involves seven steps, perk or needs mechanization, with work people an

Whenever an O & M study is undertaken about:any work, it involves seven steps:
1. Determining the object QT' assignrnent. The first quesuorl to the asked is what the real object of the enquiry is? For example, if Ye e have been asked to improve an existing procedure we must knob why that procedure is oerAg done and why in improvement is needed, N-vltat is the trouble i.e., die operation many be costly or it may be causing delays or interrupung free flow of -perk or needs mechanization.
2. Planning the assignment. The next step IS to plan the work. What -c e gong to do amd how will we proceed will have to be decided beforehand. Orson has to be taken about the nature of information to be procured add . Was from which it has to be procured
': vmq be better if before ma the plan, the O & M erp officer or the ; ses the problem with important erp offices of the organization and = -: Marc as lo what the problem is and who are the employees likely to
3. Collecting the facts. The next step is to I nd out hov. -ah .m-: -currentlybeing handled. These are several waN s of collecting this irtr = The existing records may be studied, the in es inflator may make permit
observation tltrough irterrieNv and discussion with work people an J .nara -e s Questionnaires can also be used to obtain required infornnation. 'So h inforn ation can be collected through studs of erp office manuals. files -ni documents
- 4.:Analvsingthefacts. Analysis of present work methods will helpin gaining clear comprehension of all facts The O & M roam should trN- to prove why the work in question is done, how is it done, Nvhen is in done where is it done and who does it Thorough study has to be made about tl forms being used, nature amd intensity of rupee ision, cost of operation, degree do meehanisatioll and scope of economy
S. DePise the improvement. InnproN ement is obtained by eliminating changing or s;mplifyhlg the existing work methods. The investigator will have to ir terpTet facts and find out wasteful activities and procedures. Bearing in mind the object of study, he has to find ways of improving matters. Attempt should be made to get opinion of all the persons, connected with the plan. Wider participation u ill reduce resistance to change and ensure acceptance and co-operatierl in implementation of the plar..
6. Submitting proposal. After investigation and analysis and devising irnprovemqr.t the proposal should be subu itted for subsequent action The proposal is first shown to tlte manager of the deparniicnt concerned. This is not for inviting suggestions or getting approval but is for illtimatiug them that this IS being recommended to the management.
7. installing the plan. The final step in the O & M scheme is the implementation of the plan. Verv of en this mav require adjustment hi other procedures OT existing methods or in equipment being used of work. For example, mtroductionofcomputermaYrequire a large scale cn.ingq in forms stationery or methods of recording information There Clay be a need to train the existing staff, perhaps new statf may have to be recnuted to do the new ypeofwork. Aftcrinstallabon ofthq newplan, its follow-up is also necessary to see vvheth2er ii is workrng smoothly or not, if not, then renledial action NVill have to be taken.
Generally, there IS resistance to change whenever a new work method IS introduced in the organization. It is possible that clerical staff, supervisors. or even middle mamagement may be opposed to suggested changes. In such a situation the O & M manager should t y to explain tilings and Nnr. the confidence ofthe staff. Many difficulties maybe noticed when the procedure is put into operation. ThR O & M man should study the practical difficulties and try to set things right. There should be a proper follow-up after the plan has been put into action.