Dept.

of ME

WORK STUDY

Work study is a means of enhancing the production efficiency (productivity) of

the firm by elimination of waste and unnecessary operations. lt is a technique
to identify non-value adding operations by investigation of all the factors
affecting the job. It is the only accurate and systematic procedure oriented
technique to establish time standards. Work study was previously known as
time and motion study. This was developed by F.W.Taylor and Frank.
B.Gilberth.

Two basic techniques of work study are

 Method study

 Work measurement

Method study is systematic recording and critical examination of existing and

proposed ways of doing work, as a means of developing and applying easier
and more effective methods and reducing cost.

Work measurement is the application of techniques designed to establish the

time for qualified worker to carry out a specific job at a defined level of
performance.
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Advantages of Work Study

1. Uniform and improved production flow

2. Higher productive efficiency

3. Reduced manufacturing costs

4. Fast and accurate delivery dates

5. Better worker-management relations

6. Better workplace layout

7. Job security and job satisfaction to workers

8. Higher wages to workers

Application of work study

Work study used for job evaluation, motion analysis, lost time analysis capacity
planning error analysis, Layout of physical facilities etc. and find application in

1. Industries (production operations, research and developments)

2. Marketing, sales and distribution

3. Offices, stores, warehouses

4. Material handling

5. Design

6. Building and Constructions

7. Transport

8. Hospital

9, Army
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10. Agricultural etc.

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METHOD STUDY

Method study is systematic recording and critical examination of existing and

proposed ways of doing work, as a means of developing and applying easier
and more effective methods and reducing cost.

Objectives of method study

1. To improve layout and design of workplace

2. To improve and efficient work procedures.

3. Effective utilization of men, machines and materials

4. To improve design or specification of the final product

5. To develop better physical environment

Procedure involved in Method Study

1. SELECT

The job or process to be studied which is primarily based on

 Economic considerations
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 Technical considerations

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 Human considerations.

The main objective of this is to reduce manufacturing cost

2. RECORD

AII the relevant information related to existing method in detail should be

recorded.

Recording can be done with following methods.

(a) Process charts

i. Process Out line process chart.

ii. Flow process chart; Man type, Material type and Equipment type

iii. Two handed process chart.

iv. Multiple activity charts.

(b) Diagrams

i) Flow diagrams

ii) String diagrams

iii) Cycle graph

iv) Chronocycle graph

(c) Micromotion study

3. EXAMINE
The purpose, place and sequence of every operation should be critically
examined. This help will reveal defects in existing methods

4. DEVELOP
The most practical, economic and effective method, drawing on the
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contributions of those concerned

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5. EVALUATE
Different alternatives to developing a new improved method comparing the cost
effectiveness of the selected new method with the current method with the
current method of performance.

6. DEFINE
The new method, as a result, in a clear manner and present it to those
concerned, i.e. management, supervisors and workers.

7. INSTALL
The new method as a standard practice and train the persons involved in
applying it.

8. MAINTAIN
The new method and introduce control procedures to prevent a drifting back
to the previous method of work.

Process Chart Symbols

1. Operation

A large circle indicates operation. An operation takes place when there is a

change in physical or chemical characteristics of an object.an assembly or
disassembly is also an operation
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Ex: Reducing the diameter of an object in a lathe.

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2. lnspection

A square indicates inspection. Inspection is checking an object for its quality,

quantity or identifications. Ex: Checking the diameter of a rod. Counting the
number of products produced.

3. Transport

An arrow indicates transport. This refers to the movement of an object or

operator or equipment from one place to another.

Ex: Moving the material by a trolley

4. Delay or temporary storage

A large capital letter D indicates delay. This is also called as temporary

storage. Delay occurs when an object or operator is waiting for the next
activity

Ex: An operator waiting to get a tool in the stores.

5. Permanent storage
An equilateral triangle standing on its vertex represents storage. Storage takes
place when an object is stored and protected against unauthorized removal.
Ex: Raw material in the store room.

