Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

TIME-STUDY AND MOTION-STUDY 95 of this kind before we have finished outlining the procedure by which the standard method of work is evolved. Indeed, we have divagated considerably from the direct path of describing the studies necessary. However, these wanderings from the mark will point the moral that the establishment of these methods is a long business, particularly for the first two or three operations that are undertaken, and involve the consideration of a great many side issues. When the first stage of analysis is over, and the consequent modifications have been made in the motions, and in both the particular and the general conditions under which they are made, the standard method can be formulated, and the real time-study, on that method, can be made. That is, it will now be worth while to discover as accurately as possible what time each element in the standard best way ought to take. Either the simple stop-watch equipment or one of the photographic methods may be used.1 All time-observations done previously will have been only for comparison of different ways. Now the time for each element will be precisely determined by taking the average of a good many observations, and these added to produce the whole time for the operation. 1 Mr. Gilbreth urges that the older stop-watch method is not pood enough, particularly for results to be permanently kept and universally used ; that the photographic method gives the only reliable statistics, which are not open to dispute.