Discuss the following techiques of Scientific Work Study:
Time Study
Motion Study
Fatigue Study
Method Study
Simplification and standardisation of work
Initiative
Time Study
Motion Study
Fatigue Study
Method Study
Simplification and standardisation of work
Initiative
Time Study:It determines the standard time taken
to perform a well-defined job. Time
measuring devices are used for each
element of task. The standard time
is fixed for the whole of the task by
taking several readings. The method
of time study will depend upon
volume and frequency of the task, the
cycle time of the operation and time
measurement costs. The objective
of time study is to determine the
number of workers to be employed;
frame suitable incentive schemes
and determine labour costs.
For example, on the basis of
several observations it is determined
that standard time taken by the
worker to make one cardboard box is
20 minutes. So in one hour she/he
will make 3 boxes. Assuming that a
worker has to put in 8 hours of work
in a shift and deducting one hour for
rest and lunch, it is determined that
in 7 hours a worker makes 21 boxes
@ 3 boxes per hour. Now this is the
standard task a worker has to do.
Wages can be decided accordingly
Motion Study:Motion study refers to the study of movements like lifting, putting objects, sitting and changing positions, etc., which are undertaken while doing a typical job. Unnecessary movements are sought to be eliminated so that it takes less time to complete the job efficiently. For example, Taylor and his associate Frank Gailberth were able to reduce motions in brick layering from 18 to just 5. Taylor demonstrated that productivity increased to about four times by this process.
On close examination of body motions, for example, it is possible to find out:
(i) Motions which are productive
(ii) Motions which are incidental (e.g., going to stores)
(iii) Motions which are unproductive.
Taylor used stopwatches and various symbols and colours to identify different motions. Through motion
studies, Taylor was able to design suitable equipment and tools to educate workers on their use. The results achieved by him were truly remarkable.
Fatigue Study:A person is bound to feel tired physically and mentally if she/he does not rest while working. The rest intervals will help one to regain stamina and work again with the same capacity. This will result in increased productivity. Fatigue study seeks to determine the amount and frequency of rest intervals in completing a task. For example, normally in a plant, work takes place in three shifts of eight hours each. Even in a single shift a worker has to be given some rest interval to take her/his lunch etc. If the work involves heavy manual labour then small pauses have to be frequently given to the worker so that she/he can recharge her/his energy level for optimum contribution.
There can be many causes for fatigue like long working hours, doing unsuitable work, having uncordial relations with the boss or bad working conditions etc. Such hindrances in good performance should be removed.
Method Study The objective of method study is to find out one best way of doing the job. There are various methods of doing the job. To determine the best way there are several parameters. Right from procurement of raw materials till the final product is delivered to the customer every activity is part of method study. Taylor devised the concept of assembly line by using method study. Ford Motor Company used this concept very successfully. Even now auto companies are using it. The objective of the whole exercise is to minimise the cost of production and maximise the quality and satisfaction of the customer. For this purpose many techniques like process charts and operations research etc are used. For designing a car, the assembly line production would entail deciding the sequence of operations, place for men, machines and raw materials etc. All this is part of method study.
Simplification and standardisation of work:Standardisation refers to the process of setting standards for every business activity; it can be standardisation of process, raw material, time, product, machinery, methods or working conditions. Simplification aims at eliminating unnecessary diversity of products.Simplification involves elimination of unnecessary diversification of products related to size and varieties, as more varieties mean high inventory and higher labour cost etc. By simplifying the task, there will be economy in use of machines, labour, inventory maintenance, etc. It will also help in improving the product quality and reduction of cost. The management must carry out work study to standardise and simplify work in order to increase efficiency. For standardising the work, work study can be done through techniques like method study, motion study, time study and fatigue study.
Initiative:Workers should be encouraged to develop and carry out their plans for improvements according to Fayol. Initiative means taking the first step with self-motivation. It is thinking out and executing the plan. It is one of the traits of an intelligent person. Initiative should be encouraged. But it does not mean going against the established practices of the company for the sake of being different. A good company should have an employee suggestion system whereby initiative/suggestions which result in substantial cost/time reduction should be rewarded.
Motion Study:Motion study refers to the study of movements like lifting, putting objects, sitting and changing positions, etc., which are undertaken while doing a typical job. Unnecessary movements are sought to be eliminated so that it takes less time to complete the job efficiently. For example, Taylor and his associate Frank Gailberth were able to reduce motions in brick layering from 18 to just 5. Taylor demonstrated that productivity increased to about four times by this process.
On close examination of body motions, for example, it is possible to find out:
(i) Motions which are productive
(ii) Motions which are incidental (e.g., going to stores)
(iii) Motions which are unproductive.
Taylor used stopwatches and various symbols and colours to identify different motions. Through motion
studies, Taylor was able to design suitable equipment and tools to educate workers on their use. The results achieved by him were truly remarkable.
Fatigue Study:A person is bound to feel tired physically and mentally if she/he does not rest while working. The rest intervals will help one to regain stamina and work again with the same capacity. This will result in increased productivity. Fatigue study seeks to determine the amount and frequency of rest intervals in completing a task. For example, normally in a plant, work takes place in three shifts of eight hours each. Even in a single shift a worker has to be given some rest interval to take her/his lunch etc. If the work involves heavy manual labour then small pauses have to be frequently given to the worker so that she/he can recharge her/his energy level for optimum contribution.
There can be many causes for fatigue like long working hours, doing unsuitable work, having uncordial relations with the boss or bad working conditions etc. Such hindrances in good performance should be removed.
Method Study The objective of method study is to find out one best way of doing the job. There are various methods of doing the job. To determine the best way there are several parameters. Right from procurement of raw materials till the final product is delivered to the customer every activity is part of method study. Taylor devised the concept of assembly line by using method study. Ford Motor Company used this concept very successfully. Even now auto companies are using it. The objective of the whole exercise is to minimise the cost of production and maximise the quality and satisfaction of the customer. For this purpose many techniques like process charts and operations research etc are used. For designing a car, the assembly line production would entail deciding the sequence of operations, place for men, machines and raw materials etc. All this is part of method study.
Simplification and standardisation of work:Standardisation refers to the process of setting standards for every business activity; it can be standardisation of process, raw material, time, product, machinery, methods or working conditions. Simplification aims at eliminating unnecessary diversity of products.Simplification involves elimination of unnecessary diversification of products related to size and varieties, as more varieties mean high inventory and higher labour cost etc. By simplifying the task, there will be economy in use of machines, labour, inventory maintenance, etc. It will also help in improving the product quality and reduction of cost. The management must carry out work study to standardise and simplify work in order to increase efficiency. For standardising the work, work study can be done through techniques like method study, motion study, time study and fatigue study.
Initiative:Workers should be encouraged to develop and carry out their plans for improvements according to Fayol. Initiative means taking the first step with self-motivation. It is thinking out and executing the plan. It is one of the traits of an intelligent person. Initiative should be encouraged. But it does not mean going against the established practices of the company for the sake of being different. A good company should have an employee suggestion system whereby initiative/suggestions which result in substantial cost/time reduction should be rewarded.
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