BPE3533

Mohd Ghazali bin Maarof

Email: [email protected]
CHAPTER 6: M: +60107123936
Office: 1st Floor-Chain Office KB222
TIME STUDY
Learning Objectives
• Use the tools of time study analysis
• Compute the normal time & standard time
• Explain the purposes of conducting time study
Chapter Outline
• Purposes of Time Study (TS)
• Definition
• Objectives
• Classification
• Method
• Compute Normal Time and Standard Time
• Problems on Conducting Time Study
Purposes of Time Study
• A method created to determine the ‘correct time’ it
takes to complete a certain task
• A method to establish ‘the one best way to perform a
task’
• A method to establish what constituted a fair days
work
• A method to make sure that the job being evaluated
does not include any unnecessary motion by the
worker
Time Study
▪ Involves timing a sample of a worker’s performance
and using it to set a standard
▪ Requires trained and experienced observers
▪ Cannot be set before the work is performed

Definition of Time Study?

Time study is a direct and continuous observation of a task,
using a timekeeping device (e.g., decimal minute stopwatch,
computer-assisted electronic stopwatch, and videotape
camera) to record the time taken to accomplish a task and it is
often used when: there are repetitive work cycles of short to
long duration,
Time Study in Organization
• Historically: Time Studies were used in the manufacturing
industry to evolve pay scales with the thought that money
was the only motivation for work
• Today:
• It can be effective for performance evaluations
• It can be used for planning purposes in order to predict
the level of output that may be achieved
• It can be used to uncover problems and create solutions
→ used for time cost analysis

The main objective of the Time Study is to determine a ‘normal’

or average time for a job, by using observers to record exactly
how much time is being devoted to each task.
Time Study Classification

Elemental It’s used to observe highly repetitive,

operation time relatively regular & short duration motion
analysis (in line operation)

Continuous It’s used to observe less repetitive but long

observation duration motion
(set-up, off line operation & etc)

Slight motion It’s used to observe highly repetitive but

analysis short duration cycle operation.
Generally VTR are used.
Timing Techniques
• Stopwatch
• Use snapback mode.
• Use electronic watches.
• Avoid using continuous mode.

• Videotape
• Provides a permanent record of the method.
• Analysis can be done by person other than camera
operator.
• Elements can be performance rated.
 Time Study Through Videotape
(Ex) Element
Timing Motion Observation Point Operati
when on
pressing The moment you stand up
stopwatc Stand up from the chair
The moment you stood up
h button Walk
The moment you reached the board
Take a piece of marker
The moment you took a piece of chalk
Write characters on the board
The moment you finished writing characters on the board.
Put on the markers cap
The moment you replaced chalk.
Walk
The moment you returned to the chair.
Sit on the chair
The moment you sat down.
Rest
Time Study
Method of Time Study
1. Define the task to be studied
2. Divide the task into precise elements
3. Decide how many times to measure the task
4. Time and record element times and rating of
performance
5. Compute average observed time

Sum of the times recorded to

Average perform each element
observed time =
Number of observations
Time Study
6. Determine performance rating and normal time
Average Performance
Normal time = observed x
rating factor
time

7. Add the normal times for each element to develop

the total normal time for the task
8. Compute the standard time
Total normal time
Standard time =
1 - Allowance factor
Rest Allowances
▪ Personal time allowance
▪ 4% - 7% of total time for use of restroom,
water fountain, etc.

▪ Delay allowance
▪ Based upon actual delays that occur

▪ Fatigue allowance
▪ Based on our knowledge of human
energy expenditure
Rest Allowances
1. Constant allowance
(A) Personal allowance ……………... 5
(B) Basic fatigue allowance ………… 4

2. Variable allowances:
(A) Standing allowance ……………… 2
(B) Abnormal position
(i) Awkward (bending) ………… 2
(ii) Very awkward (lying,
stretching) …………………… 7
Rest Allowances
(C) Use of force or muscular energy in lifting,
pulling, pushing
Weight lifted (pounds)
20 …………………………………… 3
40……………………………………. 9
60……………………………………. 17

(D) Bad light:

(i) Well below recommended…. 2
(ii) Quite inadequate……………. 5
Rest Allowances
(E) Atmospheric conditions
(heat and humidity) …………… 0-10

(F) Close attention:

(i) Fine or exacting……………….. 2
(ii) Very fine or very exacting…… 5

(G) Noise level:

(i) Intermittent—loud…………….. 2
(ii) Intermittent—very loud
or high-pitched………………... 5
Rest Allowances
(H) Mental strain:
(i) Complex or wide span
of attention.…………………….. 4
(ii) Very complex………………….. 8

(I) Tediousness:
(i) Tedious…………..……………… 2
(ii) Very tedious.…………………… 5
 Time Study Example 1
Average observed time = 4.0 minutes
Worker rating = 85%
Allowance factor = 13%
Calculate the standard time?
Normal time = (Average observed time) x (Rating factor)
= (4.0)(.85)
= 3.4 minutes