6. Combined activity
When two activities take place at the same time or done by the same
operator or at the same place, the two symbols of activities are combined
Ex: Reading and recording a pressure gauge. Here a circle inside square
represents the combined activity of operation and inspection
OPERATION PROCESS CHART (OUTLINE PROCESS CFIART)

It is also called outline process chart. Operation process chart uses only two
symbols, i.e., operation and inspection. Operation, process chart is helpful to:

(a) Visualise the complete sequence of the operations and inspections in the
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process.

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(b) ln operation process chart, the graphic representation of the points at

which, materials are introduced into the process and what operations and
inspections are carried on them are shown. Fig shows the example of
simple process chart for replacing the punctured wheel from a scooter

FLOW PROCESS CHART

Flow process chart gives the sequence of flow of work of a product or any
part of it through the work Centre or the department recording the events
using appropriate symbols. It is the amplification of the operation process chart
in which operations, inspections, storage, delay and transportation are
represented.

However, process charts are of three types:

(a) Material type- which shows the events that occur to the materials.
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(b) Man type- Activities performed by the man.

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(c) Equipment type- how equipment is used.

The flow process chart is useful:

(a) To reduce the distance travelled by men (or materials).

(b) To avoid waiting time and unnecessary delays.

(c) To reduce the cycle time by combining or eliminating operations.

(d) To fix up the sequence of operations.

Like operation process chart, flow process chart is constructed by placing

symbols one below another as per the occurrence of the activities and are
joined by a vertical line. A brief description of the activity is written on the
right hand side of the activity symbol and time or distance is given on the
left hand side.

Fig shows a flow process chart for drilling operation on casting

Summary
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Fig shows a flow process chart used in Foundry shop

Summary

TWO HANDED PROCESS CHART-RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND CHART

It is the process chart in which the activities of two hands of the operator
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are recorded. It shows whether the two hands of the operator are idle or

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moving in relation to one another in a time scale.That is, we know from the
chart what the two hands are doing at any given moment of time. The two-
handed process chart is generally used for repetitive operations
Fig shows the example of assembling of nut and bolt

Summary

MULTIPLE ACTIVITY CHART

It is a chart where activities of more than one subject (worker or equipment)

are recorded on a common time scale to show their inter relationship.

Multiple activity chart is made

1. To study idle time of the man and machines,

2. To determine number of machines handled by the operator,
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3. To determine number of operators required in teamwork to perform the

given job

Multiple activity charts is very useful in planning team work in production or

maintenance. Using the chart we can find out the correct number of machines
that a worker can operate at a time. We can also find out the exact number
of workers needed to do a job jointly.

Fig shows the example of one machine one man chart

Summary
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FLOW DIAGRAM

Process charts indicate the sequence of activities. They do not Show the
frequent movements of men and material. If this movement is minimized, a lot
of savings can be achieved in cost and effort. If the path of movement of
material is not frequent and simple, a flow diagram is used for recording the
movement. A flow diagram is a diagram which is drawn to scale. The relative
position of machineries, gang ways, material handling equipment etc. are drawn
first. Then the path followed by men or material is marked on the diagram.
Different movements can be marked in different colours. Process symbols are
added to the diagram to identify the different activities at different work
centres.

The flow diagram are used for the following purposes

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1. To remove unwanted material movement

2. To remove back tracking
3. To avoid traffic congestion.
4. To improve the plant layout.

STRING DIAGRAM

We make use of flow diagram for recording the movement of men or material
when the movement is simple and the path is almost fixed. But when the
paths are many and are repetitive, it may not be possible to record them in
a flow diagram. Here a string diagram is used.

String diagram is a scaled plan of the shop. Location of machines and

various facilities are drawn to scale in a drawing sheet. Pins are fixed at the
various work centers in the drawing sheet. A continuous coloured thread or
string is taken round the pins where the material or worker moves during the
process. One of the most valuable features of the string diagram is the
actual distance travelled during the period of study to be calculated by relating
the length of the thread used to the scale of drawing.

Applications
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1. It is used for recording the complex movements of material or men.

