Scientific Management
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook
Description: Frederick Taylor's principles of "scientific management" revolutionized the way companies ran. The so-called "father of systems
engineering" laid out many principles that could be used to improve the efficiency and production of corporations.
Teaching Tips:"Do Now" Suggestions
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Brainstorm a list of scientific innovations and inventions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Have students write
a paragraph on what it would be like to not have use of one of these pieces of technology.
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Define scientific management as described by Frederick W. Taylor. How would this change American society?
Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
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Have students research an innovation of industry or an invention from the time period and make a presentation to the class.
This can be done alone or in groups. Create a note taking chart so that students can organize their notes on the different
presentations.
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Have students read the introduction of The Principles of Scientific Management and write a paper addressing its purpose and
defining national efficiency.