Project Management and Operations

This assignment delves into the crucial relationship between project management and operations management. It examines various aspects of both disciplines, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control. The text highlights the importance of integrating these functions for successful project delivery and operational efficiency. It references several scholarly articles that shed light on current trends and challenges in this field.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Review and critique of formulation of operation management principles........................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2. Continuous Improvement plan.........................................................................................3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................4
P3. Project Life Cycle.............................................................................................................4
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P4. Reviewing and Criticising Effectiveness of PLC...........................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Operations management can be referred to as an administration field that is associated
with the design, control and produce of offerings with a view to achieve the organisational
objectives within a timely manner. It is largely related to the procedure of conversion of raw
materials into finished commodities which are readily available for being consumed by people
(Zwikael, Meredith and Smyrk, 2019). The timely execution of activities as well as processes
results in enhancement of profits and sale. In addition to this, project management can be said to
be an aspect which involves administration, execution and controlling of activities related to
project in a timely manner so as to accomplish the stipulated goals in an effective and efficient
manner. In this regard, the present report is carried out upon BPC Electronics that is an electronic
corporation involved in designing and development of products in the confines of United
Kingdom. This assignment consists of principles of operational management along with CIP.
Further, it includes Project Life Cycle along with review and critique of its effectiveness.
TASK 1
P1 Review and critique of formulation of operation management principles
Operational Management can be said to be the administration area that ensures execution
of business practices in a manner such that maximum efficiency can be attained. This is a
process that strives to facilitate completion of tasks whereby the resources are optimally utilised
and wastage is significantly reduced. There are several principles that are associated with the
concept of Operational Management and they provide assistance to the manager to ensure the
execution of business activities in a desired manner. Such principles are briefly described below
with the help of a number of related approaches as they form the core of the bigger concept:-
Total Quality Management
This is regarded as an essential approach that indulges workforce in the process of
continual improvement with a view to ensure timely delivery of offerings to customers present in
market place. This is a perpetual process that is largely associated with detection as well as
elimination of errors and mistakes taking place at the time of production of commodities so that
output can be enhanced while ensuring maximum possible efficiency (McMahon, 2016). This
results in enhancement of overall quality of final good. The merit of this approach is that its
implementation implies reduction of cost as well as reduction of defects in order to improve the
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quality of offerings. The biggest disadvantage of this approach it that its implementation is quite
expensive as training sessions have to be imparted to employees for deriving positive outcomes
with it.
Just In Time
Also referred to as JIT production, this approach aims at production of commodities with
an aim to fulfil the expectations, needs and wants of people. This can be regarded as an optimum
inventory strategy which significantly eliminates wastage and also enhance efficiency by
procuring raw materials as and when demand is placed by customers and thus raw materials are
needed within production. The advantage of making use of this approach is that it leads to
reduction of overall cost and wastage. However, there is still a big risk of under stocking
associated with this approach due to which it needs proper planning which is time consuming
(Tate, 2017).
Inventory Management
This can be referred to as the process involving order, storage and usage of organisation’s
stock inclusive of effective management of raw material and finished product that provides
assistance in maintaining adequate stock at all times (Smyth, 2018). The advantage of this is that
it helps in decision making regarding stock and reordering. However, its biggest disadvantage is
its complexity and cost involved as this approach requires competent personnel for management
of data.
The above mentioned principles when applied within BPC Electronics provides
assistance to the organisation in adequately maintain stock to meet the needs and wants of
customers duly. TQM renders aid to the manager of BPC Electronics in significantly reducing
the wastage amidst production procedure as well as accomplishing highest possible efficiency for
maximisation of profits of entity. JIT assists the manager of respective organisation to eliminate
the costs associated with storage of inventory along with waste within the organisational
premises. Thus, through these approaches and principles, BPC Electronics can cater to the
requirements and preferences of customers to enhance its global market share.
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TASK 2
P2. Continuous Improvement plan
CIP can be referred to as an ongoing initiative that is undertaken with an aim to enhance
the offerings of organisation as per the needs and demands of people present within market place
(Tsay and et. al., 2018). This assists BPC Electronics to gain maximum contentment from
customers.
Continuous Improvement Plan
Provider
Date
Source/Origin Anticipated outcomes Present performances Strategies for
improvement
Promotional Tools Shortage of data of
BPC electronics would
result in low revenue
generation which will
further decrease the
profits of company.
This results in lower
trust among customers
upon the company as
they do not possess
information about the
stipulated products as
well as policies.
Company should begun
carrying out
advertisement of their
offerings and
developing awareness
among the people of
nation so as to intensify
its reputation in market
place.
After-Sale Services Customers anticipate
that after-sale services
are not rendered by
corporation.
Customers regard that
warranty given for
merchandise is 9
months which is lower
and leads to decline in
sales.
BPC Electronics shall
render essential data
about company and its
offerings to customers.
Further, it should take
feedback opinions and
views from them.
