Role of Work Study in Improving Productivity

In order to understand the role of work-study, we need to understand the role of method study and that of time study.

Method study (also sometimes called Work Method Design) is mostly used to improve the existing methods of doing work although it is equally well applicable to new jobs. When applied to existing jobs, method study aims to find better methods of doing the jobs that are economical and safe, require less human effort, and need shorter make-ready / putaway time. The better method involves the optimum use of the best materials and appropriate manpower so that work is performed in a well, organized manner leading to utilization, better quality, and lower costs.

We can therefore say that through method study we have a systematic way of developing human resource effectiveness, providing high machine and equipment utilization, and making economical use of materials. Time study, on the other hand, provides the standard time, that is the time needed by a worker to complete a job by the specified method. Therefore for any job, the method of doing it is first improved by method study, the new method is implemented as a standard practice and for that job to be done by the new method, and standard time is established by the use of time study. Standard times are essential for any organization, as they are needed for the proper estimation of:

• Manpower, machinery, and equipment requirements.
• Daily, the weekly, or monthly requirement of materials.
• Production cost per unit as an input to selling price determination.
• Labor budgets.
• Worker's efficiency and make incentive wage payments.

By the application of method study and time study in any organization, we can thus achieve greater output at less cost and of better quality and hence achieve higher productivity.