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What are the main steps involved in the Methods Engineering Process?
What are the main steps involved in the Methods Engineering Process?
The main steps are selecting the project, gathering existing information, analyzing the information, developing the ideal method, presenting and installing the method, conducting job analysis, and establishing time standards.
What is work measurement and its primary purpose?
What is work measurement and its primary purpose?
Work measurement is an objective, data-driven process for establishing time standards, primarily used for planning, comparing work methods, and determining capacity.
How is standard time calculated using a time study?
How is standard time calculated using a time study?
Standard time is calculated using the formula: Standard Time = Work Content x Performance Rating x (1 + PFD), where PFD represents personal delays, fatigue, and unavoidable delays.
What does 'work content' refer to in the context of total job time?
What does 'work content' refer to in the context of total job time?
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Why are allowances for PFD important in establishing standard times?
Why are allowances for PFD important in establishing standard times?
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What is the purpose of conducting a time study in a work cycle?
What is the purpose of conducting a time study in a work cycle?
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How should performance be rated during a time study?
How should performance be rated during a time study?
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Describe the method for recording time elements during a time study.
Describe the method for recording time elements during a time study.
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Why is it important to define termination points for each task element in a time study?
Why is it important to define termination points for each task element in a time study?
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How does the calculation of cycles from pilot study data improve work cycle efficiency?
How does the calculation of cycles from pilot study data improve work cycle efficiency?
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What does the variable 'YX' represent in the learning curve equation?
What does the variable 'YX' represent in the learning curve equation?
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Explain the significance of the constant 'K' in the learning curve model.
Explain the significance of the constant 'K' in the learning curve model.
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What is the implication of a 90% learning rate observed in the production data?
What is the implication of a 90% learning rate observed in the production data?
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How would you interpret the trend shown in the graph regarding production time over successive units?
How would you interpret the trend shown in the graph regarding production time over successive units?
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Using the learning curve equation, if K is 100 and N is -0.3219, what would be the predicted production time for the 10th unit?
Using the learning curve equation, if K is 100 and N is -0.3219, what would be the predicted production time for the 10th unit?
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Using the learning curve model, how is the rate of learning represented mathematically?
Using the learning curve model, how is the rate of learning represented mathematically?
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If the first unit of production takes 94 minutes and the learning curve rate is 82%, what will the production time be for the second unit?
If the first unit of production takes 94 minutes and the learning curve rate is 82%, what will the production time be for the second unit?
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What does the variable 'N' in the learning curve equation represent?
What does the variable 'N' in the learning curve equation represent?
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How can you calculate the number of cycles needed for an operator to reach a standard time of 45 minutes?
How can you calculate the number of cycles needed for an operator to reach a standard time of 45 minutes?
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What value of 'K' can be inferred from the first unit requiring 94 minutes in the learning curve equation?
What value of 'K' can be inferred from the first unit requiring 94 minutes in the learning curve equation?
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How does the learning curve rate affect future production times?
How does the learning curve rate affect future production times?
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What calculation is required to derive the value of 'n' from the learning curve rate of 82%?
What calculation is required to derive the value of 'n' from the learning curve rate of 82%?
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What does a learning curve rate of 90% indicate regarding production performance?
What does a learning curve rate of 90% indicate regarding production performance?
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How do you calculate the interference allowance percentage given the MRT, MAT, and N?
How do you calculate the interference allowance percentage given the MRT, MAT, and N?
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What is the significance of the ratio X in the interference allowance calculation?
What is the significance of the ratio X in the interference allowance calculation?
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Given MRT = 150 min, MAT = 5 min, and N = 55, what is the calculated standard time per unit?
Given MRT = 150 min, MAT = 5 min, and N = 55, what is the calculated standard time per unit?
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If the interference calculated is 125.5 minutes, how does it affect the machine's efficiency?
If the interference calculated is 125.5 minutes, how does it affect the machine's efficiency?
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Why is it important to calculate the % allowance for interference in a machine operation setting?
Why is it important to calculate the % allowance for interference in a machine operation setting?
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How many cycles does it take for a new operator to reach a standard production time of 20 minutes if the learning curve rate is 93% and the first unit took 30 minutes?
How many cycles does it take for a new operator to reach a standard production time of 20 minutes if the learning curve rate is 93% and the first unit took 30 minutes?
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What is the total time in minutes required for an operator to reach a standard production time of 20 minutes based on the learning curve example given?
What is the total time in minutes required for an operator to reach a standard production time of 20 minutes based on the learning curve example given?
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In the context of learning remission, how does time away from a task impact performance according to the learning curve?
In the context of learning remission, how does time away from a task impact performance according to the learning curve?
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What formula is used to predict the time to produce the first unit after an operator returns from a break?
What formula is used to predict the time to produce the first unit after an operator returns from a break?
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After returning from a break, how long did it take for an operator to perform the first cycle if they completed 10 cycles before vacation?
After returning from a break, how long did it take for an operator to perform the first cycle if they completed 10 cycles before vacation?
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What effect does the learning curve rate have on the time it takes for an operator to reach standard production time?
