Shovels, Trowels, and Ice Cream Scoops: In Search of the Right Tool to Explain Scientific Management

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Eric W. Ford, Professor (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Each term, when covering the history of management, many students have difficulty identifying with “ancient” management figures such as Frederick Taylor and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Even in Birmingham, Alabama, the former “Pittsburgh of the South,” Taylor?s pig iron studies have little relevance. The bricklaying, sewing, and surgery studies by the Gilbreths fare only slightly better. The principles espoused by these figures have become so engrained in the field of management that students now see them as common sense. To help students relate more easily to these figures and to understand the basic principles of scientific management, a familiar activity, dipping ice cream, can be used. This exercise and subsequent discussion can clearly demonstrate how these management principles are applied. Students learn firsthand that worker productivity can be improved by applying concepts developed by Taylor and the Gilbreths. An added benefit is that this exercise builds rapport among students early in the term.

Shovels, Trowels, and Ice Cream Scoops: In Search of the Right Tool to Explain Scientific Management
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Created on 4/1/2002
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Additional Information

Publication

Richardson, W. D. and Ford, E. W. (2002). Shovels, Trowels, and Ice Cream Scoops: In Search of the Right Tool to Explain Scientific Management. The Journal of Management Education. Volume 26 (2), pp. 194-204.

Language: English

Date: 2002

Keywords

Scientific management, Management education

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