3. Work Study is a generic term for those techniques, particularly “method/motion study” and “time study/ work measurement”, which lead systematical investigation of all the factors that affect the efficiency and economy of the work being reviewed in order to effect improvement. Method/Motion 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. Time Study / Work Measurement is the application of techniques designed to establish the time for a specified job at a defined level of performance. Definitions
5. Both Method Study and Time Study are made up of number of different techniques. Flow diagram Operations Chart Process Chart Flow Process Charts Work Cell Load Chart Routing Sheet Operations Analysis Chart Operator/Machine Chart Multiactivity Chart Gang Chart Multimachine Chart Left Hand/Right Hand Chart Stop Watch Time Study Work Balancing (work cell/plant/assy line) Activity/work Sampling Predetermined Time Standards Sys. Usually Method/Motion Study preceedes Time Study when the subject is to set time Standards. However, time study is used to compare the effectivenes of alternative Methods. Techniques used
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9. The predetermined time standards system which is used today is a newer technique which is built on Gilbreths’ work. Gilbreths developed the terminology defining the entire range of manual motions. Later on these elementary subdivisions of motion are called “therblig”s in memory of their name. Thus, when he started his own business, he introduced several competetive advantages of; * Adjustable scaffolding : previously bricklayers built the wall from their toes to their highest reach, and the built some more scaffolding and start again. * Helper for bricklayers : At about one half of the cost of bricklayer, these helpers would sort, carry, and stack the bricks for the bricklayer. * Constant mortar mix. * Improved motion pattern. * 350 bricks/hour instead of previous 120.
10. HENRY LAURENCE GANNT (1861-1919) He worked for Taylor at Midvale and Bentlehem, and is among the major pioneers of method and time study. He invented the “task and bonus system” or “earned hour plan”. On the contrary of Taylor’s penalty approach for less proficient worker in his multiple piecework system, Gannt defended a livable wage with a sizable bonus for performance over 100%. While Taylor emphasized analytical and organizational aspects of work, Gannt was more interested in operator selection, training and motivation. His basic notion of the importance of a leadership function is exactly in line with today’s thinking. During the First World War, he developed a technique for scheduling work.
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12. CRITICS ON THE WORK OF FOUNDERS IN THE FIELD OF WORK STUDY Frederic W. Taylor was criticized as being a management speed-up artist. Indecent managers used Taylor’s techniques, and when workers met the goals, management raised the standard. Taylor would have hated this process. We must never change a standard without due cause. Lilian and Frank Gilbreth were charged with dehumanizing work. Because of the reduction of motions to the absolute best set of procedures possible, unions defined Gilbreths as antiworker and as wanting to make machies everywhere.
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15. When conducting a work study in a foreman’s area, the following rules must be obeyed; * The work study man should never give a direct order to a worker. All instructions must be given through the foreman. * Workers asking questions calling for decisions outside the technical field of work study should always be referred to their foreman. * The work study man should never tell personal opinions to a worker. * The work study man should ask for foreman’s advice in the selection of the jobs to be studied and in all technical matters related with the process (even if he knows a great deal about it). * At the start of every investigation, work study man should be introduced to the workers by their foreman.
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18. Although the results of a work study are obtained scientifically , work study itself must be applied as an art just like as any other management technique.
