Topic: Work

Measurements, Work
Study and Variations
1.0 Introduction
Construction industry contributes much to other sectors such
as agriculture, education, industry, health and other services.

As in many countries, in Tanzania construction activities

in one form or another account for half the annual
expenditure on capital goods.

Therefore, an increase in the productivity of the construction

sector should not only raise the earnings and profits of those
working in that sector but also contributes to an
improvement of the productivity in other sectors, thereby
improving general standards of living.
2.0 Productivity
Question: What is productivity?
Answer: Productivity is the ratio of output to
input, that is the rotation of the amount
produced (the output) to the amount of any
resources used in the course of production (the
input). The resources may be land, materials,
machinery, tools or manpower. The input is
generally the combination of all of them.
Example:
A team of two workers produces 20 concrete blocks an
hour, the productivity is 20/2 = 10. Owing to demand, it is
found necessary to increase input.

The team is increased to three men who now produce 27

blocks an hour. In this case, the output has risen, but
productivity has fallen to 27/3 = 9 blocks per work - hour.

The operation has been studied and by using and

improved method, three workers can now produce 39
blocks an hour. Thus, not only has production increased,
but productivity is up to 39/3 = 13 blocks per work – hour.
Note:
An increase in production or output does not
necessary indicate an increase in productivity. If
input rises indirect proportion to output, then
productivity will remain the same. And if input
increases by a great percentage than output,
then a higher output will be achieved at the
expenses of a reduction in productivity.
3.0 Work Study
Question: What is a work study?
Answer: This is a series of techniques which
can be used for the systematic examination
and investigation of every aspect of human
Work and the factor that affect efficiency and
economy, in order to bring about improvements.
4. Development of work study
As previously defined, work study is the study of methods of
working in order to find a better way of carrying out various
activities.

The development of scientific management and work study

techniques originated in the factories established during the
industrial revolution of the nineteenth (19) century.

There is nothing new about the investigation and

Improvement of working methods and managers of
outstanding ability have always existed. What is new is the
systematic disciplined approach to the investigation of
working methods and problems, and to the development of
solutions.
5.0 The Technique Of Work Study
The work study has two main components:
1. Method Study
2. Work Measurement
The method study is usually carried out first, although
some work measurement (time study) techniques
such as activity sampling may be used before a method
study to identify problems. The studies are also used
to compare the effectiveness of different methods.
6.0 Method Study
The objective of method study are to:
1) Improve the use of materials, equipment
and manpower;
2) Improve process and procedures;
3) Improve work place layout;
4) Improve the design of tools and equipment;
5) Reduce unnecessary work;
6) Develop a better working environment.
The British standard glossary of terms in work
study defines, method study as “the systematic
recording and critical examination of existing
and proposed ways of doing work as means of
developing and applying easier and more
effective method of reducing costs”
7.0 Work Measurement
This involves using time studies to find out how
long a job ought to take. The objectives are to:
a) Compare the efficiency of alternative methods
b) Provide information upon which planning,
scheduling and control of work can be based.
c) Balance the work of components of a team
d) Provide information for cost estimates
e) Set standards of performance as a basis for
incentive schemes.
The British standard glossary of terms in work study
gives the definitions of work measurement as “the
application of techniques designed to establish the
time for a qualified worker to carry out a specified
job at a defined level of performance”

8.0 Reference
For more detailed notes refer the book titled
“Principles of Construction Management by Roy
Pilcher”
VARIATIONS
A variation is defined as “the alteration or
modification of the design, quality or quantity of
the works as shown upon the contract drawings
and described by or referred to in the contract
bills”. This includes the addition, omission or
substitution of any work or the alteration of the
type or standard of any materials or goods.
Example:
The position of an internal partition may be
changed resulting in altered lengths and/or
Heights, or the material may be changed from
brickwork to block work.
SOURCES OF VARIATION
A variation may originate from a number of
causes specified in the JCT standard form:
1) A discrepancy or divergence between the
Contract bills engineering’s instruction, or any
drawings or documents issued by the architect (2.3)
2) Compliance with Acts of Parliament Regulations or By Laws
(6.12)
3) Alterations or modifications of the design, quality or quantity
of the works (13.1.1)
4) Restoration work in making good damage resulting from fire
or other causes (228.2.2)
5) Instructions relating to the finding of antiquities or other
objects of interest or value on the site (34.2)
JCT = The Joint Contracts Tribunal
NATURE OF VARIATIONS
In section 51 of the FIDIC conditions of contract
under the main heading of the “Alterations,
Additions and Omission gives the engineer very
wide powers to vary the “form, quantity or
Quality” of the works, and sets out in some
detail the types of changes to be expected.
END