Application of Scientific Management Theory as Right Based
Approach in the Administration of Ngo’s
Marire Mary .I. Ph.D*,Uche Ugwuanyi Ph.D** and Jude Eze***
This study appraises the application of action plan frame work on
non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Enugu-State using right
base approach system as an instrument of goal setting in the
management of the organization. The study was designed in
clusters, namely need analysis, project design, project appraisal,
implementation process, monitoring and finally, evaluation. In
drawing an action plan through right base approach, a time frame
is targeted, and it ran in phases in order to meet the target goal as
is expected of the approach. It must also be measurable with input,
output, and out-come indicators of scientific management theories
suitable to a non-governmental organization,(NGOs).Our study
took a critical look on Fredrick Taylor’s scientific management
theory as right base approach. In R1 if a problem is identified, the
problem is half solved. In B this implies that planning can be
ballooned or deflected considering a period of time. In actualization
the implementation must be time bound and measurable. The right
base approach as is applicable in non governmental organizations
(NGOs), in collaboration with management has tried time- outmotion analysis in what is referred to as need analysis other wise
known as baseline survey, which is the first step in the
implementation of scientific management in NGOs theories as
propound by Fredrick Taylor. This, of course has been found to
yield a satisfactory results.The varying principles appears laudable,
and right now that NGOs management are trying to figure out how
high payment for successful completion of task,and how
punishment for suffering a loss when they fall short of standard can
be addressed.
Keywords: scientific, theory, right based, administration, approach.
1.0
Introduction
Right Based Approach (RBA) is a participatory, empowering, accountable and non
discriminatory development paradigm based on universal rights and freedom.
According to Mary Robinson (UN) high commission for human rights (202:61) Right
Based Approach (RBA) is human right oriented, focusing on development of welfare
package, relief approaches, grant, outsider approach, increased knowledge and
increased participant understanding of administrative processes relevant, not only to
manufacturing firms, but also to NGO’s.
_____________________
Marire Mary .I. Ph.D*,Uche Ugwuanyi Ph.D** and Jude Eze***, Department of Business Administration,
Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu., [email protected]
The application of management theories as Right Based Approach (RBA) in the
administration of non-governmental organization (NGO) depends on the time-frame and
time lag apportioned to the project, how, and when, it will start and end, what it is meant
to achieve, and the area of coverage.
Right Based Approach (RBA) can be properly understood by the following simple
analysis of constituent alphabets:
R……. Stands for Recognition e.g if a problem is identified, the problem is half solved.
B……. Stands for Balloon. This implies that planning can be ballooned or deflected. A
period of time can be considered, e.g 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years to be attained or
unattainable.
A……. Stands for Actualization e.g Implementation must be time bound and
measurable; pre-planned, executed, evaluated and followed –up.
According to a manual adopted by department for international development (DFID) and
Enugu-State coalition of civil society on HIV/AIDS (ESCCSHA) 2003(10,21) Community
based action plan, an application action plan is a pre-packaged plan of activity meant
for a project duration or life span that must emanate from the organization or community
and will run concurrently and in stages, unit it is actualized. In managing an applied
action plan in a non-governmental organization, a target of one or two years is set. In
that target a monthly frame-work is adopted and in phases. In phase one of 1-3 months,
advocacy visits are made to the gate-keeper, before the commencement of the project.
In phase two of 3-6 months, the pre-planning meetings and training of facilitators are
being conducted for the main capacity building. I
n phase three of 6-9 months the
main capacity building workshop or research is carried out, with the writing or report and
evaluation, which is being carried out by the monitoring and evaluation unit of the
organization.
1.1 Statement of Problem
This study on application of management theory as right based approach in
administration of NGO’s was motivated firstly by complaints over the system expressed
in articles, seminar papers by organizational managers, economists, academicians,
captains of industries, and presidents/ founders of non-governmental organizations.
Consequently, applications of projections are not effective in achieving the purpose of
an organization even if / when all necessary action to work them up are in place, for
example, finance and other logistics.
