Discuss the following techniques of Scientific Work Study:
a. Time Study
b. Motion Study
c. Fatigue Study
d. Method Study
e. Simplification and standardisation of work
(a) Time study: In this technique the standard time is decided to perform a well defined job. The standard time is fixed for a task by taking several readings. This method of time study is depending upon the volume and the frequency of the task. And once the standard time is set for any particular task then that task should be assigned to the workers and on the basis of standard time we can determine the efficiency of the workers. If any worker completes the particular task within the standard time then that worker should be considered as efficient and if any worker cannot accomplish the task within standard time then he will be considered as inefficient. The objectives of the time study are:
(b) Motion study: Motion study means study of movements like lifting, putting objects, sitting and changing position etc. while doing any particular job. And under this study all the unnecessary movements are eliminated so that it takes less time to complete the job efficiently. Taylor used stopwatches and various symbols and colors to identify different motions. And by this study he designed suitable equipment and tools to educate workers on their use and to minimize the unproductive motions..
(c) Fatigue study: Fatigue study determines the amount and frequency of rest intervals is required for completing the task. A person is bound to feel tired physically and mentally if he/ she does not take rest while working. If the worker doesn’t take rest while working then it reduces his/her efficiency. The rest intervals help the worker to regain their stamina to work again and they can perform their job efficiently. And this will increase productivity.
(d) Method study: There are various methods to perform the job. The objective of method is to determine the best way of doing the job. To determine the best way there are various parameters. Each and every activity right from procurement of raw material to delivering the finished goods is a part of method study. And this will help in minimizing the cost of production and maximizing the quality and satisfaction of the customer.
(e) Simplification and standardization of work: Standardization refers to the process of setting standard for each and every business activity and that is standardization of process, raw materials, time, products, machinery, methods or working conditions. The main objective of this method is to establish standards for performance of men and machines.
Whereas simplification aims to eliminate superfluous/unnecessary varieties, size and dimensions. It eliminates all unnecessary diversity of products. And this will give rise in saving the cost of labour, machines and tools. This technique helps in fuller utilization of equipment and increasing turnover.
Define scientific management. State any three of its principles.
Discuss the relevance of Taylor and Fayol’s contribution in the contemporary business environment.
‘Bhasin’ limited was engaged in the business of food processing and selling its products under a popular brand. Lately the business was expanding due to good quality and reasonable prices. Also with more people working the market for processed food was increasing. New players were also coming to cash in on the new trend. In order to keep its market share in the short run the company directed its existing workforce to work overtime. But this resulted in many problems. Due to increased pressure of work the efficiency of the workers declined. Sometimes the subordinates had to work for more than one superior resulting in declining efficiency. The divisions that were previously working on one product were also made to work on two or more products. This resulted in a lot of overlapping and wastage. The workers were becoming indisciplined. The spirit of teamwork, which had characterized the company, previously was beginning to wane. Workers were feeling cheated and initiative was declining. The quality of the products was beginning to decline and market share was on the verge of decrease. Actually the company had implemented changes without creating the required infrastructure.
a. Identify the Principles of Management (out of 14 given by Henry Fayol) that were being violated by the company.
b. Explain these principles in brief.
c. What steps should the company management take in relation to the above principles to restore the company to its past glory?
State the main objective of time study.
Explain the principle of ‘Scalar Chain’ and gang plank.
A production manager at top level in a reputed corporate, Mr. Rathore holds the responsibility for ordering raw material for the firm. While deciding on the supplier for the financial year 2017-18, he gave the order to his cousin at a higher price per unit instead of the firm’s usual supplier who was willing to lower the rates for the order. Which principle of management was violated by Mr. Rathore? What are the positive impacts of following the above identified principle?
Explain the technique of ‘Functional Foremanship’ and the concept of ‘Mental Revolution’ as enunciated by Taylor.
(Further information related to the above question 6) The management of company Bhasin Limited now realised its folly. In order to rectify the situation it appointed a management consultant -Mukti Consultants - to recommend a restructure plan to bring the company back on the rails. Mukti Consultants undertook a study of the production process at the plant of the company Bhasin Limited and recommended the following changes —
• The company should introduce scientific management with regard to production.
• Production Planning including routing, scheduling, dispatching and feedback should be implemented.
• In order to separate planning from operational management ’Functional foremanship’ should be introduced.
• ‘Work study’ should be undertaken to optimise the use of resources.
• ‘Standardisation’ of all activities should be implemented to increase efficiency and accountability.
• To motivate the workers ‘Differential Piece Rate System’ should be implemented.
(The above changes should be introduced apart from the steps recommended as an answer to Part c - case problem 6 above.) It was expected that the changes will bring about a radical transformation in the working of the company and it will regain its pristine glory.
a. Do you think that introduction of scientific management as recommended by M consultants will result in intended outcome?
b. What precautions should the company undertake to implement the changes?
c. Give your answer with regard to each technique separately as enunciated in points 1 through 6 in the case problem.
SanakLal and Gagan started their career in Wales Limited (a printing press) after going through a rigorous recruitment process. Since they had no prior work experience, the firm decided to give them one year to prove themselves. Name the principle of management followed by Wales Limited.
Explain any four points regarding significance of principles of management.
How does planning provide direction?
What is meant by staffing?
Identify the network of social relationships which arises spontaneously due to interaction at work.
What is informal communication?
State the meaning of controlling.
What is meant by capital structure?v
What is meant by management?
What is a Treasury Bill?
State any two advantages of branding to marketers of goods and services?
Under which consumer right does a business firm set up consumer grievance cell?
State the impact of demonetization on interest rates, private wealth and real estate.
Describe the steps involved in developing a marketing strategy.
What is the marketing concept?
Explain the elements of communication in directing.
Krishna Furnishers Mart started its operations in the year 1954 and emerged as the market leader in the industry because of their original designs and efficiency in operations. They had a steady demand for their products but over the years, they found their market share declining because of new entrants in the field. The firm decided to review their operations and decided that in order to meet the competition, they need to study and analyze the market trends and then design and develop their products accordingly. List any two impacts of changes in business environment on Krishna Furnishers Mart’s operations. (Hint: increase in competition and Market orientation).
Discuss Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory of motivation.
Explain the objectives and functions of the SEBI.
Company X is facing a lot of problems these days. It manufactures white goods like washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators and air conditioners. The company’s margins are under pressure and the profits and market share are declining. The production department blames marketing for not meeting sales targets and marketing blames production department for producing goods, which are not of good quality meeting customers’ expectations. The finance department blames both production and marketing for declining return on investment and bad marketing. State the quality of management that the company is lacking? What quality of management do you think the company is lacking? Explain briefly. What steps should the company management take to bring the company back on track?
What are the methods of recruitment?
Explain the role of human resource management (HRM) in the staffing function.
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