Project Management: Continuous Improvement Plan

The assignment requires students to analyze the concept of project management and its importance in achieving consistent improvements in product development processes. It also explores the idea of life-cycle management and how different methodologies can be used to ensure improvement in project management.

OPERATIONS AND
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles.........1
M1 Review and critique the implementation of operations management in relation to Six
Sigma methodology and Lean principles...............................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2. Continuous Improvement Plan for XYZ..........................................................................5
M2 Effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan............................................................7
D1 Application of appropriate theories, concepts or models to justify strategies of a
continuous improvement plan for achieving improved efficiency.........................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P3. Application of Project Life-cycle (PLC)..........................................................................8
M3 Rationale for the project methodologies, tools and leadership within PLC for the given
project...................................................................................................................................13
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
P4. Review and Critique effectiveness of Project Life-cycle (PLC)....................................13
M4 Critical analysis of how the use of appropriate theories, concepts and models in the PLC
will differentiate between large and small-scale projects.....................................................14
D2 Critically evaluate the PLC through a practical and theoretical exploration of its
effectiveness.........................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Project Management refers to initiation, planning, management as well as execution of all
the stages of a certain project(Harrison and Lock, 2017). It is a crucial aspect determining the
scope up to which the project would be successful and effective. All the stages in operations and
project management is concerned to appropriately achieve a set task. The project is based on
XYZ, which an home appliance firm operating in Mexborough, United Kingdom. The company
is planning to move in to Large Screen Television Market. The report will cover critical
evaluation of theories like six sigma and and lean principles and effectiveness of continuous
improvement plan. It would also include application of each stage of Project Life Cycle (PLC)
and critical analysis of how using different models and theories, PLC would differentiate
between large and small scale companies.
TASK 1
P1. Review and critique of the implementation of operations management principles
Operations Management means the administration of various organisational practices to
maximise the efficiency achieved within a business (Mahadevan, 2015). It is a very crucial
practice which is necessary to carry out procedures and practices with utmost precision. For
XYZ., there are various theories that are need to be evaluated which are mentioned below:
 Six Sigma:
This is a methodology which is concerned with enhancing effectiveness and improve
services and products of a company. Six Sigma have two different methodologies which are
DMAIC and DMADV. Since the firm is entering into large scale television market, it is required
from the company to research and develop new products. For the same, DMADV methodology
would be used which is mentioned below: Define: This stage is concerned with defining the project goals and objectives that are
required to be addressed for production of Large Screen Television. For this, XYZ needs
to consider aspects that are imperative for customers. This step also undertakes creation
of teams and strategies for further development of televisions and distributing them in the
market.
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 Measure: This stage requires the firm to determine various metrics for data collection
like primary or secondary methods and record useful information in ways which could
help the company to effectively conduct the acquisition of remaining information.
(Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). Using effective methods or a mixture of these two methods
would allow XYZ to collect accurate information appropriately and without incurring
much cost. Analyse: This step undertakes analysis of the processes of production which help the
company in meeting market needs as well as opportunities. After analysis, XYZ must
choose processes which are cost effective yet technologically advanced such as
implementation of AI which would judge the quality of production as per set standards..
The data and information gathered must be effectively utilised and appropriate processes
be adopted which could assist the manager to enhance the quality and manufacturing
process of large screen televisions.. Design: This stage undertakes measurement of performance tests as per the required
standard of the project that satisfies the market demand related to technology and visual
experience. For this process, XYZ must use certain appropriate measurement and
performance testing software such as WebLOAD and WAPT. Analysis of the design
must be based on several appropriate parameters such as quality and speed. Validate: This step is continuous in nature and regular adjustments are made which as per
the required modifications in design or technology to satisfy the goals of the project. In
case the design didn't perform as planned, XYZ is then required to modify the same in
relation to technology used, procedures adopted, etc.
Critical Evaluation of Implementation Six Sigma:
 This methodology focuses completely on satisfying the needs of the customers and the
policies set under this approach effectively determines the same. However, these policies
might assist the company in looking towards extreme and expensive measures rather than
inexpensive and effective methods as the firm might consider former measures fit to
enhance visual experience of its customers regardless of their cost of implementation.
