what is done?

why is it done?
what else might be done? what 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? When might it be done? When should it be done?

PERSON:

who does it? Why does that 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 ?

Defining the improved method

The report should show: 1. Relative costs in material, labour and overheads of the two methods, and savings expected. 2. The cost of installing the new method, including the cost of new equipment and of re-laying out shops or working areas 3. Executive actions required to implement the new method.

It should also give details regarding :

The tools and equipment to be used 2. A description of the method 3. A diagram of the work place layout, jigs/fixtures etc
1.

Installing the improved method

1. Gaining acceptance of the change by the Management 2. Gaining acceptance of the change by the workers 3. Maintaining close contact with the progress of the job until satisfied that it is running as intended.

Maintain
Monitoring and control Audit the savings Review of the approach Performance appraisal

Work Measurement
The application of techniques designed to establish the time for a qualified worker to carry out a specified job at a defined level of performance. A qualified worker is one who is accepted as having the necessary physical attributes, possessing the required intelligence and the education and having acquired the necessary skill and knowledge to carry out the work in hand to satisfactory standards of safety, quantity and quality. - ILO

Objectives of Work measurement

To discover reasons responsible for wastage of labour and machine through study To compare the efficiency of all possible alternatives and determine the best To equally distribute the workload amongst various employee To establish standard of performance To suggest measures to control and fix the standard salary of the employee To maintain standard time for completing a manufacturing task

Uses of Work Measurement

Manning Planning Estimating Production Cost Cost reduction and cost Control Improving methods Determining Incentives Comparing alternative methods Standardising Data Training new employees Tracking the performance of employees

Work Simplification
Involves improvement in work methods or work flow initiated and developed by workers or supervisors on the job as a result of methods training and /or economic incentives. It is an organised use of common sense to find and apply better ways of doing any work at lesser cost.