These are the questions that come up again and again in interviews for IE Executive and MTO (Management Trainee Officer) jobs in garment factories. Learn the idea behind each answer, not just the words.
Work study
1. What is work study? Work study is the systematic recording and critical examination of how a job is done, so that it can be done better with the same or fewer resources.
2. What are the two branches of work study? Method study (how the work should be done) and work measurement (how long it should take).
3. What is method study and what are its steps? Method study simplifies the work method to raise productivity with the least use of resources. It has eight steps:
- Select the job
- Record the present method
- Examine it critically
- Develop a better method
- Measure the new method
- Define it (write the standard)
- Install it on the floor
- Maintain it
4. What are the objectives of method study?
- Better use of people, machines, material, money, time and information
- Less unnecessary effort and fatigue
- Better layout, equipment and workplace design
- Safer, better working conditions
5. What is work measurement and why do we do it? Work measurement sets the time a qualified worker needs to do a task at a defined level of performance. We use it to find ineffective time, set output standards, judge operator performance, plan manpower and capacity, compare methods, schedule work and design incentive schemes.
Time study terms
| Term | Meaning | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Observed time | Time measured while watching the operator | Average of the stopwatch readings |
| Basic (normal) time | Time for an operator working at standard pace | Observed time × Rating ÷ 100 |
| Standard time | Basic time plus allowances | Basic time + Allowances |
| Cycle time | From picking up one piece to picking up the next | Machine time + handling time |
6-9. Observed, basic, standard and cycle time - see the table. Remember: no allowances are inside basic time; allowances (fatigue, personal needs, small delays, bundle handling) are added to get standard time. Cycle time is what you actually observe, so it is also called observed time.
10. What is time study? Direct, continuous observation of a task with a timing device (stopwatch, phone app or video) to record how long it takes. It suits repetitive work like sewing operations.
11. How are cycle time and time study related? Time study is the activity; cycle time is its result.
12. What is capacity? How many pieces an operator or line can make in a period. If an operation's average cycle time is 30 seconds (with allowance), the hourly capacity is 3600 ÷ 30 = 120 pieces.
SMV, productivity and efficiency
13. What is SMV? What do SMV and SAM stand for? The time a qualified worker needs to do a task at a defined rate under specified conditions. SMV = Standard Minute Value, SAM = Standard Allowed Minute. They mean the same thing.
14. Difference between SMV and cycle time? SMV is fixed for an operation; cycle time changes from operator to operator and factory to factory.
15. What is throughput time? The time a product needs to pass through the whole process - from input to output. In sewing it is usually measured from line input to the first finished piece.
16. What is productivity? Output per unit of input: Productivity = Output ÷ Input.
17. Production vs productivity? Production is only the quantity (e.g. line made 400 pieces). Productivity relates it to input: 400 pieces ÷ 35 workers = 11.4 pieces per worker per day.
18. One operation SMV is 0.45. What is the hourly target? 60 ÷ 0.45 = 133 pieces per hour.
19. How do you calculate the line target?
Formula: Line target = (Working minutes × Number of workers) ÷ Garment SMV
20. How do you calculate line efficiency?
Formula: Efficiency % = (Production × Garment SMV) ÷ (Workers × Working minutes) × 100
21. How do you calculate production achievement? Achievement % = Production ÷ Target × 100. Target 1800, production 1600 → 88.89%.
22. Garment SMV 21.45, 1500 pieces in 10 hours with 72 workers. Efficiency? (1500 × 21.45) ÷ (72 × 600) × 100 = 74.48%
Tip: In an interview, always say the formula first, then put the numbers in. It shows you understand, not just remember.