Work Study and Ergonomics

Introduction to Work Measurement

It has already been described in the previous chapter that work study is mainly composed of method study and work measurement. Both these components are very closely linked with each other. Method study is mainly concerned about reducing the ineffective movements and time related to the job. Whereas work measurement is investigation of ineffective time related to a task, and subsequently establishment of time standards for the job under consideration. In broader terms ‘work measurement can be defined as the application of ways or methods designed to determine the required (standard) time for a competent operator to perform a task at a distinct rate of operating’.

Therefore, work measurement techniques are focused to find out the time required for completing an operation or an element by a qualified operator working at a standard pace and using the standard method. The time thus calculated is known as standard time. The method to do the job is normally standardized by using motion study procedure before carrying out work measurement or time study. The different commonly applied work measurement techniques are as follows:

Stopwatch Time Study

Time study was developed by F. W. Taylor and since a stopwatch is used for making time observations; therefore it is called as stopwatch time study. It is a unique technique of work measurement as it involves direct observation of work while it is performed. Time study can be defined as follows:

‘Time study is a work measurement technique mainly comprising of recording the data with respect to time and rate of working for the elements of the specific job being carried out under the given condition and subsequently analyze the data in order to establish the basic time (normal time) and standard time required to carry out the job at a distinct level of performance’.

The main objective of work measurement is to facilitate the management to establish the time standards for a particular job or its elements. The established standards can be used as a benchmark to compare the results achieved in future and exercise the necessary control.