Techniques of Scientific Management

The principles of scientific management only bring out the basic philosophy behind the theory. The question which now arises is how to implement these principles practically. Taylor has devised the following techniques for actually implementing the principles of scientific management.

Time Study

It is a technique which enables the manager to ascertain standard time taken for performing a specified job.
Every job or every part of it is studied in detail.
This technique is based on the study of an average worker having reasonable skill and ability.
Average worker is selected and assigned the job and then with the help of a stop watch, time is ascertained for performing that particular job.
Taylor maintained that Fair day’s work should be determined through observations, experiment and analysis by keeping in view an average worker.

Standard Time × Working Hours = Fair Day’s Work

Motion Study

In this study, movement of body and limbs required to perform a job are closely observed.
In other words, it refers to the study of movement of an operator on machine involved in a particular task.
The purpose of motion study is to eliminate useless motions and determine the bet way of doing the job.
By undertaking motion study an attempt is made to know whether some elements of a job can be eliminated combined or their sequence can be changed to achieve necessary rhythm.
Motion study increases the efficiency and productivity of workers by cutting down all wasteful motions.

Functional Foremanship

Taylor advocated functional foremanship for achieving ultimate specification.
This technique was developed to improve the quality of work as single supervisor may not be an expert in all the aspects of the work.
Therefore workers are to be supervised by specialist foreman.
The scheme of functional foremanship is an extension of principle pf specialization at the supervisory level.
Taylor advocated appointment of 8 foreman, 4 at the planning level & other 4 at implementation level.

The names & function of these specialist foremen are: -

Instruction card clerk concerned with tagging down of instructions according to which workers are required to perform their job
Time & cost clerk is concerned with setting a time table for doing a job & specifying the material and labor cost involved in it.
Route clerk determines the route through which raw materials has to be passed.
Shop Disciplinarians are concerned with making rules and regulations to ensure discipline in the organization.
Gang boss makes the arrangement of workers, machines, tools, workers etc.
Speed boss concerned with maintaining the speed and to remove delays in the production process.
Repair boss concerned with maintenance of machine, tools and equipment.
Inspector is concerned with maintaining the quality of product.

Standardization

It implies the physical attitude of products should be such that it meets the requirements & needs of customers.
Taylor advocated that tools & equipments as well as working conditions should be standardized to achieve standard output from workers.
Standardization is a means of achieving economics of production.

It seems to ensure -

The line of product is restricted to predetermined type, form, design, size, weight, quality. Etc
There is manufacture of identical parts and components.
Quality & standards have been maintained.
Standard of performance are established for workers at all levels.

Differential Piece Wage Plan

This tech of wage payment is based on efficiency of worker.
The efficient workers are paid more wages than inefficient one.
On the other hand, those workers who produce less than standard no. of pieces are paid wages at lower rate than prevailing rate i.e. worker is penalized for his inefficiency.
This system is a source of incentive to workers who improving their efficiency in order to get more wages.
It also encourages inefficient workers to improve their performance and achieve their standards.
It leads to mass production which minimizes cost and maximizes profits.

Other Techniques

Various other techniques have been developed to create ordeal relationship between management and workers and also to create better understanding on part of works.
Those includes use of instruction cards, strict rules & regulations, graphs, slides, charts etc, so as to increase efficiency of workers.