What effect does the learning curve rate have on the time it takes for an operator to reach standard production time?
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What does the parameter $k$ represent in the learning remission formula?
What does the parameter $k$ represent in the learning remission formula?
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In a learning curve scenario, what does the variable $n$ indicate when calculating the number of cycles?
In a learning curve scenario, what does the variable $n$ indicate when calculating the number of cycles?
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Study Notes
Lecture 8 - Time Study
- Time study is an objective, data-driven process for establishing time standards.
- Key steps in the time study process include:
- Selecting the project and gathering existing information
- Analyzing the information and developing an ideal method
- Presenting the ideal method, and installing it.
- Performing job analysis.
- Establishing time standards.
- Following up.
Methods for Establishing Time Standards
- Estimation
- Records
- Work measurement techniques:
- Time study
- Standard data
- Time formulas
- Fundamental motion data
- Work sampling
Work Measurement
- An objective, data-driven process for establishing time standards, used for various purposes:
- Planning
- Comparing alternative work methods
- Determining the capacity of a process
- Justifying the purchase of new equipment
- Developing a fair pay system
- Identifying employee training needs
Time Standards
- Represents the appropriate and reasonable amount of time required to perform a specific work task.
- Based on the concept of a fair day's work, defined as the amount of work that a qualified employee can produce at a normal pace, effectively utilizing their time, without limitations imposed by the process.
Time Study Steps
- Measuring the work content of the prescribed method.
- Evaluating the studied operator's performance.
- Adding allowances for personal delays, fatigue, and unavoidable delays.
- Calculating the standard time for the task:
- Standard time = (Work Content Time) x (Performance Rating) x (1 + PFD)
Total Job Time
- Work content is the amount of work performed by a person or machine in a product or process, often expressed in person-hours or machine-hours.
- Total job time encompasses work content, inefficiencies due to defects in design or specifications, or poor method application, as well as factors under the worker's control..
Time Study Procedural Requirements
- A standardized method must be in place.
- Skilled operators in the standardized method should be studied.
- Personnel, equipment, and materials should be prepared for the study.
- A knowledgeable analyst should conduct the study.
Time Study Equipment
- Stopwatch.
- Clipboard.
- Time study form.
- Calculator
Time Study Form
- Recorded information completely describes the job as studied.
- Information includes details about operators, date, tools, work conditions, department, and layout sketches.
Time Study Preparation Decisions
- Choosing between stopwatch techniques (snapback vs continuous)
- Defining elements of the task; identifying distinct start/stop points
- Determining the required number of work cycles for the study
Measuring Work Content
- Observing the job, and dividing it into elements with distinct start/stop points, documented on a time study observation form.
Defining Work Elements
- Grouping therbligs into cohesive elements.
- Establishing definite start and stop points for each element.
- Identifying and marking repeated and necessary tasks for each element.
- Separating machine and operator elements.
- Differentiating between constant and variable elements.
- Assignment of clear labels for each element for the form.
Time Study Observation Forms
- Observation forms record detailed data about each element, including the element number, description, and observed times across multiple cycles.
- Includes fields for operator rating, and calculation sections.
Measuring Work Content (Stopwatch Readings)
- Stopwatch readings are recorded for each element in each cycle.
How Many Cycles to Study?
- The basis for determining the number of cycles to study is the confidence interval.
- Factors such as the desired level of certainty and acceptable tolerance are considered.
- Formulas use the student's t statistic and sample standard deviation to reach the required sample size.
Example 1: Single Element
- A pilot study helps determine the sample mean element time and sample standard deviation.
- The confidence level and tolerance level (accuracy of the estimate) are established.
- The number of cycles needed is calculated.
Example 2: Multi-Element Task
- Time study data for each individual element is collected.
- Calculating the total standard time for each element.
- Determining the number of cycles needed for the entire process.
Conducting a Time Study
- Recording job descriptions and element names on the study forms.
- Keeping track of time from beginning to end.
- Recording stopwatch times.
- Using continuous timing (split readings), if necessary.
- Determining if operator performance is normal.
- Rating operator performance at the element level, by observation, or by averaging the ratings across elements.
Conducting a Time Study (Continued)
- Each element should be recorded in its proper sequential order, capturing basic divisions terminated by distinctive sounds or motions.
Enter Operator Rating (R) or here
- Operator performance is rated (using a scale such as Westinghouse, etc.).
Enter Continuous Time (W)
- Time data is recorded for each element.
Enter Element Time (OT)
- Timing data is recorded (including split readings, if appropriate).
Time Study Observation Form - Form Layout
- Includes fields for Study No., Operation, Date, Operator, Page, Observer, recording cycle sequence, element descriptions, and time values (RWOT-NT)
- Includes Summary section with calculations and allowances.
Recording Problems
- Recording foreign elements not part of the normal job assignment on the time study form.
- Correcting for missed elements by including the information in the proper element.
- Correcting for mistakes made by the analyst.
- Out-of-sequence elements.
Concluding a Time Study
- Recording the finishing time of the study.
- Rating operator performance for completed tasks.
- Correcting the time study data and summary for continuous timing.
- Determining the number of observations for each element and recording the data.
