C215 - Chp 11: Work System Design

Allowance factor

The amount of time the analyst allows for personal time, fatigue, and unavoidable delays.

Alternative workplace

Brings work to the worker rather than the worker to the workplace.

Behavioral feasibility

Degree to which the job is intrinsically satisfying to the employee.

Economic feasibility

The cost of the job should be less than the value it adds.

Elemental time data

Establish standards based on previously completed time studies, stored in an organization's database.

Frequency of occurrence

How often the work element must be done each cycle.

Job design

Specifies the contents of the job.

Job enlargement

A horizontal expansion of the job through increasing the scope of the work assigned.

Job enrichment

A vertical expansion of the job through increased worker responsibility.

Job rotation

Workers shift to different jobs to increase understanding of the total process.

Mean observed time

The average of the observation times for each of the work elements.

Methods analysis

Process concerned with the detailed process for doing a particular job.

Normal time

The mean observed time multiplied by the performance rating factor by the frequency of occurrence.

Output-based (incentive) systems

Pay based on the number of units completed.

Performance rating factor

A subjective estimate of a worker's pace relative to a normal work pace.

Predetermined time data

Published database of elemental time data used for establishing standard times.

Problem-solving teams

Small groups of employees and supervisors trained in problem-solving techniques who meet to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to workplace problems.

Self-directed teams

Integrated teams empowered to control their process.

Special-purpose teams

Highly focused, short-term teams addressing issues important to management and labor.

Specialization

The breadth of the job design.

Standard time

The length of time it should take a qualified worker using appropriate process and tools to complete a specific job, allowing time for personal fatigue and unavoidable delays.

Technical feasibility

The job must be physically and mentally doable.

Time study

A technique for developing a standard time based on actual observations of the operator.

Time-based compensation systems

Pay based on the number of hours worked.

Work measurement

Determines how long it should take to do a job.

Work sampling

A technique for estimating the proportion of time a worker spends on a particular activity.