(Swink and et. al., 2017)
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 Lean Principles:
The inception of these principles was from manufacturing practices, however, recently
the process has witnessed transformation as it is considered with continuous improvement of
business processes. There are various principles which comes under this element and are viable
for XYZ. These principles are mentioned below: Value: The first step undertakes understanding the concept of value which the customer
is willing to pay for the large screen television. Establishment of such factor would
determine XYZ to develop a top-down price for their televisions and identify the cost of
its production. Furthermore, the company must also determine value which align with the
perception of customers to develop maximum scope for sales of their product. Value Stream Mapping: In this stage, the value as per the customers are taken as a
reference point and the firm could determine the tasks that would contribute to these
values like using cost-effective methods for production to keep the price market friendly.
The tasks not contributing to such values like providing unnecessary features which just
adds to the cost are considered as waste and eventually eliminated. For example, within
large screen televisions developed by XYZ, in case there are unnecessary digital
advancements made to improve its picture quality, this might add to the cost and its value
might increase. This enhanced value might not be acceptable for customers and thus, it is
necessary for XYZ to reduce such unnecessary modifications. Flow Creation: After all the wastes or non-contributing aspects are removed, the firm is
required to determine the flow of remaining products and processes. In this manner,
through reduction of unnecessary costs, productivity would increase which would allow
the firm to optimally utilise each resource. Thus, it would assist company in regulating
the operations that could maximise the efficiency (Todorović and et. al., 2015). Establishing Pull: This step is considered to reduce the Work In Progress and inventory
items to ensure smooth and effective workflow through sharing capacity of each resource
and improving workforce. To attain this, XYZ could use Just-In-Time inventory systems
to ensure utmost effectiveness and reduction in their inventory costs.
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 Perfection: As the most crucial step of the whole process, this stage needs XYZ to apply
innovative culture and ethical and productive practices within the organisation which is
effective and ensures utmost quality in development of their Large Screen Televisions.
Innovation in methods would allow the firm in implementing creative techniques for
production which would contribute in its quality.
Critical Evaluation of Implementation of Lean Principles: XYZ could appropriately apply these principles in development of their Large Screen
Televisions as it ensures effective minimisation of waste and conduction of the whole
process with just contributing materials and personnels. However, the implementation is
very risky as a little error in the equipments or processes could cause major
inconsistencies in the whole project in terms of desired quality or timely production.
Total Quality Management:
This method undertakes maximisation of quality of products as well as services of the
company. XYZ, through TQM could focus on delivering the best quality of large screen
televisions to the customers. This needs the company to adopt processes and equipments that
help the company to manage the quality and standard of their televisions throughout the
development process. It also requires the firm to determine measurable aspects on which they
could manage and measure quality. For instance, they could adopt metrics like Net Promoter
Score which would enable in judging the quality at each aspect like technology, speed, quality,
etc. (McArthur, 2015).
TASK 2
P2. Continuous Improvement Plan for XYZ
To manage the overall progress of the company, it is essential for the firm to effectively
develop a continuous improvement plan to manage and encourage practices that could maximise
the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes (Artto, Ahola and Vartiainen, 2016). The
major aspects of a CIP is concerned with cost, quality, safety and delivery of the offerings by a
company. The continuous improvement plan for XYZ is mentioned below:
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BASIS APPROACHES / PRINCIPLES IMPLEMENTATION
Quality
XYZ could apply Total Quality
Management to maximise the quality
of Large-screen Televisions which they
will be providing to their customers.
Implementation of Total Quality
Management would enable the
organisation to ensure top quality as per
the industrial standards and demands of
the customers. The organisation would
be judging performance quality, speed
and durability with this measure which
would aid in removing any imperfect
element and produce the most effective
design.
Cost
To minimise the cost of production,
principle of Variance could be applied
by the organisation to ensure
continuous improvement.
Principle of Variance could ensure flow
of creative and innovative ideas which
could ensure employment and
implementation of cost-effective
methods and techniques like inventory
management, workforce optimisation
and energy consumption for the
production and distribution of
Televisions.
Delivery As provision of the television is yet
another important aspect, Six Sigma
Methodology could be used by the
company.
This methodology could enable XYZ to
analyse, design and validate better and
appropriate delivery techniques and
methods like Electronic Data Interchange
for delivery of their Large-screen
Televisions. Implementation of Six
Sigma would reduce the time of delivery
by analysing existing methods and
modifying into better alternatives so that
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delivery could be timely and accurate.
