Industrial Engineering – Definition
•Application of engineering principles to design, improve, and install integrated systems
•Concerned with people, materials, machines, information, and energy
•Aims at efficient and effective system performance
• It applies engineering analysis and principles to optimize productivity, quality, cost, and safety in organizations.
Focus of Industrial Engineering
•Emphasis on systems and processes, not individual operations
•Analysis of entire workflow from input to output
•Identification and elimination of waste and inefficiencies
1.2.1 Adam Smith (1776): Division of labour
Each worker performs a specific, repetitive task, resulting in:
•Faster production
•Higher efficiency
•Reduced skill requirement per task
•Lower production cost
1.2.2 Frederick W. Taylor: Scientific Management
Scientific Management is the application of scientific methods to analyze and improve work efficiency and productivity.
•Known as the Father of Scientific Management
•Introduced scientific methods to improve work efficiency
•Emphasized planning of work instead of traditional rule-of-thumb methods
•Focused on higher productivity and efficiency
Key Principles of Scientific Management – F.W. Taylor
Scientific Management aims to improve efficiency, productivity, and harmony in industrial work through scientific methods.
1. Science, Not Rule of Thumb
Traditional methods depended on experience and guesswork.
Taylor proposed replacing them with scientific analysis.
Explanation:
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Work methods are studied scientifically.
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Best method for each job is identified.
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Time and motion studies are used.
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Standard tools and procedures are developed.
Result:
Higher productivity, less wastage, and consistent performance.
2. Scientific Selection, Training, and Development of Workers
Workers should be chosen and trained scientifically rather than leaving them to learn on their own.
Explanation:
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Workers are selected based on job requirements.
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Proper training is given to improve skills.
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Workers are developed for higher efficiency.
Result:
Right person for the right job and improved work quality.
3. Cooperation Between Management and Workers
There should be mutual trust and cooperation instead of conflict.
Explanation:
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Management and workers work together.
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Management provides guidance and support.
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Workers follow scientific methods willingly.
Result:
Industrial peace, teamwork, and increased output.
4. Equal Division of Work and Responsibility
Work and responsibility should be shared fairly between management and workers.
Explanation:
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Management plans and designs the work scientifically.
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Workers execute the work as per standards.
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Responsibilities and rewards are clearly defined.
Result:
Accountability, efficiency, and fairness in operations.
Conclusion
The principles of Scientific Management focus on:
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Efficiency through science
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Skilled workforce
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Cooperation
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Fair distribution of work
These principles laid the foundation for Industrial Engineering and modern management practices.
Key Contributions of F. W. Taylor
Frederick Winslow Taylor is known as the Father of Scientific Management. His contributions laid the foundation for Industrial Engineering and productivity improvement.
1. Time Study to Determine Standard Time for Jobs
Taylor introduced time study to measure the time required to perform a job under standard conditions.
Explanation:
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Each job is broken into elements.
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Time taken for each element is measured.
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Allowances are added for fatigue and delays.
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A standard time is established.
Importance:
Helps in work measurement, planning, scheduling, and wage fixation.
2. Standardization of Tools, Equipment, and Work Methods
Taylor emphasized standardizing the workplace to ensure uniform performance.
Explanation:
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Standard tools and equipment are selected.
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Best work method is identified scientifically.
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Standard operating procedures are followed.
Importance:
Reduces variability, improves quality, and increases efficiency.
3. Differential Piece-Rate Wage System
Taylor introduced a wage system to motivate workers to achieve higher productivity.
Explanation:
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Higher wages are paid for achieving or exceeding standard output.
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Lower wages are paid for performance below the standard.
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Encourages workers to work efficiently.
Importance:
Motivates workers, increases output, and reduces unit cost.
4. Separation of Planning and Doing
Taylor proposed separating managerial planning from shop-floor execution.
Explanation:
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Management is responsible for planning, scheduling, and method design.
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Workers focus only on execution of work.
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Planning department is established.
Importance:
Improves efficiency, reduces worker burden, and ensures systematic control.
Conclusion
Taylor’s key contributions improved:
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Productivity
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Efficiency
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Worker motivation
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Scientific approach to management
They remain fundamental to Industrial Engineering and Production Management.
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