Krajewski TIF Supplement H

Supplement H  Measuring Output Rates
Supplement
H Measuring Output Rates
TRUE/FALSE
1. A work standard is the time required for a trained worker to perform a task following a prescribed
method with normal effort and skill.
Answer: True
Reference: Introduction
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: work, standard
2. Work measurement is the process of creating labor standards based on the judgment of skilled
observers.
Answer: True
Reference: Methods of Work Measurement
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: work, measurement, labor, standard
3. A time study is the method most often used for setting time standards for a job.
Answer: True
Difficulty: Moderate
Keywords: study, time, standards
4. The select time is the average observed time based only on representative times.
Answer: True
Keywords: select, time
5. The snap-back method of time study resets the stopwatch to zero on the completion of each work
element.
Answer: True
Keywords: snap-back, method, time, study
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6. The standard time for a work element is found by multiplying the select time by a performance-rating
factor.
Answer: False
Keywords: standard, time, work, element
7. The performance-rating factor in a time study is a totally objective measure.

Answer: False
Keywords: performance, rating, factor
8. Fatigue, rest, or unavoidable delays are factored into a work standard by the performance-rating
factor.
Answer: False
Keywords: allowance, time
9. The normal time adjusts the select time by the regularity of occurrence and a performance rating
factor.
Answer: False
Keywords: allowance, time, normal, frequency
10. Time studies are appropriate for setting time standards for tasks that are different each time.
Answer: False
Keywords: time, study, standards
11. Elemental standard time data can help managers develop time standards for new work before
production begins.
Answer: True
Keywords: elemental, standard, time
12. The methods time measurement system is a predetermined data system.

Answer: True
Keywords: MTM, methods, time, measurement
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13. The predetermined data approach eliminates the need for time studies.
Answer: True
Keywords: predetermined, data, approach, time, studies
14. A predetermined data approach to time standards can be completed before actual production begins.
Answer: True
Keywords: methods, time, measurement, predetermined
15. The methods time measurement approach assumes that a sequence of motions will take the same
amount of time regardless of the order in which they are performed.
Answer: True
Keywords: methods, time, measurement
16. Work sampling can be used to estimate the proportion of time spent by people or machines on
activities.
Answer: True
Keywords: work, sampling, proportion
17. When using work sampling, the times of day when the analyst collects the sample data should be
selected at random over the length of the study.
Answer: True
Keywords: work, sampling, data
18. The more frequently the activity occurs, the longer the time period should be when conducting a work
sampling study.
Answer: False
Keywords: work, sampling, frequency
19. Special training is required for observers using work sampling.

Answer: False
Keywords: work, sampling
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20. As the sample size increases in a work sampling study, the maximum error decreases.
Answer: True
Keywords: sample, size, maximum, error
21. Traditional work measurement techniques often are viewed as repressive.

