Operation and Project Management in Next Plc: A Review and Critique of Implementation of Operational Management Principles

This report discusses the implementation of operational management principles in Next Plc, a multinational brand dealing in clothing, footwear, and home products. It covers the principles of operational management, lean principles, six sigma methodology, and continuous improvement plan. The report also reviews and critiques the effectiveness of the PLC for the project with different theories, models, and concepts.

Operation and project
management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................3
An introduction to your chosen organization..............................................................................3
An explanation of operation vs operations management............................................................4
A review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within your
chosen organization.....................................................................................................................4
Six sigma methodology...............................................................................................................5
Preparation of continuous improvement plan based on review of operation management
principles in context of organisation ..........................................................................................8
Application of each stage of PLC in context of project that require support to different
documentation for completion of project .................................................................................10
Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used..............................................................12
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC....................................................13
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Operational management may be defined as the management of all the business practice
in order to create maximum level of efficiency within the firm. This management basically
concerned with converting the raw material and labour into the finished goods and services as
effectively as possible in order to increase profit of the company. Project management may be
defined as the application of processes, skills, knowledge, method, experience and many more
which assist in attaining all the objective of the project according to the set criteria and within the
agreed parameters(Abidin, Osman and Hashim, 2021). This comprises of planning, initiation,
execution, monitoring, and closing of a project. The following report is based on the Next Plc
which is a well known British multinational brand of United Kingdom. The company was
founded in 1864 by Joseph Hepworth and the headquarter of the company is situated in Enderby,
England, UK. The organisation basically deals in clothing , footwear and home product and it
has around 700 stores all across the globe. The following report is going to cover the brief
description of the chose company and brief explanation of operation and operational
management. This report cover the principle of operational management and continuous
improvement plan in context to the chosen company. This report also consist the application of
stages of PLC in relation to project along with this, this report reviews and critique the
effectiveness of PLC for project with different theories, models and concept.
TASK
An introduction to your chosen organization
Next Plc is a well known UK based brand which provide their services all across the
globe as its business not limited to one country. The company offer different types of product
and services to their customer such as home product, clothing and footwear and many more. The
respective company have around 700 stores out of which 500 are in United Kingdom and 200
are in all across the Europe, middle east and Asia. The Next plc is the largest clothing retailer
brand in UK by sales because of number of skilled employees in their stores. The company
provide employment to around 41547 people all across the globe which continuously working
for the growth and success of the company. Next Plc is a Public Limited Company and in early

2012 they overtaken the Marks and Spencer. The key people of the respective organization are
Michael Roney as a chair person and Simon Wolfson as CEO.
An explanation of operation vs operations management.
Operation in business may be defined as those activities in which business is engaged on
regular basis in order to increase and enhance the value and profit of the company(Almajed,
Bahrain and John, 2021). The main motive behind doing these activities is to generate revenue
and profit foe the business owner. Employees with in an organization are responsible for
attaining all the goals and objective of the business which are set by the higher authorities.
Different types of functions like marketing, manufacturing, accounting and many more has been
performed by the employees of the company in effective manner which help in achieving the
objective.
On the other hand operational management may be defined as the administration of all
the business activities In order to create and improve the efficiency within the organization. The
main motive of the operational management is to convert the raw material and labor of the
company in to finished goods and services by utilizing all the resources of the firm at the
optimum level. This help in increasing the revenue and profit of the organization. Basically this
is a practice which are adopt by the organization in order to manage the cost which help in
increasing the profit of the company.
A review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles within
your chosen organization.
The operational management may be defined as the process of managing day to day
activities of the business in order to achieve all the goals and objectives (Chang, Zhang and
Xiong, 2020). In relation to manufacturing organization, this refer to all those stages through
which raw material effectively convert into finial product. The objective of the operational
management is to utilize all the resources of the company like lobour, machinery, raw material,
and many more in effective as well as efficient manner. With the help of this, the management
of the company are able to meet the demand of goods and services by maintaining proper
supply. The principle of the operational management which are helpful for all types of
organization has been discussed below:-