This makes the author ponder whether application of some of the principles of scientific
management would not deal with the situation.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The general objective is to apply scientific management theories as right based
approach (RBA) in the administration of non- governmental organizations, (NGOs)
The specific objectives, are made up of the following;
 To have an in-depth knowledge on what organization management should know
in the application of the scientific management principles as a right base
approach (RBA).
 To identify the problems inherent in the use of scientific management theory
propounded by Fredrick Taylor as a right based approach.
 To create awareness on best practices to fighting problems encountered during
the administration of right based approach as founded by Fredrick Taylor and
Henri Fayol.
1.3 Scope of Study
This study scope will cover all the techniques involved in applying management
theory as right based approach (RBA) in the administration of non-governmental
organisation by using project life cycle management theory technique.
1.4 Limitations of Study
While collating information for this study the researcher encountered some constraints.
One of such constraints is gathering adequate information and marrying the two
analysis correctly. As can be seen, the study covered local non-governmental
organizations and international non-governmental organizations with its challenges.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study will help management of non-governmental organizations and other on-line
organization/ministries to apply and plan fundable programs which are time-bound and
measurable, with indicators, outcomes and outputs processes and conceptual anaylsis
frame work.
HYPOTHESIS
HO1:There is significant information on what is right based approach
HA1: There is no significant information on what is right based approach
HO2: There is a significant problems inherent in the use of scientific
management theory as profounded by Fredrick Taylor as right based
approach.
HA2: There is no significant problems inherent in the use of scientific
management theory as profounded by Fredrick Taylor as right based
approach.
HO3: There is no significant awareness on best practices to fighting
problem administration of right based approach.
HA3: There is significant awareness on best practices to fighting problem
encountered during the administration of right based approach.
Research Questions
1) How can we increase knowledge on what organization management is
in the study of right based approach?
2) How do we approach the significant problems found in the use of right
based approach in scientific management?
3) Having identify this problems how can we solve this problems facing
organizational management as a right based approach.
1.6 Definition of Terms
Administration: ACCORDING TO OXFORD;”Advanced Learners
dictionary”;
“Is the management of public or business affairs and a part of the
government that manages public affairs”.
Approach:”Is a way of dealing with something, adopt a more positive
approach to an event or research”.
Based:”Is establishing on the specified place or way”.
Theory:”Is a set of properly argued ideas intended to explain facts or
events”.
Right:” Is based on true facts,correct”.
Scientific: “Is Used for or involved in science; a scientific discovery”.
2.0
Literature Review
Fredrick Taylor Management Theory as Right Base Theory.
In the introduction, need analysis, awareness and understanding of
important historical developments are also important to contemporary
managers in right based approach study. Most courses in management
history devote substantial amount of time to project economic
developments in the organization, including the industrial revolution, the
early labour movement, the great depression and the late Twenty-first
century great reform. Such captains of Nigerian industry as Ngozi Okonjo
Iweala,(1990:7) Prof. Soludo,(2002:34) Bill gate,(2009:14), Pastor
Chukwudi Ogbueli,(2003:6) Prof. Dorah Akunyeli,(2002:15), are not also
left out. This management principle of right base approach (RBA) ;is
highlighted in some way. According to IMF; Industrial report, magazine,
issue 23,(2005:41) modern contributors and other industrialists have left a
profound imprint on contemporary culture.
We always sate that managers carry out management functions in
organizations in a process. These functions of planning, organizing,
directing and controlling can be also be looked at as elements in the
process which management and all persons in managerial positions
undertake as their work. Some management writers describe this
perception management from the point of view of functions and process as
a Traditional, Classical or Functional Approach. Some writers view this
approach with dissatisfaction, suggesting that it is out-dated and inflexible
and not a complete presentation of management, because of the way it is
managed and what they do. They also view that the approach tends to lead
to management decision-making through control, segmentation and
autocracy, however, benevolent is its intent Flippo and Munisiger,
(1998:10). It is true that the functional approach to management is based
on the beliefs from early years of management thought traced back to the
works of early thinkers: Frederick Taylor and Henri Fayol – the forerunner
of modern management thought. Ye they are the first well developed
framework of management Griffin,(1984:37), Koontz and O’Donnell
(1984:212) add that the approach recognizes that there is a central core of
knowledge about managing and it appears to make the field intellectually
manageable.
