Week 2 Quiz: Scientific Management Theory

Who is known as the 'father of scientific management'?

• Elton Mayo

• Henry Mintzberg

• Frederick Winslow Taylor

• Peter Drucker

Answer explanation

Frederick Winslow Taylor is known as the 'father of scientific management' for his pioneering work in optimizing labor productivity and efficiency through systematic study and analysis.

What was the main focus of Taylor's scientific management theory?

• Innovation in management

• Cost reduction

• Improving labor productivity

• Employee satisfaction

Answer explanation

Taylor's scientific management theory primarily aimed at improving labor productivity by optimizing work processes and establishing standardized tasks, which ultimately increased efficiency in the workplace.

Which experiment involved determining the optimal weight for shoveling?

• Metal Cutting Experiment

• Efficiency Experiment

• Carry Iron Block Experiment

• Spade Experiment

Answer explanation

The Spade Experiment specifically focused on finding the optimal weight for shoveling, making it the correct choice. The other options do not relate directly to shoveling weight optimization.

What principle suggests that management should focus on exceptional cases?

• Principle of Management Exception

• Difference Piecework System

• Norm of Work

• Specialization of Management Functions

Answer explanation

The Principle of Management Exception states that managers should focus on exceptional cases that deviate from the norm, allowing them to allocate their time and resources more effectively.

What does the 'Difference Piecework System' aim to address?

• Worker motivation

• Training of employees

• Standardization of tasks

• Management hierarchy

Answer explanation

The 'Difference Piecework System' focuses on worker motivation by linking pay to productivity, encouraging employees to increase their output and efficiency.

What was a significant outcome of the Carry Iron Block Experiment?

• Increased worker wages

• Enhanced teamwork

• Improved safety standards

• Reduced working hours

Answer explanation

The Carry Iron Block Experiment led to increased worker wages as a significant outcome, reflecting the positive impact of improved labor conditions and negotiations for fair compensation.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three experiments conducted by Taylor?

• Carry Iron Block Experiment

• Spade Experiment

• Labor Efficiency Experiment

• Metal Cutting Experiment

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Labor Efficiency Experiment' because it is not one of the three experiments conducted by Taylor. The actual experiments include the Carry Iron Block, Spade, and Metal Cutting experiments.

What does Taylor's theory suggest about the role of management?

• Management should execute tasks directly.

• Management should focus solely on employee welfare.

• Management should separate planning from execution.

• Management should avoid scientific methods.

Answer explanation

Taylor's theory emphasizes the importance of separating planning from execution, allowing managers to focus on strategic decision-making while workers handle the operational tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

What is the significance of workflow standardization in organizations today?

• It focuses on employee creativity.

• It eliminates the need for management.

• It increases the efficiency of work.

• It reduces the need for training.

Answer explanation

Workflow standardization is crucial as it increases the efficiency of work by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and ensuring consistency, which ultimately leads to better productivity in organizations.

Which of the following is a key component of Taylor's scientific management?

• Standardization of work processes

• Focus on individual creativity

• Emphasis on teamwork

• Decentralization of authority

Answer explanation

A key component of Taylor's scientific management is the standardization of work processes, which aims to improve efficiency and productivity by establishing uniform procedures for tasks.