Question

Based on the book The Principles of Scientific Management by Frederick Taylor. Could you point out the areas in the book that will lead the reader to believe that Frederick W. Taylor is the father of any of the branches in Industrial Engineering (ergonomics, human factors, time studies, work methods. scientific manufacturing, etc)?

Answer 1

The Principles of Scientific Management (1911) is a monograph published by Frederick Taylor. This laid out Taylor's views on principles of scientific management, or industrial era organization and decision theory. Taylor was an American manufacturing manager, mechanical engineer, and then a management consultant in his later years. The term "scientific management" refers to coordinating the enterprise for everyone's benefit including increased wages for laborers although the approach is "directly antagonistic to the old idea that each workman can best regulate his own way of doing the work." His approach is also often referred to as Taylor's Principles.

--Time Study & Methods Engineering

Time Study and Methods Engineering (Analysis) are directly related.

Time Study is the analysis of a specific job by a qualified worker in an effort to find the most efficient method in terms of time and effort. Time Study measures the time necessary for a job or task to be completed using the best method.

Methods Engineering/Analysis is the systematic recording and critical examination of the way tasks are completed in order to make improvements.

Methods analysis is concerned with the reduction of the work content of a job or operation, while work measurement is typically concerned with any ineffective time associated with the method and subsequent establishment of time standards for the operation.

Taylor’s motives were outwardly humanistic as he aimed to “secure the maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with the maximum prosperity for each employee. Taylor’s focus on increasing productivity was based on the idea that “maximum prosperity can exist only as the result of maximum productivity”.3 Contemporary marketing literature suggests a variety of means to increase prosperity, such as communications and pricing strategies. These sophisticated marketing strategies were, however, not generally practised during Taylor’s time and so his only means to improve prosperity was to increase efficiency.

Scientific management provides the following advantages:

(1) Reduction in the Cost of Production:

It increases production with the help of mechanisation and latest technology used in producing the goods. On account of large scale production, per unit cost of production is considerably reduced.

(2) Better Quality Products:

By resorting to the measures of standardisation and effective supervision, better quality products are ensured.

(3) Benefits of Division of Labour:

The principle of specialisation adopted under scientific management ensures the benefits derived from the division of labour. The work is simplified and is carried out in most economical and efficient manner.

(4) Avoidance of Disputes between Labour and Management:

Scientific management is instrumental in developing healthy cooperation between the management and the labour thereby encouraging cordial and harmonious relations between the two. This leads to reduction in industrial disputes and provides of industrial peace. The concept of ‘Mental Revolution’ has been evolved by F.W. Taylor for developing close understanding, mutual trust and confidence between the labour and management.

(5) Increased Wages:

Scientific management aims at higher productivity and the workers get increased wages. Taylor suggested a differential incentive plan for increased wages to efficient workers. The higher wages are helpful in increasing the standard of living of the workers.

(6) Gains to Owners/Investors:

Increased productivity and large scale production leads to more turnovers and enhanced profits for the investor. The higher profits can be ploughed back for self-financing in order to provide sound financial base to the concern.

(7) Proper Methods of Selection and Training of Workers:

One of the main principles of scientific management is that it undertakes scientific selection, placement and training of industrial workers. In this manner, right type of man is selected for the right type of job.

(8) Provision of Better Working Conditions:

Scientific management provides a proper atmosphere of work to the workers. Proper working hours followed by rest pauses, adequate lighting, ventilation, ensuring proper safety, provision of many other amenities etc., are ensured to workers.

(9) Instructions to Workers:

Under scientific management work is carried out systematically in accordance with predetermined plans. Detailed instructions and guidance is provided to workers in order to carry out the work in accordance with the plans prepared in advance.

(10) Lesser Production Time:

Scientific management leads to the accomplishment of the work in lesser time. Production operations are pre-established and this results in lesser production delays.

(11) Better Utilisation of Resources:

Scientific management techniques ensure optimum utilisation of available resources viz., materials, machines, equipment, money and workers etc. It removes the wastage and inefficiency of every kind.

(12) Gains to Consumers:

Scientific management extends triple benefit to the consumer’s viz.;

(a) Consumers get better quality products,

(b) Paying lesser prices

(c) Attaining higher living standards.

(13) Beneficial to the Nation:

Scientific management provides many advantages to a nation in the form industrial peace and harmony, increased production and lesser cost of production, higher standard of living for every section of society, higher national income, rapid industrial development etc. It can be said that scientific management plays an important role in building a strong nation.

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