Time Studies
Time Studies
To scientifically determine the optimal way to perform a job, Taylor performed experiments called “ Time and motion studies”. In these studies, a stopwatch was used to time a workers sequence of motions, with the goal of determining the one best way to perform a job(Vincenzo Sandrone,2016).
Although Taylor conducted several time and motion studies, one of his most popular studies peeked my interest: The Science of Shoveling.
To scientifically determine the optimal way to perform a job, Taylor performed experiments called “ Time and motion studies”. In these studies, a stopwatch was used to time a workers sequence of motions, with the goal of determining the one best way to perform a job(Vincenzo Sandrone,2016).
Although Taylor conducted several time and motion studies, one of his most popular studies peeked my interest: The Science of Shoveling.
The Science of Shoveling
Taylor ran time studies to determine that the optimal weight that a worker should lift in a shovel was 21 pounds, therefore the shovel should be sized so that it would hold 21 pounds of whatever substance was being shoveled. Workers were then provided with optimal shovels. The result of this study was a three to four increase in productivity and workers were rewarded with pay increases. Prior to scientific management, workers used their own shovels and rarely had the optimal shovel for the job(Vincenzo Sandrone,2016).
Taylor ran time studies to determine that the optimal weight that a worker should lift in a shovel was 21 pounds, therefore the shovel should be sized so that it would hold 21 pounds of whatever substance was being shoveled. Workers were then provided with optimal shovels. The result of this study was a three to four increase in productivity and workers were rewarded with pay increases. Prior to scientific management, workers used their own shovels and rarely had the optimal shovel for the job(Vincenzo Sandrone,2016).