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2. Back tracking, congestion, bottlenecks, underutilized paths are easily found

out.
3. It is used to check whether the work station is correctly located.
4. Used to record irregular movements
5. Used to find out the most economical route
MICROMOTION STUDY

It is a set of techniques intended to divide the human activities in a groups

of movements or micro-motions (called Therblig) and the study of such
movements helps to find for an Operator one best pattern of movements that
consumes less time and requires less effort to accomplish the task.

Macroscopic motion

Ex: Operation of picking away a screwdriver.

Macroscopic Motion

Ex:

a) Reach hand for screw driver (transport empty)

b) Grasp the same (Grasp)
c) Take away the screw driver (transport loaded)

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Micromotion study involves

 Filming the operation to be analysed

 Transcribing the data from the film

 Making a graphic presentation

Filming the operation

The first step or phase in micromotion study involves taking the motion
pictures of the activity on film while the activity is being performed by the
operator. The equipment required to take a film or video tape consists of

1. 16 mm movie camera

2. 16 mm film

3. Microchronometer or wink counter-timing device placed in the field of view

while filming. The time is read in winks

4. Exposure meter, flood lights, reflector etc., photographic aids

Transcribing the Data from Film

This step of micromotion study involves film analysis is of the film of motion
pictures. The film run at normal speed using a projector, entire film is viewed
and typical work cycle is selected. The THERBLIGS after they have been
identified are entered in film analysis sheet. This frame by frame analysis of
the film permits the discernment of even very short delays and discovery of
undesirable movements.

Therbligs:

THERBLIGS are used to describe the basic elements of movements or

fundamental hand and other limb motions of the work cycle. Every THERBLIG
(Gilberth spelt backward) is represented by a symbol, a definite colour and a
word or two to record the same. For example, THERBLIG Grasp has symbol
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Ω, red colour and is denoted by G.

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 Dept. of ME

Various therbligs are shown in figure

Frank B Gilberth recorded 17 THERBLIGS which have since been increased

to 18.

3. Making a Graphic Presentation

This is the third phase or step of micromotion study. Film analysis is made
in the second phase is entered in the film analysis sheet. Based on this
sheet SIMO chart (Simultaneous motions Cycle Chart) developed by Gilberth is
prepared.

SIMO (SIMULTANEOUS MOTION CYCLE ) CHART

SIMO chart is the graphical presentation of the limbs of the workman under
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study. lt is two handed chart which records the motions (Therbligs) of both

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the hands on a common scale. A few motions of other limbs such as of eye
and body are also on this Chart. Fig. shows a typical SIMO chart

Advantages
1. lt is useful technique for very short cycle job
2. lt is a permanent record of motions performed by a worker which can be
made without disturbing the worker
3. lt can be used for training purpose

Limitations
1. lt is expensive
2. lt is not well suited for long cycle jobs

PRINCIPLE OF MOTION ECONOMY

There are a number of principles concerning the economy of movements
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which have been developed as a result of experience and which forms the

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basis for the development of improved methods at the workplace. These are
first used by Frank Gilbreth, the founder of motion study and further
rearranged and amplified by Barnes, Maynard and others.
The principles are grouped into three headings:

 Use of the human body

 Arrangement of workplace.

 Design of tools and equipment.

Uses of Human Body

When possible:

1. Both hands should begin and complete their movements at the same time.
2. The two hands should not be idle at the same time except during periods
of rest.
3. Motions of the arms should be made simultaneously.
4. Hand and body motions should be made at the lowest classification at
which it is possible to do the work satisfactorily.
5. Utilize momentum to assist the worker, wherever is possible
6. Continuous curved movements are to be preferred to straight line motions
involving sudden and changes in directions.
7. ‘Ballistic’ (i.e., free swinging) movements are faster, easier accurate than
restricted or controlled movements.
8. The work should be arranged to permit easy and natural rhythm wherever
possible
9. Work should be arranged so that eye movements are confined to
comfortable area, without the need for frequent changes of focus.

