The One Best Way Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Troy D. Bethards
Who Influenced the Gilbreths? Fredrick Taylor E.J. Marey Adam Smith Charles Babbage
What Influenced the Gilbreths? Electric availability Advancements in manufacturing technology
Manufacturing Technology Changed the following: Managements presence Pay issues Working conditions Labor problems
Gilbreths’ Contributions to Management Theory Drifting process Motion study “Analyzing an activity into its smallest possible elements, and from the results synthesizing a method of performing the activity that shall be more efficient.” --Frank Gilbreth
Gilbreths’ Study of Motion Doctors Disabled persons Baseball players Golfers Brick layers Homemakers
Gilbreths’ Main Goals in Working with Companies Increase efficiency by removing unnecessary movements Reduce fatigue for employees
Gilbreths’ Contributions to Management Employer and employee must cooperate in the work process for benefits to occur.
Positions Employees Occupy in the Organization The job he had – the teacher The job he has – the teacher & learner The job he will have – the learner
Gilbreths’ Contributions to Management Theory Frank and Lillian integrated science into management by: Proper planning Gathering Arranging Systematizing information
Gilbreths’ Methods of Data Collection Pictures Motion pictures Cyclographs Chronocyclographs
Gilbeths’ Methods of Analyzing Data Therbligs System developed to analyze the basic movements of the body. Simo chart (Simultaneous motion chart)
Therblig Groupings Effective classifications Physical basic divisions Reach Move Grasp Release Preposition
Therblig Groupings Effective classifications Objective Basic Divisions Use Assemble Disassemble
Therblig Groupings Ineffective classifications Mental or semimental basic divisions Search Select Position Inspect Plan
Therblig Groupings Ineffective classifications Delay Unavoidable delay Avoidable delay Rest to overcome fatigue Hold
Gilbreths’ Contribution to Management Theory Items to determine the “one best way” Motion study Fatigue study Skill study Time study
Gilbreths’ Contributions to Management Theory Skill study – The best way of acquiring or transferring a skill.
Gilbreths’ Contributions to Management Theory Three steps to improving the teaching process Determine the most effective way to do the work In the shortest time possible, convey the best way to do a task Use a presentation method that will be remembered the longest
Criticisms of Gilbreths’ Work Skill is required for some therblig movements Too many variables to establish one best way Therbligs do not fully explain the movement
Criticisms of Gilbreths’ Work Not necessarily good to standardize everything Consider human element in work Motion study can be frustrating