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Work Study Methods

Work study is a management technique aimed at improving efficiency and productivity through method study and work measurement. Method study focuses on optimizing work processes, while work measurement establishes time standards for tasks. Despite its benefits, work study can be time-consuming, may affect worker morale, and is less effective for non-repetitive tasks.

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5 views2 pages

Work Study Methods

Work study is a management technique aimed at improving efficiency and productivity through method study and work measurement. Method study focuses on optimizing work processes, while work measurement establishes time standards for tasks. Despite its benefits, work study can be time-consuming, may affect worker morale, and is less effective for non-repetitive tasks.

Uploaded by

elielchikomba
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Main Methods Associated with Work Study

(10 marks)

Work study is a management technique used to examine how work is done, with the aim of
improving efficiency and productivity. It has two main branches: method study and work
measurement.

1. Method Study
This examines the way work is currently done and looks for a better way of doing it.
○ Purpose: to eliminate unnecessary steps, reduce wasted time/movement,
and find the most efficient method of production.
○ Process: select the job → record the current method (e.g. using process
charts, flow diagrams) → examine it critically → develop an improved method
→ install it → maintain the new method.
○ Example: rearranging a factory layout so workers don't have to walk far to get
materials.

2. Work Measurement
This determines how long a job should take when carried out by a qualified worker, using a defined
method, at a standard rate of working.
○ Purpose: to set time standards for tasks, which can be used for planning,
costing, and setting piece-rate pay or productivity targets.
Techniques include:
○ Time study — using a stopwatch to time a worker performing a task over
several cycles, then calculating a standard time (including allowances for
rest/fatigue).
○ Activity sampling — observing workers at random intervals to estimate the
proportion of time spent on different activities.
○ Predetermined motion time systems (PMTS) — using standard data tables
for basic human movements (e.g. reach, grasp) to build up a time for a task
without direct timing.

Why Businesses Use Work Study


• Identifies the most efficient method of working (method study)
• Sets fair and accurate time standards for tasks (work measurement)
• Helps with production planning, costing, and incentive scheme design
• Can improve productivity and reduce waste/idle time
Limitations
• Can be time-consuming and costly to carry out properly
• Workers may resent being observed/timed, potentially harming morale and
leading to resistance (or workers may deliberately slow down when being
watched)
• Standard times may quickly become outdated if methods, technology, or
products change
• Works best for repetitive, standardised tasks — less suited to creative or highly
variable jobs

Conclusion
Work study, through method study and work measurement, helps a business find the best way to
perform a task and establish how long it should take. Together they support efficiency, productivity,
and informed decision-making on staffing, costing, and pay — though their value depends on
accurate observation and worker cooperation, and they are less effective for non-repetitive or
creative work.

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