project management glossary

method study

 By systematically studying a repetitive task, it is often possible to identify parts that do not contribute usefully, or can be improved to reduce the labor, material and/or time required for their performance. Can be applied to almost any type of work. Has particular application to improving cost and schedule performance on long duration project activities containing highly cyclical tasks. Examples are continuous sliding formwork, tunneling, track laying and so on. Time study is usually necessary to measure the increment of time required for each individual movement making up the total task.

methodology

 A documented process for management of projects that contains procedures, definitions and roles and responsibilities.

 A collection of methods, procedures, and standards that defines an integrated synthesis of approaches.

 See Project/Program Methodology.

methods study

 A systematic recording of all activities performed in a task or sequence of work including standard time for the work performed. Opportunities for simplification or improvement are noted during the study or as a result of subsequent analysis.