In order to ensure increased productivity in an organization, organization and work study officers analyze and improve the various factors that influence people in their working environment.
These factors can include the structure policy and procedures of the organization, systems and methods being used, the environment, facilities and aids. They do extensive research into current labour practices and then submit reports to management with specific recommendations with regard to the elimination of waste, increase in productivity or where costs could be saved.
The work is quite varied and can include acting as facilitator in various stances, determining the need for additional office equipment, introducing better administrative systems, such as filing or retrieving information, determining staff needs, implementing incentive schemes, simplifying or improving work procedures and determining requirements that would improve the general productivity.
Organization and work study officers usually work in clean, pleasant and comfortable office environments. However, because all the areas and departments of the organization need to be analyzed, they are not desk-bound.
Satisfying Aspects
- recommending and implementing changes that really do make a difference to the profits of the organization
- a varied and seldom monotonous job
- working with people
- having a job that can really impact on people's productivity
- challenges of making improvements
Demanding aspects
- frustration if recommendations are not put into practice
- working with disinterested members of staff
Requirements
A work study officer should:
- be a good communicator, in both speech and writing
- have excellent interpersonal relations
- be patient, original and objective
- be enthusiastic and inquisitive
- be able to persevere
- be tactful, able to inspire confidence
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics
Training
Degree: A BSc, BCom, BAdmin or a BA degree offers good background training for someone interested in this career, but does not fully equip one to work in this field. Exposure to and experience of a work situation is recommended.
Diploma: The N.Dip. Organization and Work Study / Management Services which takes 3 years to complete, is offered in 3 fields of specialization namely factories, offices and public service. The following universities fo technology offer the respective fields:
N.Dip: Management Services - UNISA
N.Dip: Production Management - TUT
Employer
- Any private organizations
- Local authorities
- Government and quasi-government organizations
- Provincial administrations
Contact
Contact any of the above training institutions.
The Secretary
The SA Institute of Management Services
P O Box 693
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (079) 497-9183 Fax: 086 558 7183