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Frank Bunker Gilbreth SrEconomist
Date of Birth: 07.07.1868
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Construction and Management
- Marriage and Business Partnership
- Scientific Management
- Research on Fatigue
- Work Improvement and Innovation
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Sr. was born in Fairfield, Maine in 1868 to Joseph and Martha Gilbreth. After completing his schooling, he worked as a bricklayer while studying construction with the goal of optimizing work processes and reducing labor time.
Construction and Management
Gilbreth's efforts caught the attention of his superiors, and he was promoted to building contractor. Around this time, he began lecturing at Purdue University. At age 27, he became general manager of the construction company where he had previously worked.
Marriage and Business Partnership
On October 19, 1904, Gilbreth married Lilian Moller, with whom he had 12 children. Together, they founded 'Gilbreth, Inc.', a business management consulting firm.
Scientific Management
In 1912, Gilbreth published 'Primer of Scientific Management', a groundbreaking work that gained international acclaim. He collaborated closely with fellow economist Frederick Winslow Taylor, sharing ideas and refining economic theories.
Research on Fatigue
Gilbreth became renowned for his studies on fatigue, identifying 52 causes and categorizing them into 17 basic motions. This work revolutionized labor organization, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks and optimizing movement efficiency.
Work Improvement and Innovation
Throughout his career, Gilbreth dedicated himself to improving productivity in diverse settings, including hospitals, the military, and government services. His contributions include the nurse's role of assisting during surgery, and military training methods for soldiers to assemble and disassemble weapons blindfolded or in darkness.
Death and Legacy
Gilbreth died suddenly of heart failure in 1924. His family played a vital role in his research, particularly his development of the division of labor and actions. The Gilbreth family gained worldwide fame through the book 'Cheaper by the Dozen', written by his son in 1948 and later adapted into several films. In 1971, a biography of Gilbreth's life and work was published by his son, Frank Gilbreth Jr.
