What is work study?

Work study is a generic term for those techniques, particularly method study and work
measurement, which are used in all its context and which lead systematically to the
investigation of all the factors, which effect the efficiency and economy of the situation being
reviewed in order to effect improvement

Why do we do work study?

1. To standardize the method of doing a work,

2. To minimize the unit cost of production,
3. To determine the standard time for doing a task,
4. To minimize the material movement, and Operators movement
5. To eliminate unnecessary human movements,
6. To utilize facilities such as man, machine and materials most effectively, and
7. To a systematic investigation of all factors.

What is the process of work study?

There are eight steps in performing a complete work-study. They are:

 
1. Select The task to be studied
2. Record By collecting data at source & by direct observation
3. Examine By challenging the purpose, place, sequence & method of work
4. Develop New methods, drawing on contribution of those concerned
5. Evaluate Results of alternative solutions
6. Define New methods & present findings
7. Install New methods & train those involved
8. Maintain & Establish control procedure
What are the techniques involved in work study?

Basically, there are two techniques:

Thus, work study is the term used to embrace the techniques of Method Study and Work

Measurement which are used to ensure the best utilization of manpower and material resources

in carrying out specified activity.

The sequential order of the correct procedure to be adopted for having effective or purpose-

oriented results of method study include the following:

1. Select the work/procedure to be analyzed.

2. Record all the relevant information related with the existing work system with the help of

various recording devices or techniques.

What is work measurement?

Work measurement is concerned with the determination of the amount of time required to
perform a unit of work. Work measurement is very important for promoting productivity of an
organization. It enables management to compare alternate methods and also to do initial
staffing. Work measurement provides basis for proper planning.

Why do we do work measurement?

1. Wok measurement is used in planning work and in drawing out schedules.

2. Wok measurement is used to determine standard costs.
3. Wok measurement is used as an aid in preparing budgets.
4. It is used in balancing production lines for new products.
5. Wok measurement is used in determining machine effectiveness.
6. To determine time standards to be used as a basis for labor cost control.
7. To establish supervisory objectives and to provide a basis for measuring supervisory
efficiency.
8. To determine time standards to be used for providing a basis for wage incentive plans.
 What is the process of work measurement?

1. Divide jobs into elements

2. Observe and record each element, any of the work measurement techniques.
3. Set up unit time values, by extending observed time into normal time for each unit. This
can be done by applying rating factor.
4. Evaluate relaxation allowance and add the same to the normal time, for each element to
get the work content.
5. Ascertain the frequency of occurrence of each element in the job, then multiply the work
content to it. After that total the times to reach the work content of the job.
6. Add contingency allowance, wherever required, to get the standard time for performing
the job.

What are the techniques involved in work measurement?

Work measurement is investigating and eliminating ineffective time. It not only reveals the
existence of ineffective time. But it can be used to set standard times for carrying out the work
so that ineffective time does not evolve later. It will be immediately found out by the increased
standard time. For the purpose of work measurement, work may be regarded as repetitive work
and non-repetitive work.

1. Time Study
2. Work Sampling
3. Pre-determined Motion Time System
4. Analytical Estimating