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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]

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Psychology term of the day

October 15th 2024

frontonasal dysplasia

frontonasal dysplasia

a congenital disorder characterized by defective fusion of structures in the midline of the face. The cleft may involve the eyes, the tip of the nose, the palate, and the premaxilla. About 20% of affected individuals have some degree of intellectual disability. Also called median-cleft-face syndrome.