INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING &

MANAGEMENT

Work
Study
Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
WHAT IS WORK STUDY?
Work study in Industrial Engineering and Management focuses on improving
productivity and efficiency in workplaces. It involves methods like method
study (analyzing tasks to find the most efficient way of performing them) and
work measurement (quantifying the time required for tasks under standard
conditions).

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 METHOD STUDY
Method study is a systematic procedure applied to analyze existing
work methods in order to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
It is concerned with finding the facts about a situation and after a
critical examination of these facts, developing new and efficient
methods of doing work and development and application of new
and more productive methods.
Its primary objective is to develop and implement an improved
process that optimizes the use of resources, including time, labor,
and materials, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of the
output.
Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TIME STUDY
Time study is a systematic method used to measure the time
taken to perform a specific task under defined conditions, with the
goal of determining the standard time required for an average
worker to complete the task at a normal pace.
Concerned with the establishment of time standards for a
qualified worker to perform a specified job at defined
performance level.

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 STEPS IN METHOD STUDY
Smart Rangan Eats Delicious Eggs In May

1. Select: Choose the task or process to be studied. Selection criteria may include high
cost, time consumption, or inefficiency.
2. Record: Gather detailed information about the current method using tools like
process charts, flow diagrams, or time studies.
3. Examine: Critically analyze the recorded data to identify areas of inefficiency or
unnecessary steps.
4. Develop: Design an improved method by eliminating waste, rearranging tasks, or
adopting better technology.
5. Evaluate: Compare the improved method with the existing one to ensure it is more
efficient and feasible.
6. Install: Implement the improved method in the workplace.
7. Maintain: Regularly review and refine the method to ensure it continues to meet
the desired objectives.
Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 PROCESS CHARTS:
RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Process charts use standardized symbols to represent different types of activities or
events in a process.

Symbol Name Meaning

Represents an action or task that directly advances the process, such as machining,
Operation assembly, etc.

Transport Represents movement of people, material or products between locations.

Inspection Represents a check or verification step, such as quality control or reviewing a document.

Delay Represents an idle time or waiting period where no action is performed.

Storage Represents a storage activity where materials or items are kept in a controlled location.
Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
EXAMPLE USE IN PROCESS
CHART

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
OUTLINE PROCESS CHART
An Outline Process Chart is a simplified version of a process chart that
focuses only on the major activities in a process. It primarily includes
operations and inspections to provide a high-level view of the workflow. This
type of chart is used for a quick overview of the process rather than a
detailed analysis.

Focus: Simplified version showing only major operations and inspections.

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
FLOW PROCESS CHART
A Flow Process Chart is a detailed representation of all activities in a
process, including operations, inspections, transportation, delays,
and storage. It provides a comprehensive view of a process and is
used to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and optimize
resource use.

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
MULTIPLE ACTIVITY PROCESS CHART
A Multiple Activity Chart (MAC), also known as a Man-Machine Chart or Simo Chart, is a
graphical representation used to analyze the simultaneous activities of multiple entities,
such as workers, machines, or equipment. It highlights periods of activity and idleness,
helping to optimize workflows, improve coordination, and minimize idle times.
Key Features
1. Focus: Coordination between different elements (e.g., workers, machines).
2. Purpose: To reduce idle time, establish no. of machines that can be conveniently
manned by an operator, and determine the no. of men required to do a job.
3. Representation:
Activities are plotted on parallel timelines or bars.
Each row represents an entity (e.g., worker, machine).

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
TWO-HANDED PROCESS CHART
A Two-Handed Process Chart is a specialized motion study tool that focuses on the
movements of both hands while performing a task. It helps in identifying and
eliminating unnecessary movements, ensuring better synchronization between the
hands, and optimizing manual operations. This chart is often used in tasks requiring
fine motor skills, such as assembly work or intricate manual tasks.
Key Features
1. Focus: Analyzing the simultaneous activities of the right hand and left hand.
2. Purpose: To improve task efficiency by eliminating idle time and unproductive
movements.
3. Detail Level: Breaks down tasks into smallest possible actions (micro-motions).

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
FLOW DIAGRAM
A Flow Diagram is a graphical representation of the physical movement of materials,
people, or equipment within a process. It helps visualize workflows, identify
inefficiencies, and improve layouts by showing how elements interact spatially. Flow
diagrams are commonly used in manufacturing, service industries, and logistics to
optimize layouts and reduce unnecessary movements.
Key Features
Focus: Physical paths and movement rather than process
details.
Purpose: To minimize travel distance, time, and energy in
a process.
Representation: Uses simple lines and symbols over a
floor plan or schematic. Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
STRING DIAGRAM
A String Diagram is a tool used in method study to analyze the movement of workers, materials, or
equipment within a workspace. It is a visual representation of the paths taken, overlaid on a scaled
layout of the area. By physically using a piece of string or lines on a diagram, it helps measure travel
distances and identify inefficiencies in movements. The length of the string is the distance travelled
and the pins are the position of machines or facilities.

Key Features
Focus: Physical movement of entities (people, materials,
tools, etc.).
Purpose: To reduce unnecessary movement, minimize travel
distances, and optimize workspace layouts.
Representation: Uses a scaled layout and lines (or strings) to
trace actual paths of movement.
Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
 TYPES OF PROCESS CHARTS:
THERBLIGS
The term Therbligs refers to the 18 fundamental motions or basic elements of
manual work identified by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, pioneers of motion study.
The term is derived from their last name, Gilbreth, spelled backward with some
letters rearranged. Each therblig represents a distinct activity or motion
involved in manual tasks.
Out of the 18 fundamental motions (Therbligs or Therblig units) 9 are effective
and 9 are ineffective.
The workplace tasks are identified, analysed and categorised into various
Therbligs. The effective ones are continued and the ineffective ones are
eliminated resulting in manual labour optimisation.

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved
YE LEARN KARLO... IDK KYA HAI

Joshi Tutuorals
all rights reserved