Question

'Even a small production activity like loading pigs of iron into boxcars can be scientifically planned and managed. This can result in tremendous saving of human energy as well as wastage of time and materials.' Identify the principle of scientific management advocated in the aforesaid statement.

• A. Cooperation, not individualism
• B. Harmony, not discord
• C. Science, not rule of thumb
• D. Development of each and every person to his or her greatest efficiency and prosperity

Hint:

Whenever you see phrases like "one best way," "scientific analysis of work," or examples of optimizing physical tasks, the principle being highlighted is almost always Science, not rule of thumb.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: F.W. Taylor’s principles of Scientific Management aimed to replace traditional, hit-or-miss methods with logical, data-driven processes.
• Rule of Thumb: Decisions based on past experience, intuition, or personal judgment.
• Science: Decisions based on objective analysis, time and motion studies, and standardization.

Step 1: Analyzing the example provided.
The statement mentions that even "small" activities (like loading iron) should be "scientifically planned." Taylor famously used this exact "pig iron" example to show that by studying the physical movements of workers, management could determine the "one best way" to perform a task to maximize efficiency.

Step 2: Matching with the principle.
The focus here is on replacing old, unorganized ways of working with scientific precision to save energy and time. This is the definition of Science, not rule of thumb.
• Harmony, not discord focuses on the relationship between groups.
• Cooperation, not individualism focuses on teamwork.
• Science, not rule of thumb focuses on the method of doing work.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Because the statement emphasizes the scientific management of a specific production task to eliminate waste, it advocates for the use of scientific methods over trial-and-error. This corresponds to option (C).