Principles of Management Test - 2

The concept of assembly line was formed using method study. According to method study, one must determine the best way of doing a particular task. The method so determined must aim at minimising the cost and maximising the quality.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

According to the functional foremanship technique, there would be an inspector under the production in-charge who would supervise the quality of the work done.

According to the functional foremanship technique of scientific management, under the factory manager there would be a production in-charge, who in turn would have four personnel under him, namely, speed boss, gang boss, repair boss and inspector. They would be responsible for ensuring that the task is completed on time, various tools and machinery are in place, tools are in proper condition and the quality of task is up to the mark, respectively. 

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

The work-study technique which is not being followed is fatigue study. According to fatigue study, workers must be given rest at suitable regular intervals so that they can work with better efficiency.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

The technique of scientific management which is in line with the principle of division of work is ‘Functional foremanship’. Under this technique, Taylor emphasised on improving the performance of a foreman in a factory setup. He developed a list of qualities which a foreman must have. Because no single person can have all the qualities, he suggested that functional foremanship should be followed through eight people. He suggested that planning and production must be separated from each other. Accordingly, there would a planning in-charge and a production in-charge under the factory manager.

Under the planning in-charge, there would be four personnel, namely, instruction card clerk, route clerk, time and cost clerk and disciplinarian. They would be responsible for preparing instructions for workers, determining the route to be followed in production, preparing sheets for time and cost, and maintaining discipline, respectively.

On the other hand, under the production in-charge, there would be four personnel, namely, speed boss, gang boss, repair boss and inspector. They would be responsible for ensuring that the task is completed on time, various tools and machinery are in place, tools are in proper condition and the quality of task is up to the mark, respectively. 

Hence, the correct answer is option B. 

The given situation is in accordance with the principle of division of work. According to this principle, a piece of work must be divided into smaller tasks and each task in turn must be performed by specialists. Forming different departments in the organisation is in accordance with this principle. Each department is responsible for specialised activities. For example, the sales department is responsible for sales of the product, and the production department is responsible for production activities.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

The principle of scientific management which is being discussed is ‘Harmony, not discord’. According to this principle, workers and managers must be at harmony with each other. Both should value each other. While managers must share the benefits with workers, workers/employees must also work to the best of their capabilities and must willingly accept the changes which are required.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

The technique of scientific management not being followed in the given situation is ‘standardisation and simplification of work’. Standardisation refers to the process wherein a standard is set for various activities in production. The standard is then used as a benchmark for evaluating the task done. On the other hand, simplification means that unnecessary varieties in design, size etc. add to the cost and must be avoided. Hence, the correct answer is option D.

According to the principle of ‘Harmony, not discord’, workers and managers must be at harmony with each other. Both should value each other. While managers must share the benefits with workers, workers/employees must also work to the best of their capabilities and must willingly accept the changes which are required. Such harmony requires a mental revolution on the part of workers and managers.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

The principle of scientific management being described is ‘Development of each person to greatest efficiency and prosperity’. According to this principle, efficiency in production depends on the competencies of the personnel. Accordingly, the employees must be selected by a scientific process wherein he is judged on various parameters. The tasks then assigned to him must be best suited to his capabilities.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

In the given situation, Arun is using time study. According to time study, one must determine the standard time required to complete a task. Accordingly, the targets can be set, wages and incentives can be determined and the number of employees which would be required for the task can be determined.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.