Frederick Winslow Taylor
The following is an obituary from March 21, 1915, announcing the death of Frederick Winslow Taylor.
1 PHILADELPHIA, March 21: Frederick Winslow Tayler, originator of the modem scientific management movement, died here today from pneumonia. He was 59 years old, and was a former President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Among his numerous inventions and discoveries was the Taylor-White process of treating modem high-speed took. He was the author of articles on scientific efficiency. and installed his system in many large industrial establishments.
2 The writings and lectures of Frederic Winslow Taylor formed the basis of the recent reorganization of methods of handing labor in many of the largest industries in the country. The articles of Mr. Taylor on "Scientific Management" in 1911 had a good deal to do with giving its new, special meaning to the word "efficiency" and making it the watchword which it has become since that time.
3 One of his leading doctrines which has made a deep impression on business and industry in this country since that time is that a man who proves incompetent at one jab should be fitted in where he can give good service, instead of being discharged. His life work was chiefly devoted to the simplification of industrial processes to reduce costs and increase Outputs.
4 Mr. Taylor was born at Germantown, Philadelphia, on March 20, 1856, and was graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1883. He won the doubles championship of the United States at tennis at Newport in 1881. He entered the employ of the Midvale Steel Company at Philadelphia in 1878 and was successively gang boss, assistant foreman, foreman of the machine shop, master mechanic, chief draughtsman, and chief engineer.
5 In 1889 he began his special work of re-organizing the management of
Based on the obituary, what was Taylor's first job?
- A. Gang boss
- B. Scientist
- C. Engineer
- D. Manager
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Taylor's first job as a gang boss reflects an early involvement in leadership and organization, likely in a challenging environment. This position often requires strong management skills and the ability to coordinate team efforts, which can be foundational for future roles. Option B, scientist, is incorrect as it implies a formal education and specialized training that is not indicated in the obituary. Option C, engineer, suggests a technical background that does not align with the described early career path. Lastly, option D, manager, while related, does not capture the specific context of Taylor's initial role, which was more informal and associated with a gang structure.
Taylor's first job as a gang boss reflects an early involvement in leadership and organization, likely in a challenging environment. This position often requires strong management skills and the ability to coordinate team efforts, which can be foundational for future roles. Option B, scientist, is incorrect as it implies a formal education and specialized training that is not indicated in the obituary. Option C, engineer, suggests a technical background that does not align with the described early career path. Lastly, option D, manager, while related, does not capture the specific context of Taylor's initial role, which was more informal and associated with a gang structure.
Other Related Questions
What is the nearly 30,000 square mile acquisition known as?
- A. Alaska Purchase
- B. Hawaii Annexation
- C. Oregon Territory
- D. Gadsden Purchase
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
The Gadsden Purchase refers to the acquisition of approximately 30,000 square miles of land from Mexico in 1854, primarily to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad. Option A, the Alaska Purchase, involved acquiring Alaska from Russia in 1867 and is significantly larger in area. Option B, the Hawaii Annexation, pertains to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which is not a land acquisition of this size. Option C, the Oregon Territory, was established through treaties in the mid-1800s but does not represent a single acquisition of 30,000 square miles. Thus, the Gadsden Purchase is uniquely defined by its specific size and historical context.
The government permits a group of people to protest in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Which amendment protects this action?
- A. Amendment 1
- B. Amendment 4
- C. Amendment 5
- D. Amendment 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government, which includes the act of protesting. This foundational freedom allows individuals to express their views publicly, especially in front of significant government buildings like the U.S. Capitol. Amendment 4 focuses on protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which does not pertain to protest rights. Amendment 5 addresses rights related to legal proceedings, such as self-incrimination and due process, while Amendment 10 reserves powers to the states and the people, neither of which directly relates to the act of protesting.
Why were most of the passengers denied permission to enter Cuba?
- A. Cuba had already accepted all the refugees it could for that year.
- B. Cuba and Germany did not have diplomatic relations at that time.
- C. Cuba's president claimed their documents had been obtained illegally.
- D. It was feared that admitting them would create tension with Germany.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Most passengers were denied entry because Cuba's president claimed their documents had been obtained illegally. This assertion directly impacted the legitimacy of their entry, making it a crucial reason for their denial. Option A is incorrect as it implies a quota issue rather than a legal matter. Option B is misleading; while diplomatic relations may affect policies, they were not the primary reason for the denial in this context. Option D suggests geopolitical concerns, but the immediate issue was the legality of the passengers’ documentation, which was the decisive factor in their rejection.
Most passengers were denied entry because Cuba's president claimed their documents had been obtained illegally. This assertion directly impacted the legitimacy of their entry, making it a crucial reason for their denial. Option A is incorrect as it implies a quota issue rather than a legal matter. Option B is misleading; while diplomatic relations may affect policies, they were not the primary reason for the denial in this context. Option D suggests geopolitical concerns, but the immediate issue was the legality of the passengers’ documentation, which was the decisive factor in their rejection.
A police department allows a person suspected of committing a crime to refuse to answer questions asked by the investigating officer. Which amendment protects this right?
- A. Amendment 1
- B. Amendment 4
- C. Amendment 5
- D. Amendment 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing a person suspected of a crime to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement. This right ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to provide testimony that could implicate them in a crime. Option A, the First Amendment, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, but does not address self-incrimination. Option B, the Fourth Amendment, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but does not relate to questioning. Option D, the Sixth Amendment, guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to counsel and a fair trial, but does not specifically cover the right to remain silent during questioning.
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, allowing a person suspected of a crime to refuse to answer questions posed by law enforcement. This right ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to provide testimony that could implicate them in a crime. Option A, the First Amendment, pertains to freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition, but does not address self-incrimination. Option B, the Fourth Amendment, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, but does not relate to questioning. Option D, the Sixth Amendment, guarantees rights related to criminal prosecutions, such as the right to counsel and a fair trial, but does not specifically cover the right to remain silent during questioning.