 Reality:-in this, the management of the paid focus on the overall complexities which are
faced by the them. Larger problem are opposite to smaller techniques which are part of
problem(de Castro and et. al., 2021). According to the Schaeffer, there is no single tool
in the whole universe which provides solution of each and every problem which by the
internal management. In context to the Next Plc, the management of the company paid
focus on the development and retaining of the workforce at all the three stages of the
company that is top, middle and low level. For this, they have to develop a healthy and
happy environment for their employees where they can get support of their team and staff
members.
 Organization :- this state that within a manufacturing organisation all the activities and
practices is interconnect with each other. Therefore, all the element must be predictable
and consistent so that desired result can be achieved in a timely manner. In relation to the
Next plc, the manufacturing units of the company are equipped with filters which help in
decreasing the erosion and chemical which are used in the production process are
decomposable in nature. This help in maintaining the plant and factories environmental
friendly. Regular check up has been done in the manufacturing process in order to
identify the defect at the initial stage.
 Accountability:- this principle state that the members of the company who are
responsible for managing the operations must be accountable. The manager of the
company should have checks and balances to accountability. This can be done by
developing rules and deadlines for the work which are assigned to their subordinates so
that they carry out the task with utmost productivity and on time(Glebova and et. al.,
2019). In relation to Next plc, the management of the company have to provide proper
training to their new worker at the initial stage and then implement proper supervision
over them. In order to improve efficiency of their workers on regular basis the Next plc
have a separate training department.
Six sigma methodology
Six sigma may be defined as different set of tools and techniques which help in
improving the every process of the company. This is is basically a quality control process which
are used by the organisation in order to remove all the defect and improve processes. The most
important part of this methodology is that, this can be applicable in every process and every type

of industry. One of the methodology in six sigma is DMAIC which means that define, measure,
analyse, improve and control. As the Next Plc is multinational company so they follow the six
sigma methodology which have been discussed below:-
 Define:- this is being considered as the first stage of the six sigma methodology which
start with customer centric approach. From the customer point of view all the business
problem has been defined (Gubala and Awolusi, 2020). In context to the Next Plc the
company target the customers between the age group of 20-46 because they are identical
about the quality, price and choice. It has been observed that the sales has been reduced
by 5 % because of the change in the shopping behaviour of the consumer. The goals are
set once the problem has been solved with all the available resources.
 Measure :- this is the second stage of this methodology in which different tools has been
evaluated in order to correct the problem in numeric terms. This will help in achieving
all the organizational outcome for particular problem. The competitors of the company
attract more and more customers because of the mid-years sales and due to this the sales
of the company has been majorly affected. The Next plc is going to offer discount to their
customers in order to increase their customers base. This help in increasing their sales
and profit.
 Analyse :- this is the third stage in which strategy has been analyse by brining in to the
market in order to know its efficiency and effectiveness. If the organisation will achieve
what they were willing form strategies and the resources which are applied by them then
they achieve the growth and success in the market in numeric terms.
 Improve:- the purpose of this stage is to identify, test and implement a solution of the
problem. This is totally depend on the situation. Team identify the creative solution in
order to eliminate the problem (Huang and et. al., 2021). If mid-year sales has been
launched by the Next plc then this help the firm in increasing their sales and profit. The
customers of the company will be happy with this change as they always wanted to be see
this in their idol brand.
 Control :- this is the final stage, which determined the objectives of the previous stage.
This can be done by rechecking measurement system of profit. If the back process is
done in a very effective manner then company bring into the industry. The strategies

which are developed, are to be to tough enough so that organisation attain back the top
position in the competitive market.
Lean principles
Lean manufacturing may be defined as a production process which is based on the
ideology in order to maximise the productivity (Jaafar and Zainuddin, 2020). This not only help
in minimising the wastage in the production process but also help completing the work with full
productivity. Different types of benefits has been provided by this principles to the organisation
as it help in reducing the operation cost and also help in improving the quality of the products.
Different types lean manufacturing principle has been adopted by the Next Plc company in order
to reduce the wastage. In relation to the Next plc the explanation of lean principle has been
discussed below :-
 Value :- this can be defined by the needs and demands of the consumers for a particular
product. This comprises of price, fulfilling the needs of customers, deadline for
delivering the product and many more. In context to the Next plc, it is very important for
the managers of the company to identify that which value of the product is to be
considered by the consumer.
 Value Stream:- once the value or end goal has been determined then the next step is to
mapping all the steps which are involve in taking goods from raw material and delivering
the goods to the customer. This help in identifying the different actions which need to be
taken for the growth and development of the goods and services (Liu and et. al., 2019) .
In context to the Next Plc, it is very important for the manager of the company to
considered this principle for the growth and development of the production process.
 Flow:- in this steps manager of the Next plc make sure that all the remaining steps of
operation process flow smoothly with out any interruptions and delays. They also have to
ensure that the delivery of the final product must be on time if it not done then this create
a problem for the organisation. The competitor of the company take advantage of this.
 Pull :-this is the another principle which have to be followed by the company in order to
improve the flow of goods and services in the market. This principle not only help the

