Work Sampling Programs: Comparative Analysis

Eight work sampling programs that have been implemented on power plant and industrial construction projects are presented and evaluated. It is hypothesized that planning aspect most often overlooked is a definitive statement of the progeam objectives. This often leads to incompatibilities between the objectives and the selection of activity categories, data collection and analysis procedures, and the interval between studies. The Modular Controlled Work Sampling concept is presented which is a means of monitoring critical path activities. Two program philosophies are considerd One suggests that productivity suffers because the craftman is goofing off and the other suggests that the lack of tools and materials that stems from inadequate planning by management is the cause of reduced productivity. Typical recommendations from both types of program are presemted. The practice of comparing two or more crafts, contractors or projects, is also examined