- Determining allowance for time not applicable to the job.
- Ensuring all time is recorded and accounted for.
Using Standard Time to Determine Operator Efficiency
- Efficiency equation: Efficiency = 100 x (Standard hrs earned) / (Hrs on clock)
Other Needs or Types of Standards
- Establishing temporary standards when an operator is new or working on new tasks.
- Specifying upper limits on production levels.
- Determining set-up standards; either calculating set-up time for consistent production batches, or treating it separately.
- Determining partial set-up times.
Time Study Resources
- Software and tools can be used for data analysis, including data export, graphing, data sharing and reports
Training Materials
- Training materials for time study applications are available to help improve the productivity and change culture.
Adjustments to Measured Times from Time Study
- Performance rating.
- Learning curves.
- Individual differences.
- Allowances.
- Personal.
- Fatigue.
- Delay.
Performance Rating
- Observed time may need adjustment to reflect a normal operator's performance.
- Normal time = Performance rating x Observed time
- Critical element of time study due to the need for operator performance rating.
- Subjective but requires clear definition of normal operator performance.
- Factors influencing rating include work-related concerns (training or experience) and personal concerns (physical strength, coordination, skill, intelligence, vision, aptitude, and attitude).
Performance Rating System
- Accurate, consistent, & easy-to-use performance rating systems used during time study.
- Keyed to benchmarks.
- Appropriate use scenarios such as elemental rating for longer cycles or tasks, or overall rating for short cycles or repetitive tasks.
Rating Systems Examples
- Westinghouse system: uses a standardized scale for skill, effort, conditions, and consistency to assess and record performance. Data can be used for overall job rating.
- Synthetic approach: calculates based on fundamental motion times (expected time/observed time) to quantify times.
- Speed rating: Focuses on rate of work.
- Objective rating: comparing operator's pace to a benchmark task, adjusting for difficulty. Training and practice are key for accurate ratings.
Allowances
- The need for allowances because normal time study doesn't account for breaks, interruptions and other inefficiencies.
- Allowances can be applied to total cycle time (personal needs, clean up, machine maintenance), to machine time only, or to effort time only (fatigue).
Allowances (Continued)
- Constant allowances: factors that apply to the total cycle time (personal needs, basic fatigue),
- Variable allowances: factors that change and are applied to the total cycle time (fatigue, unavoidable delays, differing materials, machine interference).
Personal Allowance (P)
- Restroom and water breaks.
- Environmental conditions (heat, cold).
- Typical allowance is 5%.
Fatigue Allowances (F)
- Accounts for variability in work pace.
- Typical light work allowance is 4%.
- Factors include heavy lifting, cardiovascular demand, mental and visual demand, poor sensory conditions and high physical stress.
Allowances for Unavoidable Delays (D)
- Includes interruptions from supervisors, problems with tolerances or materials, and machine interference.
Unavoidable Delay Due to Multiple Machine Interference
- Method for calculating machine interference time:
- Percentage of time (I) spent on servicing machines, based on the graph of the machine number/ operator ratio (N) related to servicing time ratio (X).
- Calculating the allowance for unavoidable delays due to machines needing attention
Other Allowances
- Attention time allowance (when watching process is required and machine time is greater than service time)
- Workstation clean-up and machine upkeep time.
- Power feed allowances to cover downtime and tool maintenance.
- Policy allowances for new or less experienced staff.
Applying Allowances
- Applying allowances to work time:
- ST = NT (1 + PFD)
- Applying allowances to total work day:
- Total hours x PFD = allowance time
Maintaining Standard Times
- Ensuring the method matches the standard.
- Conducting periodic audits for compliance.
- Tracking compliance with operators and supervisors.
- Analyst compliance.
Learning Curve
- Practice affects performance, and skills improve with practice.
- Learning curves quantify the decreasing trend in task performance time as a function of task repetition.
- Learning curve theory: Total quantity produced doubles at a constant rate expressed as percentage decline.
Characteristic Equation of Learning Curve
- Yx = KXn (Where Yx = predicted time for the Xth unit, K = time for first unit, X = total units produced, N = exponent)
Learning Curve Example 1
- Determine the number of cycles needed for an operator to reach a standard production time.
Learning Curve Example 2
- Determine the cumulative production time to reach a specific cycle time.
Learning Curve Example 3
- Applying a learning curve analysis across a series of cycles with a given learning rate to find appropriate cycle time/output.
Learning Remission
-Performance decrement related to work interruptions, time away from tasks.
- Prediction of time to produce first unit after interruption.
- Use of the learning curve equation and factors based upon the number of cycles before and after interruption.
Unavoidable Delay Due to Multiple Machine Interference
- Suggestion for calculation when N is greater than 6.
- Using values from tables based on queuing theory models.
- Calculating machine interference time, based on machine runtime (and attention/operator-related time).
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Description
This quiz assesses your understanding of the Methods Engineering Process, covering essential concepts such as work measurement, time studies, and learning curves. Explore the primary steps involved, the calculation of standard time, and the significance of performance ratings. Test your knowledge on how to enhance work cycle efficiency and interpret production trends.