M.

M FATHIMA NASEELA
EU/IS/08/MS/40

Including.
Time and motion study
Time and Motion Study: Purposes
Time and Motion Study: Problems

Time and motion study

definition
Systematic
observation, analysis, and measurement of the separate
steps in the performance of a specific job for the purpose of
establishing a standard time for each performance, improving
procedures, and increasing productivity called time and motion
study.

Motion and time study is considered to be the backbone of industrial

engineering, industrial technology, and industrial management programs because
the information that time studies generate affects so many other areas, including
the following:
1. Cost estimating
2. Production and inventory control
3. Plant layout
4. Materials and processes
5. Quality
6. Safety

 Time and motion study have to be used together in order to

achieve rational and reasonable results.
It is particularly important that effort to be applied in motion
study to ensure equitable results when time study is used. In
fact, much of the difficulty with time study is a result of
applying it without a thorough study of the motion pattern of
the job.
Motion study can be considered the foundation for time study.
The time study measures the time required to perform a given
task in accordance with a specified method and is valid only
so long as the method is continued. Once a new work method
is developed, the time study must be changed to agree with
the new method

The following are examples of some of the time-and-motion studies that were
performed by Taylor and others in the era of scientific management.
Pig Iron
If workers were moving 12 1/2 tons of pig iron per day and they could be
incentives to try to move 47 1/2 tons per day, left to their own wits they
probably would become exhausted after a few hours and fail to reach their
goal. However, by first conducting experiments to determine the amount
of resting that was necessary, the worker's manager could determine the
optimal timing of lifting and resting so that the worker could move the 47
1/2 tons per day without tiring.

Not all workers were physically capable of moving 47 1/2 tons per day;
perhaps only 1/8 of the pig iron handlers were capable of doing so. While
these 1/8 were not extraordinary people who were highly prized by
society, their physical capabilities were well-suited to moving pig iron.
This example suggests that workers should be selected according to how
well they are suited for a particular job.

Time study

1.
2.
3.

Time study is a direct and continuous observation of a task, using a

timekeeping device (e.g., decimal minute stopwatch, computer-assisted
electronic stopwatch, and videotape camera) to record the time taken to
accomplish a task and it is often used when :
there are repetitive work cycles of short to long duration,
wide variety of dissimilar work is performed, or
process control elements constitute a part of the cycle.
Time study used to adjust for any observed variance from normal effort
or pace and to allow adequate time for such items as foreign elements,
unavoidable or machine delays, rest to overcome fatigue, and personal
needs.

Motion study

Motion study offers a great potential for savings in any area of human effort. We
can reduce the cost by combining elements of one task with elements of another.

Motion study uses the principles of motion economy to develop work stations that
are friendly to the human body and efficient in their operation.
Motion study must consider the operators safety

Motion studies are used to

1. Develop the best work method.
2. Develop motion consciousness on the part of all employees.
3. Develop economical and efficient tools, fixtures, & production aids.
4. Assist in the selection of new machines and equipment.
5. Train new employees in the preferred method.
6. Reduce effort and cost.

Time and Motion Study -In Organization today

Historically: T&M Studies were used in the manufacturing industry to evolve
pay scales with the thought that money was the only motivation for work

Today:
T&M Studies can be effective for performance
evaluations
T&M Studies can be used for planning purposes in
order to predict the level of output that may be
achieved
T&M Studies can be used to uncover problems and
create solutions
T&M Studies can be used for time cost analysis

Time and motion study finding

method

1.
2.
3.
4.

Establish the standard job method.

Break down the job into elements
Study the job.
Rate the workers performance

5. Compute the average time

6. Compute the normal time
Nt=(t)(RF) or
Normal Time=(elemental average time)
(rating factor)

7. Compute the standard time

ST=(Nt)(1+AF) or
Standard Time=(Normal cycle time)(1+Allowance
factor)

 The objective of the Time and Motion Study is to determine a normal

or average time for a job, by using observers to record exactly how
much time is being devoted to each task.
However, the most important thing is to learn how to train production
workers in these skills and techniques so they can become motion and
time conscious.
A time and motion study would be used to reduce the number of
motions in performing a task in order to increase productivity without
sacrificing quality.
If additional production output is required, dont buy more machinery,
dont add a second shift, and dont build a new plant.
Just establish a motion and time study program.

Time and Motion Study:

Problems

1.
2.
3.
4.

Observers are not always competent

Workers may not cooperate with a time and
motion study:
They may resent the study if it is being used
to determine the pay scale
Workers may change the rate at which they
work
Pressure may increase mistakes made
Workers may alter normal work methods to
disrupt the study