ETA – ELEMENTAL TIMES IN AGRICULTURE

Several methods and techniques have been developed in the passed 50 years for setting, Time Standards.
The decision to select one particular way of approach and technique in subject to various considerations, for instance: the purpose for which the Time Standards will be used; the accuracy that is required; the knowledge at that particular time; budgetary possibilities.

In a situation that time values are lacking at all even rough estimates will be accepted aegerly: in that case the main purpose is getting time standards as quick as possible with a sacrifice of accuracy.
But when a period of consolidation is achieved the demand for more accurate information will increase.
In considering the question of accuracy, it should be realized that this has two different aspects:

• a quantitative aspect (dealing with the time values);

• a qualitative aspect (with regard to methods description).

Formerly, at this Institute, primary attention was given to precise times: hence direct observations and work measurements were carried out to replace the existing estimates.

Once having these requirements fulfilled however, the necessity arose to improve the qualitative aspect, which so far had been neglected, i.e. more attention was asked for