What are the major techniques of work measurement? Discuss two important techniques with suitable examples.

 Work measurement techniques play a crucial role in determining the time required to perform a specific task or activity within a production environment. These techniques help organizations establish standards for productivity, allocate resources efficiently, and improve overall operational efficiency. Two major techniques of work measurement are Time Study and Activity Sampling. Let's delve into each of these techniques, discuss their principles, methodologies, and provide suitable examples.

1. Time Study

Time study is a traditional work measurement technique that involves the systematic observation and analysis of individual work tasks to determine the standard time required to complete them. It is based on the principle of breaking down work into its elemental components and measuring the time taken to perform each element under standard conditions.

Methodology of Time Study

1. Selecting the Job: The first step in time study is to select the specific job or task to be studied. It should be representative of the work performed within the organization and clearly defined to ensure consistency in measurement.
2. Dividing the Task: The task is then broken down into its elemental components or motions, such as reaching, grasping, lifting, and assembling. Each motion should be distinct and measurable.
3. Timing the Elements: A trained observer uses a stopwatch or electronic timing device to record the time taken to perform each elemental motion. The timing is done under standard conditions, which may include factors such as a predefined work pace, adequate rest periods, and normal levels of supervision.
4. Determining the Rating: In addition to timing, the observer assigns a rating to each motion based on the worker's pace, skill level, and effort expended. Ratings are typically expressed as percentages of a standard rating, such as 100%.
5. Calculating the Standard Time: The standard time for the overall task is calculated by summing the times for each elemental motion and adjusting for any allowances or inefficiencies. This standard time serves as a benchmark for future performance and resource allocation.

Example of Time Study

Consider a manufacturing company that produces automobile components. To determine the standard time for assembling a particular component, a time study engineer conducts a time study using the following steps:

1. Selecting the Task: The task selected is the assembly of a specific engine part, which involves multiple elemental motions such as picking up parts, fitting components together, and tightening bolts.
2. Breaking Down the Task: The engineer observes and records each elemental motion involved in the assembly process, such as retrieving parts from bins, positioning them on the assembly jig, and using a torque wrench to tighten bolts.
3. Timing and Rating: Using a stopwatch, the engineer measures the time taken to perform each motion and assigns ratings based on the worker's pace and skill level.
4. Calculating Standard Time: The standard time for assembling the component is calculated by summing the times for each motion, adjusting for any allowances (e.g., rest breaks, tool changes), and applying the appropriate rating factors.
5. Establishing Standards: Once the standard time is determined, it serves as a basis for setting productivity targets, scheduling production activities, and evaluating worker performance.

2. Activity Sampling

Activity sampling, also known as work sampling or timekeeping, is a statistical technique used to estimate the proportion of time spent on various activities within a work environment. Unlike time study, which measures the time for specific tasks, activity sampling provides a broader overview of how time is allocated across different tasks or projects.

Methodology of Activity Sampling

1. Sampling Plan: The first step in activity sampling is to develop a sampling plan that defines the scope of the study, the sampling intervals, and the number of observations required to achieve a representative sample. Sampling intervals may be fixed or randomized to capture variations in work patterns.
2. Observation Period: During the observation period, trained observers record the activities of workers at predetermined intervals. Observations may be made visually or using electronic monitoring devices.
3. Data Collection: Observers record the activities being performed by workers at each sampling interval. Activities are typically categorized into predefined categories or tasks based on their nature and purpose.
4. Data Analysis: After collecting a sufficient number of observations, the data is analyzed to determine the proportion of time spent on each activity. Statistical techniques such as frequency distributions and averages are used to summarize the data and identify patterns.
5. Interpretation and Reporting: The results of the activity sampling study are interpreted to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. A report summarizing the findings and recommendations may be prepared for management review and decision-making.

Example of Activity Sampling

Consider a call center that handles customer inquiries for a telecommunications company. To assess the distribution of work activities among call center agents, a work sampling study is conducted using the following steps:

1. Sampling Plan: The study defines the sampling intervals as every 30 minutes during a typical workday, with observations scheduled randomly to capture variations in call volumes and agent availability.
2. Observation Period: Trained observers monitor the activities of call center agents at regular intervals throughout the day, recording the nature of each activity, such as answering calls, documenting customer information, or taking breaks.
3. Data Collection: Observers record the activities being performed by agents at each sampling interval, categorizing them into predefined categories such as call handling, administrative tasks, or idle time.
4. Data Analysis: After collecting a sufficient number of observations, the data is analyzed to determine the proportion of time spent on each activity category. This information provides insights into call center efficiency, resource utilization, and staffing requirements.
5. Interpretation and Reporting: The results of the activity sampling study are interpreted to identify areas for improvement, such as optimizing call routing procedures, streamlining administrative tasks, or implementing training programs to enhance agent productivity.

Conclusion

Time study and activity sampling are two major techniques of work measurement used to analyze and optimize work processes within production environments. While time study provides detailed measurements of specific tasks, activity sampling offers a broader perspective on how time is allocated across different activities. By employing these techniques effectively, organizations can establish standards for productivity, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions to improve overall operational performance. Examples from manufacturing and service industries demonstrate the application of these techniques in real-world scenarios, illustrating their value in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness within diverse work environments.

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