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Six Sigma Improvement plan
This emphasizes upon enhancing the capabilities of business procedures implying an
increment in profitability as well as performance of business entity by ensuring reduction of
errors, thereby improving the quality pertaining to company’s offering. There is a method that is
linked to Six Sigma which is known as DMAIC. This provides assistance in reducing the issues
and enhancing quality component of commodities. DMAIC methodology is briefly given as
under:-
Define- Within this stage, manager of BPC defines issues associated with the corporation
Measure- Here, the manager of respective organisation carries out measurement of actual
performance and maintains the records of all activities. The success of product within
marketplace is also measured here.
Analyse- In this stage, manager analyses and evaluates the issues and then post that,
designs and develops strategy for devising solutions.
Improve- It’s concerned with devising improvements within business process through
the adoption of principles as well as theories for enhancing the quality of product delivery
(McCluskey and Vallati, 2017).
Control- Manager of BPC conduct measurement of improvements within the processes
and variance, if any, is found then corrective course of action is taken for elimination of wastage
in manufacturing procedure.
TASK 3
P3. Project Life Cycle
BPC Electronics is planning to introduce a completely new 52 inch TV which is
contribute in giving a best class experience to its users. This new product will also influence
interest of customers towards the company and makes them loyal for longer period of time.
Introduction of new product is seen as the new project. Therefore, in order to execute it in a
particular manner, it is essential for them to go for project life cycle with which the new product
of company, that is, a new TV of 52 inches, can be successfully launched in market place.
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Project Life Cycle is seen as the set of different phases which are mentioned in the sequential
manner and are further linked with the timeline which include all information that is from
initialisation to end (Meredith and Pilkington, 2018). In this regards, manager of the BPC
Electronics have developed an effective business case and project life cycle which are stated as
below in detailed manner.
Business Case
BASIS DESCRIPTION
Importance
The new 52 inch television is developed with the insertion of
completely new feature that is HD display and slim screen. Along
with this, its largest screen will also satisfy customer’s interest in
unique manner as they able to enjoy their favourite programs with
Big screen.
Target Market
The company will mainly target people belonging to middle class
and upper middle class range. In this, 15-40 age groups of people
whose income is more than £1350 will go to be targeted.
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
The stages of PLC as adopted by BPC Electronics for the launch of new TV are
explained as follows:-
Project Initiation: It is the first and foremost stage of project life cycle that is named as
project initiation. With reference to current case, the main aid of BPC Electronics at this stage is
to build up effective objective for specific product by going through all of the available
opportunities and threat which could influence the project (Padalkar and Gopinath, 2016). In this
regard, management team of the company have developed effective objective and strategies for
the same project which are stated as below:
Objectives  To enhance its market share with around 6.5% within the 3
months.
 To increase customers base with approximately 13.5% after
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completion of launch of one year of a new 52 inches TV.
Strategies
In order to attain above stated objectives the company will use
effective advertisement and marketing tactics in order to grab
attention of customers. The company will use social media for
approaching targeted customers in quick manner. Along with this,
the company will also use penetration pricing strategy for raising
sales of the 52 inches TV.
In this regard, manager for this project will submit an effective report to its top
management in order to take their approval for the same. For this, the company could use
Microsoft Project 2019 Professional. Six Sigma method can also be used by the company for
checking its feasibility and reduce its operational cost. Along with this, transformational
leadership style will going to be used by project manager to developing successful vision of the
same project (Lee, 2018).
Project Planning: The next stage of project speaks about the planning of the project. In
context of BPC Electronics, it can be said that after taking approval of top management team
overall team of the project will develop an effective plan. This plan will include information
about the required to resources. The next will be the estimation of budget and the associated
financial planning (Liu and et. al., 2018). The other components of the financial plan of 52 inch
TV are described as below:-
Cost The approximate cost for current project will be around £115,000 to
£145,000.
Communication The project manager will use both internal as well as external
communication in order to check out feasibility of the 52 inches TV.
Quality
The new product will be introduced with the help of automation
machines so that maximum productivity can be gained and highest
quality product could be delivered to the customers.
Scope The scope for the current project is very vast as the product will going
to be updated with the changing time in order to fulfil requirements of
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customers.
In order to execute this stage effectively, the stated organisation that is BPC electronics
could use Lean methodology as this method helps company in minimising wastage. While
talking about leadership, the company could go for Autocratic leadership as with this manager
can easily assign work to employees. It will also result, in execution of project activities in
organised manner. Along with this, Gantt chart and Work Break Down structure will be used for
the project so that the project could be executed in desired time limit.
