Final answer:
Scientific management in manufacturing focuses on increasing efficiency by analyzing and optimizing the steps in an assembly process through time-motion studies, a method developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor aimed at eliminating wasteful movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a manufacturing environment, scientific management is demonstrated by conducting time-motion studies of the steps in an assembly process to determine if efficiencies can be gained by adjusting the way steps are performed. Introduced by Frederick Winslow Taylor in 1911, scientific management, or Taylorism, emphasizes the elimination of waste through the careful study of every aspect of the production processes. This principle advocates for increasing productivity by minimizing wasteful movements and breaking down manufacturing tasks into shorter, repetitive segments that could be measured and standardized for efficiency. Both the overall output for the company and wages for the workers could benefit from such improvements.
Indeed, factories and industries have leveraged scientific management to streamline operations and drive competitiveness by finding the most economical and efficient ways to complete tasks, which often involves rigorous analysis and continuous adjustment of the workflow. However, while the efficiency gains may be undeniable, this approach has also been criticized for its potential to render work dehumanizing and unpleasant, as it can focus too much on repetitive tasks and stifle personal interaction among workers.