Activity sampling

Activity Sampling is a statistical technique used in business management and industrial engineering to measure work performance. It is also known as work sampling, time study, or random observation.

Overview

Activity sampling is a method used to determine the proportion of time spent by workers on different tasks. It is a form of indirect observation, where the observer does not need to be present all the time. Instead, observations are made at random intervals to determine what activity is being undertaken at that time.

Methodology

The process of activity sampling involves several steps. First, the observer identifies the tasks or activities to be studied. Next, the observer randomly selects times to observe these activities. The observer then records what activity is being performed at each selected time. This process is repeated over a period of time to gather a sufficient amount of data.

The data collected through activity sampling can be used to calculate the proportion of time spent on each activity. This information can be used to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in the work process.

Applications

Activity sampling is widely used in various fields such as business management, industrial engineering, and healthcare. It is particularly useful in situations where it is impractical or costly to conduct a full time and motion study.

In business management, activity sampling can be used to analyze the work patterns of employees, identify bottlenecks in the production process, and determine the effectiveness of various management strategies.

In industrial engineering, activity sampling is often used to study the efficiency of manufacturing processes. It can help identify areas where resources are being wasted and suggest ways to improve productivity.

In healthcare, activity sampling can be used to study the work patterns of healthcare professionals and identify areas for improvement in patient care.

Limitations

While activity sampling is a powerful tool, it has some limitations. The accuracy of the results depends on the number of observations made. If the number of observations is too small, the results may not be representative of the actual work patterns. Also, activity sampling does not provide information on the quality of work performed.

See also

• Time and motion study
• Work measurement
• Operations research