Around the same time, Taylor began experimenting with his theories while the prominent businessman Henry Ford was busy developing his notorious automobiles. Ford named these cars alphabetically from A to S. The Franklin Institute’s publication, The Case Files: Henry Ford, states that Ford’s most successful car was the Model T, which started production in 1908. This was just a few years before Taylor published his influential work, Principles of Scientific Management, in 1911.
Implementing Tailor’s theories, Ford Motor Company ultimately manufactured more than 15 million Model TTS between 1908 and 1927 (ibid). As you will learn later in this reading, Henry Ford’s ambitious production efforts reduced production costs, resulting in lower prices in the market. Ford aimed to create “a motor car for the great multitude” and make automobile travel accessible and affordable for all. He stated, “When I’m finished, virtually everyone will possess one.”
Henry Ford and Frederick Winslow Taylor’s engineering breakthrough was timely for the auto industry. Ford acknowledged Taylor’s benefits and skillfully utilized his expertise and strategies. As a result, the auto industry thrived throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, implementing new efficiencies and cost reductions, which led to continuous enhancements in manufacturing processes across various industries.
Why did Ford implement scientific management? Ford adopted scientific management methods to enhance individual worker productivity by assigning tasks that matched their skills and strengths. Additionally, Taylor argued that reducing unnecessary physical movement among workers would boost productivity. These measures aimed to increase company productivity, achieve cost reductions, and continuously improve manufacturing processes. Was this approach successful?
Yes, Ford Motor Company used all four principles of management. The logical reasons for its success are as follows:
1. The assembly-line process allowed for faster and more affordable production of cars.
2. By 1924, Ford had sold 10 million Model T cars due to its advanced production methods.
3. Ford’s assembly line led to a mass-market demand for automobiles and revolutionized manufacturing processes in various industries.
Yes, Ford Motor utilizes all four management principles: Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling. In terms of Planning, Ford began by assessing the various parts necessary for building a car, ranging from the smallest to the largest components. During the assembly stage, F-rod implemented Tailor’s theory by deciding that the larger parts of the vehicle should stay stationary, while the smaller parts should be brought to the car as required. This approach greatly increased the speed of production.
Organizing and leading were key strategies employed by Ford to increase productivity in his car manufacturing process. To streamline the building time, Ford implemented the assembly line concept, where laborers stayed stationary as the car body passed through different workstations. Each worker would complete their designated task before the car moved on to the next station. In an effort to further enhance efficiency, Ford enlisted Taylor to study the workers and develop cost-effective and time-saving methods. This approach aimed to optimize the company’s productivity (The Franklin Institute).