Arrangement of the workplace

1. All Tools, materials and actuating devices should be placed in front of the
operator at a distance as near as possible.
2. Tools and materials should be pre-positioned to reduce searching.
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3. Gravity fed, bins and containers should be used to deliver the materials as
close to the point of use as possible.
4. Illuminate the workplace properly for adequate seeing and visual perception
5. Materials and tools should be arranged to permit the best sequence of
motions.
6. The height of the workplace and chair etc. should be such that worker
can either sit or stand comfortably

Design of Tools and Equipments

1. The color of the workplace should contrast with that of work and thus
reduce eye fatigue.
2. Two hands should not be used for work which can be done more
advantageously with the help of devices such as Vices, Jigs, Fixtures
3. Two or more tools should be combined where possible.
4. Where each finger performs some specific movement as in typewriting, the
load should be distributed in accordance with the inherent capacities of the
fingers.
5. Reduced noise increases the speed of work and require less energy
6. Handles such as those used on screw drivers and cranks should be
designed to permit maximum surface of the hand to come in contact with the
handle.
6. Levers cross bars and wheel bars should be in such position that operator
can manipulate them with least body change and with greatest mechanical
advantage.
WORK MEASUREMENT

Work measurement is a technique to establish the time required for a

qualified worker to carry out a specified job at a defined level of
performance.

Objectives of work measurement

1. To reduce or eliminate non-productive time.

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2. To fix the standard time for doing job.

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3. To develop standard data for future reference.

4. To improve methods.

Equipments used in work measurement

1. Stop watch
2. Time study sheets
3. Time study boards
4. Measurement instrument like steel rule, measuring type, pencil, calculator etc.
5. Time recording machine
6. Motion picture camera

Stop Watch
Stop watch is one of the important timing devices used for measuring the
time taken by a worker to complete a job. Stop watch used for time study
purpose should be very accurate and preferably graduated in decimals so that
it can record even upto 0.01 minute. It has two hands. Large hand revolves
at a speed of one revolution per minute and its dial is divided into 100
divisions. The small hand revolves at a speed of one revolutions in 30
minutes. Dial for this small hand is graduated in such a way that it enables
to read up to one minute.

Types of Stop watches

a) Non-fly back stop watch b)
Fly back stop Watch
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a) Non Fly stop watch

Here the stop watch is started at the beginning of the first element. The
watch runs continuously throughout the study. At the end of each element the
watch readings are recorded. The time for each element is calculated by
successive subtraction. The final reading of the stop watch gives the total
time.

b) Fly back stop watch

In a fly back stop watch, the watch is started and stopped with the help of
a slide. By pressing the wind knob, the hands are brought back to zero, but
they move forward again immediately without stopping. To stop the hand at
any point, the slide is used. This watch is used to take continuous timing
observation.

Time study sheets

Time study form or sheet is a printed prescribed form of standard size. It is
also called observation sheet.

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Time Study Board

Time study board is made up of any hard wood. Its shape is such that
rests on the waist line and offers a smooth curvature to support it with the
rear arm of hand as shown in fig. This board provides a place to keep the
stop-watch on the right hand top corner. During recording the observation,
board is held in upper left arm so that left hand can operate stopwatch and
recording is done with right hand on the time study form.

In addition to the above equipment, a time study expert should keep a pencil,
steel tape, a calculator etc.

Time Recording Machine

This type of machine has a paper tape, which rotates on two rollers at
uniform speed. This paper tape is graduated in such a way that it gives
timings in fraction of minutes. Readings can be seen and recorded through a
slit provided in the casing of equipment.

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By using this machine, some errors of the stop-watch method are eliminated.

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Motion Picture Camera

This camera as already explained is used in micro motion study. The utility
of micro motion study has already been described in the Motion Study. This
camera is driven at constant speed of several ranges. Because of constant
speed, time taken by each film can be calculated. .

COMPUTATION OF STANDARD TIME

Observed time

This is the actual time observed by using a stop watch. The observed time
of an operation is the total of the elemental times. The time study for the
same job is conducted for a number of times. The average of the observed
times is calculated.

Basic or Normal Time

Basic time is the time taken by a worker with standard performance. Basic
time is calculated from the observed time by applying the rating factor.

