Method Study Procedure

Method Study Procedure

This procedure involves seven basic steps as follows :

1. SELECT

Select the work to be studied and define its boundaries. There are three factors that should be kept in mind when selecting a job.

i. Economic Factor

It is obviously a waste of time to start or to continue a long investigation if the economic importance of a job is small,or if it is one that is not expected to run for long. The economic importance of the job must be of such magnitude that it is worthwhile to begin a method, study of the job or to continue it. Bottlenec1cs in production, too much movement of materials in the operation, idle machines, idle operators and high costs of operations are the usual. choices. The preferences should be given to the job with the greatest potential savings. No job should be selected for the method study, if it is expected to run only for a short time.

ii. Technical Factor

One of the important considerations is the desire by management to acquire more advanced technology,whether in equipment or in processes.Thus management may want to computerize its office paperwork or its inventory system,or to introduce automation in the production operations.

ii. Human Factor

Certain operations are often a cause of dissatisfaction by workers.They may induce fatigue or monotony or may be unsafe or clumsy to operate.The level of satisfaction should point to a need for method study.Thus an operation which may be perceived as effective by management may,on the other hand,generate a great deal of resentment by the workforce.If such operations are addressed by work study specialists as part of an overall work study programme,the benefits of work study can become more apparent to the workforce. In selecting a job. human reactions should be given due-consideration. The relation between management and the workers must not be strained. Unpopular and tiresome jobs should be studied with improved functions. The workers will eventually accept method study if the unpleasant features of these unpopular jobs are removed from them by the application of method study

2. RECORD

Record all the relevant facts about the present method by direct observation and collect such additional data as may be needed  from appropriate sources.The main aims of recording are:

i. To obtain adequate and accurate information.

ii. To present the facts in a concise and comprehensible form for analysis.

iii. To submit proposals to management in a way which is easily understood.

iv. To provide,eventually,detailed operating instructions for the use of supervisors and operators.

Types of Recording Techniques

The recording techniques generally used are as follows :

(a) The Operation Process Chart

(b) The Outline Process Chart

(c) The Flow Process Chart (material)

(d) The Flow Process Chart (man)

(e) The Multiple Activity Chart

(f) The -Two Handed Process Chart

(g) The Simultaneous Motion Cycle Chart (8IMO Chart)

(h) The Flow Diagram

(i) The String Diagram

(j) The Travel Chart

 3. EXAMINE

Examine the way the job is being performed and challenge its purpoe,place,sequence and method of performance. When the details of the existing method have been recorded through a, suitable process chart, the next step in’ the study procedure is to examine all the facts. Critical Examination. of the recorded, data is the crux of method study. I t is at this stage that the possible alternatives for each activity are evolved for later development. Each activity is questioned and challenged thoroughly with a view to improving the situation. Critical Examination consists of a well designed questioning pattern in an impartial and objective manner.

Method Study Procedure

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top
You cannot copy content of this page. The content on this website is NOT for redistribution