Industrial Engineering: Essays and Papers

Essays and Papers on History and contributions of Industrial engineering.

The origin of Industrial engineering is often confused with the beginnings of the industrial revolution, but it happened much earlier. As soon as man got in touch with the problems of management of the workshop/factory, he began to apply analytical methods complemented by rational experiences. It has passed through several phases to reach the present advanced/developed stage.

The techniques of industrial engineering began to surge in the U.S. at the beginning of this century and has now spread to most of the countries around the world, helping to improve living standards, resulting in increased productivity and competitiveness.

Though Fredrick Taylor is named as the father of Scientific management and Industrial Engineering, there are many others who have made significant contributions in the field of industrial engineering, even before Taylor got associated with industrial engineering.

Contributions to Industrial Engineering:
Adam Smith (1776): Adam Smith, through his book titled Wealth of Nations, laid foundation to scientific manufacturing. He introduced the concept of “division of labour”. Through his concept of division of labour (skill development, time savings), he was able to influence the factory system.

James Watt (1864): Steam engine advanced the use of mechanical power to increase productivity.

Charles Babbage: English mathematician, who worked at the same time as Adam Smith, and advocated specialization as one more advantage of division of labour.

Henry L Gantt (1913): Gantt an engineering contemporary of Taylor, had a profound impact on the development of management thinking. His contributions were:

Work in the field of motivation, development of task and bonus plan (highly successful).
Measurement of management results by Gantt charts.
Recognition of social responsibility of business and industry.
Advocated training of workers by management.

Frank & Lillian Gilberth (1917): The advancement of motions studies is attributed to Gilberth. Assisted by his wife, he developed motion study as a tool for work analysis. He developed micro motion study, a breakdown of work into fundamental elements called ‘therbligs’.

Harrington Emerson (1913): He developed his managerial concepts simultaneously with Taylor, Gantt and Gilberth. He is credited for Emerson’s Efficiency, Bonus Plant, and incentive plan which guarantees the base day rate & pays a graduated bonus.

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