Basic time or Normal time = Observed time X Rating of the operator

Standard Time

It is the total time in which a job should be completed at standard

performance. lt is the sum of normal time (basic time) and allowances. Policy
allowance is not included.

Allowances

It is not possible for a worker to do his job continuously without any break.
There are many interruptions (stoppage of work) taking place. Extra time is
added to the basic time to compensate this interruption. This extra time given
is known as allowance.

Relaxation Allowance
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It depends on nature of the job. This includes personal needs allowances and
fatigue allowances of worker.

Process Allowance

This is also known as unavoidable delay allowance. A worker working in an

industry may have to be idle due to unavoidable delays. This delay may be
due to process, machine operation, waiting for work, waiting for material etc.
To compensate this delay, process allowance is given. It includes contingency
and interruption allowances
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In a shop, there may be small delays due to waiting for the inspector,
consulting the supervisor, Obtaining special tools etc. These delays are of very
short duration. The allowance given to compensate these delays is called
contingency allowance. Generally 5% of basic time is given as contingency
allowance.

When one worker is attending more than one machine, one or more machine
units remain idle while attendant is occupied with the work on other machine.
Interference allowance provided to compensate this idleness due to interference

Policy allowance

This is an allowance given according to the policy of the management. It is

not included for calculating the standard time. This is an extra benefit given
by the management to the workers. This allowance is given to increase the
workers earnings.

Problems:

Q-1

Find out the standard time using the following data:

Average time for machine elements = 6 min

Average time for manual elements = 4 min

Performance rating = 110%

Allowances = 10%

Solution:

Normal time=Machinery time + Manual time X Rating

= 6 + (4x1.1)

=6+4.4=10.4min
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Standard time = Noraml time + Allowances

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 Dept. of ME

=10.4 + (10.4x10/100)

=10.4(1+0.1) = 11.44min

Q-2
The elemental times (in minutes) for cycles of an operation using a stop
watch are presented below
Calculate the standard time for the operation if
1. Elements 2, 4 are machine elements
2. For other elements the operator is rated at 110%
3. Total allowances are 15% of normal time

Solution:

Standard time = 9.534 + (0.15 X 9.534) = 10.95 min..Ans

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TECHNIQUES OF WORK MEASUREMENT

The different techniques used in work measurement are

1. Time study (Stop watch Techniques)

2. Production study
3. Synthesis from standard data
4. Work sampling
5. Predetermined motion time system (PMTS)
6. Analytical estimating.

Time study (Stop watch Techniques) - Stop watch time study is one of the
techniques of work measurement commonly used. Here we make use of a
stop watch for measuring the time.

Production Study: It is a technique of work measurement to check accuracy of

the original time study. This study is done to find the time delay due to
occasional elements.

Synthesis from standard data: A work measurement technique for building up

the time for a job or parts of the job at a defined level of performance by
totaling element times obtained previously from time studies on other jobs
containing the elements concerned or from synthetic data.

Work sampling: A technique in which a large number of observations are

made over a period of time of one or group of machines, processes or
workers. Each observation records what is happening at that instant and the
percentage of observations recorded for a particular activity, or delay, is a
measure of the percentage of time during which that activities delay occurs.

Predetermined motion time study (PMTS): A work measurement technique

whereby times established for basic human motions (classified according to the
nature of the motion and conditions under which it is made) are used to
build up the time for a job at the defined level of performance. The most
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commonly used PMTS is known as Methods Time Measurement (MTM).

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Analytical estimating: A work measurement technique, being a development of

estimating, whereby the time required to carry out elements of a job at a
defined level of performance is estimated partly from knowledge and practical
experience of the elements concerned and partly from synthetic data.

TIME STUDY - (STOP WATCH TECHNIQUES )

Stop watch time study is one of the techniques of work measurement

commonly used. Here we make use of a stop watch for measuring the time.

Procedure for conducting stop watch time study.

The following procedure is followed in conducting stop watch time study:

1. Selecting the job.

Time study is always done after method study. Under the following situations,
a job is selected for time study:
A new job, new component or a new operation, when new time standard is
required, to check the correctness of the existing time standard, when the
cost of operation is found to be high, before introducing an incentive scheme
etc.
2.Recording the specifications.
Information about the product name,product-number, specification, machine,
equipment and tools, working condition -temperature-humidity-Lighting, operator
name-experience-age etc.

