Time and Motion Study, Analysis Through Statistics

Higher productivity in organizations leads to national prosperity and better standard of living for the
whole community. Improving productivity through time and motion study is used in the manufacturing
sector and allied industries. Work study consists of two aspects method study and work measurement
which when applied effectively results to higher productivity. This paper deals with the use of work
measurement for rebar placement activity, studying the performance of workers and its analysis
through
statistics.
Puniavathi
Prof. Pramila. R. Adavi, Civil Engg.Department MAEERS MIT, Pune.

Puranam, M.E.Student

Introduction
Project cost and schedule performance depend largely on the quality of project planning, work area
readiness preparation and the resulting productivity of the work process made possible in project
execution. The construction industry sets in motion the process of economical growth in the country;
investment in this sector contributes 6.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth (Das, 2003).
Every Rs.1 investment in the construction industry causes a Rs.0.80 increment in GDP as against
Rs.0.20 and Rs.0.14 in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing industry, respectively. Statistics
over the period have shown that compared to other sectors, this sector of economic activity generally
creates 4.7 times increase in incomes and 7.76 times increase in employment generation potentiality.
Statistics is defined as the scientific method for collecting organizing, summarizing, presenting and
analyzing data as well as drawing valid conclusions and making reasonable decisions on the basis of
such analysis. The three major functions where statistics can be found in major enterprise are:
a.

The planning of operations:- This relates to either special projects or to the recurring activities
of a firm over a specified period of time.

b.

The setting up of standards:- Understanding the size of employment, volume of sales, fixation
of quality norms for the manufactured product, norms of the daily output, and so forth.

c.

The function of control:- This involves comparison of actual production achieved against the
norm or target set earlier. In case the production has fallen short of the target, it gives remedial
measures so that such a deficiency does not occur again.

Work measurement techniques find the time required to do a job by a qualified operator working at a
standard pace and using the standard method. The time in minutes or hours calculated is known as
standard time. The commonly employed work measurement techniques are:

Stop Watch Procedure of Time Study

Predetermined Motion Time Systems

Synthesis-Synthesied Time Standards

Analytical Estimating

Work sampling

The study highlights the use of stop watch procedure of time study, work sampling for the rebar
placement.
Time Study
Time study is a work measurement technique for recording the times and rates of working for the
elements of a specified job carried out under specified conditions and for analyzing data so as to
determine the time necessary for carrying out the job at a defined level of performance.
Essentials of Time Study

An accurate specification of where the job begins and where it ends, and the method by which
it is carried out, including details of material, equipment.

A system of recording the observed times taken by workers to do the job while under
observation.

Procedure of Time Study

Identifying the job to be timed and operations to be timed.

Obtaining an improved procedure from method study department.

Select worker for study

Collecting the equipment and arrange machinery required to conduct time study and ensure
accuracy in recording time

Explaining to the worker the improved working procedure and use of tools and fixtures

Breaking the job into operations and operations into elements and writing them in a proper
format

Conducting the observations and recording them on the time study form

Rating the performance of the worker

Applications of Time Study

For determining schedules and planning of work

For calculation of Standard costs and as an aid in preparing budgets

For determining machine effectiveness, the number of machines which one person can operate
and also for construction activities.

Work Sampling

Work sampling is a work measurement technique in which a large number of instantaneous

observations are made a random intervals over a specified period of time of group of workers machine
and process of finding the percentage occurrence of a certain activity by statistical sampling.
Work

sampling

procedure

can

be

divided

in

the

following

three

phases:-

a)
Preparing
for
work
sampling
1) Statement of the main objective of the study, obtaining approval of the supervisor.
2) Establish quantitative measure of the activity, selection of training of personnel and making a detail
plan
for
taking
observations.
b)
Performing
work
sampling
1) Describing and classifying the elements to be studied in details, designing the observation form and
determining
the
number
of
days
or
shifts
required
for
the
study.
2) Developing properly randomized times of observations, observing activity and recording data,
summarizing
the
data
at
the
end
of
each
day.
c)
Evaluating
and
presenting
results
of
work
sampling.
1) Evaluate the validity and reliability of data, presenting, analyzing data and planning for future
studies.
Uses
of
work
1)
determination
of
time
standards
and
delay
2)
Aid
in
the
measurement
of
overall
3)
Job
evaluation
and
manpower
4) For appraisal of safety performance and organizational efficiency.

sampling:allowances
performances
planning.

Case Study
Keeping the above technique in mind a residential project was taken up as a case study where data
was collected from a G+7 apartment in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Work Sampling
Table1:- Workers Performance on rebar placement.