Gantt Chart:
Illustration 1: Gantt Chart
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Illustration 2: Gantt Chart
Illustration 3: Network Diagram
Work Breakdown Structure:
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Illustration 4: WBS
Project Execution: It is seen as the most important stage of the project life cycle as here
all planned activities are executed which seems to be critical for them. The main aid of this phase
is to deliver the expected results of the overall project. With reference to BPC Electronic, the top
management team of this company will divide overall work of the project in certain teams so
there overall execution can be done in effective manner. This can be effectively done by
providing regular based training to employees that will improve their performance in right
manner and maximise their work proficiency and productivity. Here, democratic leadership style
could be used by the BPC Electronics as this leadership provides equivalent opportunity to
employees and also engage them in decision making process (Machado and et. al., 2017). Also,
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TQM approach could be used as effective methodology as with the help of this, different
standards related to safety, cost, advancement and cost can easily be attained by the company.
Project Closure: In this last step, BPC Electronics is required to analyse and evaluate the
performance of the overall project. This helps the company is assessing the performance of its
team. Moreover, detailed documentation is required to be formulated regarding closure of the
project along with accounting of budgets. In this process communication plays an important role
as the company have to inform its stakeholders or employees regarding the successful
accomplishment of the project. For the overall quality of project and closure, Base-camp could
be used as a tool. It will be used as it helps the company in reviewing the overall standards
which are achieved by the project and will examine the extent to the king of energy produced by
the given standards (Kumar, Mookerjee and Shubham, 2018). Strategic leadership could be used
as it will serve the company to assess the effectiveness as well as modify the plan.
TASK 4
P4. Reviewing and Criticising Effectiveness of PLC
Review and critique of a PLC is as important as its design and implementation. This
becomes necessary so that best techniques, procedures and methods can be utilised for project.
To facilitate this, Waterfall Model can be suitably used which aids in evaluation of Project Life
Cycle (Lindholm, Laine and Suomala, 2017). The steps of Waterfall methodology are explained
as follows:-
Requirement: This stage is focussed upon assessment of resource requirements for
initiation of project. At the initial stage, PLC provides assistance to BPC Electronics while
deciding upon the prerequisites for project. For defining deliverables, Six Sigma approach is
taken into use by the respective company. The principles of this approach are rigid which do not
allow introduction of changes in the next phases.
Design: This stage aims at production of flexible project design. This is reflected in
planning stage whereby Lean Principles are used for the reduction of scrap. Further, leader
makes use of autocratic leadership to totally eliminate input of staff. It is a significant threat for
BPC Electronics as this instils a sense of discouragement among employees and they give lesser
contribution which hampers overall organisational produce.
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Development: Here, the development and formulation of processes take place. To
facilitate this, TQM is used as this ensures high project quality. Besides this, democratic
leadership is used to encourage participation of team members and maximisation of output. BPC
Electronics further makes use of inventory management to foster savings of cost. This gives
access to organisation to systematically formulate JIT practices. Software Cost Reduction (SCR)
Toolkit is a technique that assures high quality and savings of costs (Eyers and Naim, 2019).
Testing and Maintenance: Last stage comprise of testing as well as maintenance of plan
for effective project closure. Strategic leadership is taken into use as this helps in evaluating the
effectiveness of overall planning. Agile Methodology can be used in this regard to inflate scope
and project formulation. Scrum can also be an effective technique that can be feasibly applied
here. This significantly enhances productivity and aims to improve production, packaging as well
as distribution of the new 52 inches Television.
Further, the performance of PLC can be measured by utilising a number of techniques
some of which are mentioned and explained below:-
(A) KPI: Key Performance Indicators is regarded as the most effectual and important
techniques for measuring performance of PLC. Here, each deliverable per stage is
optimally setup against an indicator that feasibly allows the organisation to evaluate the
performance in relation to indicator (Heagney, 2016).
(B) 360 Degree Feedback: This is known to be yet another significant performance
measurement approach. In this, feedback is taken by way of external audit as well as
team members to comment upon the quality and time of each phase. This would provide
assistance to the entity in modification of phases to inflate the overall project
performance.
Use of Methodologies for Large and Small Project
METHODOLOGIES SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
Six Sigma Here, this method can be utilised
in a lenient manner with a view
to facilitate sustainable
development by bringing
For launch of a new product, the
principles of Six Sigma can be
used for the overall project that
consists of a number of activities
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improvements within the product
(Johnson and Wanless, 2016).
to ensure its effectual
management.
Lean Principles
These principles can assist
elimination of unnecessary
activities and processes within a
small project.
To facilitate NPD, lean principles
can be utilised to carry out
planning whereby cost-ineffective
and unnecessary activities are
removed.
CONCLUSION
The assessment of above information concludes that OPM provides assistance in
formulation and control of activities associated with project with a view to attain maximum
possible efficiency. Further, it has been ascertained that CIP and Six-Sigma improvement plan
provides aid to manager in making changes within the commodities as per the needs of people.
Besides this, PLC is a step by step way through which planned activities can be systematically
executed. Here, at each stage, a suitable leadership, method and tool is utilised. Lastly, it has
been acknowledged that Waterfall is the best method for criticising the effectiveness of PLC.
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