3. Breaking operation into elements

Each operation is divided into a number of elements. This is done for easy
observation and accurate measurement. The elements are grouped as constant
element, variable element, occasional element, man element, machine element
etc.
4. Examining each element.
The elements are examined to find out whether they are effective or wasteful.
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Elements are also examined whether they are done in the correct method.

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5. Measuring using Stop watch

The time taken for each element is measured using a stop watch. There are
two methods of measuring. viz., Fly back method and Cumulative method. The
time measured from the stop watch is known as observed time. Time for
various groups of elements should be recorded separately.
This measurement has to be done for a number of times. The number of
observations depend upon the type of operation, the accuracy required and
time for one cycle.

6. Assessing the rating factor.

Rating is the measure of efficiency of a worker. The operator’s rating is
found out by comparing his speed of work with standard performance. The
rating of an operator is decided by the work study man in consultation with
the supervisor. The standard rating is taken as 100.

7. Calculating the basic time

Basic time is calculated as follows by applying rating factor

Basic time = Observed time x Operator rating

8. Determining the allowances.

A worker cannot work all the day continuously. He will require time for rest
going for toilet, drinking water etc. Unavoidable delays may occur because of
tool breakage etc. So some extra time is added to the basic time. The extra
time is known as allowance.
9. Compiling the standard time
The standard time is the sum of basic time and allowances. The standard
time is also known as allowed time.
PRODUCTION STUDY
By stop watch time, study time standards are set. But there may be
complaints from the operator that the time given for a job is not sufficient.
So it is necessary to check the original time study production study is a
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technique of work measurement to check accuracy of the original time study.

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This study is done to find the time delay due to occasional elements. These
elements may occur at irregular intervals. Example: Tool grinding, setting tools
etc. There are chances of missing these elements in the stop watch time
study. Production study is conducted for a longer period-at least for half a
day or one shift. Production study is conducted just like ordinary stop watch
time study. But here the time for occasional elements alone is observed. The
timings for occasional elements are compared with the allowance already
included
Uses of Production study
1. To check the accuracy of time standards.
2. To make sure that all the ineffective elements are included in the time
study.
3. To observe the waiting time and other delays of operator.
4. To get the data for working out the contingency allowance.
5. When the output goes down, this study is conducted to find out the
reasons for it.
SYNTHESIS FROM STANDARD DATA
Synthesis is a work measurement technique to build up normal time for a
new job (at a defined level of performance) by adding element times collected
from previously held time studies on similar jobs having same elements as
possessed by new job. Time for all constant elements and variable elements
are collected from the time studies previously made. These are stored in a
file. This is called time standard data bank. So, the time for any operation
can be worked out without actually making the time study.
Steps to develop standard data

1. Collect all the possible details about the job. For example, material,
dimensions, method, conditions etc. The collected details should be reliable
2. Break the job into constituent into elements.
The operations are broken into a number of elements. Many operators in an
industry have several common elements. Example: starting the machine,
stopping the machine etc. Whenever these activities occur, they take the same
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duration of time. These elements are called constant elements. Time for some

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elements vary proportionately with the speed, feed, length of out etc. in
machining operation. These elements are known as variable elements. Variable
elements and constant elements are separated.
2. Collect the elemental time for constant elements from the standard data
bank.
3. For variable elements, the elemental time can be found out by using the
charts and graphs.
4. As far as possible, select the approximate normal times for all the
elements involved in the operation, from the synthetic data or the standard
data
5. Estimate the various allowances like, personal and rest allowances, process
allowances and special allowances for each element
6. Verify the analysis of elements for selected job method and other
conditions
7. Add various allowances to the normal time for each element and sum up
all such times for fix the standard time for new job .

