Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below.

Ashima completed her MBA from Sriram college in Delhi. She wanted to expand her family business of bakery products chain named 'Anmol bakers'. She was very influenced by the Principles and Techniques of Scientific Management, and she wanted to apply them in her business expansion.

Her main objective was to reduce the costs with increased output. To begin with, she wanted to develop a standard method which would be followed throughout the organization. So, she investigated traditional methods through work study and unified the best practices. The standard method, i.e. the best way of doing the job was then developed, taking into consideration all parameters right from the availability of raw materials till the final delivery to the customers. Ashima also believed that the employees in the organization should be scientifically selected and that adequate training for the employees should also be given to increase their efficiency. For this, she set up a training unit named 'Perfectionists' in Sonipat where employees were given the required training to increase their efficiency and learn the best method. At the factory, the ingredients making up bakery products were strategically placed to reduce the time taken for excess movements. The standard time and other parameters were determined on the basis of work study and Ashima rewarded the employees for meeting the standard output. Now, 'Anmol Bakers' has standardized processes, raw materials, time, machinery, product and working conditions that ensure the food they deliver to their customers has the same high standard of excellence and level of quality in every chain or franchise.

"Ashima rewarded the employees for meeting the standard output". Identify the technique of scientific management which is followed in this statement?

Differential piece wage system

The correct answer is Option (4) → Differential piece wage system

The differential piece wage system is a technique of scientific management introduced by F.W. Taylor. It means that workers who are able to achieve or exceed the standard output are paid at a higher wage rate, whereas those who fail to meet the standard are paid at a lower rate. This system motivates employees to put in greater effort and increase efficiency. In the passage, Ashima rewarded the employees for meeting the standard output, which directly reflects this wage system.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Option 1: Fatigue study. Fatigue study deals with analyzing the amount and causes of tiredness among workers. It is concerned with deciding the number and frequency of rest intervals so that workers remain fresh and productive. The passage is not about rest intervals or reducing worker fatigue, so this option is not correct.

Option 2: Motion study. Motion study focuses on identifying and eliminating unnecessary movements in the process of doing work to save time and effort. In the passage, motion study is reflected where ingredients were strategically placed to reduce excess movements, but it is not related to rewarding employees for meeting standard output. Hence, this option is not correct.

Option 3: Simplification of work. Simplification refers to reducing unnecessary varieties and producing only essential types of products, thereby lowering cost and increasing efficiency. The given statement does not discuss reducing product lines or removing wasteful processes. Thus, this option is not correct.