The workers in Alpha manufacturing company were using traditional methods for production of metal parts. Since no standard procedure existed, workers relied on personal experience and guess work. As a result, productivity in the assembly line began to decline. To improve productivity, the company hired a consultant specializing in scientific management. The consultant explained that there was only one best method to maximize efficiency and this method could be developed through proper study and analysis. He emphasized that the scientific method should replace the old method, that the workers were using. So, to develop the scientific method, the consultant carefully investigated the traditional methods through work-study and by unifying the best practices, he developed a standard method that would be followed by everyone in the organization. After applying scientific method, there was a three fold increase in productivity within six months. The principle of scientific management which helped the company in increasing the productivity was :
The workers in Alpha manufacturing company were using traditional methods for production of metal parts. Since no standard procedure existed, workers relied on personal experience and guess work. As a result, productivity in the assembly line began to decline. To improve productivity, the company hired a consultant specializing in scientific management. The consultant explained that there was only one best method to maximize efficiency and this method could be developed through proper study and analysis. He emphasized that the scientific method should replace the old method, that the workers were using. So, to develop the scientific method, the consultant carefully investigated the traditional methods through work-study and by unifying the best practices, he developed a standard method that would be followed by everyone in the organization. After applying scientific method, there was a three fold increase in productivity within six months. The principle of scientific management which helped the company in increasing the productivity was :
Options
Correct option: (A) Science, not Rule of Thumb.
Why this is right
- Taylor's principle Science, not Rule of Thumb says every job should be done using a scientifically developed 'one best method' instead of trial-and-error or personal judgement.
- The case shows workers relying on 'personal experience and guess work' (rule of thumb), which the consultant replaced with a single 'one best method' developed through work-study and analysis — the exact wording of this principle.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for selecting (A) Science, not Rule of Thumb.
- 2Key phrases justifying the answer: 'guess work' replaced by 'one best method' developed through 'study and analysis'.
Hint
'Guess work' being replaced by one scientifically studied best method points to which Taylor principle?
Quick Oral Answer
The principle is 'Science, not Rule of Thumb' — guess work was replaced by one scientifically studied best method developed through work-study and analysis.
Analysis & Explanation
An application MCQ requiring students to match case clues to one of Taylor's four principles of scientific management.
Concept
- Science, not Rule of Thumb rejects trial-and-error methods and prescribes a scientifically investigated 'one best way' for each task, developed through study, analysis and experimentation.
Why (A) is correct — the give-away clues
- 'relied on personal experience and guess work' = rule of thumb.
- 'only one best method', 'developed through proper study and analysis', 'scientific method should replace the old method' = the core of this principle.
Why the distractors are wrong
- (B) Harmony, Not Discord concerns fostering mutual understanding between management and workers (Taylor's 'mental revolution') — no worker-management conflict is described.
- (C) Cooperation, Not Individualism stresses management and workers working together and sharing gains — the case is about method, not cooperation.
- (D) Development of each person to greatest efficiency deals with scientific selection and training of workers — the case is about developing the method, not developing people.
Exam trap
- Do not confuse the principle 'Science, not Rule of Thumb' with Taylor's technique 'Method Study'; the question asks for a principle, so (A) is correct.
Common Mistakes
- 1Selecting the technique 'Method Study' instead of the principle — the question specifically asks for a principle of scientific management.
- 2Confusing this with 'Development of each person to greatest efficiency', which is about training workers, not developing the method.
- 3Choosing 'Harmony, Not Discord' by assuming any productivity gain implies improved worker relations.
Interesting Facts
F. W. Taylor is called the 'Father of Scientific Management'; his landmark book 'The Principles of Scientific Management' was published in 1911.
Taylor's famous pig-iron handling experiments at Bethlehem Steel raised output per worker from about 12.5 tonnes to nearly 47 tonnes a day.
Taylor advocated a 'mental revolution' — a complete change in the attitude of both workers and management towards each other.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'Science, not Rule of Thumb' different from 'Method Study'?
'Science, not Rule of Thumb' is a broad principle stating that each task should follow a scientifically developed one-best-method. 'Method Study' is a specific technique used to find that best way of doing a job. The question asks for a principle, so 'Science, not Rule of Thumb' is correct.
What clue in the case confirms this principle?
The phrases 'personal experience and guess work' (rule of thumb) being replaced by 'only one best method' developed through 'proper study and analysis' directly describe the principle Science, not Rule of Thumb.