Day-1
Visit No.
10:45
10:55
11:05
11:20
11:25
11:32
11:40
11:48

1
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

2
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

3
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

Workers:4
5
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

6
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

7
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

8
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

12:05
12:15
12:30
12:45
2:45
2:55
3:12
3:27
3:40
4:00
4:12
4:25
4:40

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

SW
SW
SW
SW
IW
IW
IW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW
SW

6 days required for the placing of beams in proper location for 6th floor wing c. No. of workers on the
working area:-8. Workers: - 1-5 are fitters, 6-8 are helpers. Table here shows the sample of 2 days of
work sampling procedure.

Day-2
No. of workers on the working area:-10. Workers: - 1-5 are fitters, 6-10 are helpers.
Workers:Visit no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10:00
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
10:17
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
10:22
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
10:35
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
10:40
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
10:45
SW IW DW DW IW SW SW DW DW SW
10:55
SW IW DW DW IW SW SW DW DW SW
11:05
SW IW DW DW IW SW SW DW DW SW
11:20
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
11:25
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
11:32
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
11:40
DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW DW
11:48
DW DW DW DW IW DW DW DW DW IW
12:05
DW DW SW SW IW SW SW SW SW IW
12:15
IW
IW SW SW SW SW SW SW SW SW
12:30
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
12:45
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW
IW

2:45
2:55
3:12
3:27
3:40
4:00
4:12
4:25
4:35
4:55
5:10
5:20
5:35
5:45

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
IW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
IW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

Category
Direct work
Essential contributory
work.
Ineffective work

1
2
60.02 71.27%
%
20.98
17.10%
%
19.0%

11.63%

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
IW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

SW
SW
SW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW
DW

Study Number
3
4
5
6
7
61.75 71.22
70.53 70.08
68%
%
%
%
%
18.82 15.51 17.7 14.00 15.48
%
%
%
%
%
19.43 13.27 14.3 15.47 14.44
%
%
%
%
%

The Table depicts work sampling used for measuring the performance of workers on rebar placement:
- It consists of studies taken from 6th floor wing c, 7th floor wing a, b, c Roof level wing a, b, c.
Categories are further subdivided into narrowly defined categories of activity as follows:

Direct

or

Effective

Work:-

1.Direct workPlace, align, force, and tie into position plus those Elements which contribute
directly to completing the unit of work.

Essential

Contributory

Work

:-

2. Obtain or transport tools and materials within immediate vicinity of work area including torch,
sledge, wire cutters, rigging, reinforcement tie wire, etc. Also includes searching for materials. The
immediate vicinity is defined as the existing concrete mat. The staging area is excluded.
3. Obtain or transport tools and materials outside of immediate vicinity of work area including all
tool and material movement not in close proximity to the work location. Activities in the staging

area

are

included.

4. Includes activities associated with crane deliveries until such time as the lift actually begins.
5. Receive/give instructions and read drawings involving instructions communicated to or by
supervisors and among crew members. Casual talking is not considered instructions. Also included
is the studying of drawings and planning work. Foreman in staging area looking for materials is
considered
as
planning
work.
6. Minor contributory work measuring or marking bar location, holding a bar to prevent
movement, cutting w/torch, moving scaffolding, etc.

Ineffective

Work:-

7. Travel empty-handed to and from the work area and within the work area, either on foot or in a
vehicle.
8. Idle, unexplained waiting that cannot be accounted for. Distinction between idle and waiting for
prerequisite activity or craft is if worker is in a position to assist, he is waiting for prerequisite
work, otherwise, unexplained. Includes personal time while in the immediate vicinity of the work
location.
9. Waiting for tools, materials, instructions, crane deliveries, prerequisite work, other crafts, etc.
Workers
should
be
in
position
to
continue
work
when
the
delay
ends.
10. No contactfailure to observe worker who is assigned to a specific work location. Includes
early quit, late start, and time away from the immediate work location.
Conclusion
The optimum number of personnel for rebar placement is 10 - 12 on the work location. The optimum
number of human resources assigned for construction activities leads to economy, reduction in time
and quality work is obtained.

Table 2:- TIME STUDY PROCEDURE USED FOR BEAMS.

Continuous time study: - 6th Floor WingC
Time required (secs)
Work location
Crew activity
612.82
B117
Align, position, marking of stirrups.
271.11
B117
Placing of stirrups
556.23
B117
Tying of stirrups to top bars
1160.63
B117
Placing of bottom bars and tying
482.1
B47,B48
Align, position, marking of stirrups
309.11
B47,B48
Placing of stirrups
1339.26
B47,B48
Tying of stirrups to top bars
1852.63
B47,B48
Placing of bottom bars and tying

500.13
198.74
759.56
1076.27
733.62
465.36
653.26
446.64
441.36
192.68
563.65
802.16
553.23
513.43
753.26
922.1
620.32
491.25
685.36
870.18

