KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY AND

QUALITY MANAGEMENT COURSE
WORK CIV 4102
EKITUI CECIL ZEBEDEE

BSCE/43395/101/DU





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Solution to question one
Qn1
A method study is defined in the British Standard (BS 3138) as the systematic recording and
critical examination of the factors and resources involved in existing and proposed ways of
doing work as a means of developing and applying earlier and more effective methods and
reducing costs.
The objectives of method study include;
Recording work procedures; this helps in streamlining the flow of routing activities. It
enables those in management to identify the various activities being carried out so
and to classify them and which ones are key in ensuring that there is efficient flow of
work for the project as a whole. Recording of activities may also guide management
to better schedule activities for efficient work flow.
Provide system analysis; Method study also allows for provision of system analysis; a
tool which can be used in management to create better ways of approaching work as
a whole and innovate ideas which lead to more effective and lower cost operations.
Develop Improvements; Method study also involves critical examination and analysis
of facts concerning techniques applied in proposed ways of doing work. This leads to
identification of alternatives that form the best solutions to arising problems under
the circumstances and constraints involved.
Solution to question two
Qn2
The steps involved in carrying out a method study are as follows:
Selection
this is carried out by the management. It is the responsibility of management to
consider any economic, technical and human factors before a study is commenced.
Management has to decide at this stage whether the study is of significant economic
benefits to the organization.
Identification
this phase involves the investigator doing a thorough in-depth study of the Terms of
Reference drawn by management. The investigator should determine the scope of
investigation within the defined limits. Another factor to consider is the depth to
which the investigation is designed to go.
Recording
There are various techniques that may be used for recording; Thus is the duty of
management to determine which is the most appropriate that will effectively
highlight any deficiencies in the presently employed methods. The recording
technique used should also point out potential improvements to the currently
employed methods. Different techniques that may be used include;
the process chart, Charts using a time scale, Diagrams indicating movement.
Examination
After records of existing methods have been made, the next phase involves
determination of better and improved methods of critical examination of the
recordings. Flow diagrams and photographic techniques may be used for this
purpose.
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Develop
this phase involves determination of the most practical, economic and effective
method having due regard to all contingent circumstances. It involves critical analysis
of procedures, possibilities and a certain amount of experimentation so as to
determine the best possible alternatives.
Installation
The selected method is then installed and then its mode of employment/working is
explained to the supervisors and operatives so as to gain their cooperation.
Management and management services need to consider several vital points such
as; there should be as little disturbance as possible with normal production.
Maintain
this is achieved by checking periodically that the new installed system is running
satisfactorily and if necessary, prepare to effect slight improvements where needed.
This may also involve discussions between all parties concerned.
At this phase, all the methods employed should lead to a higher productivity for the
organization and thus lead to lower costs and more effective operations.

Solution to question three
Qn3

Element
1 2 3 4 average Rating
Normal
time
A 10 63 66 67 51.5 80 41.2
B 25 63 67 65 55 100 55
C 64 64 65 39 58 110 63.8

160

Normal time per piece 160

Fatigue allowance (15%) 24
Contingency allowance
(2%) 3.2

Standard time 187.2 Standard Minutes