The One Best Way Frank and Lillian Gilbreth

Troy D. Bethards

Who Influenced the Gilbreths?

Fredrick Taylor E.J. Marey Adam Smith Charles Babbage

What Influenced the Gilbreths?

Electric availability Advancements in manufacturing technology

Manufacturing Technology
Changed the following: Managements presence Pay issues Working conditions Labor problems

Gilbreths Contributions to Management Theory

Drifting process Motion study
Analyzing an activity into its smallest possible elements, and from the results synthesizing a method of performing the activity that shall be more efficient. --Frank Gilbreth

Gilbreths Study of Motion

Doctors Disabled persons Baseball players Golfers Brick layers Homemakers

Gilbreths Main Goals in Working with Companies

Increase efficiency by removing unnecessary movements Reduce fatigue for employees

Gilbreths Contributions to Management

Employer and employee must cooperate in the work process for benefits to occur.

Positions Employees Occupy in the Organization

The job he had the teacher The job he has the teacher & learner The job he will have the learner

Gilbreths Contributions to Management Theory

Frank and Lillian integrated science into management by:
Proper planning Gathering Arranging Systematizing information

Gilbreths Methods of Data Collection

Pictures Motion pictures Cyclographs Chronocyclographs

Gilbeths Methods of Analyzing Data

Therbligs
System developed to analyze the basic movements of the body. Simo chart (Simultaneous motion chart)

Therblig Groupings
Effective classifications
Physical basic divisions
Reach Move Grasp Release Preposition

Therblig Groupings
Effective classifications
Objective Basic Divisions
Use Assemble Disassemble

Therblig Groupings
Ineffective classifications
Mental or semimental basic divisions
Search Select Position Inspect Plan

Therblig Groupings
Ineffective classifications
Delay
Unavoidable delay Avoidable delay Rest to overcome fatigue Hold

Gilbreths Contribution to Management Theory

Items to determine the one best way
Motion study Fatigue study Skill study Time study

Gilbreths Contributions to Management Theory

Skill study The best way of acquiring or transferring a skill.

Gilbreths Contributions to Management Theory

Three steps to improving the teaching process
Determine the most effective way to do the work In the shortest time possible, convey the best way to do a task Use a presentation method that will be remembered the longest

Criticisms of Gilbreths Work

Skill is required for some therblig movements Too many variables to establish one best way Therbligs do not fully explain the movement

Criticisms of Gilbreths Work

Not necessarily good to standardize everything Consider human element in work Motion study can be frustrating