Question

Explain the following technique of Scientific Management:

Standardisation and simplification of work

Answer 1

Taylor was an ardent supporter of standardisation. According to him, the scientific method should be used to analyse methods of production prevalent under the rule of thumb. The best practices can be retained and further refined to develop a standard to be followed throughout the organisation. This can be done through work-study techniques, including time study, motion study, fatigue study, and method study, which are discussed further in this chapter. It may be noted that even contemporary business process techniques, including reengineering, kaizen (continuous improvement), and benchmarking, are aimed at standardising work. Standardisation refers to the process of setting standards for every business activity; it can be standardisation of process, raw material, time, product, machinery, methods or working conditions. These standards are benchmarks that must be adhered to during production.