Answer: True
Reference: Managerial Considerations in Work Measurement
Keywords: work, measurement
MULTIPLE CHOICE
22. Which of these drawbacks would be considered a hidden cost of work standards?
a. Assigning tasks to workers and machines to utilize resources.
b. Increased conflict between labor and management.
c. Ability to compare alternative process designs.
d. Determination of current and projected capacity requirements.
Answer: b
Reference: Work Standards
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: work, standards, cost
23. Work standards would NOT be helpful for management in which area?
a. Developing costs for current and new products.
b. Determining current and projected capacity requirements for a given demand.
c. Comparing different routings for an item and evaluating new work methods and equipment.
d. Forecasting demand for current products.
Answer: d
Keywords: work, standards
24. When a work analyst needs a high degree of precision in comparing actual work method results to
standard, the best method to use would be:
a. a stopwatch study.
b. work sampling.
c. the elemental standard data approach.
d. the historical data approach.
Answer: a
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Keywords: stopwatch, study
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25. The method used most often for setting time standards for a job is:
a. the elemental standard data approach.
b. the time study method.
c. the predetermined data approach.
d. the work sampling method.
Answer: b
Keywords: stopwatch, study
26. Timing the work elements using the snapback method requires:
a. the worker to perform each job element as quickly as possible.
b. a larger sample size than using the continuous method.
c. the use of two stopwatches.
d. a smaller sample size than using the continuous method.
Answer: c
Keywords: stopwatch, study, snapback
27. The continuous method of timing work elements:
a. is more accurate than the snapback method.
b. is best combined with the work sampling method.
c. will always result in increasing recorded times for successive work elements.
d. requires a greater sample size than the snapback method.
Answer: d
Keywords: stopwatch, study, continuous
28. Garman observes a worker assembling peanut valves and records the data displayed in the
table. What is the select time for this job element if the worker is rated at 80%?
Time (seconds) Observations
20 15
25 12
30 12
a. 15 seconds
b. 20 seconds
c. 25 seconds
d. 30 seconds
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Answer: c
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: stopwatch, study, select, time
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29. Garman observes a worker assembling peanut valves and records the data displayed in the table.
During one of the cycles, the worker knocked the shaft out of the fixture and had to realign the
fixtures. What is the select time for this job element if the worker is rated at 80%?
Time (seconds) Observations
20 15
25 12
30 12
240 1
a. Less than 23 seconds
b. Greater than or equal to 23 seconds but less than 26 seconds
c. Greater than or equal to 26 seconds but less than 29 seconds
d. Greater than or equal to 29 seconds
Answer: b
30. Keith assembles peanut valves and the recorded data is displayed in the table. What is the select time
for this job element if he is rated at 75%?
Time (minutes) Observations
2.5 15
3.0 23
3.5 27
a. Greater than or equal to 3 minutes
b. Less than 3 minutes but greater than or equal to 2.7 minutes
c. Less than 2.7 minutes but greater than or equal to 2.4 minutes
d. Less than 2.4 minutes
Answer: a
Difficulty: Easy
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31. Keith assembles peanut valves and the recorded data is displayed in the table. During one of the
cycles, he pauses to answer a phone call from his friend who suggests that he seek employment
elsewhere. Keith fields calls with some regularity, but that’s not considered part of his routine job
responsibilities. What is the select time for this job element if Keith is rated at 75 %?
Time (minutes) Observations
2.5 15
3.0 23
3.5 25
10 1
a. Greater than or equal to 3.2 minutes
b. Less than 3.2 minutes but greater than or equal to 2.8 minutes
c. Less than 2.8 minutes but greater than or equal to 2.4 minutes
d. Less than 2.4 minutes
Answer: b
32. Which one of the following statements about workmeasurement methods is TRUE?
a. The two methods of using a stopwatch in time studies are historical and snapback.
b. The timestudy method is usually used for lessrepetitive work with no definite work cycle.
c. With the timestudy method, the analyst assigns a performance rating factor (RF) to the work’s
performance. A value of RF greater than 1 means the worker is slower than a standard worker.
d. The worksampling method needs many observations.
Answer: d
Keywords: measurement, methods, sampling
33. Which one of the following statements about the timestudy method is TRUE?
a. It is most appropriate for “thinking” jobs such as an automobile mechanic’s diagnosis of a problem.
b. It is used most often for setting time standards.
c. Using the timestudy method technique, time standards can be set for new jobs before production
begins.
d. Performance ratings are not needed in the derivation of time standards.
Answer: b
Keywords: time, study, standards
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34. Which one of the following statements about work measurement is TRUE?
a. Work sampling is a technique to determine the proportion of time spent on different activities.
b. In determining the normal time for the cycle, using a rating factor less than one (1.0) will increase
the total time allowed for a job to be performed, relative to the select time.
c. Machine standards are more difficult to develop than labor standards.
d. The timestudy method is most appropriate for nonrepetitive jobs in which the nature of the task
differs each time.
Answer: a
Keywords: work, measurement, sampling
35. A timestudy analyst is attempting to determine the standard time for a work element. She or he
observes a worker performing the work element at a higherthanaverage pace. How will this fact be
reflected in the time standard that is eventually created?
a. The frequency of the work element per cycle will be increased.
b. The proportion of allowance time will be increased above 1.0.
c. The performance rating factor will be set greater than 1.0.
d. The normal time for the work element will be increased.
Answer: c
Keywords: performance, rating
36. A manager is interested in setting a time standard for a machining operation. Which one of the
following is LEAST likely to be of use?
a. Timestudy method
b. Elemental standard data approach
c. Predetermined data approach
d. Work sampling method
Answer: d
37. With a timestudy approach, the:
a. nature of the task can be different with each replication, and the standards will still be good.
b. skill of the observer is not very important.
c. sample size is a function of the desired precision of the time estimate.
d. sample size is typically larger than required for the work sampling approach.
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Answer: c
Keywords: time, study, sample, size, precision
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38. When using a timestudy approach, the standard time is:
a. the normal time per cycle multiplied by 1.0 plus the allowance.
b. the select time multiplied by the rating factor, summed over all work elements.
c. the select time plus z times the standard deviation.
d. the normal time plus z times the standard deviation.
Answer: a
Keywords: time, study, standard
39. An analyst using a timestudy approach:
a. observes the worker at random times, categorizing what he or she is doing at that time.
b. must rate the performance of the worker on each element of the total task.
c. divides the total task into micromotions such as “reach” and “grasp” and then times the worker on
each one.
d. should use all observations in determining the standard, regardless of how irregular they might be,
to be fair to the worker.
Answer: b
Keywords: time, study, performance, rating
40. An advantage of the elemental standard data approach is that there is:
a. a reduction in the number of time studies needed.
b. no need to estimate allowances.
c. no need to use timestudy methods.
d. no need to estimate the variable characteristics of jobs.
Answer: a
Keywords: elemental, standard, data
41. With the use of the elemental standard data approach:
a. there is no need to estimate allowances.
b. managers can develop standards for new work before production begins.
c. time studies are not needed.
d. the need to specify job variables that affect times for each work element is eliminated.
Answer: b
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Keywords: elemental, standard, data
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42. The advantage of using the predetermineddata approach for setting standards is that:
a. it allows the setting of standards for a new job before production begins.
b. the predetermined data are representative of all workers, without question.
c. it does not require any special training to use it.
d. it can be used on jobs in which the times to perform the micromotions are sequence dependent.
Answer: a
Keywords: predetermined, data, standards
43. Which of the following is not an advantage of the predetermineddata approach to work
measurement?
a. Standards can be set before production begins.
b. New work methods can be compared without conducting a time study.
c. Performance ratings are not needed to derive standards.
d. The approach is particularly applicable to firms with a flexible flow strategy.
Answer: d
Keywords: predetermined, data
44. Which workmeasurement technique breaks down tasks into a series of generic micromotions?
a. Timestudy method
b. Elemental standard data approach
c. Predetermineddata approach
d. Worksampling method
Answer: c
Keywords: micromotion, work, measurement
45. With the use of the methods time measurement approach:
a. stopwatches are needed to time the elements that go together to make a task.
b. there is a problem of biased judgment because performance ratings are needed to derive standards.
c. work must be broken down into micromotions.
d. an analyst consults tables that contain the select times for a variety of work elements.
Answer: c
Keywords: methods, time, management, micromotions
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46. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the MTM approach?
a. A performance rating factor greater than 1.0 means the worker under observation is working
slowly.
b. A frequency of less than 1.0 means that the job element is not performed during every cycle.
c. A performance rating factor less than 1.0 means the worker under observation is not producing
output that has high quality.
d. A negative allowance time means that the worker under observation is taking excessive breaks.
Answer: b
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: methods, time, measurement, MTM, frequency
47. When using the MTM approach:
a. stopwatches are needed to time the elements that go together to make a task.
b. there is a problem of biased judgment because performance ratings are needed to derive standards.
c. an analyst consults tables that contain the select times for a variety of work elements.
d. new work methods can be compared without conducting a time study.
Answer: d
Keywords: methods, time, measurement, MTM
48. When using a worksampling study:
a. the underlying assumption is that the proportion of time during which the activity is observed in the
sample will be the proportion of time spent on the activity in general.
b. the underlying assumption is that small samples of an activity can provide accurate measures of
time spent on the activity.
c. an advantage is that the study can normally be concluded in a day or less.
d. the analyst must be highly trained in statistical observation.
Answer: a
Keywords: work, sampling, proportion
49. Work sampling is most often used in situations in which:
a. a time standard is needed for a repetitive job.
b. an estimate of the proportion of the time spent on a particular activity is needed.
c. it is important to keep the sample size down.
d. special training is required for the observer, and stopwatches must be used.
Answer: b
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50. Work sampling is one method of work measurement. A major disadvantage of this method is that:
a. observers must be specially trained.
b. only one study can be conducted at a time.
c. it can be used only in hospital settings.
d. a large number of observations are often required.
Answer: d
51. During a time study, the following times were observed for a particular job using the continuous
(nonsnapback) method: 22, 51, 72, 98, 128, and 150 seconds. There is only one element per cycle.
The sample standard deviation of the observed times has already been computed as 3.9 seconds. If an
estimate for the average time that is within 4 percent of the true longrange average 95 percent of the
time is desired, how many additional observations are needed?
a. Fewer than or equal to 40
b. Greater than 40 but fewer than or equal to 55
c. Greater than 55 but fewer than or equal to 70
d. Greater than 70
Answer: c
Keywords: sample, size, stopwatch
52. An industrial engineer is conducting a time study for a work element. The select time is 7.5 minutes,
and the sample standard deviation of the observed time is one minute. What is the appropriate sample
size if the estimate is to be 3 percent of the true average time 95 percent of the time?
d. Greater than 90
Answer: b
Keywords: sample, size, time study
53. An industrial engineer is conducting a time study for a work element. The select time is 4.5 minutes,
and the sample standard deviation of the observed time is 20 seconds. What is the appropriate sample
size if the estimate is to be 5 percent of the true average time 95 percent of the time?
a. Fewer than or equal to seven
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b. Greater than seven but fewer than or equal to eight
c. Greater than eight but fewer than or equal to nine
d. Greater than nine
Answer: c
Keywords: sample, size, time study
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54. A worker was observed for four cycles of a repetitive task. The observer used the continuous method
for recording the times. The continuous times (in seconds) for each element are:
Which one of the following are the “select times” ( t ) for each element? The first number is the
select time for the first element, the second number is the select time for the second element, and
so on.
a. 19.5, 23, 25, 30
b. 1.5, 3.5, 5, 2
c. 2, 3, 2, 5
d. 1.5, 3.5, 2, 5
Answer: d
Keywords: select, time
55. A timestudy analyst is determining the standard time for a work element. The select time is 6.0
minutes, and the standard deviation of the select time is 2.2 minutes, based on a pilot sample of 20
observations. What is the appropriate sample size if the estimate for the select time is to be within 10
percent of the true average time 95 percent of the time?
a. Fewer than 30 observations
b. Greater than or equal to 30 observations but fewer than 40 observations
c. Greater than or equal to 40 observations but fewer than or equal to 50 observations
d. Greater than or equal to 50 observations
Answer: d
Keywords: sample, size
127
Table H.1
A worker was observed for four cycles in a repetitive task that contains four distinct elements.
The observer recorded the following items in seconds, using the continuous method.
Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4