Normal time 3.4 3.4

Standard time = = =
1 - Allowance factor 1 - .13 .87
= 3.9 minutes
 Time Study Example 2
Allowance factor = 15%

Cycle Observed (in minutes)

Performance
Job Element 1 2 3 4 5 Rating
(A) Compose and type letter 8 10 9 21* 11 120%
(B) Type envelope address 2 3 2 1 3 105%
(C) Stuff, stamp, seal, and 2 1 5* 2 1 110%
sort envelopes

1. Delete unusual or nonrecurring observations (marked with *)

2. Compute average times for each element
Average time for A = (8 + 10 + 9 + 11)/4 = 9.5 minutes
Average time for B = (2 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 3)/5 = 2.2 minutes
Average time for C = (2 + 1 + 2 + 1)/4 = 1.5 minutes
3. Compute the normal time for each element

Normal time = (Average observed time) x (Rating)

Normal time for A = (9.5)(1.2) = 11.4 minutes

Normal time for B = (2.2)(1.05) = 2.31 minutes
Normal time for C = (1.5)(1.10) = 1.65 minutes

4. Add the normal times to find the total normal time

Total normal time = 11.40 + 2.31 + 1.65 = 15.36 minutes

5. Compute the standard time for the job

Total normal time

Standard time =
1 - Allowance factor

15.36
= = 18.07 minutes
1 - 0.15
Exercise
The data in the following table represent time-study
observations on a new operation with three work
elements. On the basis of these observations, find the
standard time for the process. Assume a 15% allowance
factor. Observations (times in seconds)
Performance
Element Rating 1 2 3 4
1 120% 90.3 91.5 92.4 90.2
2 100% 30.5 32.3 29.6 31.1
3 105% 130.5 128.9 132.0 130.5
Method to Analysis
▪ Focuses on how task is performed
▪ Used to analyze
1. Movement of individuals or material
• Flow diagrams and process charts
2. Activities of human and machine and crew
activity
• Activity charts
3. Body movement
• Operations charts
Taking Elemental Operation : Time Analysis Procedure
1. Observation frequency.
• Between 10 ~ 20 times data sampling.
• If fluctuation of material, part dimension or time value are big, increase observation
frequency
2. Observation position & posture.
• Observer’s position should provide a good view of operation.
• Observer’s position must not interrupt associate movement.
• The observer posture should be in such way that the associate, stop watch & observer’s eye
were align.
3. During observation, give a full attention to operator movement.
4. Abnormal operation.
• Part dropping, equipment faulty (short m/c down & etc), NG occurrence, repair, talking & etc
should be consider abnormal. Circle the entered time data with explanatory notes.
5. Determine dividing line for elemental operation.
• It’s more helpful to utilize signals such as light, buzzer & etc.
6. Exclude intermission time & synchronizing m/c time.
• If waiting knowing in advance, write down in elemental operation work column
7. Interval operation time such as container replacement, quality check, should be entered
for every operation.
Taking Continuous Observation : Time Analysis Procedure.

1. Study current operation earlier.

2. Fill up Operation Analysis Chart.
3. Make enough copies of the chart.
4. Start analysis & make sure :
a. Observation position & posture.
• Stand in a position where overall operation can be seen well. (move if required)
• Stand in a position that didn’t disturb associate operation.
b. While observation, give a full attention to the operation.
c. Divide the operation into unit operation which is one level higher than elemental
operation.
Operation Unit operation Elemental operation
(process)
•Tightening operation • Pre tightening operation
( take screw & tighten ( take screw & pre tighten
Bracket assembly them with a screw driver) them with finger. )

Unit operation Elemental operation

• Tightening operation
( take screw driver to tighten
screw. )
Flow Diagram

Welding

From
Storage bins
press
mach. Paint
shop
Mach. 3 Mach. 4
Machine 1

Mach. 2
Flow Diagram

Machine 4 Welding
Machine 3
Paint
Machine 2 shop
Machine 1
From
press Storage
mach. bins
Process Chart
Activity Chart
Operation Chart
Time Study: Problems
1. Observers are not always competent
2. Those conducting the study are not always proficient
in the job being observed
3. The actions observed are not always reflective of the
group as a whole
Workers may not cooperate with a time study:
1. They may resent the study if it is being used to
determine the pay scale
2. Workers may change the rate at which they work
3. Pressure may increase mistakes made
4. Workers may alter normal work methods to disrupt the
study
Best Practices to Get the Most From Your
Time Study
✓Establish Clear Time Study Goals and Boundaries
✓Have a Certified Workplace Observer Monitor the Time
Study
✓Choose an Adequate Sample Size
✓Utilize Advanced Time Tracking Tools
✓Adequately chosen time
Faculty of Industrial Management
Universiti Malaysia Pahang
26300 Gambang, Pahang Darul
Makmur
Tel: +609 549 2166 Fax: +609 549 2167
www.fim.ump.edu.my