Contemporary
management
books,
including
Griffin,(1984:37),still use the management process framework in presenting
management course and most practicing managers are familiar with this
description of their jobs.
But very pertinent to our study is the scientific management theorist which
was the work of Taylor, and on which the researcher anchor its study. This
has been proved formidable theory which the local and international nongovernmental goals are agreed to by the United Nations during Abuja
declaration of (2002:2)
a.
Scientific Management; fathered by Fredrick Taylor; Frank and
Lillian Gilberth, Henry L. Gantt, Harrington, Emerson.
b.
General administrative or functional theorists; otherwise known
as classical theorists, initiated by Henri Fayol. In this group we have
Max Weber, Lyndall Lrwick, Chester Bernard.
The A and B on the list together from the scientific and classical, functional
or process theory. Taylor’s theory, however, is looked at rather as
organizational theory. We shall start our discussion with the first two
theories because we have said that they are fundamental to organizational
theory and non governmental organization (NGO) theory as studied by this
work. Our study takes a critical look on Fredrick Taylor’s scientific
management theory as right base approach.
Fredrick Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory as Right Base
Approach
“Scientific management”, as an approach started around 1900 and used
engineering techniques such as time and motion analysis to increase plant
efficiency by establishing the one best method for each task, Luthans,F.
and Hodgett R. (1989:101) The right base approach as is applicable in non
governmental organizational (NGO) management has tried time-out-motion
analysis in what is referred to as need analysis otherwise known as
Baseline survey, which is the first step in the implementation of scientific
management in non governmental organization theories as propounded by
Taylor. This, of course, has been found to yield a satisfactory result.
Taylor did most of his work at the Midvale and Bethlehem steel companies
in Pennsylvania. As a mechanical engineer with a Quaker – Puritan
background, he was consistently appalled at the inefficiency of workers.
Employees used vastly different techniques to do the same job. They were
prone to “taking it easy” on the job. Taylor believed that worker output was
only about one third of what was possible. Therefore, he set out to correct
the situation by applying the scientific method to jobs on the shop floor. He
spent more that two decades pursuing with passion the “one best way” for
each job to be done. Robbins S.P. (19991:91) Taylor sought to create a
mental revolution among both the workers and management by defining
clear goals.
In Non-governmental organization (NGO) management, in right base
approach (RBA) as is applicable to scientific management, the projects
coordinator uses vastly different techniques like stepping down the project
according to community needs, age range, culture, religion, level of
education, ESCCHA, (CACA) Training manual of Department for
International Development (DFID) (2003:9) But more still needs to be done
in area where NGO’s are still lacking behind in fully adopting the Taylors
believes, as the right approach.
Taylor’s eight principles of management: Taylor expatiated on his
principles which around, set some opposition from workers and members
of labour union, thereby informing the need for NGO’s to want use it.
 Develop a science for each element of an individual’s work, which
replaces the old ruler-of-thumb method. Robbins, S.P.(1991:233).
In right base approach, non-governmental organization’s (NGO’s)
developed a science/system for each activity on an individual work,
which replaces the old rule –of-thumb method through a critical need
analysis.
 Scientifically select and then train, and develop the worker
(previously, workers chosen their own work and train them as best as
they could). Robbins S.P. (1991:201).
In right base approach, NGO’s select and build the capacity of their
beneficiaries through training-of-trainers (TOT) to enlarge
participatory skill.
 Heartily cooperate with the workers so as to ensure that all work is
done in accordance with the principles of the science that has been
developed. Robbins S.P. (1991:91).
In right base approach, non-governmental organizations cooperate
with the workers to ensure that all work is done in accordance with
Action plan Principles.
 Taylor as a foreman obtained harmony in group action, rather than
chaotic individualism, Umoh S.M (1994:23) Analysis of management
principles and practices.