1 12 66 111 168
2 21 75 122 185
3 37 86 133 200
4 53 89 146 209
56. Use the information in Table H.1. What is the select time for work element 3?
a. Fewer than 12 seconds
b. Greater than or equal to 12 seconds but fewer than 13 seconds
c. Greater than or equal to 13 seconds but fewer than or equal to 14 seconds
Answer: c
Keywords: select, time, element
57. Use the information in Table H.1. Assuming that work element 4 receives a performancerating factor
of 1.2 and is performed once per cycle, what is the normal time for this work element?
c. Greater than or equal to 11 seconds but fewer than 12 seconds
Answer: d
Keywords: normal, time, rating
58. Use the information in Table H.1. Work element 1 receives a performancerating factor of 1.4 and is
performed every other cycle. If the company uses an allowance time of 15 percent, what is the
standard time for this work element?
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Answer: c
Keywords: standard, time, allowance
129
Answer: a
60. Use the information in Table H.1. Assume that work element 1 receives a performancerating factor
of 1.1 and all other elements receive a rating of 1.2. If work elements 1 and 3 are performed every
other cycle, and elements 2 and 4 are performed every cycle, what is the normal time for the complete
cycle?
Answer: a
Difficulty: Hard
Keywords: normal, time, rating, cycle
61. Use the information in Table H.1. Assume that work element 1 receives a performance rating factor
of 1.2 and all other elements receive a rating of 1.1. If work element 2 is performed every other cycle
but every other element is performed every cycle, and the company has an allowance time of 0.10,
what is the standard time for the complete cycle?
Answer: d
Difficulty: Hard
Keywords: standard, time, allowance, cycle
130
Table H.2
Work Element t (sec) RF F

