Value and meaning in and of itself: The unit of work that makes up the task is complete; for example, “apply a product” or “drain a hydraulic system” do not have any value or meaning in isolation.
Independence: A task must have a clearly determined start and finish. The activity undertaken must proceed entirely within the unit of work; for example, “activate the cutter in order to ensure that the tree is completely cut” is a unit that involves the preceding unit, “grasp the tree with the machine”; these two units are therefore not independent of each other.
Recognized performance standards: There are specific requirements with respect to the task analyzed, such as conventions or standards regarding accuracy, quantity, quality, time, etc., generally defined by a supervisor in writing, verbally, in chart form, etc. For example, “observe the time indicated in the manufacturer’s manual.”
Distinctions among task, operation and sub operation
Depending on the goal, the unit relates directly to the following:
Tasks usually relate to the outcomes of the work (products or services).
Operations relate to how the work proceeds.
Suboperations relate to the important aspects of the operations.
Depending on the nature, the unit is defined as follows:
•Tasks are the important actions involved in an occupation, that is, the worker’s main activities.
Operations are steps of tasks; the breakdown is based on common methods, techniques or habits.
Suboperations are substeps of tasks; they are details of the operations.