What Do You Mean By Scientific Management?
Scientific Management is another special sense of an approach to management in which it undertakes the responsibility for deciding the proper standards and all the methods of work which gives close supervision on the workers.
In simpler words, Scientific Management is the art of knowing accurately ‘what is to be done’ and ‘how this will be done’. Under this approach, the scientific techniques are applied in the recruitment, at the time of selection, and in training the workers and are also used in tackling various industrial problems. Also, we will know about the man behind these techniques in our next section and will be introduced to his scientific techniques.
FW Taylor
F.W. Taylor led to the emergence of the concept of ‘Scientific Management’. Frederick Winslow Taylor’s philosophy of scientific approach was developed and was popularized by his associates like Frank Gilbreth, H.C. Gantt, H. Emerson, and H.S. Person.
Taylor’s thinking on management is the subject-matter of the two books - Shop Management and the Principles of Scientific Management that were published in 1903 and 1911 respectively. For the efforts of Taylor, Scientific Management became popular in the U.S.A. at the beginning of the twentieth century.
“Scientific Management means knowing exactly what you want men to do and seeing that they do it in the best and the cheapest way”. —F.W. Taylor.
Techniques of Scientific Management by FW Taylor
Taylor has led down various techniques of Scientific Management which were as follows:
1. Work-Study
2. Standardization of Tools and Equipments
3. Scientific Task Setting
4. Scientific Setting of Wage Rates
5. Scientific Selection and Training
6. Functional Foremanship
7. Differential Piece-Rate Plan.
We will discuss all seven techniques in good detail.
1. Work-Study:
Work-study implies an organized based study. This objectifies, systematizes, the efficiency of various operations in an enterprise. All around, this technique analyses the whole system.
These techniques are also used in the examination of human work in all its context and which lead systematically to the investigation of all the factors.
2. Standardization of Tools and Equipment:
Taylor standardized tools and couplings, the cost system, and several other items. Thus, efforts are made to provide a standardized working environment with methods of production to the workers. Standardization techniques help to reduce the spoilage and wastage of the materials, improve the quality of work and thereby reduce the cost of production. This technique is also effective for improving fatigue among the workers.
3. Scientific Task Setting:
This is essential to set a standard task which an average worker will do during a working day. Taylor called it a fair day’s work. He put together the need for fixing a fair day’s work as this will prevent the workers from doing work that is much below their capacity.
4. Scientific Setting of Wage Rates:
Wage rates should be fixed in such a way that the average worker is induced to attain a standard output that is leveled up more than his level. Taylor thus suggested that the differential piece - wage system should be introduced.
5. Scientific Selection and Training:
The management is required to design the scientific selection procedure so that the right men are selected for the right jobs. The first step in this scientific selection is determining the jobs for which the workers are required. After this, the employees are appropriately qualified, trained, experienced and the level of efficiency for the post is then determined. The employees are selected according to the predetermined standards in an impartial way.
6. Functional Foremanship:
Taylor specified in this technique that specialization is to be introduced in a factory. He advocated ‘functional foremanship’ for this purpose. A functional foremanship is a form of an organization that involves supervision of a worker by several specialist foramen. Example - matters relating to the speed of work and repairs of machinery are to be supervised by the speed boss and the repair boss respectively in this case.
7. Differential Piece-Rate Plan:
This plan as suggested by Taylor is to attract highly efficient workers. In this plan, there are two-piece work rates, the one which is lower and the other is higher.
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Foremanship with a Purpose:
A factory administration system that allows for the presence of many foremen in independent, functional roles is known as functional foremanship. Traditionally, factories had only one manager to oversee operations. For manufacturing workers, this manager or foreman was their only point of contact. Frederick Winslow Taylor, the eminent engineer who revolutionized Scientific Management at the turn of the century, uncovered a major flaw in this method. When he compiled a list of all the qualities that a good supervisor must possess, he realized that no one individual could possibly possess all of them. As a result, the concept of working foremanship was conceived.
Workplace Standardization and Simplicity:
What is the Definition of Standardization?
Standardization refers to the process of setting standards for any industrial activity, such as the way things are done, the amount of time they take, the raw materials they use, the machinery they use, the products they make, the processes they go through, and the situations they go through. These examples serve as guidelines that must be followed throughout the process.
What Are Management Principles? Related Reading: What Are Management Principles?
What is the Definition of Simplification?
