Methods-Time Measurement (MTM): What is MTM primarily used for in industrial engineering and work study?

Introduction / Context:
Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) is a classic predetermined motion time system used in industrial engineering and work study. It decomposes manual tasks into basic motions and assigns standard times to each motion, allowing analysts to design or evaluate methods before the job reaches the shop floor.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• An MTM system is available (e.g., MTM-1, MTM-2) with a recognized set of motion codes and times.
• Objective: clarify the primary uses of MTM in a production context.
• Focus on method improvement, time setting, and pre-production method design.

Concept / Approach:
MTM converts observed or planned motions into standard times independent of individual worker pace. Because of this, MTM supports three major aims: designing efficient methods in advance, improving existing methods by eliminating waste motions, and establishing fair, defendable time standards without prolonged stop-watch studies.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check MTM-derived standards with pilot runs or limited time studies; results typically align closely, validating that MTM can substitute or complement traditional timing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each individual purpose listed (only improvement, only time standards, only pre-production method design) captures part of MTM, but MTM is commonly used for all of them together.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing MTM with simple stop-watch timing; ignoring allowances for fatigue and delays; assuming MTM is only for repetitive work—while best for repetition, it can inform low-variation tasks too.

Final Answer:
All of the above