Operations and Project Management (OPM) : Kaizen

OPERATION AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Implementation of operation management principles within organisational context.......3
M1....................................................................................................................................................5
D1.....................................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Continuous improvement plan on the review of operation management principles.........5
M2....................................................................................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P3 Project life cycle................................................................................................................8
M3..................................................................................................................................................10
D2...................................................................................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
P4 Effectiveness of Project Life Cycle.................................................................................11
M4..................................................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Operation management deals with day to day tasks as well as business activities in
systematic manner. On the other hand, project management deals with planning, organising,
motivating and controlling resources in order to achieve set goals and objectives. Leyland trucks
is one of the leading truck manufacturing company in United Kingdom and its headquarters is
situated in Leyland, Lancashire, England (Tsai and et al, 2011). Leyland manufacture trucks
under the brand name of DAF. Strategy of DAF's is to achieve its objectives by implementing
two main elements and they are continuous improvement and maximising production capacity
from 18,000 to 25,000. Leyland believe in 'Kaizen' which stands for continuous improvement
and encourages everyone to get involved in decision making. This assignment will focus on
operational management principles and preparation of improvement plan based on this principle.
It also includes product life cycle and its applications.
TASK 1
P1 Implementation of operation management principles within organisational context
Operation management is referred to the implementation of business activities to create
highest level efficiency possible within organisation. It is mainly concerned with planning,
organising and supervising related to production, manufacturing or the provision of services. It
helps in converting inputs into outputs in efficient manner (Rolstadås and et al, 2014). Leyland
trucks focuses on each activities carried out by their employees and ensure regular monitoring of
those activities. They plan their tasks in systematic manner and implement activities according to
prescribed procedures. They implement different principles of operation management and some
of them are mentioned below:
Reality: In this principle, operation management focuses mainly on problem instead of
techniques. Leyland focus on their problems and try to resolve it as soon as possible in order to
avoid any serious damages and losses.
Organisation: Procedures in manufacturing are inter related, so it should be predictable
and consistent in order to achieve profits. Manufacturing process of Leyland trucks are designed
in systematic manner, so employees and managers are aware about their procedures and carry
out efficiently so that they can maximise their profits.

Accountability: In this, managers are expected to set rules and assign responsibilities to
their subordinates as well as perform regular checks whether goals are met or not. It is important
aspect of Leyland trucks as they monitor their activities and check the progress (Gupta and et al,
2011). Managers are proficient enough to assign duties and responsibilities to their staff
members according to their talent.
Causality: It is necessary to eliminate possible problems as if not removed, they can
appear again. Leyland trucks try to resole their problem as fast as possible in order to prevent
any harm to the company.
Managed passion: It is an important aspect for company as this can lead company to its
desired success. Leyland have enthusiastic staff which have the zeal to perform their duties with
excellence. This help them to achieve their short term and long term goals within specified time.
Success: Success is not constant, it changes with time. More important is to focus on
customer demands and preferences and make that a priority and revise all other principles on
occasional basis (Aaltonen, 2011). As Leyland trucks is one of the leading auto mobile
company, they have to perform their tasks with same pace and excellence in order to retain its
market position, otherwise, many competitors can take its place and Leyland will loose its
market share as well as loyal customers and clients.
Change: There are new changes that are arising everyday. So, it is not important to stick
on a particular point but embrace change and manage it for better stability in long term. Leyland
are aware about different changes that are arising in the market. They prepare themselves by
formulating alternative strategies and techniques that can be implemented at the time of new
change. Most importantly, they do not stick to traditional methods, they always implement new
changes or modifications as soon as possible and also guide their employees and staff members
about the change.
Continuous improvement: It is the key point to the success of Leyland trucks as they
believe in continuous improvement. They try to serve their customers with best and durable
trucks with excellent design and that is the reason they are one of the leading company. They
keep on changing their processes, designs, efficiency, productivity, etc. which result in greater
profits and building great relations with loyal clients and customers.