Safety
To eliminate wastage from the process
and development procedures, Lean
Principles could serve as the most
viable and appropriate methodology to
ensure safety in their Large-screen
Televisions.
Lean Principles ensures complete
minimisation of any element within the
product or the process which does not
contribute to the successful production
(Chevalierand et. al., 2015).
Implementation of the same could
enhance the scope for the firm and
acquiring appropriate measures like 5S
that could establish the culture within
XYZ where equipments emphasize on
adopting effective safety measures and
delivery methods such as Kaizen could
be used to ensure safety.
Creating a continuous improvement plan could help XYZ in conducting its new product
development more appropriately. Implementation of all these methodologies as well as principles
would help XYZ in a consistent development of their large-screen televisions. For instance,
using all the methods mentioned above would reduce cost of inventory, would help in achieving
maximum productivity of employees and optimally utilising energy which would reduce
unnecessary cost, enhance quality and would even ensure safety.
M2 Effectiveness of a continuous improvement plan
It is essential for XYZ to analyse the effectiveness of its Continuous Improvement Plan to
ensure the production and delivery of company's televisions as per set standards, customer
expectation and competitive business environment (Kundu and et. al., 2015). The effectiveness
of CIP is measured on various Operations Management Principles and concepts which are as
follows:
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 Organisation: This principle require all the elements and factors of the project to be
consistent as well as predictable. In addition, business processes present in manufacturing
of Large-screen Televisions would be interconnected. Accountability: Manager at XYZ are required to allot roles and responsibilities and set
out clear metrics to judge the effectiveness of the performance of employees throughout
the project. In addition, they are also required to monitor and supervise their work in
relation to enhancing the overall operation. Variance: It is concerned with the company limiting the cost of production for their
television, which requires XYZ to apply creative processes and methods. As a principle,
it is required to be encouraged. By applying this principle, the firm was able to manage
the cost of production without reducing the quality of televisions.
 Change: This principle requires the company to analyse and assess all its processes and
equipments as per the current requirements and feasibility of the project. Thus, it is
essential for the company to apply methods and aspects to satisfy the changing and
dynamic factors of the market.
TASK 3
P3. Application of Project Life-cycle (PLC)
Every project has a specific structure and a life cycle which undertakes each stage of the
project from its inception to closure. It is imperative that each stage is effectively planned to
maximise the opportunities to achieve success. Each stage holds significant value in the project
and it is imperative that the company follows effective tools, methodologies and leadership
which broadens the scope of its success (Glukhov, Ilin and Levina, 2015).
XYZ is planning to enter Large-screen Television markets where the firm would
manufacture televisions within minimum size of 58 inches. The firm is required to set up
effective Project Life-cycle to execute the overall business plan. Each stage of this life-cycle in
context with the new product development of this company is discussed below: Initiation: It is the very first phase of any project. It requires the company to define its
project of developing large scale television. This stage requires stakeholders of the
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company to authorise and agree for its further execution. Leadership at this stage should
be democratic. The reason for the same is to ensure effective planning of development of
Large-screen Television where employees of the organisation could give their inputs
regarding the best and the most appropriate methods to further execute the project. XYZ
could use Six Sigma as an approach to effectively measure, analyse and validate the
whole project at this stage. Initiation is all about setting up framework and Six Sigma
would assist the firm in conducting specific analysis in the required process at the very
first stage. The company could use Slack as an effective tool during the initiation phase
which could enable the company to establish appropriate communication channel for the
company. Planning: After authorisation to execute the project further, the second stage emphasises
on planning. The organisation, in this step is needed to determine resources which would
help in the further execution of Large-screen Television development. These resources
could be equipments, personnels, skills, knowledge, technology, finance, etc. this stage
also undertakes development of a detailed project plan which would provide directions
and a pathway for XYZ to conduct the project. At this stage, the firm could use Lean
Principles to plan effective ways and methods that reduce the waste and enhance
effectiveness. For instance, a few waste management software like Haul-IT to reduce
waste appropriately. Organisation could use Workfront as a tool to track the project as
per the allotted time and to monitor the overall project budget. Strategic leadership style
could be adopted by managers which would be viable at this stage to develop strategies
