Problem Set 7: Design of Work Systems

1. An analyst using a time study approach timed an assembly operation for 25 cycles,
and then computed the average time per cycle, that is, 16.25 minutes. A performance
rating of .91 was assigned, and the appropriate allowance was 20 percent assuming the
allowance factor was based on workday. Determine the observed time, normal time,
and standard time.
Answer in #1:
Given:
 Cycles  25
 Average time per cycle  16.25
 Allowance  20%
 Performance rating  0.91
Observed time, normal time, and standard time
 OT = ∑xi/n
 OT = 16.25 minutes
 NT = OT x PR
 NT = 16.25 x 0.91
 NT = 14.7875 or 14.80 minutes
 ST (based on workday) = NT / 1 – Allowance
 ST = 14.7875 / 1-20/100
 ST = 18.484375 or 18.50 minutes

2. In the Philippines, what does safety and health in the workplace mean? List the
minimum standard on safety and health in the workplace according to the Occupational
Safety and Health (OSH) Standards.
Answer in #2:
- In the Philippines, the safety and health in the workplace means that the worker shall
be assured of effective protection against the danger of injury, sickness or death
through safe and healthful working conditions. The list of the minimum standard on
safety and health in the workplace according to the Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) Standards are the following:
 Identify the hazard
 Clear the area close to the hazard
  Partition the hazard off or clearly identify the area to protect other people
from harm
 If the hazard is easily and safely cleared, then do so. If not;
 Report the hazard to the appropriate person to obtain assistance
 Following clearing of the hazard fill out the correct documentation to assist
in identifying improved practice to reduce further incidence of hazards.

3. Japanese firms are known to practice job rotation among their managers into different
managerial jobs. In contrast, American firms are known to practice job specialization.
List the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. In your opinion, which
of the two approaches do you prefer? State your reasons.
Answer in #3: Part 1
- Japanese firms are known to practice job rotation among their managers into different
managerial jobs.
Advantage/s
 It helps the managers to explore their masterful talent/s
 It helps people to explore their interest/s
 It helps get rid of boredom
 It brings managers a break from work
 It helps the managers to find the best way to work
 It helps the managers to backup plans when an individual leaves
Disadvantage/s
 It can take a long time
 It may eventually lead to unhappy staff
 It will not resolve all your issues
 It may not be practical for certain industries
 The company might suffer
Answer in #3: Part 2
- American firms are known to practice job specialization.
Advantage/s
 Risk depletion
 Improved confidence
 Task competency
 Apparatus specialization
 Increased speed in the middle of tasks
Disadvantage/s
 Becomes old-fashioned
  Learning only one skill
 Excluded from managerial placement
 Gets repetitious
 Cannot multitask
 Limitations to apply
 Company suffers
 In short supply of skill set
 Difficult to find jobs
 Loses general sight
 Cannot grab breaks
 No socializing opportunities
 AWOL
 Fewer job development
 Not meeting the market

4. How is methods analysis related to productivity?

Answer in #4:
 Method analysis related to productivity by focuses on how a job is done.