Work Study is the systematic examination of the methods of carrying out activities such as to improve the effective use of resources and to set up standards of performance for the activities carried out. According to the ILO Hand Book, it is a term used to embrace the techniques of method study and work measurement, which are employed to ensure the best possible use of human and material resources in carrying out a specified activity.

Mr. F W Taylor who is called the father of scientific management is the founder of work-study. During the Second World War USA needed so many arms within a short time. Then Mr. F W Taylor applied Work-Study method to make many arms in short time & go tremendous result. After that work-study is being used in everywhere. Now it‘s circumference is getting larger day by day. Mr. Keith Harding form England started Work-Study in Bangladesh (Young one Corporation) in 1991.Now it is contributing very well to increase the productivity in Bangladesh.

 To analyze the present method of doing a job, systematically in order to develop a new and better method.  To measure the work content of a job by measuring the time required to do the job for a qualified worker and hence to establish standard time.  To increase the productivity by ensuring the best possible use of human, machine and material resources and to achieve best quality product/ service at minimum possible cost.  To improve operational efficiency.  To develop plant safety schemes, equipment utilization, plant layout, and conducive work environment.  To utilize optimum use of plant, equipment, manpower and material.

The term "work study" embraces several techniques, but in particular method study and work measurement. Method study is the systematic recording and critical examination of ways of doing things in order to make improvements. Work measurement is the application of techniques designed to establish the time for a qualified worker to carry out a task at a defined rate of working. Method study and work measurement are, therefore, closely linked. Method study is concerned with the reduction of the work content of a job or operation, while work measurement is mostly concerned with the investigation and of any ineffective time associated with it;

Method study is an analysis of ways of doing work. The mnemonic SREDIM (a common-sense heuristic or general problem solving strategy) represents the method study stages i.Select the tasks to study ii.Record the facts about it iii.Examine these iv.Develop a new method v.Install/implement it vi.Maintain it

 Increased productivity and operational efficiency.  Reduced manufacturing costs.  Improved work place layout.  Better manpower planning and capacity planning.  Fair wages to employees.  Better working conditions to employees.  Improved work flow.  Reduced material handling costs.

 Provides a standard of performance to measure labor efficiency.  Better industrial relations and employee morale.  Basis for sound incentive scheme.  Provides better job satisfaction to employees.  Concerned with the systematic analysis and improvement of manually controlled work situations.