WORK STUDY

Definition
Work study is a generic term for those techniques
which are used in the examination of human work
in all its contexts, and which lead systematically to
the investigation of all the factors which affect the
efficiency and economy of the situation being
reviewed, in order to effect improvement.

Work study assumes that there is only one best
way to accomplish a task.
Work study is used to associate two sets of
techniques:

1. Method study
2. Work measurement

(Work measurement is also known as time study)
Method study
It is concerned with the way in which work
is done.
It is used to simplify the way to accomplish
a work and to improve the method of
production.
It results in a more effective use of
material, plant, equipment and manpower.

Work measurement
Work measurement is concerned with the
value or work content of the task itself. It is
used to determine how long it should take
to carry out the job.
It provides a yardstick for human effort.
Steps in work study
Work study consists of an eight step process.
These are:
Step 1: Identify and select the job or process to
be studied.
Step 2: Use direct observation for recording
everything that happens, using the most
effective recording techniques. Ensure
that the date are in the most convenient
form for further analysis.
Step 3: Data and facts obtained in the previous
step are to be examined and analysed.
Step 4: Develop the most economical method
under prevailing circumstances.
Step 5: Measure the quality of work involved in
the method defined by using
appropriate methods of measurement.
Calculate standard time for doing it by
adding rest allowance. Thus, determine
the work content.
Step 6: Define the best method and related
time.
Step 7: Install the new method and train
personnel so that it conforms to the
agreed standard practices.
Step 8: Maintain the standard practice by a
proper control mechanism.

Keyword
Select-Record-Examine-Develop-Evaluate-Define-install-Maintain
Recording methods
1. Flow type diagram
2. Multiple Activity chart
3. Process chart
4. SIMO (Simultaneous Motion Chart)
5. Memo motion
6. Cycle graphic
Flow type diagram
These diagrams are the pictorial representation of the flow of
material in the factory while different sequence of operation,
transportation, inspection, delay and storage takes place.

There are three types of flow diagram

i. Flow diagram
ii. String diagram
iii. Travel chart
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Flow diagram

It is a floor-plan showing the path of travel of the
operator or the material, through the plant.

It also indicates the direction of travel by means
of arrows, drawn on the diagram.

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String diagram

It is a scale plan or model on which a thread or
string is used to trace and measure the path of
workers/ materials during a specified sequence of
events.

Length of the thread/string measures the distance
moved.


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Travel chart
It is a tabular record of quantitative data about movement
of workers/materials/equipment between any number of
places over a given period of time

It gives the details of volumetric data during travel between
work area.
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The outline flow process chart
It uses two symbols:
&

It provides an overall picture of the process / job / task.

Primarily it is used to show the sequence of operations &
inspections for a manufacturing or an assembly kind of
jobs.
Flow process chart
It helps in setting out the sequence of the flow
of a product or a procedure by recording all
events under review using appropriate
process chart symbols. It covers symbols for
operations, inspection, storage, delay and
transportation.
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Process chart symbols
ASME has recommended FIVE standard symbols to be used on
Process Charts, given below:


1. OPERATION

2. INSPECTION


3. TRANSPORTATION

4. DELAY


5. STORAGE