Work Study and Method Study Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the total time taken to complete the operations listed?

15 minutes

20 minutes

12 minutes (correct)

10 minutes

Which operation requires the longest time to complete?

Discharge into 4 barrows

Mix to correct consistency

Load one bucket with cement

Load six buckets with aggregate (correct)

What does the string diagram represent in the context of operations?

The distance of alternative routes (correct)

The flow of materials only

The inspection processes

The time taken for each task

How often does the operation to wet bricks occur during joinery?

Every fifth joinery Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flow process chart?

To record an operation's sequence Signup and view all the answers

In which step is the drum of the mixer loaded?

Before mixing cement Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of the flow process chart?

It is linked to time measurements. Signup and view all the answers

What is one step that is not part of the brick transporting process?

Mix cement with water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of conducting a method study?

To improve productivity by selecting the most effective method Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way to record the existing process?

Health and safety assessments Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when selecting the job to be studied?

Jobs likely to affect overall productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors does NOT influence the development of a method?

Employee preferences Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining the new method?

To observe for further improvements and ensure effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

During the examination stage, which action is NOT part of the process?

Ignoring technical factors involved Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'bottlenecks' in economic considerations?

Points in the process that slow down overall activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary action when installing a new method?

Train personnel and introduce the new process Signup and view all the answers

How does accurate labor cost forecasting benefit tendering purposes?

It enables precise estimation for tendering and economic pricing. Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for the success of contract planning?

The accuracy of the information supplied. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration for motivating human behavior?

Strict adherence to schedules Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic should a satisfactory system of incentive payments possess?

Equity for both employer and employee. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of target incentive schemes mentioned in the context of construction?

Stage or operation targets and unit rate targets. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the motivation of human behavior within an organization?

Availability of overtime work Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit does using flow charts and string diagrams provide in the planning phase?

They aid in planning site layouts effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the nature of a satisfactory incentive payment system's definitions?

Clearly defined to avoid disputes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting regular routine checks after installation?

To prevent drift from the authorized practice Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'S' in the mnemonic S T R E A M stand for in the context of time study?

Select the work to be measured Signup and view all the answers

What might cause resistance towards work measurement practices?

Perceived scrutiny of management's shortcomings Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for operating instructions to be 'live' documents?

To reflect real-time industry practices Signup and view all the answers

During time study, what does the 'R' in S T R E A M represent?

Rate of worker's output Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of method study compared to work measurement?

The manner in which the work is executed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a reason for dissatisfaction that leads to conducting a time study?

Dissatisfaction with earnings Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when reviewing current practices?

Incorporate valid amendments and suggestions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of method study?

To develop easier and more effective methods of production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of work measurement?

Improving the motivation of employees Signup and view all the answers

What does the mnemonic 'sredim' help to remember?

Stages of method study Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting a method study?

Select the work to be studied Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an application area of work study?

Training and development Signup and view all the answers

What role does work study play in management?

It helps evaluate, estimate, and control productivity Signup and view all the answers

What should be critically examined during the method study process?

The time purpose and possible alternatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an aspect of the 'operations system' mentioned in work study?

Matching methods and time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Work Study

Aims to improve production methods and provide a basis for comparison
Includes Method Study and Work Measurement

Method Study

Aims to identify and implement easier and more effective production methods
Follows a six-stage process: select, record, examine, develop, install, maintain (remembered by the mnemonic "sredim")
Can be applied to site production using factors like economics, technical aspects and human considerations

Selecting Work For Method Study

Choose a task that is likely to impact the overall productivity
Consider tasks that create 'bottlenecks', e.g. a complex task with multiple steps

Recording Methods

Uses flow process charts, flow diagrams, models, and photographic techniques to capture the current method
Flow process charts use ASME symbols to illustrate the flow of man and material

Examining Recorded Methods

Involves challenging, combining, changing, eliminating, simplifying and re-arranging aspects of the process
Focuses on: what (purpose), where (place), how (sequence), who (person), when (plant), why (materials)

Developing The New Method

Creates a new method considering the best options and the prevailing circumstances
Includes defining procedures, layout, materials, plant, quality, standards, checklists and protective equipment

Installing The New Method

Involves arranging, training, introducing, planning, programming, persuading and implementing the new method

Maintaining The Improved Method

Ensures continuous use of the new method through regular and irregular checks
Monitors current practices to incorporate valid amendments and suggestions

Work Measurement

Focuses on human effort involved in work
Aims to quantify and evaluate work operations to allow comparisons

Time Study In Work Measurement

Follows a six-stage process: select, time, rate, extend, analyse, review (remembered by the mnemonic "STREAM")
Used to assess the performance of operations and individuals

Select Work For Time Study

Performed due to: dissatisfaction with earnings, failure to meet quality standards, incentives not motivating, uncompetitive prices, variable inputs, failure to meet targets

Time The Operation

Uses a stopwatch to record the time for the entire operation
Includes any non-effective occurrences

Rate The Operative Performance

Uses a plant system to rate the operative's performance relative to a standard

Extend The Time

Converts the observed time to a standard time based on the operative's performance rating

Analyse The Data

Identifies areas for improvement and checks for accuracy

Review The Results

Ensures the time study continues to be relevant and up-to-date

Benefits Of Work Study & Work Measurement

Apply to numerous management processes: forecasting, planning, organising, motivating

Forecasting

Provides accurate labour cost estimates based on allowed times
Improves tendering and price setting accuracy

Planning

Uses flow charts and string diagrams to plan site layouts
Improves the accuracy of planning information

Organising

Facilitates the effective allocation of labour, plant and material
Considers technical, human, and economic factors

Motivating

Uses incentives to increase productivity
Considers motivation through: money, power, fear, social relationships, self-expression, common purpose, recognition

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Description

This quiz explores the principles of Work Study, focusing on Method Study and Work Measurement. It details the six-stage process of Method Study and how to select tasks that can enhance productivity. Participants will also learn about recording methods and examining recorded processes using various techniques.