1 5.6 1.1 1
2 3.1 1.0 1
3 1.9 1.1 1
4 4.0 0.8 2
62. Use the information in Table H.2. Which work element will take the longest for an average worker to
perform per cycle?
a. Work element 1
b. Work element 2
c. Work element 3
d. Work element 4
Answer: d
Keywords: normal, standard, time
63. Use the information in Table H.2. If the allowance for this task is 20 percent, what is the standard
time for the entire task?
d. Greater than 24 seconds
Answer: b
Keywords: standard, time
64. A timestudy analysis was performed on a task with two work elements. The select times for these
work elements are 21.0 seconds and 13.0 seconds, with rating factors of 1.1 and 1.2, respectively.
Each work element is performed twice per cycle. If an allowance of 20 percent is used, what is the
standard time for this task?
Answer: d
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65. If a worker spends 10 hours per day performing a task, and the allowance for this task is 19 percent,
how many hours during the average day is the worker involved in nonproductive activities?
a. Fewer than 1.75
b. Greater than or equal to 1.75 hours but fewer than 5 hours
c. Greater than or equal to 5.00 hours but fewer than 8.25
d. Greater than or equal to 8.25 hours
Answer: a
Table H.3
A worker was observed for four cycles in a repetitive task. The observer recorded the following
times, in seconds, using the continuous method. The ratings for each element and frequency it is
performed are also indicated in the table. The allowance fraction is 20 percent.
Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Rating Frequency

