Work study, developed in the 1920s in American industry, is a technique used to examine human work and investigate factors affecting efficiency and economy. It is crucial for planning, estimating quantities, and controlling production schedules. The need for this managerial tool arose in the mid-19th century due to increased machinery use and manufacturing unit size.
Objectives of Work Study
The reasons why work-study techniques are utilized in production include the following:
1. To reduce wasteful work, as there will be less fatigue and delays will be cut out.
2. To improve working conditions, methods, and layout.
3. To increase production as a result of better use of resources
4. To achieve production cost savings and increase profit margins. This ensures security for
workers, as the company will be more successful.
5. To improve productivity of workers and machines, thus producing a more efficient output:
organisation
6. To ensure a steady flow of materials and an equal reward for the same skill and effort.
There will be a happier atmosphere and site relationship with foremen.
7. To establish a standard rate or time for a job by providing information and revealing
inefficiency.
8. Laying down objective training.
Benefits
If put to proper use, work-study mainly benefits three parties as seen below:
(1) To the firm or organisation – It helps in:
- reduction of cost for higher profits
- more competitive tendering
- better control of management
- proper use of resources
- giving better services to the clients
(2) To the supervisor—Helps him to:
- plan efficiently
- have better control of the operatives
- have easy supervision of work
- do a more rewarding job
- have no disagreements on bonus
(3) To the operatives—Helps them to have:
- better working conditions
- steady income—bonus targets
- less fatigue at work
- good site relationship with foremen
- good security as the firm will be successful