Rowan plan vs. 50–50 Halsey plan For which relationship between actual time and standard time do both plans yield the same worker earnings?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Actual time is one-half of standard time

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Rowan and Halsey (50–50) are classic time-saved incentive plans. Comparing their earnings at different performance levels helps select a plan and set expectations for workers and management.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard time = S, actual time = T, rate = R.
  • Halsey 50–50 bonus = 0.5 * (S − T) * R.
  • Rowan bonus = (Time saved / Standard time) * T * R = ((S − T)/S) * T * R.


Concept / Approach:
We compare total earnings E under both plans and find when they are equal by substituting a specific T relative to S.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Let T = S/2.Halsey 50–50: Bonus = 0.5 * (S − S/2) * R = 0.25 S R; Earnings = T R + Bonus = 0.5 S R + 0.25 S R = 0.75 S R.Rowan: Bonus = ((S − S/2)/S) * (S/2) * R = (0.5) * (0.5 S) * R = 0.25 S R; Earnings = T R + Bonus = 0.5 S R + 0.25 S R = 0.75 S R.Thus, at T = S/2, both plans give identical earnings.



Verification / Alternative check:
Trying another T (e.g., T = 0.7 S) yields different bonuses, confirming equality occurs specifically at half the standard time.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
At one-fourth, equal, twice, or three-fourths of S, the two formulas do not coincide; computed bonuses differ.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing time-saved based bonuses with efficiency-based plans or forgetting the 50% share in Halsey.



Final Answer:
Actual time is one-half of standard time


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