Scientific Management

Definition: Scientific Management is an early management theory analyzing and improving workflows in factories though the use of 'science'. Its main objective was improving economic efficiency, especially individual labor productivity. Its development began with Taylor in the 1880s and 1890s within the manufacturing industries.
Many SM themes are still important parts of industrial engineering and management today. These include analysis, synthesis, logic, rationality, empiricism, work ethic, production efficiency, elimination of waste, direct reward mechanisms, standardization of best practices, organizational structure, and knowledge transfer into tools, processes, and documentation.
Also called 'Taylorism'.

More on scientific management. More on manufacturing: 5 Whys, Changeover, Contract Manufacturing, Cradle to Cradle, Experience Curve, more...