1 15 106 208 309 1.10 1.0
2 37 131 234 334 1.05 0.5
3 47 143 245 348 1.20 0.5
4 90 190 293 392 1.15 1.0
Answer: b
67. Use the information in Table H.3. What is the normal time for work element 2?
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Answer: d
Keywords: normal, time, rating
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68. Use the information in Table H.3. What is the standard time for work element 1?
Answer: c
Keywords: standard, time, allowance
Answer: c
70. Use the information in Table H.3. What is the normal time for the complete cycle?
Answer: b
Difficulty: Hard
Keywords: normal, time, rating, cycle
71. Use the information in Table H.3. What is the standard time for the complete cycle?
Answer: d
Difficulty: Hard
Keywords: standard, time, allowance, cycle
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72. A timestudy analyst has found the select time for a work element to be 14.0 minutes, with a sample
standard deviation of 3.2 minutes. What is the minimum sample size needed if the estimate is to be
within 4 percent of the average 95 percent of the time?
a. Fewer than 100
b. Greater than or equal to 100 but fewer than 140
c. Greater than or equal to 140 but fewer than 180
d. Greater than or equal to 180
Answer: b
73. At a new watch assembly plant, a job is divided into three work elements. The element times for the
first four cycles are recorded by the continuous method and are presented below along with a
performance rating factor (RF) for each element.
Observation (time in min)

Work Element 1 2 3 4 RF
1 0.50 2.32 4.22 6.16 1.0
2 1.45 3.24 5.20 7.06 1.1
3 1.87 3.62 5.61 7.49 0.9
The standard time for this job, assuming that the allowance is 18 percent, is:
a. fewer than or equal to 1.9 minutes.
b. greater than 1.9 minutes but fewer than or equal to 2.0 minutes.
c. greater than 2.0 minutes but fewer than or equal to 2.1 minutes.
d. greater than 2.1 minutes.
Answer: d
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74. An observer has recorded the following select ( t ) for a fivepart task and has applied a rating factor

(RF) to each. The times are in seconds. If there is a 15 percent allowance for “nonproductive”
activities, compute the standard time for the total task.
Element t RF
1 6.2 0.9
2 1.7 1.1
3 4.5 1.2
4 1.2 0.8
5 5.0 1.2
The standard time for the task is:
a. fewer than or equal to 21 seconds.
b. greater than 21 seconds but fewer than or equal to 23 seconds.
c. greater than 23 seconds but fewer than or equal to 25 seconds.
d. greater than 25 seconds.
Answer: b
75. A worker was observed for four cycles of a repetitive operation. The observed times for work
elements are 11, 10, 8, and 11 seconds, respectively. What sample size is appropriate for estimating
the time for this work element within + 3 percent of the true mean time with 95 percent confidence?
d. Greater than 80
Answer: d
76. The following times in seconds were observed for a particular oneelement job using the continuous
method: 12, 22, 35, and 50. The worker’s rating factor is 1.1. What is the standard time for the job if
an allowance of 20 percent is provided?
a. Fewer than or equal to 14 seconds
b. Greater than 14 but fewer than or equal to 15 seconds
c. Greater than 15 but fewer than or equal to 16 seconds
d. Greater than 16
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Answer: d
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77. A manager wants to determine the proportion of time a cashier is idle. A worksampling method was
used, and the idle time was found to be 20 percent based on 100 observations. If the manager wants a
+ 0.05 with a 95 percent confidence level, how many MORE observations are needed?
d. Greater than 400
Answer: a
78. A worksampling method is used to determine the proportion of the time a worker is idle. The
following information was gathered on a random basis.
Day No. Times Total No.

