Question

Enumerate any two techniques of scientific management.

Answer 1

The techniques of scientific management were propounded by F W Taylor.

• Differential piece rate plan:
  This technique was suggested by Taylor in order to attract workers who showed high efficiency. This plan proposed two kinds of piece work rates- higher and lower. The worker who will be producing more than the standard output within the stipulated time will be getting a higher piece rate. Whereas, the worker who will be producing less than the standard output within the stipulated time will be getting a lower piece rate. Hence, the worker with an output below standard will be incurring a loss as he will be getting his wage as per lower piece rate. Let us understand this with an example: The standard output of a worker is 30 units/day. The normal piece rate is Rs. 10. If production is less than the standard, then piece rate is Rs. 8. Hence, for a standard production he will get 30*10 = 300 but for below standard i.e if he produces 29 units, he will be getting 29*8 = 232. He incurs a loss of Rs. 68 due to his under performance. This scheme ensures workers to attain higher standard of performance so that they can earn at higher work rate.
  
• Standardization of work:
  Standardization is the making something conform to a standard. In this scheme, Taylor talks about the uniformity of work operations which can be achieved with the help of standardization. Standards are set after learning about the present and past performances of workers and assessing them to understand their capability. Standards can be used for materials, machine and tools, work methods and working conditions. This technique helps an enterprise to achieve higher rates of efficiency.