Briefly explain any three of the following techniques of Scientific Management as given by F.W. Taylor:

Question 14:Briefly explain any three of the following techniques of Scientific Management as given by F.W. Taylor:

a. Method study b. Functional foremanship c. Standardization d. Differential piece wage system

The correct answer is -Method Study The objective of method study is to find out one best way of doing the job. There are various methods of doing the job. To determine the best way there are several parameters. Right from procurement of raw materials till the final product is delivered to the customer every activity is part of method study. Taylor devised the concept of assembly line by using method study. Ford Motor Company used this concept very successfully. Even now auto companies are using it. The objective of the whole exercise is to minimize the cost of production and maximize the quality and satisfaction of the customer. For this purpose many techniques like process charts and operations research etc. are used. For designing a car, the assembly line production would entail deciding the sequence of operations, place for men, machines and raw materials etc. All this is part of method study. (b) Functional foremanship is an extension of the principle of division of work and specialization to the shop floor. Each worker will have to take orders from these eight foremen in the related process or function of production. Foremen should have intelligence, education, tact, grit, judgment, special knowledge, manual dexterity, and energy, honesty and good health. Since all these qualities could not be found in a single person, Taylor proposed eight specialists. Each specialist is to be assigned work according to her/his qualities. For example, those with technical mastery, intelligence and grit may be given planning work. Those with energy and good health may be assigned execution work ( c ) Standardization refers to the process of setting standards for every business activity; it can be standardization of process, raw material, time, product, machinery, methods or working conditions. These standards are the benchmarks, which must be adhered to during production. The Objective Of (i) To reduce a given line or product to fixed types, sizes and characteristics. (ii) To establish interchangeability of manufactured parts and products. (iii) To establish standards of excellence and quality in materials. (iv) To establish standards of performance of men and machines (d) Taylor was a strong advocate of a piece wage system. He wanted to differentiate between efficient and inefficient workers. The standard time and other parameters should be determined on the basis of the work- study discussed above. The workers can then be classified as efficient or inefficient on the basis of these standards. He wanted to reward efficient workers. So he introduced different rates of wage payment for those who performed above standard and for those who performed below standard.