time and motion study: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “time and motion study” mean?
A systematic analysis of work processes to measure efficiency, identify wasted time or effort, and establish standard times for tasks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A systematic analysis of work processes to measure efficiency, identify wasted time or effort, and establish standard times for tasks.
A method of business efficiency analysis, originally developed in industrial engineering, that breaks down tasks into fundamental motions to optimize productivity, reduce fatigue, and set performance standards. It often involves observation, timing, and sometimes filming of workers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept and term are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it can have neutral/technical or slightly negative connotations. Positively, it signifies efficiency and scientific management. Negatively, it can imply excessive monitoring, dehumanization of work, and 'Taylorism'.
Frequency
Equally common in professional/business contexts in both the UK and US. Slightly less frequent in general everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “time and motion study” in a Sentence
[Subject] conducted a time and motion study on/of [Object].A time and motion study was carried out to [Purpose].According to the time and motion study, [Finding].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time and motion study” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team were time-and-motion-studied for a fortnight.
- We need to time-and-motion-study the new procurement process.
American English
- The consultants time-and-motion-studied the warehouse staff.
- They plan to time-and-motion-study the entire workflow.
adjective
British English
- The time-and-motion-study consultant presented her findings.
- We are implementing time-and-motion-study principles.
American English
- A time-and-motion-study approach was adopted.
- The report contained time-and-motion-study data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The management commissioned a time and motion study to streamline the assembly line and reduce operational costs.
Academic
Early 20th-century time and motion studies, pioneered by Frank Gilbreth, fundamentally changed industrial psychology and management theory.
Everyday
I don't need a time and motion study to tell me that this new software is slowing us all down! (figurative, critical use)
Technical
The ergonomist used video analysis as part of the time and motion study to categorize elemental motions into therbligs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time and motion study”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time and motion study”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time and motion study”
- Incorrect article: 'a time and motion study' (correct), not 'the time and motion study' (unless referring to a specific one).
- Pluralization: 'time and motion studies' (correct for multiple instances).
- Confusing it with a simple 'time study' (which may only measure duration, not motion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, fixed compound noun representing one integrated methodology. The 'and' links two aspects (time measurement and motion analysis) of the same study.
The principles were developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor (time study) and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (motion study) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, forming the basis of 'scientific management'.
Yes, but often in evolved forms. Modern versions use digital tools, video analysis, and software analytics, and are applied to knowledge work, healthcare, and services, not just manufacturing.
A 'time study' typically focuses only on how long a task takes. A 'time and motion study' analyses both the duration and the physical movements involved, seeking to optimize the motions themselves to save time and reduce effort.
A systematic analysis of work processes to measure efficiency, identify wasted time or effort, and establish standard times for tasks.
Time and motion study is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Time and motion study: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm ən ˈməʊʃən ˌstʌdi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaɪm ən ˈmoʊʃən ˌstʌdi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Under the microscope (similar concept of close scrutiny)”
- “Every minute counts (related philosophy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TIME how long it takes, watch the MOTION of the worker, and STUDY the results to improve efficiency.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORK IS A MACHINE (that can be tuned for optimal performance); EFFICIENCY IS A SCIENCE (to be studied).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of a time and motion study?