time and motion study
an analysis of industrial operations or other complex tasks into their component steps, observing the time required for each. Common in the early years of scientific management, such studies may serve a number of different purposes, enabling an employer to set performance targets, increase productivity, rationalize pay rates and pricing policy, reduce employee fatigue, and prevent accidents. Also called motion and time study. See also therblig. [devised by U.S. engineer and efficiency expert Frank B. Gilbreth (1868–1924) and Lillian Moller Gilbreth]