Method Study (Methods Analysis): Definition, Objectives, Steps, Techniques, Applications & Advantages

Method study or methods analysis 

Work methods analysis or method study is a scientific technique of observing, recording and critically examining the present method of performing a task or operation with the aim of improving the present method and developing a new and cheaper method. It is also known as method improvement or work improvement. Detailed study of the manual and /or body motions used in a work-task or at one work area often involving comparative analysis of right hand and left-hand motions (Part of method study) It encompasses the study of work processes, working conditions and equipments and tools to carry out the job. Method study may be understood as 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.

Work methods analysis or method study is a scientific technique of observing, recording and critically examining the present method of perfo0rming a task or job or operation with the aim of improving the present method and developing a new and cheaper method. It is also known as methods improvement or work improvement. It encompasses the study of work processes, working conditions and equipments and tools used to carry out the job.

Definition of Method study

1. According to British Standard Institute, “Method study may be understood as 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 method and reducing costs”.
2. According to Alford and Beatty, “Motion study consists of dividing work into the most fundamental elements possible; studying these elements separately and in relation to one another and from these studied elements, when timed, building methods of least waste.”
3. The purpose of motion study is to design as improved method which eliminates unnecessary motions and employs human efforts more productively. In doing so the principles of motion economy proves to be very helpful.

Objectives of method study

1. To study the existing proposed method of doing any job, operation or activity
2. To develop an improved method to improve productivity and to reduce operating costs
3. To reduce excessive material handling or movement and thereby reduce fatigue to workmen
4. To improve utilization of resources
5. To eliminate wasteful and inefficient motions
6. To standardize work methods or processes, working conditions, machinery, equipments and tools.

Seven steps of carrying out method study

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

1. Outline process charts
2. Flow process chart - man type, material type, equipment type
3. Two handed process charts
4. Multiple activity chart - using time scale
5. Simo chart - using time scale
6. flow diagrams
7. String diagrams
8. Cycle graph
9. Chrono cycle graph
10. Travel chart

Method study can be applied to any field of work, but the most important areas where it pays rich dividends are:

1. Improved layout of office, working areas or factory
2. Improved design of plant and equipment
3. Improved use of material, plant, equipment, and manpower
4. Most effective handling of material
5. Improved flow of work
6. Standardization of methods and procedures
7. Improved safety standards
8. Better working conditions
9. Improved achievement with less effort
10. Productive and effective utilization of human effort
11. Economy of expenditure

Factors facilitating Method study

1. High operating cost
2. High wastage & scrap
3. Excessive movement of materials and workmen
4. Excessive production bottlenecks
5. Excessive rejections and rework
6. Complaints about quality
7. Complaints about poor working condition
8. Increasing number of accidents
9. Excessive use of overtime

Advantages of method study

1. Work simplification
2. Improved working method (cheaper method)
3. Better product quality
4. Improved work place layout
5. Improved equipment design
6. Better working conditions
7. Better material handling
8. Improved work flow
9. Less fatigue to the operator
10. Optimum utilization of all resources
11. Higher safety to work men
12. Shorter production cycle time
13. Higher job satisfaction
14. Reduced material consumption and wastages
15. Reduced manufacturing cost and higher productivity

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Sandeep Ghatuary

Finance & Accounting blogger simplifying complex topics.

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