KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY AND 
QUALITY MANAGEMENT COURSE 
WORK  CIV 4102 
EKITUI CECIL ZEBEDEE  
BSCE/43395/101/DU        
P a g e  | 1   
Solution to question one  
Qn1 
A method study is defined in the British Standard (BS 3138) as the systematic recording and 
critical examination of the factors and resources involved in existing and proposed ways of 
doing work as a means of developing and applying earlier and more effective methods and 
reducing costs. 
The objectives of method study include; 
  Recording work procedures; this helps in streamlining the flow of routing activities. It 
enables  those  in  management  to  identify  the  various  activities  being  carried  out  so 
and to classify them and which ones are key in ensuring that there is efficient flow of 
work for the project as a whole. Recording of activities may  also guide management 
to better schedule activities for efficient work flow. 
  Provide system analysis; Method study also allows for provision of system analysis; a 
tool which can be used in management to create better ways of approaching work as 
a whole and innovate ideas which lead to more effective and lower cost operations. 
  Develop Improvements; Method study also involves critical examination and analysis 
of facts concerning techniques applied in proposed ways of doing work. This leads to 
identification  of  alternatives  that  form  the  best  solutions  to  arising  problems  under 
the circumstances and constraints involved. 
Solution to question two 
Qn2 
The steps involved in carrying out a method study are as follows: 
  Selection 
this  is  carried  out  by  the  management.  It  is  the  responsibility  of  management  to 
consider  any  economic, technical  and  human factors  before  a  study  is  commenced. 
Management has to decide at this stage whether the study is of significant economic 
benefits to the organization. 
  Identification 
this phase involves the investigator doing a thorough in-depth study of the Terms of 
Reference  drawn  by  management.  The  investigator  should  determine  the  scope  of 
investigation  within  the  defined  limits.  Another  factor  to  consider  is  the  depth  to 
which the investigation is designed to go. 
  Recording 
There  are  various  techniques  that  may  be  used  for  recording;  Thus  is  the  duty  of 
management  to  determine  which  is  the  most  appropriate  that  will  effectively 
highlight  any  deficiencies  in  the  presently  employed  methods.  The  recording 
technique  used  should  also  point  out  potential  improvements  to  the  currently 
employed  methods.  Different  techniques  that  may  be  used  include;  
the process chart, Charts using a time scale, Diagrams indicating movement. 
  Examination 
After  records  of  existing  methods  have  been  made,  the  next  phase  involves 
determination  of  better  and  improved  methods  of  critical  examination  of  the 
recordings.  Flow  diagrams  and  photographic  techniques  may  be  used  for  this 
purpose.  
P a g e  | 2   
  Develop 
this  phase  involves  determination  of  the  most  practical,  economic  and  effective 
method having due regard to all contingent circumstances. It involves critical analysis 
of  procedures,  possibilities  and  a  certain  amount  of  experimentation  so  as  to 
determine the best possible alternatives. 
  Installation 
The selected method is then installed and then its mode of  employment/working is 
explained  to  the  supervisors  and  operatives  so  as  to  gain  their  cooperation. 
Management  and  management  services  need  to  consider  several  vital  points  such 
as; there should be as little disturbance as possible with normal production. 
  Maintain 
this  is  achieved  by  checking  periodically  that  the  new  installed  system  is  running 
satisfactorily and if necessary, prepare to effect slight improvements where needed. 
This may also involve discussions between all parties concerned. 
  At this phase, all the methods employed should lead to a higher productivity for the 
organization and thus lead to lower costs and more effective operations.  
Solution to question three 
Qn3  
Element 
1  2  3  4  average   Rating 
Normal 
time 
A  10  63  66  67  51.5  80  41.2 
B  25  63  67  65  55  100  55 
C  64  64  65  39  58  110  63.8            
  160                
Normal time per piece        160        
Fatigue allowance (15%)        24 
        Contingency allowance 
(2%)        3.2        
Standard time         187.2  Standard Minutes