Simplification refers to the removal of non-essential kinds, sizes, and measurements, whereas standardization refers to the creation of new types rather than existing ones. The goal of simplification is to eliminate a variety of products that are redundant. Machines, tools, and labor costs are reduced as a result. It entails keeping inventory under control, making full use of commodities, and increasing turnover.
Study Method:
The goal of the research is to discover one vigorous method of accomplishing the job. The job can be done in a variety of ways. There are a number of variables to consider when determining the optimum path. Every endeavor, from obtaining raw materials to presenting the final product to the user, is part of method research. Using the technique research, Taylor came up with the concept of the assembly line.
Motion Analysis:
Motion analysis is the study of actions such as placing objects, lifting, changing positions and sitting that occur when doing a routine task. Random motions are encouraged to be reduced so that the job can be completed in less time.
Study of Time:
It reduces the amount of time it takes to execute a specific task. For each step of the task, time-keeping devices are used. Various readings are used to determine the standard time for the full task. The duration of the time study will be determined by the task's frequency and volume, as well as the process's cycle time and time measurement costs.
Fatigue Research:
If a person does not relax while working, he or she will get emotionally and physically exhausted. Rest periods will aid in the recovery of vitality and the ability to work at the same level again. As a result, the potency will be increased. The goal of fatigue research is to determine the amount and frequency of rest intervals required to complete a task.
FAQs on Scientific Management Techniques: Key Methods
1. What are the main techniques of Scientific Management as given by F.W. Taylor?
F.W. Taylor introduced several key techniques to improve industrial efficiency. The primary techniques are:
- Functional Foremanship: Assigning specialised supervisors for different aspects of a job.
- Standardisation and Simplification of Work: Setting standards for every business activity and eliminating unnecessary product varieties.
- Work-Study: This includes Method Study, Motion Study, Time Study, and Fatigue Study to analyse work scientifically.
- Differential Piece Wage System: A system that rewards efficient workers with higher wages.
- Scientific Selection and Training: Choosing and training employees based on scientific methods.
2. How are the principles of Scientific Management different from its techniques?
The principles are the fundamental guidelines, while the techniques are the practical methods to apply those principles. For example, the principle of 'Science, not Rule of Thumb' advises using a scientific approach. The technique of 'Time Study' is the actual tool used to implement this principle by scientifically determining the standard time for a job.
3. What is the purpose of the Differential Piece Wage System?
The main purpose of the Differential Piece Wage System is to motivate workers by linking wages directly to their output. It differentiates between efficient and inefficient workers by setting two wage rates. Workers who produce the standard output or more are paid at a higher rate, while those who produce less are paid at a lower rate. This strongly encourages workers to improve their efficiency.
4. How does 'Functional Foremanship' work to improve efficiency?
Functional Foremanship improves efficiency by applying the principle of specialisation. Instead of one foreman overseeing everything, the work is divided into planning and production roles. Under these, eight specialist foremen supervise specific tasks (like instruction, speed, repair, discipline). This ensures that each worker receives expert guidance in every aspect of their job, reducing errors and increasing productivity.
5. What is the key difference between Time Study and Motion Study?
The key difference lies in their focus. Time Study is concerned with determining the standard time required to perform a well-defined job. In contrast, Motion Study focuses on analysing the movements of a worker (like lifting, holding, sitting) to eliminate unnecessary or wasteful motions. Time study sets a time target, while motion study makes the process smoother and faster.
6. Can you give a real-world example of how 'Method Study' might be used?
Certainly. Imagine a car assembly line. A Method Study analyst would observe the entire process of fitting a car door. They might find that workers walk ten steps to pick up screws. By moving the screw bin closer, they can eliminate that unnecessary movement. This analysis helps identify the one best way of doing the job, which saves time, reduces effort, and lowers production costs.
7. Why is 'Fatigue Study' an important part of Scientific Management?
Fatigue Study is important because it recognises that continuous work leads to physical and mental tiredness, which reduces a worker's efficiency. By scientifically determining the frequency and duration of rest intervals, companies can help employees recover their energy. This leads to sustained productivity throughout the workday and helps prevent accidents caused by exhaustion.
8. What are some limitations or criticisms of applying Scientific Management?
While influential, Scientific Management has faced criticism. A major limitation is that it can be dehumanising, as it sometimes treats workers like machines and ignores their social and psychological needs. Its focus on efficiency can also lead to a lack of autonomy and creativity for employees, and the 'one best way' approach may not be suitable for all types of complex or creative tasks.
