- 1. The Principles of Scientific Management, a theory pioneered by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early 20th century, is a framework that seeks to improve economic efficiency and labor productivity through systematic analysis and optimization of workflows. Taylor proposed that traditional methods of management lacked an empirical foundation, leading to inconsistent performance and inefficiencies in the workplace. His framework is built on four fundamental principles: firstly, the scientific study of tasks to determine the best way to perform them, which involves breaking down each job into smaller components and analyzing the most efficient methods. Secondly, it emphasizes the selection and training of workers based on their abilities, ensuring that they are well-suited for their specific tasks. Thirdly, the principles promote the division of labor, where management takes on the planning and execution of work while workers are responsible for carrying out tasks, thus creating a clear distinction in roles. Finally, it advocates for the establishment of cooperation between management and labor, where both parties work harmoniously towards common goals, fostering an environment of shared responsibility for results. Taylor’s ideas laid the groundwork for modern operational management practices and have influenced various fields, from manufacturing to service industries, as they highlight the importance of efficiency, rationality, and the significant role of management in enhancing productivity.
Who is considered the father of Scientific Management?
A) Elton Mayo
B) Max Weber
C) Henry Ford
D) Frederick Winslow Taylor
- 2. What is the primary focus of Scientific Management?
A) Customer relations
B) Company culture
C) Employee satisfaction
D) Efficiency in work processes
- 3. Which of the following is a principle of Scientific Management?
A) Emphasizing hierarchy
B) Standardizing all employee tasks
C) The science of work to replace rule of thumb
D) Maximizing employee autonomy
- 4. What did Taylor introduce to standardize work methods?
A) Work specialization
B) Team-based work
C) Profit sharing
D) Job rotation
- 5. Which industry applied Scientific Management principles most famously?
A) Education
B) Retail
C) Manufacturing
D) Healthcare
- 6. What is 'time study' in the context of Scientific Management?
A) Assessing customer satisfaction
B) Evaluating employee performance
C) Monitoring work-life balance
D) Measuring the time taken to perform each task
- 7. According to Taylor, what should be the basis for selecting workers?
A) Intuition
B) Seniority
C) Experience
D) Scientific methods
- 8. What behavioral aspect did Taylor neglect in his principles?
A) Performance appraisal
B) Efficiency metrics
C) Work environment
D) Human motivation
- 9. In Scientific Management, workers are expected to:
A) Follow standardized methods
B) Negotiate their roles
C) Create their own methods
D) Decide on pay rates
- 10. What was one criticism of Scientific Management?
A) Over-emphasis on teamwork
B) Dehumanization of workers
C) Complexity of procedures
D) Lack of efficiency
- 11. What did Taylor advocate for in terms of supervision?
A) Minimal intervention
B) Laissez-faire
C) Peer supervision
D) Close supervision
- 12. Under Scientific Management, how are wages structured?
A) Hourly wages only
B) Based on task performance
C) Fixed salary for all roles
D) Commission-based
- 13. What role do workers play in Scientific Management?
A) Team leaders
B) Cogs in a machine for efficiency
C) Creative decision-makers
D) Strategic planners
- 14. What did the Gilbreths contribute to Scientific Management?
A) Job enrichment
B) Management hierarchies
C) Therbligs and motion study
D) Total quality management
- 15. What is 'scientific selection' of workers?
A) Hiring based on interviews only
B) Choosing workers based on their abilities to perform specific tasks
C) Selecting employees based on tenure
D) Random selection of applicants
- 16. What is a significant limitation of Scientific Management?
A) Overemphasis on teamwork
B) Ignoring data analysis
C) Neglecting individual worker needs
D) Underestimating technology's role
- 17. How did Scientific Management impact labor relations?
A) Reduced conflict in workplaces
B) Often led to tensions between management and workers
C) Strengthened labor unions
D) Enhanced collaborative efforts
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