Taylor’s scientific management

The correct answer is D, functional foremanship. Under this system, workers receive guidance from specialised foremen; the route clerk is one of the planning-side specialists responsible for the route and sequence of work.

The correct answer is A, the route clerk. In functional foremanship, the route clerk plans the path and sequence through which work should move, so an error in those decisions points to this role.

The correct answer is C, the instruction card clerk. This specialist prepares the instruction cards that explain how a task should be carried out; unclear written directions therefore point most directly to this role.

The correct answer is B, the gang boss. In functional foremanship, the gang boss helps make sure the workplace, equipment and materials are ready so the work can begin as planned.

In Taylor’s functional foremanship, the inspector checks the quality of finished goods and identifies defects. Therefore, when defects are found in finished goods, the inspector should be more active. A speed boss focuses on production speed and efficient machine operation, so that role is not the main one here. Exam tip: link quality checks, defects and inspection with the inspector.

The correct answer is B, the time and cost clerk. This specialist keeps records related to the time taken and costs incurred, so missing or inaccurate records point directly to this role.

The disciplinarian is responsible for enforcing discipline among workers. The other roles have different duties, such as checking work or keeping records.

The time needed depends on how the job is done. If the best method has not been selected, the time standard may be unrealistic or unsuitable. In Taylor’s work study, method study comes before time study.

Method study identifies the best way to do a job; time study then determines the time needed to perform it by that method. So the sequence is method study followed by time study.

Motion study examines and removes unnecessary movements. This helps the worker complete the task with less wasted time and effort.

Fatigue study examines the causes and effects of worker fatigue and helps determine appropriate rest pauses. Such pauses can reduce fatigue that may contribute to errors during continuous work.

Fatigue study examines factors that cause or increase worker fatigue, including working conditions such as lighting and ventilation. It can help identify changes that may reduce fatigue.

Standard output is found by dividing the total available time by the time required per unit: \(420 \div 6 = 70\). Therefore, the standard output is 70 units. 65 units is incorrect because producing 65 units would require \(65 \times 6 = 390\) minutes. Exam tip: in time-study numericals, ensure that time units are the same before dividing total time by time per unit.

The governing concept is Taylor’s differential piece-rate system. Under the stated rule, a worker whose output exceeds the standard receives the high piece rate. Actual output is 52 units, which is greater than the standard of 50 units, so the high rate of ₹7 applies to every unit produced. Wage = output × applicable rate = 52 × ₹7 = ₹364. Therefore, option B is correct. Option C, ₹350, multiplies the standard output by the high rate instead of using actual output. Option A uses a lower rate of ₹6, although that rate is not applicable here, and option D corresponds to neither the stated output nor the correct high-rate calculation.

The governing concept is the differential piece-rate system associated with Taylor’s scientific management. The worker’s output is 36 units, which is below the standard of 40 units. Therefore, the low rate of ₹6 per unit must be applied to the actual output, not to the standard output. Wage = 36 × ₹6 = ₹216. Hence option D is correct. Option A uses the standard output of 40 units multiplied by ₹6. Option B and option C do not result from multiplying the actual output by the stated low rate. The essential steps are to compare actual output with the standard, select the correct rate, and then multiply by actual units produced.

Time study determines the standard time for a task. This helps establish the standard task or output used to distinguish the higher and lower piece rates in the differential system.

A clear standard output provides a basis for judging whether each worker meets or exceeds the expected level. The differential piece-rate system uses performance against that standard to apply different rates.

In Taylor’s scientific management, standardisation can set uniform standards for methods, tools, equipment and working conditions, as well as for products. These standards help make work more consistent.

The direct answer is D, Simplification. Simplification means reducing unnecessary varieties, sizes or models so that only a useful number of standard choices remain. The company reduced 12 chair types to 4, so it has removed needless variety. Option A, Time study, measures how long a task should take; no time measurement is described. Option B, Motion study, examines workers’ movements to remove unnecessary motions; the question is about product varieties, not body movements. Option C, Standardisation, establishes uniform standards for quality, size, methods or equipment, but the key action here is reducing the number of varieties. Option D, Simplification, exactly means limiting excessive variety, so it is correct. Remember: many varieties becoming fewer varieties means simplification; making one fixed standard means standardisation.

The correct answer is A. Standardising quality and size means products are made to consistent specifications, which promotes uniformity in production.

The correct answer is C. Simplification reduces unnecessary varieties, so there are fewer items or types to purchase and keep track of, making inventory control easier.

The correct answer is B. Simplification can reduce costs by limiting unnecessary varieties, while standardisation helps ensure consistent specifications and more uniform output.

The correct answer is A. Taylor’s principle of cooperation calls for management and workers to work together; discouraging workers’ suggestions weakens that cooperation.

The correct answer is C. Harmony, not discord, calls for a cooperative relationship, while mental revolution asks management and workers to change their attitudes toward one another. Both aim to improve their relationship.

The correct answer is A. Under functional foremanship, a worker may receive directions from several specialist supervisors. Conflicting or overlapping instructions can cause confusion, a possible limitation of this arrangement.