Advantages
1. The time calculated using standard data is more accurate than the stop
watch time study.
2. The process is very quick.
3. It possesses greater accuracy and scope of coverage
4. It is used for estimating the cost of production before actually producing. It
is used to offer quotation.
5. Standard data finds universal applications
Limitations
1. Collection of data bank is a costly affair.
2. It is applied only in larger industries.
3. The data bank should be updated periodically

WORK SAMPLING (RATIO DELAY STUDY)

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This study is also known as work sampling or activity sampling. Here the
ratio of the delay time and working time to the total time of an activity is
found out. This is done by random (irregular) observations.
For example:
Number of observations made -150
Number of times m/c found working -120
Number of times m/c found idle-30
% utilization of machine = (120 /150) x 100 = 80%
% idle time of machine (30 / 150) x 100 = 20%

Procedure
1. Define the problem- state the main objectives or purpose of problem,
describe the details of each element to be measured
2. Obtain the approval of the in charge of the department in which study is
to be made. Obtain the co-operation of the operators to be studied and they
should also understand the purpose of study _
3. Determine the desired accuracy of the final results in the form of standard
error or percentage
4. Sate the confidence level
5. Make a preliminary estimate of the percentage occurrence of the activity or
delay to be measured for one day or two days. This may be estimated on
the basis of past experience
6. Design the study. Determine the number of Observation to be made, days
or shifts needed for the study, Route to be followed by observer, design the
observation form etc.
7. Make the observation and record the data
8. Check the accuracy or precision of the data at the end of the study
9. Prepare the report and state results. If required make recommendations
Applications
1. Long cycle operations.
2. Activities where time study is not possible.
3. Estimate the percentage utilization of machine tools, cranes, trucks etc.
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4. Estimate the percentage idle time of men in group activities.

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5. Estimate the standard time for manual task.

Advantages
1. Activities which cannot be studied by stop watch time study can be
observed.
2. Cost of the study is less.
3. A single study man can observe several machines and operations.
4. This study is not a continuous study. So lesser time is spend on the
study.
5. The study will not interrupt the production.
6. The operators do not feel that they are closely watched by study man. So
they work freely.
7. Trained study man is not required.
8. Calculation is easy.
9. No equipment-Stop watch or other devices are not needed.

Limitations
1. This is economical only when the study is made in a wide area. i.e,
group of machines or group of operators.
2. This is not suitable for short cycle repetitive operations.
3. This is not a detailed study.

PREDETERMINED MOTION TIME SYSTEM (PMTS)

PMTS is a work measurement technique where by times, established for basic

human motions (classified according to the nature of the motion and the
conditions under which it is made) are used to build up the time for a job
at a defined level of performance. Few well-known systems using this concept
are

M.T.M : Method Time Measurement.

W.F.S : Work Factor System.
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M.T.A : Motion Time Analysis.

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D.M.T : Dimensional Motion Times.

B.M.T : Basic Motion Times.
Out of these, MTM technique is widely used.

Method Time Measurement (M.T.M.)

M.T.M. analyses an industrial job into the basic human movements (Reach,
Move, Grasp, Position, Release) required to do the same. From the tables of
these basic motions, depending upon the kind of motion, and conditions under
which it is made, predetermined time values are given to each motion. When
all such times are added up, it provides the normal time for the job.
Standard time can be found by adding suitable allowances.

Table preparation
A table is provided for each motion. Depending upon different characteristics
of a motion, the time can be read from the table.
Groups of average workmen (by age, physical attributes, temperament) were
selected and placed under laboratory conditions (average heat, light atmospheric
conditions etc.). These work men were made to perform a wide variety of
motions which were filmed with a cine camera at 16 frames per sec. These
films were Later exhibited using a constant speed projector to a group of
highly qualified industrial engineers who rated the films. The net result of
these experiments were the development of MTM tables for the time values
for all the basic motions performed by a human body. There are 10 MTM
tables, 9 of which provide the time for various types of motions. The
originators of MTM used the smallest or basic time measurement unit as
0.0006 minute. This basic time unit is called time measurement unit (TMU)

1TMU=0.0006 minute

Advantages of MTM
1. Time standard for a job can be arrived at without going to the place of
work.
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2. Alternative methods are compared easily.

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3. It eliminates in accuracies associated with stop watch time study.

