How to correctly perform a work sampling Online publication date: Tue, 14-Feb-2023
by Yossi Hadad; Michael Z. Hanani
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management (IJLSM), Vol. 44, No. 2, 2023
Abstract: The use of work sampling as an efficient tool for determining values of parameters such as the rate of employment or idle time of employees, machine utilisation, the rate of allowances to be allocated to employees, and even the setting of standard time, has been growing in recent years. The reason is the advantages that this method has over other methods. This paper describes the 'correct' way to perform a work sampling: the steps required, methods for identifying and removing irregular (out-of-control) samples, and three methods for determining how many observations must be made to determine the values of the various parameters. These are all essential to a 'correct' execution of the work sampling technique. We present three methods for deciding the required number of observations to determine the values of the various parameters (two of them based on the Pareto principle, taking into account the cumulative weight of the various activities performed, and a third intended to ensure compliance with the required inaccuracy of the entire sample).
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management (IJLSM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook