Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

INTRODUCTION ? first, to do the managing.” Secondly, the institution of minute time-study of brief operations, study which required the use of a stop-watch and of a skilled observer. Another element in the time- study was the ascertaining of the proper time and interval in which to rest, without which inefficiency in execution must set in. Also, the best and most promising men were chosen as subjects of study. x The details of these results, the changes and reforms which they brought about, will be given in later chapters. The next fact of primary importance is, that the originator of the new principles for management was not only trained as a scientific man, but had already attained some eminence for scientific research. Through all his best years of engineering work, both at the Midvale and at the Bethlehem Works, he was carrying on an investigation on the “ Art of Cutting Metals.” This has been a contribution of almost inestimable value to engineers all over the world ; and a special outcome of the work was the discovery of a process for producing a high-speed steel. It will therefore be understood that he had every reason to believe in the application of scientific observation and expert knowledge to the problems of a mechanical shop. He himself was delighted and encouraged to the utmost when he discovered a mathematical expert who could solve problems in the art of cutting metals which had transcended not only his own