The application of work study methodologies: towards the development of an efficiency reporting system for manufacturing organisations in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that work study techniques must be used to determine realistic and achievable standard times for operations and the subsequent development of efficiency reporting systems towards the improvement of performance. Carcasses of organisations that foundered without the ability to time their operations cover the manufacturing landscape in South Africa as many new business ventures fail to sustain themselves. Many organisations do not measure their efficiencies and do not have reporting systems in place. This study presents an efficiency reporting system designed and based on work study techniques which organisations can use to measure their performance. The necessity for the system was supported by the empirical results of the research instrument. It is recommended that organisations utilise this system and adapt it to their specific needs in order to measure their efficiencies. The existence of a dedicated efficiency reporting system ensures that employee performance and production outputs as per set targets are monitored, measured and sustained. Findings of this study may be extended to the service sector.