Business.com: Business Directory and Search Engine

Buy Buy
Home » Directory » Management » Management Theory » Classical & Scientific » Gilbreth Family

Management Theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth

Information on the Gilbreths' theories of business management, including articles, reports and original writings.
A-Z Management Theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Provider Directory
1-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Profile: Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
Information about the husband-and-wife team and their development of the laws of human motion from which evolved the principles of motion economy.
www.accel-team.com
On Technology and the Human Factor
A commentary on time-motion studies by John Lyman, Ph.D.
www.armchair.com
P
Making a Difference: Lillian Gilbreth
A history curriculum researched and written by Jane Lancaster for the Journal-Bulletin files.
www.projo.com
S
Profile: Lillian Moller Gilbreth
A brief profile about the "Mother of Modern Management."
www.sdsc.edu
T
Biography: Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
Information about the husband-and-wife team who developed motion study as a management tool.
gilbrethnetwork.tripod.com

close window
User Rating
8.0
out of 10

Guide to Management Theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth

Learn how the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth management theory can help your business


Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were a husband-and-wife team who worked as engineers in the early part of the 20th century. Lillian carried on this work after the death of Frank in 1924. Their main focus was on the fields of motion study and time study, combined with an interest on the psychology of efficiency and work.

The Gilbreth theory held that there was a “one best way” to do any task. Efficiency, according to the Gilbreth business management theory, could therefore be improved by finding this “one best way” and replicating it throughout the manufacturing process. The Gilbreths used new technologies such as film to break motions down into incremental parts, which they called “therbligs.” By reducing the number of “therbligs” for any task, one could increase the efficiency of the worker.

The management theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth can be summed up by the following:

1. Reduce the number of motions in a task to increase efficiency.

2. Focus on the incremental study of motions and time to understand an entire task.

3. The goal of increased efficiency is both increased profit and greater worker satisfaction.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into the technical aspects of the Lillian and Frank Gilbreth management theory As famous early engineers and experts in the field of motion study, the Gilbreths have several websites devoted to them. Most of these websites give a good overview of the Gilbreth management theory. The technical details of the Gilbreth business management theory are the key to the understanding and implementation of this theory in work situations. By familiarizing yourself with this theory, you can take advantage of its benefits.

I recommend:  A biography of Lillian, with some technical details about her work, is available from the San Diego Supercomputer Center. A brief biography and look at the Lillian and Frank Gilbreth management theory is provided by Accel-Team. One major aspect of the Gilbreth theory, the concept of therbligs, is explained in an article on the Gilbreth Network. The Internet Archive offers an edited version of the Gilbreths’ original films of their motion study techniques.

Get details on the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth management system from books and articles Throughout their lifetimes, Lillian and Frank Gilbreth published a large number of articles and books about the Gilbreth theory.

I recommend:  The Gilbreth Network gives a bibliography of articles and books by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. The Quest is an Internet-based newsletter dedicated to the advancement of the Gilbreth management theories. Purdue University gives a listing of all papers and articles by the Gilbreths in their collection.

Check out ways to implement the Gilbreth theory in a work environment The Gilbreth management theory is rarely applied directly in today's workplace. However, certain aspects of the theory, especially time-study and motion-study, can be implemented in a variety of workplace situations. One of the major implementations of the Gilbreth theory is in methods-time management (MTM), which is widely used in engineering.

I recommend:  The International MTM Directorate offers MTM training and product work using time and motion studies in the field of industrial engineering. Associated Content gives an article that details the same basic, practical uses of motion-study. EMJ Online has an article on accident and emergency consultants, in which their efficiency is determined by the use of time-study.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
  • Keep in mind that many aspects of the Gilbreth management theory have been heavily modified over the past decades and may be mentioned under other names in documents.
Directory Listings  |  Web Listings  |  Advertise With Us
Guide to Management Theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
By Laurel Brown
Management
User Rating
8.0
out of 10
Learn how the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth management theory can help your business.
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were a husband-and-wife team who worked as engineers in the early part of the 20th century. Lillian carried on this work after the death of Frank in 1924. Their main focus was on the fields of motion study and time study, combined with an interest on the psychology of efficiency and work.The Gilbreth theory held that there was a “one best way” to do any task. Efficiency, according to the ... Read more
B2B search marketing Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, 2008 B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
To advertise on Business.com, click here
Subscribe to

Try our free weekly WhatWorks
newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.

click here to view a sample issue