A systems engineering approach to database development for the recording and analysis of work sampling studies

Abstract

Work sampling is an effective and economically viable way to analyze the productivity of operators and machines alike. The design of a work sampling project is often tedious and repetitive. The University of Pretoria is frequently involved in productivity investigations that make use of Work sampling studies and methods of streamlining the process have become necessary. A fully functional database capable of generating work sampling sheets; generating randomised timeslots; assimilating data and providing relevant statistical information; have been created. The work sampling sheets that can be generated is customisable for any given work sampling study that is conducted, and have been designed with user-friendliness as an important end goal.