Final answer:
Frederick W. Taylor was a mechanical engineer who pioneered the scientific management movement, focusing on improving industrial efficiency. His work culminated in the publication of 'The Principles of Scientific Management' in 1911, a seminal text in the field of operations management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frederick W. Taylor's background was in engineering. He was a mechanical engineer from Pennsylvania, known for his advocacy of "scientific management" in the industry. His approach, often referred to as Taylorism, was aimed at improving efficiency by meticulously studying each aspect of the production process.
Through his groundbreaking work, Taylor suggested that careful observation and segmentation of work into simple, measurable tasks could improve productivity and ultimately lead to higher wages for workers and greater profits for companies.
In 1911, Taylor published the influential book The Principles of Scientific Management, which examines management theories, personnel selection, training, and work optimization through time and motion studies.
Taylor designed tools like a steam hammer at the Midvale Steel Company and conducted stop-watch studies to standardize work and measure the efficiency of both people and equipment. Despite some resistance from the workforce, his principles laid the foundation for modern operations management and efficiency methodologies.