The Principles of Scientific Management

THE PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT 89 experienced man in motion and time study in this country, under the general superintendence of Mr. H. L. Gautt. In the Physiological departments of our univer- sities experiments are regularly conducted to deter- mine what is known as the “personal coefficient” of the man tested. This is done by suddenly bring- ing some object, the letter A or B for instance, within the range of vision of the subject, who, the instant he recognizes the letter has to do some definite thing, such as to press a particular electric button. The time which elapses from the instant the letter • comes in view until the subject presses the button is accurately recorded by a delicate scientific instru- ment. This test shows conclusively that there is a great difference in the ccpersonal coefficient” of different men. Some individuals are bom with unusually quick powers of perception accompanied by quick responsive action. With some the message is almost instantly transmitted from the eye to the brain, and the brain equally quickly responds by sending the proper message to the hand. Men of this type are said to have a low “personal coefficient,” while those of slow perception and slow action have a high u personal coefficient.” Mr. Thompson soon recognized that the quality most needed for bicycle ball inspectors was a low “personal coefficient.” Of course the ordinary quali- ties of endurance and industry were also called for. For the ultimate good of the girls as well as the