Scientific Management Thoery Flashcards
What is the scientific management theory?
1.Scientific management theory is a method of improving efficiency in the workforce.
2.This management theory uses scientific methods to assess work processes.
What are the steps of the Scientific Method?
- Observation of effects of a treatment
- Experimentation with a different treatment
- Analysis of the results
What are the principles of scientific management?
- Science, not the Rule of Thumb: This rule focuses on increasing the efficiency of an organization through scientific analysis of work and not with the ‘Rule of Thumb’ method.
- Harmony, Not Discord: Taylor indicated and believed that the relationship between the workers and management should be cordial and completely harmonious.
- Mental Revolution: This technique involves a shift of attitude of management and workers towards each other. The aim of both should be to improve and boost the profits of the organization.
- Cooperation, not Individualism: It is similar to ‘Harmony, not discord’ and believes in mutual collaboration between workers and the management.
- Development of Every Person to his Greatest Efficiency: The effectiveness of a company also relies on the abilities and skills of its employees. Thus, implementing training, learning best practices and technology, is the scientific approach to brush up the employee skill.
What are the goals of scientific management?
- Increasing Efficiency
- Increasing Profits
Which of the following is not one of Frederick Taylor’s principles of scientific management?
a) Time and motion studies
b) Differential piece-rate system
c) Unity of command
d) Functional foremanship
(c)
According to Taylor, what is the primary goal of scientific management?
a) Maximizing worker satisfaction
b) Maximizing worker wages
c) Maximizing efficiency and productivity
d) Maximizing worker participation
(c)
In the context of scientific management, what is the term for a worker’s reluctance to work at their maximum potential due to management’s failure to provide incentives?
a) Soldiering
b) Time study
c) Differential piece-rate
d) Time and motion study
(a)
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth contributed significantly to scientific management by focusing on:
a) Standardization of work processes
b) Time and motion studies
c) Human relations in the workplace
d) Employee motivation
(b)
A manufacturing company is experiencing low productivity levels among its workers. Management is considering implementing scientific management principles to improve efficiency. Discuss how time and motion studies, as advocated by Frederick Taylor, can be applied to address this issue. Provide specific examples.
Time and motion studies involve breaking down work processes into their smallest elements and analyzing each step to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. In this manufacturing scenario:
- Time study: Implement time studies to measure how long each task takes. For example, if workers are assembling a product, measure the time it takes to complete each step of the assembly process. Identify any bottlenecks or delays.
- Motion study: Observe and analyze the movements of workers during their tasks. Look for unnecessary motions, such as excessive reaching or walking, and suggest more efficient movements.
- Combine the findings: Use the data from time and motion studies to reorganize work processes. For instance, if a certain assembly step takes too long, consider resequencing tasks or simplifying the process to reduce the time required.
- Implement standardized work methods: Once improvements are identified, establish standardized work methods based on the most efficient practices. Train workers to follow these standardized procedures.
Which of the following best describes the term “functional foremanship” in scientific management?
a) A form of assembly line production
b) The division of labor into specialized functions
c) A system of multiple supervisors overseeing a worker
d) The use of scientific methods to manage worker behavior
(c)
A software development company is facing challenges in coordinating the work of its development teams. Apply the principles of scientific management to suggest how the company can improve team coordination and productivity. Consider aspects such as standardization of processes and functional foremanship.
In the context of a software development company:
- Standardization of processes: Implement standardized development processes and methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, to ensure consistent and structured work. This will help in organizing and tracking tasks effectively.
- Functional foremanship: Appoint specialized team leaders or managers who oversee specific aspects of software development, such as coding, testing, or project management. This ensures that experts in each area can provide guidance and supervision.
- Task allocation: Assign tasks based on employees’ skills and expertise, ensuring that each team member is working on tasks that align with their strengths.
- Performance measurement: Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure team and individual performance. Regularly review progress and make adjustments based on the data.
- Continuous improvement: Encourage feedback and a culture of continuous improvement within teams. This can lead to process refinement and increased productivity over time.
A healthcare organization is struggling to balance patient care quality with cost efficiency. How can scientific management principles be applied to optimize the allocation of resources, reduce waste, and improve patient outcomes in such a setting?
In a healthcare setting:
- Resource allocation: Use scientific management principles to analyze patient flow and allocate resources efficiently. For example, implement capacity planning to ensure that the right number of staff is available during peak hours.
- Time and motion studies: Analyze the workflow of healthcare providers to identify any time inefficiencies. Streamline patient intake, examination, and discharge processes to reduce waiting times.
- Standardized procedures: Develop standardized protocols and guidelines for common medical procedures. This ensures consistency in care delivery and reduces errors.
- Inventory management: Apply inventory management principles to control the supply of medications and medical equipment, reducing waste and cost.
- Training and specialization: Ensure that healthcare providers are adequately trained and specialized in their roles to improve the quality of care.
A fast-food restaurant chain is concerned about inconsistent service quality across its branches. Discuss how the principles of scientific management, such as time studies and differential piece-rate systems, can be employed to standardize and improve service quality while motivating employees.
In the fast-food restaurant chain scenario:
- Time studies: Conduct time studies to measure the time it takes for employees to prepare specific menu items. Identify variations in preparation times and set standard time targets for each item.
- Differential piece-rate systems: Implement a system where employees are rewarded based on their performance. For instance, employees who consistently meet or exceed the standard preparation times could receive bonuses or incentives.
- Standardized training: Provide consistent and standardized training to all employees, ensuring they follow the same procedures for food preparation and service.
- Quality control: Implement quality control measures to ensure that each menu item meets the established quality standards. Use customer feedback and inspections to monitor and improve service quality.
- Performance feedback: Regularly provide feedback to employees about their performance, highlighting areas where they excel and areas that need improvement. Use constructive feedback as a motivator for improvement.
A call center is facing high employee turnover and reduced performance. Apply scientific management principles to design a system that addresses worker motivation, training, and supervision to improve employee retention and service quality.
In a call center setting:
- Motivation: Implement performance-based incentives, such as bonuses or recognition, to motivate employees to achieve specific performance targets.
- Training: Develop a comprehensive training program that covers both technical skills and customer service techniques. Ensure that new employees receive adequate training before they begin taking calls.
- Performance measurement: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure employee performance, such as call resolution time, customer satisfaction scores, and call quality assessments.
- Supervision: Implement functional foremanship by having specialized supervisors for different aspects of call center work, such as technical support and customer service.
- Feedback and coaching: Provide regular feedback and coaching sessions to help employees improve their performance and address areas that need development.
