Management Science draws on several foundational theories that have shaped its evolution.

Taylorism, or Scientific Management, introduced by Frederick Taylor in the early 20th century, emphasized efficiency through time studies, standardization, and task specialization. While criticized for being overly mechanical, it laid the groundwork for systematic management.

Cybernetics, developed in the mid-20th century, focused on systems, feedback loops, and control mechanisms. It influenced how organizations are viewed as dynamic, self-regulating systems.

Operations Research, born during World War II, applied mathematical modeling to logistics and strategy. This foundation remains central to Management Science.

Systems Theory also plays a role, framing organizations as interconnected components where changes in one part affect the whole.

Together, these foundations highlight the balance between structure (Taylorism), adaptability (cybernetics), and analytical rigor (operations research). Modern Management Science integrates these perspectives with data analytics and AI.