Non-governmental organization’s (NGO’s) sees Taylors views as a
goal and vision they want to actualize in a considerable time frame,
thereby using action plan to achieve it, in a tag of right base
approach. NNRIMS (2006:25)
 Taylor attempt to set a standard conditions should be maintained to
ensure that the task is more easily accomplished, according to Umoh
(1994:23).
The application makes the researcher think that the best practice is
that NGO’s should adopt and maintain a standard condition as is
derived from Toylors theory as right base approach. NNRIMS
(2006:25).
 Taylors principles for working for maximum output, rather than
restricted output. Umoh (1994:23) became an eye opener to NGO to
management because, over the year, the struggle has been to
formulate a working partner that if put in place will help development
partners to maximize there consultants and resources persons
effectively, that which has never been possible over the years to
achieve. Otive (2003:12) AAIN
 Taylor’s principles appear quite laudable, when he introduced high
payment for successful completion of task, but workers should be
punished or surface a loss when they fall short of standard Umoh
(1994:28)
Conceptual Framework
In project life cycle in management theory and non-governmental
organization administration, the researcher found that it runs in cycle
of activities. AAIN,(2005:8). When completed a reports is made on
the project.
phase four of 9-12 months, the monitoring and evaluation department
of the non-government organization will evaluation the project life
circle management in the following circle.
1.01 Project Life Cycle of NGO/Management, Theory (AAIN 2005)
Need analysis (NGO)
Beginning of 21st Century (Fredrick Taylor) (MGT)
Project design (NGO)
Use labour for
efficiently (MGT)
Evaluation (NGO)
Supervised the employee
To meet target (MGT)
Monitoring (NGO)
Increase pay according to
target (MGT)
Implementation
process (NGO) Timing
each element (MGT)
Project appraisal
(NGO) Midvale steel
(Soldering) MGT)
 Need analysis by non-governmental organizations represents the
beginning of 21st century e.g. (Fredrick Taylor Contributions).
 Project design by non-governmental organizations represents using
labour for efficiently managing man and material.
 Project appraisal by non-governmental organizations represents the
Midvale steel (soldering).
 Implementation process by non-governmental organizations
represents timing each element accurately.
 Monitoring by non-governmental organizations represents increased
pay and increased impact to the target group, (Employees).
 Evaluation
by
non-governmental
organizations
represents
supervising the employee to meet the target.
3.0
Research Methodology
3.1
The design of the research
This study is designed to identify the problems facing scientific
management as a right based approach and to find how to increase
knowledge on what organizational management is in the research.
This research therefore becomes necessary because of their inability
to achieve their expected objectives and it is hoped that with the
gradually eliminated, so as to make the research interesting.
3.2
The Area of the research
This research covers scientific management as a right based
approach by being examined. Out of this number 16 otherwise known
as the right based approach were incorporated.
3.3
Population of the research
Our Population is made up of all work of the efficient scientific
management theorists.numbering 46.
3.4
Sources of data.
Data for this exercise were Principally from both primary and
secondary sources.These consists of data collected by
the researchers through interviewing of some scientific
management scholars.The researchers generated thr
primary
data
through
questionnaire
administration,personal interview, observation and also
from secondary data.
3.5
Sampling
To embark on a complete survey of the entire unit of analysis would
be difficult and too large for ths scope of this exercise.Therefore,the
researchers decided to use yamani formular to choose their sample
size.
The sample size is determined with this formula.
n
=
N
1 + N (e2)
Where
N
e
I
n
=
=
=
=
Population of the study
Tolerable error margin
Constant
Required sample size
Therefore N
=
46
e
=
5% or 0.05, with (95%) confidence unit.
We then substitute the data as follows:
n
=
=
46
11.25
46
1+46 x (0.052)
= 3.91
3.6
Instrument
A structured questionnaire was used to gather information from the
respondents. A questionnaire consists of paper(s) containing a
number of questions with response options. The questionnaire builds
questions on the research questions. Response to each question
makes up the necessary statistical data required to propound ideas,
theories and concepts. Based on the available information, the
researchers may generalize or draw conclusion which stands the test
of time.