manager of the Next Plc in delivering the gods and services of the company in time but
also help in managing the stock of the company in a very effective manner.
 Perfection:- this is last principle of the lean management and among among all the
principle this is the most important. This not only help in improving the lean thinking but
also help in improving the corporate culture. If the manager of the Next Plc wants to
improve their production process then they have to contribute more efforts in this which
help in getting perfection.
Preparation of continuous improvement plan based on review of operation management
principles in context of organisation
Continuous improvement plan
Continuous improvement plan
It is not possible for the management of the to carry out all the activities of the business
in a a very proper manner, some deviations are compulsorily exist. It is very important for the
managers of the Next Plc to determined all these deviations and make some strategies in order to
overcome from this. Improvement in this help the organisation from the negative impact of these
problem. In all the activities of the company these small deviation make huge differences(Liu,
Zheng and Xin, 2020). It is very important for the manager of the Next plc to make many so
many efforts to improve them and try to track all the deviation in their business.
SOURCES PRINCIPLES OUTCOME
Cost Develop s chain of huge
supplier
A business of fashionable garments
has been conduct by the
management of the Next Plc under
which under which the raw material
of the making the the product plays a
very vital role in production cost. A
chain of many supplier has been
developed by the management of the
company which help them in
dominating the price of raw material.

Quality Lean manufacturing The management of the Next Plc
have to focus and maintain the
quality of their product, this is very
important of them because potential
customers of the company are more
sensitive toward the quality of the
product (Mao, 2021). New and
advance technology has been adopt
by the management of the Next Plc
which help them in monitoring the
the quality of the cloths.
Safety Fundamentals Different types of safety measures
with in the working environment of
the company has to be develop by
the management of the Next plc. By
doing this the safety of the
employees from any hazardous act
can be possible.
Delivery Organisation It is very important for the
management of the Next Plc to focus
on the effectiveness of the
information delivery within the
organisation (Ruan and et. al.,
2019). The managers of the
company have to work on
developing the effective
communication channel within the
organisation so that all the strategies
and policies can be effectively

understand by the employees.
According to the management of the organisation, it is very important for all the employees of
the company to perform the plan and different actions in a very effective manner. This assist
them in evaluating and analysing all the problems of the company. Continuous improvement
plan has to be developed by the company in order to overcome from the problems. This assist the
company in offering the good quality of services to their customers. Lean manufacturing as well
as six sigma approaches has been adopted by the Next Plc which help them in improving their
goods and services quality.
Application of each stage of PLC in context of project that require support to different
documentation for completion of project
Different types of elements has been included by the management of the company in
order to develop a project. These elements not only help the company in successfully providing
goods and services in the market but also help in generating more and more profit (Safaei, 2020).
In order to improve the experience of the customer and to retain the potential customer for a long
period time, different types of services has been provided by the management of the company. In
the project life cycle of a project different types of stages has been included in it. In context to
the company PLC has been discussed below:-
 Initiation stage :- this is the initial stage of the project in which managers of the midland
company not only focus on estimating the cost of adoption of CSR but also focus on
providing training to their workers to avoid the movement. CSR has been adopt by the
organisation in order develop a good and healthy image in the mind of the customer and
also help in improving the retention rate of the employees within the
organisation(Takakura and et. al., 2019). For this, campaigns has been developed by the
manager of the company in which training has been provide to their employees. This
improve the goodwill of the company in the market.
 Planning stage :- In this stage different types of policies as well strategies has been
developed in order to execute the project. In this stage managers of the company are
planning by using different schedule, legal procedure which help them in developing a
statement. The respective organisation focus and target their employees in order to

increase the retention rate and develop a healthy life for them. In order to achieve all the
objectives of this project different types of activities has been planned by the managers of
the Midland organisation. Along with this a time frame has been set by them for the
completion of the project. In addition to this, suitable leadership style has been adopt by
the managers of the respective company in order to achieve the objective of this product,
this also allow them to handle their team members in a very effective manner. An
estimated time period of three month has been required for the completion of the project.
 Execution stage:- in this stage the manager of the company focus on implementing
different types of strategies which are made by them in the previous stage in order to
achieve all the objective of the company. In this stage, ideas for improving the
performance of the employees has been converting into action. Action strategies as well
as planning has been conducted by the management of the midland organisation. Within
three months different types of activities as well as policies has been implemented which
is related to the project(Vestola and et. al., 2021). Different types of leadership and
management styles has been adopt by the managers of the company in order to give
direction to their employees and improves coordination between them. It is very
important for all the employees of the organisation to fulfil their duties and
responsibilities in a very effective manner. By doing the project can be successfully
execute.
 Closure stage :- this is the last stage of the project life cycle in which all the members
and workers of the company who participate in the execution process provide different
types of document within the company. In this stage, different types of document have
been putting forward by the managers of the midland. For the actual execution of the
project this process require some time. Different types of opportunities developed for the
managers and their workers has been created by this which not only result in increasing
the goodwill of the company but also help in enhancing the company performance
(Vladimirovna and et. al., 2019).
 Gantt chart – this tool is being considered as one of the most important tool which are
used by the organisation for the execution of the project. This chart is reflected as a
horizontal bar for the purpose of the execution of the project. This model was introduced
by Henry Gantt in 1915 which shows a relationship among the duty and schedule that is

