Specific observational studies should be used to determine the productivity of an assembly line. Productivity can not always be measured easily, but understanding the types of observational studies that will work in an assembly line study will help you choose what type of study to use for your research. This article will discuss the use of nonverbal behavioral studies and product and activity analysis as an observational study method for assembly line productivity research.
When conducting observational studies, to determine the productivity of an assembly line, you should consider both quantitative and qualitative research. A nonverbal study is qualitative and informs a researcher about the deeper meaning of behavior in relation to productivity. A qualitative study such as product and activity analysis is also necessary to measure the actual productivity on the assembly now.
A nonverbal behavioral study is a type of observational study that can be made to determine productivity of an assembly line. This type of study would notice the movement and physical actions of the employees on an assembly line. This study would analyze productivity through motion, action, and behavior. The movements and physical expressions could easily reflect and be influenced by productivity, and productivity can also be influenced by nonverbal behavior. A simple nonverbal behavior is smiling at your neighbor. This may be part of an observational study on productivity because employees might be more productive when they are happy or smiling. I believe this hypothesis is a qualitative type of research question.
Product and activity analysis is another form of observational study that can be used to determine the productivity of an assembly line. This study would be more quantitative because it would measure in more specific means. The productivity being measured would be in figures of quantity or quality. This type of study is more effective for determining the productivity of an assembly line, but a nonverbal behavioral study is an effective study for determining the reasons behind productivity levels of an assembly line.
When attempting to determine the productivity of an assembly line it is important to consider using nonverbal behavioral studies as well as product and activity analysis studies. These research methods will provide you with helpful insights into the productivity of an assembly line.
Both of these observational studies deal with understanding productivity, but they are of different natures, and they answer different questions about the productivity of an assembly line.