Clerk Idle Observations
Monday 4 12
Tuesday 2 8
Wednesday 4 10
Thursday 2 10
If the manager wants a 95 percent confidence level and a degree of precision of + 0.03, how
many more observations are needed?
c. Greater than 800 but fewer than or equal to 1,000
d. Greater than 1,000
Answer: c
Difficulty: Hard
79. A supermarket administrator suspects that idle time is about 20 percent for the cashier and 15 percent
for the office clerk. If the administrator wants a 95 percent confidence level and a degree of precision
of + 0.05 for both cashier and office clerk, how many TOTAL observations are needed?
d. Greater than 400
Answer: b
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80. A job shop manager wants to determine the proportion of time the workers are idle. The shop
employs two types of workers. Type 1 includes three workers and Type 2 includes two workers. The
manager suspects that the proportion of idle time is about 20 percent for Type 1 workers and 15
percent for Type 2 workers. If the manager wants a 95 percent confidence level and a degree of
precision of + 0.05, how many trips will the observers have to take through the group?
d. Greater than 100
Answer: c
81. A worksampling method is used to determine the proportion of the time a worker is idle. The
following information was gathered on a random basis.
Day No. Times Total No.

Clerk Idle Observations
Monday 8 26
Tuesday 8 32
Wednesday 7 28
Thursday 7 34
If the manager wants a 95 percent confidence level and a degree of precision of + 0.03, how
many MORE observations are needed?
d. Greater than 900
Answer: a
Difficulty: Hard
FILL IN THE BLANK
82. A(n) ____________ is the time required for a trained worker to perform a task following a prescribed
method with normal effort and skill.
Answer: work standard
Reference: Introduction
Difficulty: Easy
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83. ____________ is the process of creating labor standards based on the judgment of skilled observers.
Answer: Work measurement
Difficulty: Easy
Keywords: work, measurement
84. The key to creating a work standard is defining ____________.

Answer: normal performance
Keywords: work, standard, normal, performance
85. The most commonly used method for setting a time standard is called a(n) ____________.
Answer: time study
Keywords: time, study, standard
86. The ____________ is a measurement found by multiplying the select time, the frequency of work,
and the rating factor.
Answer: normal time, NT
Keywords: normal, time
87. The time added to adjust for factors such as fatigue or equipment malfunction is called
____________.
Answer: allowance time
Keywords: allowance, time
88. Using the ____________, the analyst divides each work element into a series of micro-motions
common to a variety of tasks.
Answer: predetermined-data approach
Keywords: predetermined, data, approach, micromotion
89. The ____________ system features a database with micromotions such as reach, move, apply
pressure, grasp, and turn.
Answer: MTM/methods time measurement/MTM-1
Keywords: predetermined, data, approach, micromotion, MTM, methods, time, measurement
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90. ____________ involves estimating the proportion of time spent by people and machines on activities,
based on a large number of observations.
Answer: Work sampling
SHORT ANSWERS
91. What are the advantages and disadvantages of establishing and enforcing work standards?
Answer: Establishment of work standards allows managers to set prices and costs, motivate
workers, compare alternative process designs, schedule, plan capacity, and conduct performance
appraisals. In short, these objective standards allow for a scientific management approach to be
implemented. The disadvantages of work standards include the dehumanizing aspects of having
work closely monitored and the overhead required to establish and enforce the standards. If
workers feel the standards are not achievable, they may suffer a decline in morale or may rush to
meet them at the expense of quality and safety.
Reference: Work Standards and Managerial Considerations in Work Measurement
92. Are time standards more useful for manufacturing or service processes? Why?
Answer: Answers will vary.
Keywords: time, standards
93. How can work standards be developed for higher level services and creative processes?
Answer: Answers will vary.
Keywords: time, standards, work
94. What are the four steps in a time study?
Answer: The four steps are selecting work elements, timing the elements, determining the sample
size, and setting the standard.
Keywords: time, study
95. Explain why a sampling schedule is important in a work sampling study.
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Answer: A sampling schedule should determine when the workers are to be observed because the
observations are just snapshots of time. In addition, the observation times should be randomized
to avoid biases in worker performance.
Keywords: sampling, work, schedule
96. Compare and contrast the method of time study to the method of work sampling. What are the
strengths and limitations of each, and for which applications are they best suited?
Answer: Both are direct observation methods. However, a time study observes several cycles of
work elements to determine a time standard, whereas work sampling takes “snapshots” of the
facility to determine the percentage of time engaged in an activity. Time studies require
experienced analysts, should not be used for tasks that vary each time, and are many times found
to be objectionable to workers. Work sampling does not require special training and is generally
accepted by workers because it tends to examine activities of the group rather than of the
individual. In addition, many worksampling studies can be conducted simultaneously.
Keywords: method, time, study, work, sampling
PROBLEMS
97. A pilot work study has been conducted on a new operation with four work elements. The following
times, in seconds, were obtained using the continuous method.
Observations
Element 1 2 3 4 5 RF
1 11.00 45.00 80.00 117.00 153.00 1.10
2 20.00 54.00 89.00 125.00 161.00 1.05
3 25.00 58.00 95.00 131.00 166.00 0.85
a. What is the normal time for this operation?
b. If an allowance of 20 percent is used, what is the standard time for this task?
c. What sample size is appropriate for estimating the time for element 3 within + 3 percent of the true
mean time with 95 percent confidence?
Answer:
Precision (p) 0.03 Allowance 0.20

