Frederick Winslow Taylor
The following is an obituary from March 21, 1915, announcing the death of Frederick Winslow Taylor.
1 PHILADELPHIA, March 21: Frederick Winslow Tayler, originator of the modem scientific management movement, died here today from pneumonia. He was 59 years old, and was a former President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Among his numerous inventions and discoveries was the Taylor-White process of treating modem high-speed took. He was the author of articles on scientific efficiency. and installed his system in many large industrial establishments.
2 The writings and lectures of Frederic Winslow Taylor formed the basis of the recent reorganization of methods of handing labor in many of the largest industries in the country. The articles of Mr. Taylor on "Scientific Management" in 1911 had a good deal to do with giving its new, special meaning to the word "efficiency" and making it the watchword which it has become since that time.
3 One of his leading doctrines which has made a deep impression on business and industry in this country since that time is that a man who proves incompetent at one jab should be fitted in where he can give good service, instead of being discharged. His life work was chiefly devoted to the simplification of industrial processes to reduce costs and increase Outputs.
4 Mr. Taylor was born at Germantown, Philadelphia, on March 20, 1856, and was graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1883. He won the doubles championship of the United States at tennis at Newport in 1881. He entered the employ of the Midvale Steel Company at Philadelphia in 1878 and was successively gang boss, assistant foreman, foreman of the machine shop, master mechanic, chief draughtsman, and chief engineer.
5 In 1889 he began his special work of re-organizing the management of
What did Taylor believe should be done if an employee was not good at doing an assigned job?
- A. The employee should be fired.
- B. That job's duties should be reorganized.
- C. A job better suited to the employee should be found.
- D. The employee should be made to read Taylor's books and articles.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Taylor advocated for scientific management, emphasizing the importance of matching employees to jobs that fit their skills and abilities. Finding a job better suited to an employee (Option C) aligns with his belief in optimizing workforce efficiency and productivity. Option A, firing the employee, disregards the potential for growth and development. Option B, reorganizing job duties, may not address the root issue of skill mismatches. Option D, making the employee read Taylor's works, lacks practical application and does not directly resolve the employee's performance issues. Thus, aligning roles with individual strengths is key to achieving success.
Taylor advocated for scientific management, emphasizing the importance of matching employees to jobs that fit their skills and abilities. Finding a job better suited to an employee (Option C) aligns with his belief in optimizing workforce efficiency and productivity. Option A, firing the employee, disregards the potential for growth and development. Option B, reorganizing job duties, may not address the root issue of skill mismatches. Option D, making the employee read Taylor's works, lacks practical application and does not directly resolve the employee's performance issues. Thus, aligning roles with individual strengths is key to achieving success.
Other Related Questions
What does it mean if a bank's advertisement for a certificate of deposit (CD) indicates a 4% APY?
- A. The CD matures at the rate of 4% each year.
- B. Only 4% of the CD's value can be withdrawn in any given year.
- C. You will pay 4% of the CD's value each year in service fees.
- D. The CD will earn 4% interest each year that is then added to the CD's balance.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
An advertisement indicating a 4% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) signifies that the CD will earn 4% interest annually, which is compounded and added to the CD's balance. Option A misinterprets APY; it does not refer to maturity but to interest earnings. Option B incorrectly suggests a withdrawal limit based on a percentage, which is not how CDs function. Option C mistakenly implies that there are service fees amounting to 4%, which is unrelated to APY. Understanding APY is crucial for evaluating the growth potential of a CD investment.
An advertisement indicating a 4% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) signifies that the CD will earn 4% interest annually, which is compounded and added to the CD's balance. Option A misinterprets APY; it does not refer to maturity but to interest earnings. Option B incorrectly suggests a withdrawal limit based on a percentage, which is not how CDs function. Option C mistakenly implies that there are service fees amounting to 4%, which is unrelated to APY. Understanding APY is crucial for evaluating the growth potential of a CD investment.
Based on the obituary, what was Taylor's first job?
- A. Gang boss
- B. Scientist
- C. Engineer
- D. Manager
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Taylor's first job as a gang boss reflects an early involvement in leadership and organization, likely in a challenging environment. This position often requires strong management skills and the ability to coordinate team efforts, which can be foundational for future roles. Option B, scientist, is incorrect as it implies a formal education and specialized training that is not indicated in the obituary. Option C, engineer, suggests a technical background that does not align with the described early career path. Lastly, option D, manager, while related, does not capture the specific context of Taylor's initial role, which was more informal and associated with a gang structure.
Taylor's first job as a gang boss reflects an early involvement in leadership and organization, likely in a challenging environment. This position often requires strong management skills and the ability to coordinate team efforts, which can be foundational for future roles. Option B, scientist, is incorrect as it implies a formal education and specialized training that is not indicated in the obituary. Option C, engineer, suggests a technical background that does not align with the described early career path. Lastly, option D, manager, while related, does not capture the specific context of Taylor's initial role, which was more informal and associated with a gang structure.
Based on the obituary, for what was Taylor best known?
- A. Being president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- B. Winning a U.S. tennis championship
- C. Inventing a way to treat high-speed tools
- D. Developing theories on scientific management
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Taylor was best known for developing theories on scientific management, which revolutionized industrial efficiency and productivity. His principles laid the groundwork for modern management practices, making him a pivotal figure in the field. Option A is incorrect; while Taylor may have had connections to engineering societies, he is not primarily recognized for his presidency in any organization. Option B is not applicable, as there is no evidence linking him to tennis achievements. Option C, although related to engineering, does not capture the essence of Taylor's legacy, which centers on management theory rather than specific inventions.
Taylor was best known for developing theories on scientific management, which revolutionized industrial efficiency and productivity. His principles laid the groundwork for modern management practices, making him a pivotal figure in the field. Option A is incorrect; while Taylor may have had connections to engineering societies, he is not primarily recognized for his presidency in any organization. Option B is not applicable, as there is no evidence linking him to tennis achievements. Option C, although related to engineering, does not capture the essence of Taylor's legacy, which centers on management theory rather than specific inventions.
The government permits a group of people to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Which amendment protects this action?
- A. Amendment 1
- B. Amendment 4
- C. Amendment 5
- D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.