B123
B123
B123
B123
B38
B38
B38
B38
B84
B84
B84
B84
B72,73
B72,73
B72,73
B72,73
B119
B119
B119
B119

Align, position, marking of stirrups

Placing of stirrups
Tying of stirrups to top bars
Placing of bottom bars and tying
Align, position, marking of stirrups
Placing of stirrups
Tying of stirrups to top bars
Placing of bottom bars and tying
Align, position, marking of stirrups
Placing of stirrups
Tying of stirrups to top bars
Placing of bottom bars and tying
Align, position, marking of stirrups
Placing of stirrups
Tying of stirrups to top bars
Placing of bottom bars and tying
Align, position, marking of stirrups
Placing of stirrups
Tying of stirrups to top bars
Placing of bottom bars and tying

Time study and work sampling applied for rebar placement show us that there was a lot of physical
stress and strain for the essential contributory work, i.e. workers working manually. The stress and
strain can be reduced by using the material handing lift on site for stirrups and cover blocks which
reduces time, and effective time can be used for direct work. Bar cutting and bar bending machine on
site
helps
in
improvement
of
labour
productivity.
The normal distribution, normal curve with respect to beams shows that the area under the curve for
one standard deviation from the mean covers more than 68.27% area and area under the curve from
mean for 2, 3 covers 95.45%, 99.73%. The reasons for the above results is due to the alteration in
the drawings, delay in payment and also change in the gang working on the work location from slab to
slab.

The results of the statistical analysis for the time study:Statictics using EXCEL Sheets
Activity a Activity b Activity c Activity d
Mean
566.99
366.41
740.36
976.67
Standard Error
33.00500 48.70055 89.77151 147.79122
Mode
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Median
572.80
387.24
669.31
896.14
StandardDeviation
93.352
137.75
253.93
418.02

Sample Variance
Kurtosis
Skewness
Range
Minimum
Maximum
Sum
Count
r
r
r
r
r
r

12

13

14

23

24

34

12.34

r13.24

14.23

8714.6
18974
-0.6248
-1.7164
0.3744
-0.1782
292.26
320.75
441.36
192.68
733.62
513.43
4535.9
2931.2
8
8
Correlation Coefficient
0.6419
------0.3570
----0.5541
----0.0762
----0.4071
---0.8243
----Partial correlation coefficients
0.5220
-----0.0869
-----0.1493
----

64481
2.1486
1.8667
783.03
556.23
1339.3
5922.8
8

174738
0.6224
1.0420
1405.99
446.64
1852.6
7813.4
8

-----------------------

----------------------

--------------

-------------

The onsite training programs for the operators and personnel should be conducted. Motivation and job
evaluation through questionnaires can be used in finding the best way for performing the activities.
Checklist for different construction activities reduces time and improves the efficiency of workers.

Rebar placement and installation

Work Study and study of ergonomics can be used for developing better incentive schemes and safety
measures. The study on occupational and health safety and working conditions is a must. Use of
statistics through softwares reduces time, the samples of different construction activities can be

evaluated and graphs interpretated in an efficient manner, thus improving the quality of construction
as well as improving the working conditions of the workers on site. The factors which effect the labour
productivity are material shortages, delay in inspection, payment delay, alteration in drawings and
specification during execution, tool / equipment shortages etc.
References
1.

H. Randolph Thomas (1991) Labor Productivity and work sampling the bottom line, J.Cons.
Eng. Management., p.p-423-444.

2.

Md. Salim and Leonhard E. Bernold, (1993) Effects of design-Integrated process Planning on
productivity in rebar placement. J. Constr. Eng. Management p.p-720-738.

3.

Fwu-Shiun Liou1 and John P. Borcherding (1986) Work sampling can predict Unit Rate of
productivity, J.Constr. Eng. Management p.p 90-103.

4.

H. Randolph Thomas, Jeffrey Daily, (1983) Crew performace measurement via Activity
sampling J. Cons. Engg. Management p.p 309-320.

5.

Adnan Enshassi, Sherif Mohamed, Ziad Abu Mustafa1 and Peter Eduard Mayer (2007) Factors
affecting labour productivity in building projects in the Gaza strip. J. of Civil Engg and
Management .p245-254

6.
7.

O.P. Khanna, Work Study, Dhanpat Rai Publications.

M.N.Pal, A.K.Chatterjee Indian Adaptation Introduction to Work Study. International Labour
Office, Geneva

8.

Marvin E.Mundel, Motion and Time study improving productivity, Prentice Hall India.

9.

G.C.Beri Business Statistics Tata Mc Graw Hill.

10.

Murray R.Spiegel, Larry J Stephens, Adapted by Narinder Kumar Schaums outlines Statictics.
Tata McGraw Hill Publication.