GILBRETHS

Gilbreths worked on industrial engineering field.They studied a method named time and motion.Motion study aims to eliminate unnecessary work and desing effective,efficient and suitable methods for employeers.By eliminating unnecessary work,simplifying operations they established the most favorable motion sequence.The method was based on bricklayers since Frank Bunker Gilbreth was a bricklayer apprentience.

Their work on time and motion sometimes associated with Frederic W. Taylor,but there are differences.Taylor concerned on reducing time of process;however,Gilbreths method make process more efficient by reducing the motions involved.In contrast to Taylor,Gilbrets were concerned with workers welfare.
Gilbrets other contributions to science can be listed as:

• Use of process flowcharts,
  
• Design of work tables and chairs with proper heights,
• Micromotion study – study the fundamental elements of an operation using a motion picture camera and a timing device that accurately indicates the time intervals on the motion picture film.
  
• Cyclegraphic and chronocyclegraphic analysis (to study motion path of an operator)
  
• Developed process charts, left-hand-right-hand charts, and therbligs
  

Also studied fatigue, monotony, transfer of skills, and increasing mobility of handicapped.

References:Bilkent university lecture IE271(powerpoint), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Bunker_Gilbreth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Moller_Gilbreth