Introduction to MethodStudy
• Method study is a systematic and scientific
approach used to analyze work processes and
improve productivity
• It involves recording existing methods,
critically examining them, and developing
better and more efficient ways of performing
tasks
• This technique is widely used in industrial
engineering and operations management to
3.
Definition of MethodStudy
• Method study can be defined as the
systematic recording and critical examination
of existing and proposed methods of doing
work
• Its main objective is to develop and apply
easier and more effective methods, reduce
unnecessary motions, and ensure efficient
utilization of manpower, machines, and
materials in industries.
4.
Objectives of MethodStudy
• The main objectives of method study include
increasing productivity, reducing operational
costs, improving quality of products, and
enhancing safety in the workplace
• It also aims to standardize work procedures,
minimize worker fatigue, and ensure better
utilization of equipment and resources in
production systems.
5.
Importance of MethodStudy
• Method study plays a crucial role in improving
organizational efficiency by identifying
inefficient operations and eliminating waste
• It helps in improving plant layout, reducing
material handling, and ensuring smooth
workflow
• Organizations use method study to achieve
higher profitability and better competitiveness
in the market.
6.
Work Study andMethod Study
Relationship
• Work study consists of two main techniques:
method study and work measurement
• While method study focuses on improving
work methods, work measurement
determines the time required to perform a
task
• Together, they help in establishing standard
times and efficient production processes.
7.
Steps in MethodStudy
• The method study procedure includes six main
steps: selecting the job or process, recording
the existing method, examining the recorded
facts, developing an improved method,
installing the new method, and maintaining
the method
• Each step is important for ensuring systematic
improvement and continuous development.
8.
Selection of Workfor Study
• The selection of work for method study is
based on factors such as high production cost,
bottleneck operations, repetitive tasks, and
safety-critical operations
• Jobs that have frequent delays, high labor
content, or quality issues are also selected for
study to improve efficiency.
9.
Recording Techniques inMethod
Study
• Recording techniques are used to document
existing methods in a systematic manner
• Common techniques include process charts,
flow process charts, flow diagrams, string
diagrams, and two-hand process charts
• These tools help in visualizing work processes
and identifying inefficiencies.
10.
Process Chart Symbols
•Standard symbols are used in process charts
to represent different activities such as
operation, inspection, transportation, delay,
and storage
• These symbols help in simplifying complex
processes and making it easier to analyze and
improve the workflow in industrial systems.
11.
Flow Process Chart
•A flow process chart provides a detailed
record of all operations, inspections,
transports, delays, and storage activities in a
process
• It is useful for analyzing the sequence of
operations and identifying unnecessary steps
that can be eliminated or simplified.
12.
Flow Diagram andString Diagram
• Flow diagrams show the movement of
materials or workers on a layout, while string
diagrams measure the distance traveled using
a string
• These diagrams are helpful in improving plant
layout, reducing material handling costs, and
minimizing worker movement in industrial
environments.
13.
Critical Examination Technique
•Critical examination involves questioning
every aspect of a job using questions such as
why, where, when, who, and how
• This technique helps in identifying
unnecessary activities, improving sequence of
operations, and developing more efficient
work methods.
14.
Principles of MotionEconomy
• Principles of motion economy aim to reduce
unnecessary motions and improve worker
efficiency
• They include using both hands effectively,
minimizing body movements, arranging tools
and materials conveniently, and using
mechanical aids to reduce manual effort and
fatigue.
15.
Development of ImprovedMethod
• After critical examination, an improved
method is developed by eliminating
unnecessary steps, combining operations,
rearranging sequences, and simplifying work
elements
• The new method should be practical,
economical, and acceptable to workers and
management.
16.
Installation of NewMethod
• Installation involves implementing the
improved method in the workplace
• It includes training workers, modifying tools
and equipment, updating layouts, and
providing clear instructions
• Proper supervision is necessary to ensure
successful adoption of the new method.
17.
Maintenance of Method
•Maintenance ensures that the improved
method continues to be followed
• It includes periodic reviews, audits, worker
feedback, and continuous improvement
initiatives
• Standard operating procedures should be
updated regularly to reflect changes in
processes and technology.
18.
Advantages of MethodStudy
• Method study provides several advantages
such as increased productivity, reduced
operational costs, improved product quality,
better utilization of resources, and enhanced
worker safety
• It also improves morale by reducing fatigue
and making work easier and more systematic.
19.
Limitations of MethodStudy
• Despite its benefits, method study has some
limitations such as resistance from workers,
high initial cost of implementation, and the
need for skilled analysts
• It may also require significant time and effort
to analyze complex processes in large
organizations.
20.
Applications of MethodStudy
• Method study is widely applied in
manufacturing industries, service
organizations, hospitals, offices, and
construction projects
• It helps in improving production systems,
service delivery processes, and administrative
procedures to achieve higher efficiency and
effectiveness.
21.
Conclusion
• Method studyis a powerful tool in industrial
engineering that helps organizations achieve
continuous improvement
• By systematically analyzing and improving
work methods, organizations can reduce
waste, increase productivity, and achieve
sustainable growth in a competitive industrial
environment.