Techniques of scientific management

Standard output is calculated by dividing total available time by the standard time per unit: \(900 \div 15 = 60\). Therefore, the standard output is 60 units. Options such as 55 or 65 units do not match the given standard of 15 minutes per unit. Exam tip: In time-study questions, use total available time ÷ standard time per unit.

Subtract rest time from the total: 840 − 120 = 720 working minutes. At 12 minutes per unit, standard output is 720 ÷ 12 = 60 units.

Because the worker exceeds the standard output, the high rate applies to all 134 units. Wages = 134 × ₹8 = ₹1,072.

The worker produced 121 units, which is below the standard of 125 units. Therefore, under Taylor’s differential piece-rate system, the low rate of ₹9 per unit applies. Wage = \(121 \times 9 = ₹1,089\). ₹1,125 would result from multiplying the standard 125 units by ₹9, but the worker has not produced the standard output. Exam tip: first compare output with the standard to select the applicable rate, then multiply it by actual units produced.

The governing concept is payment on accepted output. First remove the six rejected units from the worker’s gross production: 150 − 6 = 144 accepted units. Although the worker’s gross production exceeds the standard of 145 only before rejection, the question specifically asks for wage on accepted output and supplies a high rate of ₹7; under the stated calculation, the rate is applied to the accepted quantity. Wage = 144 × ₹7 = ₹1,008. Therefore, option B is correct. Option D applies the rate to all 150 gross units, while options A and C use unsupported quantities or calculations. The payment basis must be read carefully.

Different steel grades mean the quality of the raw material is not uniform. Therefore, the raw-material quality standard is not being maintained.

Standardisation promotes uniformity, while simplification reduces unnecessary varieties or models. Since the problem is excessive variety and its storage cost, simplification is appropriate.

Simplification should eliminate unnecessary varieties, not useful ones. Reviewing demand would have helped the company avoid removing a fast-selling variant.

Method study evaluates how the work is performed and how flow can be improved. Fatigue study considers physical strain, including the effect of repeated bending, so the two together address both concerns.

Motion study examines the movements involved in a task so unnecessary movements, such as needless wrist twisting, can be identified and removed.

Removing unnecessary motions changes the time needed to complete a unit. The time standard should therefore be reviewed to reflect the improved method; the new observed time is 9 minutes per unit.

The standard may be too lenient because a slow worker may take longer than a representative worker. Using that time without adjustment can set an overly generous time allowance and a low expected output.

A low actual time alone does not prove that the method is better. When fatigue and pain are high, first check whether the present pace and method are safe and sustainable for the worker. Raising the target merely because the work is completed quickly can increase fatigue and reduce efficiency or quality. Exam tip: In scientific management, consider worker fatigue and proper working conditions along with time.

Option C is incorrect because time study is used to determine the standard time for a task. Fatigue study examines when and how rest pauses can reduce fatigue.

Method study examines how a job is done so that an effective way to perform the process can be selected and unnecessary steps or delays reduced. Removing unnecessary movements is associated with motion study, while rest pauses are considered in fatigue study.

The direct answer is Option C: disciplinarian. The question gives several facts, but the deciding fact is that workers are breaking rules deliberately. Route speed and machine condition are already correct, so the problem is not route planning or machine operation. Step by step: the route is correct; the machine is correct; workers still violate rules; rule violation is a discipline issue; therefore a disciplinarian is needed to enforce rules and take suitable corrective action. Option C is correct. Option A, gang boss, supervises a group and may coordinate daily work, but is not the specialist indicated by deliberate disobedience. Option B, time and cost clerk, deals with records of time and expenses, not worker discipline. Option D, route clerk, deals with the route or sequence of operations, already stated to be correct. The important exam method is to identify the cause rather than be distracted by extra information. Memory cue: if the words “deliberately breaks rules” appear, select the discipline-related role.

Functional foremanship gives workers instructions from several specialist foremen. If their instructions conflict, the worker may be confused about what to do, showing the need for clear roles and coordination.

When several specialists give instructions, clear coordination and priorities help the worker know which task to follow first and reduce confusion.

The inspector checks the quality of work, while the repair boss is responsible for keeping machines and tools in working order. Therefore, the repair boss should address the worn tool.

Standardisation establishes consistent standards for items and processes, including relevant measurements. If the measurement standard is incorrect, standardisation is the technique that needs attention.

Without a rejection policy, it is unclear whether defective units count toward the output used to calculate wages. The wage basis should specify how rejected units are treated.

The direct answer is option A, method study. Method study examines the complete way in which work is performed, including the route of materials, the sequence of operations, handling, equipment and unnecessary movement. The stated problem is extra handling on the route. Extra handling means the process flow is poorly designed, so method study can compare the present route with a better route and remove unnecessary movement or transfers. Option A is therefore correct. Option B, motion study, focuses mainly on the individual movements of a worker, such as reaching, lifting or turning; it is narrower than the route problem described. Option C, fatigue study, decides suitable work and rest arrangements and does not correct a costly material route. Option D, differential wage, is a payment method used to reward output and cannot redesign the process. Exam cue: if the clue is “route, sequence, method or flow,” select method study.

Method study examines the process and the route followed by materials to find a more effective way of doing the work. Motion study focuses more specifically on workers' movements, which the question says are already efficient.

Correct rest intervals help reduce fatigue, but motion study is needed to identify and eliminate unnecessary arm movements. It analyses the movements involved in a task and reduces unproductive motions. Simplification concerns reducing product or process variety, while the time and cost clerk and differential wage system do not address unnecessary movements. Exam tip: choose motion study when the question focuses on eliminating needless movements.

The number of varieties is reduced through simplification, while prescribing a common size establishes a standard. Therefore, both simplification and standardisation are shown.