Standard deviations (z) 1.96
Rating Select Std. Deviation Required Normal

Work Element Factor Freq. Time (sigma) Sample Size Times
1 1.1 1 19.40 4.7749 258.58 21.34
144
2 1.05 1 8.60 0.5477 17.31 9.03

3 0.85 1 5.20 0.8367 110.50 4.42
a. Total Normal Time 34.79

b. Standard Time 41.748
c. Required Sample Size 259
a. Normal time = 34.79

b. Standard time = 41.748
c. Sample size = 259
Keywords: time, standard, normal, sample, size
98. An undergraduate business student studies diligently in the library during dead week in anticipation
of an outstanding performance on her final exams. She asks a friend to spy on her at random intervals
to determine what percentage of time she is actually studying. Over the course of three days, her
friend records the following observations:
Times Times Not

Observation Period Studying Studying Observations
Monday 20 3 23
Tuesday 21 4 25
Wednesday 10 1 11
Total 51 8 59
If the student wants a 95 percent confidence level and a degree of precision of + 0.08, how many
more observations are needed?
Answer:
2
�z �
n = � ��p (1 - �p)
�e �
2
�1.96 �51 � 51 �
n=� � � 1 - �= 70.35
�0.08 �59 � 59 �
n = 70.35 - 59 = 11.35
There have already been 59 observations, so 12 more observations are needed.
Keywords: work, sampling, sample, size
145

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H Measuring Output Rates

7. The performance-rating factor in a time study is a totally objective measure.

12. The methods time measurement system is a predetermined data system.

19. Special training is required for observers using work sampling.

21. Traditional work measurement techniques often are viewed as repressive.

Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4

Work Element t (sec) RF F

Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Rating Frequency

Observation (time in min)

74. An observer has recorded the following select ( t ) for a fivepart task and has applied a rating factor

Day No. Times Total No.

Day No. Times Total No.

FILL IN THE BLANK

84. The key to creating a work standard is defining ____________.

Precision (p) 0.03 Allowance 0.20

Rating Select Std. Deviation Required Normal

2 1.05 1 8.60 0.5477 17.31 9.03

a. Total Normal Time 34.79

a. Normal time = 34.79

Times Times Not

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Krajewski TIF Supplement H

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Krajewski TIF Supplement H

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Supplement H  Measuring Output Rates

H Measuring Output Rates

7. The performance-rating factor in a time study is a totally objective measure.

12. The methods time measurement system is a predetermined data system.

19. Special training is required for observers using work sampling.

21. Traditional work measurement techniques often are viewed as repressive.

Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4

Work Element t (sec) RF F

Element Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Rating Frequency

Observation (time in min)

74. An observer has recorded the following select ( t ) for a five­part task and has applied a rating factor

Day No. Times Total No.

Day No. Times Total No.

FILL IN THE BLANK

84. The key to creating a work standard is defining ____________.

Precision (p) 0.03 Allowance 0.20

Rating Select Std. Deviation Required Normal

2 1.05 1 8.60 0.5477 17.31 9.03

a. Total Normal Time 34.79

a. Normal time = 34.79

Times Times Not

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74. An observer has recorded the following select ( t ) for a fivepart task and has applied a rating factor