related to the project. This chart is basically used for the purpose of the visual
communication in which horizontal axis reflects the time period and vertical axis
completion of the task by different people. So, Gantt chart is required by the manager in
order to execute the project and time for the completion of the project
Business Case
New campaign has been launched by the Midland organisation in order to reduce the
movement of staff members and also to develop a healthy lifestyle for them by fulfilling all the
corporate social responsibilities(Wibisana and Indrajaya, , 2019). This is done for the purpose of
enhancing the performance of their employees and also increase their retention rate within the
company for a long period of time. In this, the goals of the project can be attained by the
manages of the company by providing training to then with positive environment. Managers of
the company are protecting the information and data in order to protect the execution of the
project which ensure the actions of subordinated and workers.
 Goals:- the main goal of the Midland organisation is to provide satisfaction to their
employees in order to increase the their retention rate within the organisation and
improve their lifestyle. This result in improving employees performance and profits for
the organisation.
 Solution:- to solve the problem which are faced by the Midland organisation, managers
of the company analysing the employees performance and develop training programme
for them. This result in enhancing their job satisfaction level which help them in adopting
advance tools.
 Cost:- in the execution of the project this factor plays a very important role. Different
types of cost has been associated with different types of risk like purchase of hardware
and software.
 Benefits:- this provide different types of benefits to the company which help in
improving the satisfaction level of the employees by focusing on the CSR and working
for improving the lifestyle of employees. This is very important form the company point
of view as it help increasing the sales of the company.
 Work Break down structure:- this tool are used by the managers which help them in
breaking down the the whole task into small parts. This tool are used by the managers of
the Midland which allow them in breaking down their task in different parts.

Analysis of the project methodologies and tools used.
 Agile Methodologies:- this is a framework which promote the continuous iteration of
development and testing throughout the development life cycle of the project. Different
types of advantage has been provide by this methodologies which help in identifying and
managing the unwanted issues (Yu, 2020). This also assist in representing variations in
each section.
 Rational unifies process :- this methodologies comprises of different stages like
inception, improvement, structure and as well as transformation. This help in gaining
client's feedback at the growth stages.
 Project Leadership:- if the project leadership is well managed in management then, this
can help in enhancing the worker productivity and effectiveness. If the mangers of the
company provide effective direction to their employees then they could perform with
utmost productivity and attain all the managerial target and aims.
Review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of the PLC
The project which have been taken into consideration by the managers of the Midland
organization is employees campaigns (Yuan and et. al., 2018). The main purpose behind
developing this campaign is to job satisfaction level of the employees and increase the
employees retention power of the company. For this managers of the company focusing on
providing the healthy life style to their employees and reduce the movement of the employees.
This create positive impact on the performance of the employees. The success of the project can
be depend on the various types of theories which are used by them. This has been discussed
below :-
 Initiation stage :- Democratic leadership style is used by the management of the
Midland organization in which the mangers or leaders of the company take suggestion
from their employees by involving the in the decision making process.
 Planning Phase:- in this stage the leaders of the respective company use situational
leadership style in which they take the decision on the basis of different situations. This
provide flexibility because in this plan is changes according to the situation.
 Execution stage:- in this stage the leadership style which is used by the leaders of the
company is servant leadership style. In this style leaders focus on the development of the
subordinates. This is being considered as one of the style in which focus has been paid by

the leaders of the company on employees development for the purpose of the purpose of
effectiveness of the business.
 Closure phase:- team leadership style has been adopt the managers of the Midland
organization in this stage, in which they focus on completion of the work in the above
phase in order to identify the problem and making improvement(Zhou and Liu, 2021).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that an important role has been played by
the operational management within the organisation which help in completing all the
functioning of the company in a very effective manner. Different types of principle like six
sigma, lean manufacturing, inventory management and other has been included in the
management. This report also conclude that if the management of the company wants to
overcome from the different problem then they can develop an improvement plan. In order to
execute a project in a business in effective manner then managers of the company implement
Project life cycle.

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