Time study

Answer: Time study is the study of the standard time required to complete a job, fixed by observing and recording the time taken for each element of the work.

It is one of F. W. Taylor’s techniques of scientific management. An efficient worker is observed with a stop watch and the time for each movement of the job is recorded. After allowing for rest and unavoidable delays, a standard time for the job is fixed.

• It helps to fix a fair day’s work for each worker.
• It helps to plan manpower, fix wages and incentives (as in the differential piece-rate system) and reduce labour cost.