Work Study and Method Study: Work Measurement, Time Study, Motion Economy and Standard Time (Basics) Questions

Question 1

Define work study.

Accepted Answer

**Work study** is the systematic examination of work to improve the effective use of resources and to set performance standards.

Question 2

What is method study?

Accepted Answer

**Method study** is the systematic recording and critical examination of how work is done to develop and install a better method.

Question 3

What is work measurement?

Accepted Answer

**Work measurement** determines the time required for a qualified worker to perform a task at a defined level of performance.

Question 4

What is standard time?

Accepted Answer

**Standard time** is the allowed time to complete a task at normal performance, including allowances for personal needs, fatigue and delays.

Question 5

Write the formula for standard time (basic).

Accepted Answer

Basic formula: **Standard time = Normal time × (1 + Allowance%)**.

Question 6

State one objective of method study.

Accepted Answer

One objective of method study is **eliminating unnecessary motions/steps** to reduce time and cost.

Question 7

Explain objectives of work study (any four).

Accepted Answer

Objectives of work study (any four):

- **Improve productivity** and reduce unit cost.
- **Simplify work** by removing unnecessary steps and motions.
- **Standardize** the best method and reduce variation.
- **Reduce fatigue** and improve safety through better methods and workplace design.
- **Set fair standard time** for planning, costing and incentive schemes.

Thus, work study improves both method and performance standards for efficient production.

Question 8

Explain SREDIM steps of method study (brief).

Accepted Answer

SREDIM steps of method study:

- **S**elect: choose the job/process to study.
- **R**ecord: record current method using charts/diagrams.
- **E**xamine: analyze each step critically (why, where, when, who, how).
- **D**evelop: develop a better method.
- **I**nstall: implement the improved method.
- **M**aintain: maintain the method through standardization and follow-up.

Hence, SREDIM provides a systematic approach to improve work methods.

Question 9

Explain time study: key terms (observed time, rating, normal time, allowances) briefly.

Accepted Answer

Key terms in time study:

- **Observed time**: time recorded by stopwatch during study.
- **Performance rating**: adjustment for worker speed compared to normal.
- **Normal time**: observed time adjusted for rating.
  - Normal time = Observed time × Rating factor
- **Allowances**: extra time added for personal needs, fatigue and unavoidable delays.

Thus, standard time is obtained by adding allowances to normal time for realistic planning.

Question 10

Explain principles of motion economy (any five).

Accepted Answer

Principles of motion economy (any five):

- use both hands effectively; avoid idle hands.
- keep motions **smooth and continuous**; avoid sudden changes.
- keep tools/materials within **normal reach**.
- use jigs/fixtures and gravity feed to reduce handling.
- arrange workplace to reduce bending, twisting and walking.
- ensure good lighting and comfortable working height.

Hence, motion economy reduces fatigue and time, improving productivity and safety.

Question 11

Explain time study procedure and standard time calculation (exam-style with example).

Accepted Answer

### **Time Study and Standard Time Calculation (Exam-Style)**

#### **Time study procedure (steps)**
- select the job and ensure the method is standardized.
- break the job into elements.
- record **observed time** for several cycles using stopwatch.
- apply **performance rating** to get normal time.
- add allowances to compute **standard time**.

#### **Example (simple)**
Given:
- Observed time = 10 minutes
- Rating = 120% (rating factor = 1.20)
- Allowances = 15%

Step 1: Normal time = 10 × 1.20 = 12 minutes

Step 2: Standard time = Normal time × (1 + allowance)
- Standard time = 12 × 1.15 = 13.8 minutes

Mini table:

| Item | Value |
|---|---:|
| Observed time | 10 min |
| Rating factor | 1.20 |
| Normal time | 12 min |
| Allowance | 15% |
| Standard time | 13.8 min |

**Conclusion:** Standard time is used for production planning, costing and incentive schemes.

Question 12

Explain tools of method study (exam-style) and their uses with a table.

Accepted Answer

Tools of method study (with uses):

- **Operation process chart (OPC)**: shows operations and inspections; gives overview of major steps.
- **Flow process chart**: shows operation, inspection, transport, delay, storage; helps identify waste and delays.
- **Flow diagram**: shows movement on layout; helps reduce travel distance.
- **Two-handed process chart**: records left and right hand motions; improves manual work efficiency.

Thus, method study tools help record the present method and find improvements systematically.

Question 13

Explain work sampling (basic) and give two uses.

Accepted Answer

### **Work Sampling (Basic)**

**Work sampling** is a work measurement technique where a large number of random observations are taken to find the **percentage of time** a worker/machine is engaged in different activities (working, idle, waiting, setup, etc.).

Uses (any two):
- to estimate **machine/worker utilization** and identify idle time.
- to set allowances and improve **capacity planning** by understanding where time is lost.
- to compare departments and identify bottlenecks (time spent in delays).

Thus, work sampling provides a practical way to measure utilization without continuous stopwatch timing.

Question 14

Explain applications of work study in production management (exam-style; any six points).

Accepted Answer

### **Applications of Work Study (Exam-Style)**

Work study is used to improve productivity and set fair standards.

Applications (any six):
- setting **standard time** and production targets.
- manpower planning and balancing workload.
- improving methods and reducing waste (motion, transport, delays).
- cost estimation and better pricing decisions.
- designing incentive schemes and fair wage plans.
- improving layout/material handling by analyzing movement.
- improving safety and reducing fatigue.

Flow (summary):

```text
Better method + Standard time → higher productivity → lower cost + better delivery
```

**Conclusion:** Work study supports continuous productivity improvement and strengthens planning and control systems.

Question 15

Explain allowances in time study: types and purpose (exam-style with table).

Accepted Answer

### **Allowances in Time Study (Exam-Style)**

Allowances are added because workers cannot work continuously at normal pace without breaks and unavoidable delays.

#### **Types of allowances**

| Allowance type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| **Personal** | personal needs | drinking water, washroom |
| **Fatigue** | rest to overcome fatigue | short breaks after heavy work |
| **Delay** | unavoidable delays | tool change, machine waiting |
| **Special** | job-specific | safety checks, setup (if allowed) |

#### **Purpose**
- makes standard time **realistic and fair**.
- reduces stress and improves safety.
- supports accurate planning and incentive systems.

**Conclusion:** Allowances ensure standard time reflects real working conditions, not ideal conditions.

Work Study and Method Study: Work Measurement, Time Study, Motion Economy and Standard Time (Basics)

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