Application of work study for productivity improvement: A case study of a brewing company

Bupe G. Mwanza, Charles Mbohwa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Productivity focuses on the efficient use of resources; labor, land, materials and energy for the production of various goods and services. The brewing process of the company under study had been taking longer than the standard time hence affecting productivity. The researchers focused on identifying areas for productivity improvement using work-study. The boiler, brewing and packaging sections of the production department were investigated. A descriptive research was conducted in which interviews; direct observations and work sampling were used to collect data. A sample size of 75 observations was determined using a statistical formula. Out of the 75 observations conducted at the boiler, brewing and packaging sections, the researchers concluded that; for the boiler section, 68% of the time the workers were working while the remaining 32% was attributed to ineffective time. For the brewing section, 60% of the time the workers were working while 40% was attributed to ineffective time. For the packaging section (machine 1), 80% of the time, the workers were working while 20% accounted for ineffective time. Lastly for the packaging section (machine 2) 83% of the time, the workers were working while 17% accounted for ineffective time. The findings separated employee's and machine working time from idle time. The researchers recommended that the company acquires advanced material handling systems; invest in sustainable energy and employee training especially in productivity improvement programs so as to enhance worker skills and knowledge.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management in Kuala Lumpur, IEOM 2016
PublisherIEOM Society
Pages296-305
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9780985549749
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event6th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management in Kuala Lumpur, IEOM 2016 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 8 Mar 201610 Mar 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
Volume8-10 March 2016
ISSN (Electronic)2169-8767

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management in Kuala Lumpur, IEOM 2016
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityKuala Lumpur
Period8/03/1610/03/16

Keywords

  • Brewing
  • Productivity improvement
  • Work sampling
  • Work study

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Application of work study for productivity improvement: A case study of a brewing company'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this