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Work Study in Operations Management

Work study involves systematically examining work activities to improve the effective use of resources. It is made up of two components: method study, which determines the best way to perform a job, and work measurement, which measures how long tasks should take. Work study tools such as process charts, time studies, and cause-and-effect diagrams are used to analyze current work methods, identify areas for improvement, and develop new, optimized standards. Implementing work study standards through training helps organizations achieve benefits like improved productivity, efficiency, quality, and employee morale through continuous improvement efforts.

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43 views1 page

Work Study in Operations Management

Work study involves systematically examining work activities to improve the effective use of resources. It is made up of two components: method study, which determines the best way to perform a job, and work measurement, which measures how long tasks should take. Work study tools such as process charts, time studies, and cause-and-effect diagrams are used to analyze current work methods, identify areas for improvement, and develop new, optimized standards. Implementing work study standards through training helps organizations achieve benefits like improved productivity, efficiency, quality, and employee morale through continuous improvement efforts.

Uploaded by

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

Work Study

Gari Jenkins

Operations Management derived from Scientific Management ~ FW Taylor (1947)


Work Study : the systematic examination of activities in order to improve the effective use of human & other
resources (British Standards). Had a very bad press / image problem with Taylorism. Bad old days ; Us &
Them. Work Study is not an assurance of Quality. However, the basic tools and techniques, together
with the mentality behind modern work study methods, can serve as part of Quality Drive (TQM). Because
of the need to monitor improvements & quantify work on a continuous basis. Made up of :

Method Study - The best way of doing a job


systematic & critical examination of the way of
doing things in order to make improvements
--S

M--

Need information to work out key ratios:

Video / surveillance etc. Use workflow symbols:


PLAN

Productivity = OUTPUT / INPUT

Delay
Transport

application of techniques designed to measure the time


for a qualified worker to carry out defined task
Measuring the time tasks take has direct impact on :
Costs / Delivery Speed / Delivery Reliability

Select work to be studied


Record all relevant facts:
Operation (only value adding)

Work Measurement How long jobs should take

CHECK

DO

Efficiency = ACTUAL OUTPUT / EXPECTED OUTPUT

Inspection

ACT

Controlled Storage

Deming Cycle

Plant Productivity = OUTPUT / MACHINE HOURS

Examine the facts critically:


Use Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram / cause & effect
4Ms: Manpower | Machinery | Materials | Method

Can be applied to:


Capacity planning ; scheduling ; more accurate
costing ; contingency planning ; layout & process
design

Develop optimum alternatives:


Relationship Chart

Install the new method as standard (training reqd)


Maintain by regular checks (training reqd)

Benefits of work measurement & method study


} Improved design
} Less absenteeism
} Improved morale

} Better use of materials


} Improved layout
} Less labour turnover

} Better use of equipment


} Reduce fatigue

How should it be introduced ?


} Involve Employees at start
} Get Buy-In
} Be open about Work Measurement
techniques

} Present / Communicate effectively


} Promote the benefits
} Times need to be realistic

Link with Quality / TQM (see other sheet)


Definitions of Quality : Fit for Purpose | conformance to specifications | Get it Right First Time
BUT quality products & services are aimed at satisfying Customers their PERCEPTION is KING
QUALITY IS ABOUT SATISFYING CUSTOMERS
Quality and Quantity sit together to produce TOTAL QUALITY. Changes & results must be quantified on a regular basis
(SREDIM). Work measurement important to measure & monitor improvements.
All companies which received Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Improvement Award used Work Study
KAIZEN Continuous Improvement

| MUDA Elimination of Waste

Need Internal Improvement ~ Work Study provides means to improve every area of business (measurable / quantifiable)
Work Study can greatly benefit the organisation in terms of focussing , measuring & continuously improving

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