which required by the company to successfully develop the new product. Execution: As the name suggests, this step is detailed with the overall execution of the
development of televisions. In this, customers and the manager allots roles and
responsibilities to the project team and allocate various resources for them to smoothly
conduct their activities. This stage is heavily dependant on the planning stage. The
pattern and methods used to execute the project is completely as per the set standards in
the previous step. Firm could create risk management logs, checklists, WBS and other
aspects which would present as effective tools and techniques for perfect development
and distribution of Large-screen Televisions. Leadership used in this stage is quite
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important as it would determine the success of overall project. Choosing an ineffective
style of management could be very harmful for XYZ and development of its new
products. Autocratic Style of Leadership could serve well in this stage as clear
instructions are required to be given to the project team along with effective monitoring
of performances. In addition, the most viable approach would be Total Quality
Management to develop the televisions with utmost quality. Closure: This is the final step which arises when the final product, television in this case,
gets delivered to its customers. Stakeholders are communicated regarding the very same
and the resources are then released to other projects with the company. This step would
need XYZ to evaluate its effectiveness. The inconsistencies, shortfalls and shortcomings
of the Large-scale Televisions development could set an example for the company in
order to ensure effectiveness in its upcoming projects. This step is quite important as this
would help in evaluating all the steps above and their implementation to ensure
consistency in the quality and delivery of televisions by adopting performance control
methods like Graphic Rating Scales or Employee Performance Standards (McCluskey
and Vallati, 2017).
Business Case:
Company Overview
XYZ Ltd. is a home appliance company which
serves coffee makers, kettles, toasters and other
electrical appliances. The firm was found in
1959 and provides effective after sales services
too (Company Overview of XYZ Ltd, 2019).
Vision and Mission
The vision of the company is to provide its top
quality products to its customers worldwide.
Mission for the same is to implement
innovation in their processes and elegance and
convenience to modern households.
Objectives Through Large-screen Televisions, the
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objective of XYZ is to enhance its market share
by 5.5% in the next one year. Along with this,
the firm also plans to enhance its customer base
by at least 8% within 9 months of availability
of its televisions in the market.
Strategy
The company is adopting latest technical
methods to produce these televisions like Net
Promoter Score and using advanced
technologies like Artificial Intelligence within
their television screen to help them stand
against the crowd.
Project Plan:
Cost For development of large-screen televisions, Morphy Richard the cost
to be almost between £12,000-18,000.
Communication
Since it is a vital strategy for the project, the company would be having
internal meetings and effective horizontal, vertical, internal as well as
external communication to ensure smooth running of operations for this
project.
Quality
Methods like Total Quality Management, Artificial Intelligence and
Automation are implemented by the company to maintain top quality
standards of their Televisions.
Scope The firm is employing effective resources like financial, human and
technological in the development of new product and different
techniques throughout its development phases to ensure its success. For
instance, methodologies like Six Sigma, TQM and Lean Principles are
applied along with techniques like Haul-IT and Artificial Intelligence to
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maximise its effectiveness.
Gantt Chart:
Illustration 1: Gantt Chart
Illustration 2: Gantt Chart
Illustration 3: Critical Path
Work Breakdown Structure:
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Illustration 4: Work Breakdown Structure
M3 Rationale for the project methodologies, tools and leadership within
PLC for the given project
Improving the performance of project by means of ensuring successful
development, management and delivery of product remains the priority of
company. For this, project management methodologies are continuously
employed by firm with the aim of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of
TV. Use of effective leadership helps in carrying out the project in more
effective manner. Proper guidance of leader helps in coordinating work in
better manner and attaining objectives successfully.
TASK 4
P4. Review and Critique effectiveness of Project Life-cycle (PLC)
It is very crucial for companies to effectively analyse effectiveness of stages of Project
Life-Cycle as it is very important for firms to get each stage right as per the required standards of
the project. For XYZ, the effectiveness of PLC is mentioned below:
 The initiation phase focused completely on developing a framework of the project for
which it adopted six sigma and democratic leadership. On the other hand, six sigma is a
very viable approach for the stage, however, it might fail to analyse the quality standards
required to be achieved and thus, might be stressful to analyse such a crucial factor in
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later stages. Thus, the company must take all the aspects in concern while presenting the
plan to stakeholders.
