Difference between Time Study and Motion Study (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 11 Jan, 2024

Time Study and Motion Study are two kinds of Work Study. Time study refers to the study of time taken to perform a work while Motion Study is the study of motions performed during work. These two types of Work study are important concepts in the field of management science.

This article focuses on the difference between Time Study and Motion Study along with a brief introduction to both.

Table of Content

• What is Time Study?
• What is Motion Study?
• Difference between Time Study and Motion Study

What is Time Study?

The study that determines the standard time taken to perform a job is known as **Time Study. Time study depends upon the volume, frequency of tasks, cycle of operation, etc. Under this, time is divided into a series of elements, and the time taken to perform each element (task) is recorded with time-measuring devices, like stopwatches. The main objective of the time study is to determine the time and number of workers required to complete a task, so that incentive schemes and labour costs can be identified. It also aims to differentiate between efficient and inefficient workers.

What is Motion Study?

While working in a factory, a worker has to move from one place to another, which takes time and effort and causes fatigue. The study of movements like lifting, putting objects, sitting and changing positions, etc., is known as **Motion Study. This study aims at eliminating unnecessary movements of workers in a factory so that their time and energy are saved. Taylor, along with his associate, had a close observation and discovered the motions which are productive, incidental, and unproductive. This study helps in setting a standard method of performing a task. It also helps in achieving the objectives effectively and efficiently and saves labour costs.

Difference between Time Study and Motion Study