Procedure of

Method Study

Name- Aryaman Batra

Enrolment No.- 04514803619
Group- 5M4
Definition
• Method study is the systematic recording and critical
examination of existing and proposed ways of doing work,
as a means of developing and applying easier and more
effective methods and reducing costs. So it is the process of
analysing the methods involved in work flow to increase
productivity. It deals with doing the work in a better way,
with less time and effort. That is why it is also termed as
work simplification.
• Method study procedure  is an organized approach and its investigation
rests on the following six basic steps:
• Select the work to be analyzed.
• Record all facts relating to the existing method.
• Examine the recorded facts critically but impartially.
• Develop the most economical method commensurate with plant
requirements
• Install the new method as standard practice.
• Maintain the new method.
The above basic method study procedure was first developed and articulated by  Russell Currie  at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).
1. Selection of the Job

• Selections of the jobs to be studied for methods improvement by the method study practitioner is a
managerial responsibility and it (selection) may be based on economic technical or human
consideration.   Economic consideration justifies selection based on the economic worth (i.e. money
saving potential) of the job. Technical consideration identifies jobs, which require studies to overcome
manufacturing difficulties (excessive rejection, relaxation in prefixed performance standards, inability
if the shops to stick to specified machining parameters such as speeds, feeds, depth of cut etc.,
inconsistent quality etc.)
2. Recording of Facts

• Systematic recording is the most crucial step in method improvement. Since recording by long hand
(or by descriptive method) has its limitations, it is not recommended for use in method study. Instead,
five symbols and eight charting conventions are used to record facts relating to the job under study.  
Five typical symbols are O, ||, à, D and V and eight charting conventions concern composition of the
chart, reject, rework, repletion, change of state, introducing of new material, combined events and
numbering of events.
3. Critical Examination

• Critical examination aims to analyse the facts critically and thereby give rise to alternatives, which
form the basis of selection and development of easier, and effective methods. Critical examination is
conducted through a systematic and methodical questioning process.   Each activity recorded on the
chart, whether it relates to processing or inspection, or material handling, or to any other aspect, is
picked up one at a time and is examined minutely.  
4. Development and Selection

• Development and selection stage concerns short listing of ideas generated at the critical examination
stage, testing each short listed idea for its technical and economic feasibility, and making selection
among the alternatives wherever choice exists.   To develop ideas and to ascertain their technical and
economical feasibility, the method study practitioner needs to solicit the cooperation of personnel
from different departments of the company.  
5. Installation

• Installation (or implementation) of the proposed method involves preparation of project report on
recommendations making oral presentation to the top management, securing approval of the decision
maker, assisting line management during implementation, arranging training of workmen, and getting jobs
(operations) re-time after implementation, arranging training of workmen, and getting jobs (operations)
re-timed after implementation.
6. Maintenance

• Maintenance phase is the follow up phase after implementation, which serves as a monitoring and
control mechanism. It helps to ensure that the revised methods are set into concrete and workmen do not
revert back to old methods. It also provides an opportunity to the practitioner to assess the effectiveness
of the approach followed by him and makes changes in the methodology (if required).
VIVA Questions
1. Work study consists of

• Effective use of plant and equipment

• Effective use of human effort

• Evaluation of human work

• All of the above

2. Work study examines

• method

• duration of work

• both ‘a’ and ‘b’

• None of the above

3. Work study is also recognised as

• Time study

• Motion study

• both ‘a’ and ‘b’

• None of the above

4. The correct order of procedure in method study is

• Select – Record – Examine – Develop – Define – Install – Maintain

• Select – Define – Examine – Develop – Record – Install – Maintain

• Select – Record – Develop – Examine – Define – Install – Maintain

• Select – Record – Examine – Define – Develop – Install – Maintain

Answers

• 1. d

• 2.c

• 3.c

• 4.a
THANKS