 The planning stage used Strategic leadership as well as lean principles. While the
leadership could help the company develop effective strategies regarding production
processes, lean principles, while satisfying its agenda of removing waste and creating
utmost value, might add to the cost of production later where cost-effective alternatives
could also be used. Thus, the firm must analyse methods that would provide maximum
value to production and yet doesn't add too much on the cost.
 In execution process, XYZ has used Total Quality Management as a strategy and
Autocratic Leadership. While TQM would allow the company to manage its quality, it
might add to the cost later on as it would insist on adopting most advanced processes and
equipments for production of televisions. Autocratic Leadership too could add rigidity to
the project as no innovative method could be utilised if not approved by the manager
(Kerzner, 2018). It is however, recommended that the firm adopts flexible methods and
must consider input from employees to effectively develop the televisions.
 In the closure stage, XYZ has used several several methods such as
Employee Performance Standard to evaluate the effectiveness.
However, one big backdrop in using this approach is that the
company might result in overlooking performance of other resources
within the organisation. Thus, it is very important for the managers to
effectively monitor performance of each resources in development of
their new product.
M4 Critical analysis of how the use of appropriate theories, concepts and
models in the PLC will differentiate between large and small-scale
projects
It is crucial to determine how the approaches would effectively differentiate between
small and large projects. The differentiation is mentioned below:
Basis Large Project Small Project
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Six Sigma
Within a large project like that
of development of Large-scale
Television, this approach is
useful to analyse, design and
validate standards of the
product as per the customer
needs and wants.
In small projects, like that of
an electronic appliance
company producing and
distributing televisions to its
customers, it would help the
company develop effective
customer relationships,
eliminate defects as well as
ensure timely delivery.
Total Quality Management
Projects like Large-Scale
Televisions requires adequate
resources, funds, equipments,
technologies, etc. to ensure
desired quality standards.
Implementation of total quality
management in such project
would allow the firm to
develop the same using
extensive and advanced
techniques which could
produce results as per the
market demands and
immediate technological needs
of customers (Heldman, 2018).
For instance, if the firm is
planning to ensure top quality
safety measures in its toasters
and kettles. Without incurring
more resources and effective
managerial expertise, the firm
could implement this technique
through innovation and
flexibility.
Lean Principles Implementation for these
principles would be on a large
scale where every aspect and
resource would be analysed
and non-contributing factors
For instance, the firm could
apply this principle and
remove necessary stickers over
the televisions describing its
specifications along with
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and processes would be
removed to ensure effective
development of Large-screen
Televisions.
modules for the same.
D2 Critically evaluate the PLC through a practical and theoretical
exploration of its effectiveness
It is very essential for company to analyse effectiveness of PLC as it
assists in ensuring to get each stage is right as per the required standards.
In initiation phase, too much access to power and development process might cause certain
inconvenience among employees while performing certain activities when tasks are allotted in
the future. Use of strategic leadership and different approaches to operations management assists
firm in ensuring quality of product. By application of approaches like TQM, Lean principles,
firm enables to manufacture high quality TV. Implementation of total quality management in
such project would allow the firm to develop the same using extensive and advanced techniques
which could produce results as per the market demands and immediate technological needs of
customers.
CONCLUSION
Thus, it is concluded that operations and project management is necessary to effectively
carry out various projects effectively. Principles like six sigma, Total quality management and
lean principles help companies to develop the projects as per the set standards and with utmost
quality. Continuous Improvement Plan help the firm to ensure consistent improvements in
product development process and quality. Project life-cycle determines stages of product
development and provides structure to the company to work upon. Lastly, various methodologies
and approaches are required to be analysed effectively to determine the shortcomings and ensure
improvement in project management.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Cham.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Heldman, K., 2018. Project management jumpstart. John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H., 2018. Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence. John Wiley
& Sons.
Kundu, A., and et. al., 2015. A journey from normative to behavioral operations in supply chain
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Mahadevan, B., 2015. Operations management: Theory and practice. Pearson Education India.
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McCluskey, T.L. and Vallati, M., 2017, June. Embedding automated planning within urban
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Automated Planning and Scheduling.
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Swink, M., and et. al., 2017. Managing operations across the supply chain. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill Education.
Todorović, M.L., and et. al., 2015. Project success analysis framework: A knowledge-based
approach in project management. International Journal of Project Management. 33(4).
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Walker, A., 2015. Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
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Company Overview of XYZ Ltd. 2019. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?
privcapid=5637602>
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