A time and motion study (or time-motion study) is a business efficiency technique combining the Time Study work of Frederick Winslow Taylor with the Motion Study work of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (not to be confused with their son, best known through the biographical 1950 film and book Cheaper by the Dozen). It is a major part of scientific management (Taylorism).

Contents 1 Purpose 2 See also 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Purpose

A time and motion study would be used to reduce the number of motions in performing a task in order to increase productivity. The best known experiment involved bricklaying. Through carefully scrutinising a bricklayer's job, Frank Gilbreth reduced the number of motions in laying a brick from 18 to about 5. Hence the bricklayer both increased productivity and decreased fatigue.

The Gilbreths developed what they called therbligs ("therblig" being "Gilbreth" spelled backwards), a classification scheme comprising 18 basic hand motions. 1920 Frank B. and Lillian Gilbreth developed their time and motion studies. The Gilbreths showed the importance of the total working environment by reducing unnecessary motions

[edit] See also

• Human factors
• Ergonomics
• Methods-Time Measurement
• Predetermined motion time system

[edit] References

• Management (3rd Edition), Robbins, S.P., Bergman, R., Stagg, L, & Coulter, M. (2003) . Sydney, Australia: Prentice

[edit] External links

• Encyclopedia.com

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