Limitations
MTM can deal only with manual motions of an operation.

ANALYTICAL ESTIMATING
Setting the time standards for long and non-repetitive operations by stop watch
method are uneconomical. Analytical estimating technique determines the time
values for such jobs either by using the synthetic data or on the basic of
the past experience of the estimator when no synthetic or standard data is
available. In order to produce accurate results the estimator must have
sufficient experience of estimating, motion study, time study and the use of
synthesized time standards.
Procedure
The various procedural steps involved in analytical estimating are:
1. Select the estimator
2. Find out job details which include job dimensions, standard procedure and
especially the job conditions, i.e., poor illumination, high temperatures,
hazardous environments, availability of special jigs, fixtures or tooling,
condition of materials, etc.
3. Break the job into constituent elements.
4. Select the time values for as many elements possible from the data bank
(i.e., synthetic data).
5. To the remaining elements for which no synthetic data is available, usually
the estimator gives suitable time values from his past knowledge and
experience.
6. Add up all time values to get total basic time at 100% rating
7. In analytical estimating, relaxation allowance is not added to individual
elements. Add relaxation allowances (10 to 20%) to basic time.
8. Any other allowance is added above to get standard time
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Advantages

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1. It possesses almost the same advantages as enjoyed by synthesis from

standard data.
2. It aids in planning and scheduling.
3. It provides a basis for rate fixing for non-repetitive works in industries.
4. It improves labour control.

Limitations
The estimate will not be accurate.

Application
Analytical estimating is used for non-repetitive Jobs, jobs involved times and
the jobs having elements of variable nature.

Previous year questions

(April-2018)

1. What is therbligs
2. Explain Flow diagram
3. Explain the advantages of work study
4. Explain the procedure for conduct of method study
5. Explain the work sampling and its needs
6. Explain work measurement and its objectives
7. Explain the terms MTM, Synthesis using the standard data and analytical
estimating

(Oct-2017)

1. Explain the procedure for conduct of method study

2. List the various Therbligs and symbols
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3. Define the term work sampling

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4. Draw and explain String diagram

5. Explain the principles of motion economy
6. Compare macro motion and micro motion study

(Oct-2016)

1. Draw the Therbligs symbols used for inspection and store

2. What are the allowances used for calculating standard time
3. Briefly describe about flow diagram
4. Explain the construction of SIMO chart .
5. Find the standard time using the following data
Average time for machine elements=10Min, Average time for Elements=6Min,
Performance Rating=120%, Allowance=10%
6. Explain operation process chart with suitable example
7. What are the objectives of method study?

(March-2015)
1. Define work sampling
2. Explain two handed process chart with the help of example
3. Define method study. Explain the procedure for Method study
4. List the principles of motion economy concerning human body
5. Explain the different types of sampling techniques used
6. An Industrial job involves 4 operations. Related data is given below. Rest
and personal allowances are 10% and contingencies are 2% of the basic
time. Find the standard time for completing the job Module-II

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(March-2014)
1. Expand the letters in SIMO chart
2. Illustrate and explain String diagram
3. Name and show the process charts Symbols. Define and illustrate a two
handed process chart for any simple job
4. Explain the principle of motion economy
5. Explain the procedure for stop watch time study ‘. Explain the applications
of work sampling

(March-2013)
1. Draw the symbols used in process chart for Transportation, Operation,
Delay and storage
2. State the basic procedure of method study
3 What is flow process chart? Briefly explain three types of flow process
chart
4. State the applications of work sampling.
5. Explain SIMO chart with an example
6. The mean observed time and rating factor for the five elements of a job
are as follows

Given fatigue and contingency allowances as 5%,10%,5% respectively. Compute

the allowed time for the job

(Oct-2012)

1. How tool design and motion economy related

2. Prepare a two handed process chart for changing a new refill in your pen
3. What are the principles you use related to work place arrangement
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4. Explain about flow process chart for material type and operator type with
illustration
5. Explain the construction of SIMO chart with a simple example
6. What is work measurement? Explain the systematic method of work
measurement
7. Explain the procedure for work sampling

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