Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

62 EFFICIENCY METHODS material sent out from store, even every duty per- formed. At the same time he meant the attainment of the best quality possible in each. In the col- loquial language dear to some of his exponents, he aimed at the “ one best way.” We have referred to the fact that standard is ambiguous in meaning. The attribute of good quality was not introduced by Taylor. We find on consulting either English or American “ standard ” dictionaries that the word has long been used either as basis of comparison or normal amount or size, or as “ exemplar of correctness and perfection.’’1 As soon as the word is introduced here it is necessary to lay some stress on the two different meanings, for they will be seen to have a new significance when we come to speak of the standard task. Efficiency engineers have had standard very carefully defined for them by Morris L. Cooke2 in the following paragraph. This has been referred to by Mrs. Gilbreth as the “ classical definition ” : “ A standard under modern scientific management is simply a carefully-thought-out method of per- forming a function, or carefully-drawn specifications covering an implement or some article of stores or of product. The idea of perfection is not involved in standardization. The standard method of doing anything is simply the best method that can be devised at the time the standard is drawn. Stan- 1 “ The New English Dictionary.” 8 " Academic and Industrial Efficiency,” Bulletin No. 5, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.