Where does the time really go? Work Sampling answers it with many short, random snapshots instead of a full day of watching. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
Work Sampling (MMA) in short
- Set goal and scope. Which question, who or what, over which period?
- Define 5 to 10 categories. Mutually exclusive, each with a one-sentence definition: working, setup, moving, waiting, rework …
- Calculate N. With the formula, typically at 95 % confidence and ± 5 % precisionHow much variation exists when the same item is measured multiple times. Click term for full definition.
- Random schedule. Spread N over days and shifts, at random times. Never deviate from it.
- Observe, tally, act. Record only what happens at that moment. Share = count ÷ all. Investigate the surprises.
Key points
- Many random snapshots, not continuous watching.
- N = Z² × p × (1 − p) ÷ P².
- Share = count ÷ all observations.
- High waiting or rework shares point to causes.