Activity Sampling - Process Design

This is a method of finding the percentage occurrence of a certain activity by statistical sampling and random observation. It is used when there is a need to measure levels of activity, but continuous time study is impractical or uneconomic; it can provide an economical estimate of acceptable accuracy.

Its uses include: 

• Arranging the duties of groups of workers
• Indicating the scope for improvement in methods
• Assessing the potential value of incentive schemes
• Investigating the causes of unsatisfactory performance figures.

Consider a piece of equipment such as a photocopier. Let us say that, if a continuous time study were to be carried out during an eight-hour shift, the total non-working time is found to be 3.7 hours, or 46.3 per cent (see figure).