Question

Explain the following techniques of scientific management.
(a) Motion study (b) Time study.

Answer 1

Motion Study– As the name suggests, motion study refers to the study of motion (movements) involved while undertaking a task. This technique aims at removing the unwanted actions/motions so that the work can be completed in a lesser time. Taylor along with his associate Frank Gailberth observed the motions of a worker and categorised them as productive, incidental and unproductive. They demonstrated that by eliminating the unproductive movements productivity can be increased. For example, in brick layering they demonstrated that productivity increased by nearly 4 times by reducing the motions from 18 to 5.

Time Study– In this technique Taylor emphasised on setting a standard time limit for completing any particular job. With the help of time measuring tools, considerable readings were taken for the time taken to complete a task. On the basis of this a standard time limit is set for each task. This helped in deciding the number of workers to be employed for the task, determining their wages, etc. For example, if, on the basis of observations it is determined that one person can finish making 1 shirt in two hours then, in a working day of 8 hours, each worker should make 4 shirts.