3.7
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION:
This study involves the use of both primary and secondary
data. Primary data were obtained by structured questionnaire which
were administered by the researchers with the help of field staff to
the research.Where the members are illiterate,the field staff and the
researchers helped them to interpret the questionnaire as they
respond.
4.0
Data analysis and presentation of result
This section deals with the data analysis and presentation of results
in relation to research questions that guided the study. It has been
organized in the such a way that every research question.A total of
12 questionnaires were administered randomly to members of
cooperative societies in this research.
4.2
Research Question One (1)
How can we increase knowledge on what organizational
management is in the study of right based approach?
S/NO
Questionnaire Items
Yes
No
Total
1.
Do you know about 11
35
45
organizational
Management in relation to
RBA
Percentage %
24%
76%
100%
Results from research question one(1) shows that 24% of the respondents
do not know about organizational management in relation to right based
approach
4.3
Research Question two(2)
How do we approach the significant problems found in the use of
right based approach in scientific management as a right based
approach in scientific management?
S/No
Questionnaire Items
Yes
No
Total
2.
Can
those
problems 26
20
40
confronting
R.B.A
in
organizational
Management be solved
Percentage
57%
43%
100%
Results from the research question two (2) shows that 57% said that those
problems confronting RBA can be solved,while 43% representing No, said
responded nagetively.
4.4 Research Question three (3)
Having this problems, how can we solve thie problems facing
organizational management as a right based approach.
S/No
Questionnaire Items
Yes
No
Total
3.
Is RBA the solution to 30
16
46
theories
from
Science
Management
Percentage
65%
35%
100%
Results from research question three (3) shows that 65%, said that there is
solution to theories from Science Management while 35% representing
No, said there is no solution to theories from science Management.
Recommendations.
 Tailors scientific management theory marires project life cycle in a
non-governmental organization (NGO) administrative as right base
approach.
 Is a participatory, empowering, accountable and non discriminatory
development paradigm.
 Taylor observed that every worker in the plant used the same shovel
size regardless of the material.
 Non governmental organizations (NGOs) observed that in Taylors
scientific work, he took cognizance of putting the right person on the
hob with the correct incentives, and having the worker follow his
instructions exactly, and by motivating the worker through economic
empowerment.
Conclusion
These very principles appear laudable, and right now
that nongovernmental organizations, (NGOs) management are trying to figure out
how better condition for successful completion of task should be
compensated, and how punishment for non completion of task should be
tackled. Otive (2003:7) AAIN. And with these 8 principles of Taylor in place
NGO’s should determine how the work would be done, and that
conventional or sharp practices would not be permitted. That workers
should be closely supervised and made to do the work as they are paid for.
That management should do all the work of planning, developing methods,
controlling every conditions and thus implementing autocracy.
References
AAIN: (2005)”Newsletter”, a report from a 21 days training for NGOs
Programme officers on PADEF at ENDEHU,Nasarawa State Pg,8
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Hills,Inco.Tokyo.
Flippo & Munisinger et al,(1998).”Principles of Management”, 5th.edition.
McGraw Hills Prentices Publication, New York.pg,10.
Hicks,H.C and Gulletts,(1987)”Management” McGraw Hills Prentices
Publishers.Pg.25.
IMF (2005).”Industrial Report Magazine”, Published by AAIN, Abuja.Issue
23.pg,41.
Luthans, F.& Hodgett,R.(1989),”Management” McGraw Hills Book
company
New York.pg,101.
Mary Robbinson,(2002),”Document on United Nations” For training on right
based approach.Published by DFID.Pg,61.
Robbins S.P. (1991), “Organisation theory and management,” Oxford
University press, pg,233.
Griffin, (1990) “Management” Houghton Mifflin Company, Printed in U.S.A,
Pg.35.
Otive .P. (2003) Action Aid International Newsletter 3rd edition. Published
by DFID. Pg,7, 81.
Umoh,S.(1994),”Management the Analytical Design” Published by
Ochumba Press, Nogeria. Achara Lay Out, Enugu.
United
Nations,(2002),
“Abuja
Millennium
development
goals
declaration.”Pg,2.