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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Method Study


(Refer our High Quality Management Encyclopedia “Management Universe” at: http://management-universe.blogspot.com/)

Method Study

Method study is the 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 costs.

It uses different sets of techniques to do so.

Objectives of Method Study

  • Improvement in use of all the inputs i.e. men, machines, material, money and also, time and information.
  • Economy in human effort and reduction of unnecessary fatigue.
  • Layout improvements.
  • Improvement in design of plant and equipment.
  • Improvement in safety standards and procedures.
  • Development of better working environment.

Seven Steps of Carrying Out Method Study: The Process

  1. Define existing method.
  2. Record existing method.
  3. Examine existing method.
  4. Develop new method.
  5. Define new method.
  6. Install new method.
  7. Maintain new method.

Different Recording Techniques

  • Outline process charts
  • Flow process chart: man type, material type, equipment type
  • Two handed process chart
  • Multiple activity chart: using time scale
  • Simo chart: using time scale
  • Flow diagrams
  • String diagrams
  • Cyclegraph
  • Chronocyclegraph
  • Travel Chart

Some Details on Step 3 of the Process of Method Study i.e. Examine

Examine step uses questioning technique. Each activity of the method under examination subjected to systematic and progressive series of questions. There are two types of questions asked:

  1. Primary questions
  2. Secondary questions

Primary questions:

Questions are asked and answers found out on:

  • Purpose: for which activity is being done.
  • Place: at which activity is being carried out.
  • Sequence: in which activity is being performed.
  • Person: by whom activity is being rendered.
  • Means: by which activity is being accomplished.

This primary examination is carried out with a view to

  • Eliminate,
  • Combine,
  • Rearrange and/or
  • Simplify the activities

Secondary Questions

During the secondary questions, answers to the primary questions are subjected to further query to determine whether possible alternatives of place, sequence, persons and means are practicable and preferred as a means of improvement upon the existing method.

1. Purpose:

What is done?
Why is it done?
What else might be done?
What should be done?

2. Place:

Where is it done?
Why is it done there?
Where else might it is done?
Where should it be done?

3. Sequence:

When is it done?
Why is it done?
When might it be done?
When should it be done?

4. Person:

Who does it?
Why does that person do it?
Who else might do it?
Who should do it?

5. Means:

How is it done?
Why is it done that way?
How else might it be done?
How should it be done ?

Some Details on Step 5 of the Process of Method Study i.e. Define New (Improved) Method

A report on new improved method should be prepared. It should include:

  • Description of the method.
  • Relative costs in material, labor and overheads of the new method and the existing method and expected savings.
  • Cost of installing the new method, including cost of new equipment and of re-laying out shops or working areas.
  • Diagram of the work place layout.
  • Tools and equipment to be used and diagrams of jigs/fixtures etc.
  • Executive actions required to implement the new method.

Some Details on Step 6 of the Process of Method Study i.e. Install New (Improved) Method

  • Gaining acceptance of the change by the Management.
  • Gaining acceptance of the change by the workers.
  • Keeping a close eye on the progress of implementation of the new method till it starts running satisfactorily.

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